maryjo Posted October 15, 2013 Posted October 15, 2013 (edited) I am so glad I found this site, I am once again ready to try to taper off this nasty drug. Hopefully this site will help me thru the process .. My doctor left the area and I loathe looking for another doctor to prescribe lower doses, so I think I will try the bead process for now. I took 5 beads out yesterday and today and will continue this for a week or two and then take one more out, etc..seems very tedious and I hope I can stick with it, seems might be best to get a digital scale.? The worst withdrawal symptoms I have Hardin the past were extreme agitation , short temper , angry, foggy brain, ..just so terrible . But I believe this med is giving me a marshmallow brain and I want off !!!! Edited October 15, 2013 by Karma added member name to topic Venlafaxine 75mg/once a day. Starting to taper with bead counting on 10-13-13 working on 5 beads less each day. 11-10-13 minus 10 beads Have been on Effexor XR since (probably) 1998.
Administrator Karma Posted October 15, 2013 Administrator Posted October 15, 2013 Hi Maryjo Welcome to our forum. Here is our thread on discontinuing Effexor http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/272-tapering-off-effexor-venlafaxine/. Counting beads is a good method with Effexor XR, however, you may want to hold the decrements longer than just two weeks to get an idea of how your system will react to discontinuing the med. I often recommend that you keep a log of your most uncomfortable symptoms so that you can see withdrawal symptoms sneaking up on you http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1779-rate-symptoms-daily-to-catch-withdrawal-early/. I moved your post to introductions because it introduces your situation. Please post questions and updates on your progress to this thread. When you get a chance please add your med withdrawal history to your signature like so: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/. Whenever you post your signature will post and that will help moderators and members to quickly come up to speed on your situation and provide more meaningful responses. You'll find lots of support here. Karma 2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax 200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg; 7/31/24 16.25 Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg; 1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers
Abilifyneedhelp88 Posted October 15, 2013 Posted October 15, 2013 Hi Mary Jo, You are in the right place to vent your frustrations and get some REAL Help.... med exp since 1985- abilify, latuda, Seroquel, risperadol, zyprexa, Haldol. latuda, saphris, mellaril, thorazine, lithium, tegretol, Depakote, lamictal, Prozac, pamelor, wellbutrin, Ativan, klonipin, etc. currently only on remeron: 3/13/14-6/5/14- 15mg 6/20/14 -9.5mg < 0.75-1.5 per week 7/12/14-3.75mg 8/11/14- 0.6mg of Remeron (almost off) 8/16/14--last dose of remeron...now completely drug free.... 11/21/14-- 95 DAYS DRUG FREE!!!! I do not give out medical advice only personal experience. dx: BPI, II, CKD, secondary hyperparathyroidism, Chronic pain, fibro,
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted October 15, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Posted October 15, 2013 Hi Maryjo, I am tapering this drug too and have been using the counting beads method. I agree with Karma that you should wait longer than 2 weeks. It can take longer than that for any withdrawal symptoms to show. Throw away your schedule and listen to your body, especially in the first few weeks/months, then you will notice a pattern and know when to hold. I've been tapering for going on 2 years and am down to just 4 beads. With each drop I felt better and now feel as good as it's going to get, my head is clear and my memory is better. Everyone I know can see a difference in me and that makes it well worth taking the time to taper slowly. I did stop too soon at 5 beads, then withdrawal kicked in and it was a nightmare for a while. I should have kept reducing but I hadn't found this site at the time and thought I was ready. It is a very nasty drug to get off but you are in the right place and with time and patience you will be free of it and living your life again with a clear head. MARSHMALLOW BRAIN............Love it, perfect description! **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
maryjo Posted October 15, 2013 Author Posted October 15, 2013 Hi Everyone, thank you so much for your support and advice..I am so glad I came upon this site..I feel I can really reach out and there is someone there who feels the same, and has been going through the same experience. Venlafaxine 75mg/once a day. Starting to taper with bead counting on 10-13-13 working on 5 beads less each day. 11-10-13 minus 10 beads Have been on Effexor XR since (probably) 1998.
