Austin: Going cold turkey off Effexor

[Austin]

Maybe I shouldn't be relaying such personal info on a public forum while using my real name, but here goes. . .

 

Nice to meet you.  I'm Austin.  I am currently withdrawing from Effexor. Cold turkey. I've felt more real feelings —actual happiness and sadness, if you can believe it; I'd honestly forgot what it felt like to want to cry or smile— in the last few days than I can remember feeling for at least a year. I am not too thrilled about my prospects, but at the same time, I feel better than I have in years.

 

The other day, I finished One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest for like the ninth or tenth time. I cried at this: "You have to laugh at the things that hurt you just to keep yourself in balance." It never stuck out to me previously, but that hit me right in the feels this time and I am glad it did, because it's true. So true.

 

I'm currently withdrawing mostly because of insurance hassles and things falling through, but now that it's been almost a week, I think I've decided that I'd like to stay off of it. Pardon my indiscretion, but it's a little like smoking pot, except music isn't as fun, because it mostly just makes me want to cry. Definitely has all the wooziness and munchiness of a strong couple of tokes (but without the more fun aspects). It was a long train of events that led me to get on the pills in the first place, which I'll spare you here, but I have been in institution three times over the last 18 or so months. It's been an interesting couple of years and I've found myself here, recently dumped by the (former) love of my life and now living in a new city, under my mother's roof again without a job. I'm 34. To say that I've recently been suicidal is like saying the day is bright and the night is dark.

 

I'm still here. Broken down and bruised. But here.

 

It is a HUGE DEAL to go off Effexor cold turkey. As I've said, I'm six days in, dizzy and nauseous as ever, up and down emotionally. I'm lucky in that I have people around me that are like, "What do you need from me?" and it's okay if I tell them to go away or whatever. Nobody gets offended.

 

I've read on other forums that vitamins are supposed to help with the dizziness, so I'm currently doubling doses of B Complex and a regular multi, along with a 1400mg omega three. It seems to help a little bit and keeps my appetite under control (before I started on the vitamins, I was hungry and eating round the clock).

 

Going off wasn't my choice.  It's pretty unfair that someone can just say "NO"  when it's something I was dependent upon.  I like to use the analogy that if it were insulin or blood pressure meds, there would be outrage if I were to just be denied of it.

 

So, let me backtrack and explain how I ended up going cold turkey——

 

I moved out of state. My old doc wrote me a three month supply to give me enough time to get in sign up for new insurance and get established with a new doc. Thing is Medi-Cal, is slow to get me into the system, so I'm still not established with a new doc (which should have been just fine, with my ninety days worth of medication) and yet they tell me they won't honor an out of state prescription. Friendly, eh?  So, I finally get in to see a general practitioner, who writes me a new prescription, which is rejected by the insurance because the dosage was deemed too high, so they needed to get a secondary authorization from my new doc. The doc has not yet responded, so they will not clear the prescription.

 

Feeling really low these last couple of days. I think I'm on the downside of the withdrawal because the wooziness and dizzy spells aren't nearly as strong as they were a couple days ago. I should be pleased about this, but all I can think about is how going off the Effexor is equal to throwing down my shield on the battlefield and trying to continue fighting without it. I've been continuing to take the 20mg tablets of Abilify (aripiprazole)‎ for two reasons: maybe taking them is having a placebo effect (or that's what I tell myself) and I don't know if I would experience double withdrawal if I stopped. I was on 30mg tablets, but my old doc wanted to try and taper me off of it because she was concerned that it was disrupting my sleep————

 

In any case, I have an entire bottle of the 30mg tablets and just got my 30 day 20mg tablet supply refilled yesterday. I've been googling what the effects of overdose would be. I certainly have enough to overdose, I'm just not sure it would be lethal (can't find anything definitive). Kind of scared. I mean, why am I looking that up?

 

In to see the new therapist on Thursday.

 

I have a question for my other anti-depressant takers: do you have any experience with Deplin (l methylfolate)? My old doc ran a test on me and discovered it was a supplement that I was lacking in, so prescribed that for me. From what I understand, it helps your body metabolize the anti-depressant more efficiently (and presumably, work better). 'Course, that's out the window now, too.

 

So here I am.  Been reading this forum for a few days now, but couldn't sleep, so decided to dive in.

[nz11]

Austin welcome.

Hey you arent the only one who cant sleep its 4.30 am right now. This is a good day .

You certainly havent put your toe in the water well done on diving in with a great informative intro.

 

Look i am so sorry you are in this position.

I feel angry for you that the system has left you in a position that is unacceptable. Basically 'dumped' by docs as well.

How can the medical profession do this oaths and all?

 

There must be an organisation that can step in ...can your phone the drug company themselves to get some drug ...i think it is Wyeth right? Explain to them your situation.

 

I have been in institution three times

My feeling is unless you get some effexor and ri you may be  heading for a 4th time in an institution. Were you sent to an institution before cos of CT of psych drugs?

 

Even the drug companies  say dont CT. Diving into a CT is not recommended.

 

Were you on other drugs prior to the effexor .?

 

You are beginning to exhibit classic withdrawal symptoms.

 

I hope something can be done to resolve this .

 

Its now 5.15am hey it appears sa is on kiwi time. Hadnt noticed that before.

[Austin]

Hey nz—

 

All things considered, I'm in a pretty low stress environment.  It wasn't my choice to go cold turkey, but I'm feeling better about it every day.

 

Am not really feeling like a fourth trip to the psych ward, thanks 

 

But seriously, in the past I've been to institution two times because I was stockpiling pills and one time because of an attempt.  Not really sure how else to put it: I wanted to die (or thought I did).  I haven't really felt like that since being off the Effexor.  I was looking up Abilify OD because, well, I don't know honestly.  I guess I was curious.  It's a weird thing to be curious about, I concede.  But who knows.  I'm in a very stable, quiet environment right now, so I don't feel bad emotionally.  I'm up and down, but I realize that's the withdrawal and not really indicative of my true feelings: that I'm glad to be getting off the pills.  