kaza31 Posted October 15, 2013 Posted October 15, 2013 hi maryjo welcome I am in the same situation as you with regards doing the bead method of reduction.. I agree with karma with regards keeping a log or journal of your symptoms.. each day I just write the amount mg of medication, my symptoms if any, and a rating out of ten how im feeling that day.. its a great way of keeping on track and a positive reminder put down on paper of how far you have actually come.. best of luck and keep us posted take care Kx 2010-withdrew from Effexor 150mg to zero over a period of 9 months After six weeks became very ill Doctor was adamant a reinstatement of 150mg was needed I didn't know much of withdrawal symptoms at this time February 2013- taking beads out of capsule 150mg have taken out 112 beads equivalent to 30mg= 120mg taken June 2013- Doctor visit- recommended given me 75mg capsules take one in morning and one at night( take beads out of night one) So am currently taking 75mg in morning and take beads out of 75mg night capsule to make up the other 45mg= 120mg currently am down to taking 112.5mg.. presently reduced down to 103mg at 93mg at 87mg
Lexy Posted October 16, 2013 Posted October 16, 2013 Hi maryjo My name is lexy and I am on effexor since Aug 26, 2012. You've come to the right place. Others will be here to help you who have more experience and knowledge. Since I am In the middle of trying to get off I can only offer support. Welcome! 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
maryjo Posted October 17, 2013 Author Posted October 17, 2013 Today is day 5 of my tapering and this morning I am very irratable. I don't know if it is because I have to take some antibiotics for 10 days or if it outside situations I cannot control: my spouse has been unemployed for quite some time, and is quite lazy and gaining more and more weight.. I am trying to breathe deep and relax my mind and let it go. I hope my day will get better. I hate being so irratted. Venlafaxine 75mg/once a day. Starting to taper with bead counting on 10-13-13 working on 5 beads less each day. 11-10-13 minus 10 beads Have been on Effexor XR since (probably) 1998.
maryjo Posted October 17, 2013 Author Posted October 17, 2013 Any recommendations for digital scales? Venlafaxine 75mg/once a day. Starting to taper with bead counting on 10-13-13 working on 5 beads less each day. 11-10-13 minus 10 beads Have been on Effexor XR since (probably) 1998.
Administrator Altostrata Posted October 17, 2013 Administrator Posted October 17, 2013 See http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1596-using-a-digital-scale-to-measure-doses/ 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.
Administrator Karma Posted October 18, 2013 Administrator Posted October 18, 2013 Today is day 5 of my tapering and this morning I am very irratable. I don't know if it is because I have to take some antibiotics for 10 days or if it outside situations I cannot control: my spouse has been unemployed for quite some time, and is quite lazy and gaining more and more weight.. I am trying to breathe deep and relax my mind and let it go. I hope my day will get better. I hate being so irratted. Hi Maryjo What antibiotics are you taking? We do find that certain antibiotics exacerbate withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, if you have to take them you have to. If you find that you are more irritable than what you might normally expect, please remember that it could be due to the antibiotics. Once you have completed your course of antibiotics then you will most likely even out and have a better idea of whether you are experiencing withdrawals. Karma 2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax 200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg; 7/31/24 16.25 Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg; 1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers
maryjo Posted October 25, 2013 Author Posted October 25, 2013 I am taking ampacillin. Only 3 more days left. Venlafaxine 75mg/once a day. Starting to taper with bead counting on 10-13-13 working on 5 beads less each day. 11-10-13 minus 10 beads Have been on Effexor XR since (probably) 1998.
maryjo Posted October 25, 2013 Author Posted October 25, 2013 Hi everyone, while looking at my bottle of venlafaxine xr, it says to not use after 10-23-13. It is a new bottle, I must have used an older one ..I am wondering if it is still okay to use these capsules ?? Venlafaxine 75mg/once a day. Starting to taper with bead counting on 10-13-13 working on 5 beads less each day. 11-10-13 minus 10 beads Have been on Effexor XR since (probably) 1998.
maryjo Posted October 25, 2013 Author Posted October 25, 2013 So I feel like I am having a real hard time just "starting" my taper...I started with taking 5 beads out, then got a digital scale , but I feel this method of converting grams to milligrams is more than my brain can handle , so I am trying to just get the weight of each capsule the same, but finding out that the number of beads will be different in each capsule ...I feel defeated already ... What a miserable drug ... Should be pulled off of the planet!! Plus, my rx is running out and my jade doc and his practice moved out of area, and I am having hard time finding new doctor in a timely manner ... Added stress.......!!! Venlafaxine 75mg/once a day. Starting to taper with bead counting on 10-13-13 working on 5 beads less each day. 11-10-13 minus 10 beads Have been on Effexor XR since (probably) 1998.
Administrator Altostrata Posted October 25, 2013 Administrator Posted October 25, 2013 Any doctor can prescribe venlafaxine xr. Yes, you can use it after the expiration date, they're conservative. Try to get the prescription filled with the same generic manufacturer. Correct, the beads are of different sizes, which makes weighing tricky. If I were you, I'd simply count the beads and not try the weighing method now. 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.
maryjo Posted November 11, 2013 Author Posted November 11, 2013 Hi all I have been feeling real good, so today I am going from -5 beads to -10 beads for about 3-4 weeks. I do feel alittle irratated and some brain zaps, but I know that is part of the process Venlafaxine 75mg/once a day. Starting to taper with bead counting on 10-13-13 working on 5 beads less each day. 11-10-13 minus 10 beads Have been on Effexor XR since (probably) 1998.
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted November 11, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Posted November 11, 2013 Hi Maryjo, I'm glad you are feeling better . I'm tapering venlafaxine too by counting beads and you are right it IS tricky but worth it . I couldn't get my head around weighing either! When you get lower down and it becomes more difficult to count the beads, venlafaxine comes in a liquid too which is easier. I tried it but had an allergic reaction so couldn't continue and had to stick to counting the beads. If you are still getting some brain zaps I would wait until they have stopped before another reduction., it shows that you are still experiencing some withdrawal and it's always best to wait until you've stabilised before another drop. You are doing great and I'm sure it won't be long before you can take the next drop. Dropping while still getting symptoms means that they will become worse after another drop, this withdrawal sucks and listening to your body is the best thing. **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted April 2, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted April 2, 2014 Hi Maryjo, I've copied your post from Kajo's thread and will try and answer your questions here. quote " I am having the same problems trying to get off of Effexor. I am trying to decrease my dose with the bead method, but I feel it is an uphill struggle..The last few days I feel like the top of my brain is not connected to the bottom half of my brain, can't concentrate, hold much of a conversation, always tired, etc.. I tried to go down to the 37.5mg tablet, but got real nauseous, anxiety, so couldn't stick that out. I am sure I don't take the exact same beads every day...Does anyone know how many beads are in a 75mg tablet?? I don't know if I can ride out this rollercoaster....." I sympathise because they really are a nightmare to count! I couldn't take the 37.5 tablet either, I believe it is because it is rapid release, and the whole dose is dumped at once instead of slowly over the course of the day. They are meant to be taken twice a day. How much of a capsule are you trying to take now? And how are you attempting to measure or count the beads? **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted April 2, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted April 2, 2014 Also, those symptoms sound like a taper that's going too fast. It's probably time for a good long hold until all those symptoms settle down. Whether or not a small adjustment in dose is also called for, I can't say because I don't have enough information. But for sure don't be trying to taper with symptoms like that. Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.
maryjo Posted September 27, 2015 Author Posted September 27, 2015 I have weaned completely off of Effexor xr over a 2 year period..weaning off was the easy part..Now about 3 weeks off, I am having a hard time just dealing with everything normal..I feel like I just want to throw-up and my mind gets so extremely overly tired, I can't get around to doing anything. It is very taxing... Today for some reason, I am really struggling, really struggling. I really don't know if being med-free is the way for me to go...??? Just need someone to hear my thoughts, cuz as we know, some people just don't think it is a disease, get out of your head, etc...we have all heard it before. thanks... Venlafaxine 75mg/once a day. Starting to taper with bead counting on 10-13-13 working on 5 beads less each day. 11-10-13 minus 10 beads Have been on Effexor XR since (probably) 1998.
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted September 27, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Posted September 27, 2015 Hi maryjo, I moved the topic you started in the success forum to your original introduction thread, it sounds like you are still having some withdrawal symptoms and this is the best place to get some help and support with this. We need a little more information to find out what's going on. When did these symptoms start? How were you feeling through the last few months of your taper and what dose did you drop off from? Perhaps reinstating 1 or 2 beads might help, then holding there for a while. For some people, those last few beads of Effexor are the hardest to come off. If I remember right, our moderator MammaP struggled trying to get off the last bead and she had to reinstate one bead and hold there for a while. Here is the link to her thread, you might want to read about her experience: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/ Also, please would you update your signature. Petunia 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
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