 

My mom keeps contacting CalOptima (which is the insurance that denied the prescription initially) and all these places, but I called it a week ago when the news first came down: they're going to make it as difficult as possible for me to get the meds. Maybe not intentionally, but that's just how broken the system is.

 

I've made it this far, so fine. I never want to take those pills again.

 

Feeling a bit more sprightly this morning, despite very little sleep.

[nz11]

ok well thats your decision just be aware that wdl symptoms are delayed. Perhaps you are one of the lucky majority .

 

Your name reminds me of my favouriteTV show as a kid

 

"Austin,...Steve Austin... astronaut. A man barely alive.

 We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better than he was. Better, stronger, faster."

 

Hey your first name wouldnt happen to be Steve would it!! Perhaps you really are the 6 million dollar man....gee sounds so cheap these days.

 

nz11

Mr 2%

 

6.47 am ..hey sa time really is kiwi time!!..spooky! do do doo dooooooo!! do do do do do do do do doooo.

[Austin]

The next minute will be better, which means the next hour will be better, which means the next day will be better. Yeah, one day at a time, y'know.  

 

No, Austin is my middle name.  Don't know why, but it's what I've gone by ever since I can remember.

[Austin]

Okay, I updated my sig to the proper format I think.  Sorry it was so vague previously.

[ChessieCat]

Hi Austin,

 

I'm sorry to hear that you are in this situation through no fault of your own.

 

Since you still have a prescription, would you be able to get it filled by an online pharmacy?  I'm in Australia so have no idea how it works in the US.

 

Good luck.  I hope the "drought" breaks for you soon.

 

CC

[Austin]

Hi Chessie—

 

Thanks for your message.  No, the insurance company will still say no without the secondary prior authorization.  My new doc is the one holding things up.  Doesn't matter what the prescription is written for, insurance still has the authority to veto it, apparently.

 

Like I said, it's a broken system.  

[ChessieCat]

Hi  Austin,

 

That's really disappointing to hear.  Don't give up, keeping trying, keep pushing.  The worst they can do is say no, but they also might say yes.  Sometimes we just have to fight.  Maybe PM Altostrata (this web's owner) to see if she has any ideas???

 

Hang in there.  There will be lots of the members here supporting you in spirit.

 

Hope to hear some good news from you soon.

 

Take care of yourself as best you can (and don't turn to alcohol - I've been tempted but managed not to - and I've never been a drinker!!!).

 

CC

[Austin]

No, drink is what ended me up in institution the first time.  Can say I've been alcohol free and not even tempted through this whole thing.

[Austin]

Just awoke to a very disturbing hallucination.  I could feel something walking on me and around me on the bed.  I used to have a cat that did this, but no pets anymore, so. . .

 

Just spent about ten minutes inspecting under the bed and in the closet to make sure there really isn't anything there.  Gonna have a midnight snack and listen to some records in an attempt to calm down, but am completely freaked out right now.  Heart is racing, cold sweat, shakiness, trouble taking deep breaths, the whole lot.  

 

Is it wise to be taking benadryl to help me get back to sleep at times like this?

[ChessieCat]

Hi Austin,

 

It can be very alarming when something like that happens and of course our bodies react with the fight or flight and all of the related chemicals throughout our bodies.  Distraction and self soothing are good.  And try not to think back over what happened.  It happened and is over.  If the thoughts start coming back, acknowledge them and let it go on their way.

 

Just don't put on rap or rock'n'roll music.  You'd never get back to sleep.

 

Good luck.

 

CC

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Austin.

 

When exactly did you take your last Effexor?

 

Have your withdrawal symptoms gotten better or worse since then?

 

If you have a valid prescription, you can get it filled for around $20 without insurance, see http://www.goodrx.com/effexor-xr#/?filter-location=&coords=&label=venlafaxine+ER&form=capsule&strength=150mg&quantity=30.0&qty-custom=Even taking 150mg capsules at this point would be better than cold turkey.

 

As for the Medicaid paperwork, you need to phone your doctor and tell him it's an emergency, you can't get your prescription filled and you're experiencing severe withdrawal syndrome.

[Austin]

Hey Alto—

 

The last time I had any venlafaxine was last Tuesday (11/3).  The aripiprazole prescription was not a problem to fill (reasoning unknown here), so I'm still taking 20mg/day of that.

 

I can deal with the physical stuff — the dizzy spells, shakiness, etc.— it's the lack of sleep that's getting to me.  I am on temazepam 30mg capsules, but I think I've developed a tolerance, because it doesn't seem to do anything anymore.  Which is why I asked if it's wise to be taking benadryl to help with my sleep (which is what I've been doing; it puts me to sleep for a bit, but never more than three or four hours at a time — but hey, better than nothing!).

 

I've phoned everyone numerous times explaining that I'm completely out, but the answer seems to be that, without a psych being involved, nobody really cares.

 

Did see a therapist/social worker this morning, where they set me up with Orange County Mental Health, who informed me that I should be hearing from a psych today to discuss med management.  So, hooray for that.  

 

Thanks for the link.  We'll see what the psych says when they call.

 

Just don't put on rap or rock'n'roll music.  You'd never get back to sleep.

 

Ha, no, I mostly listen to my own music when feeling anxious/scared/depressed because it reminds me of happier times when I was able to be creative.

[Altostrata]

Withdrawal insomnia is very harsh and cause you to react paradoxically to benzos -- they keep you awake instead of helping you sleep.

 

Reinstatement of even a partial dose is the recommended way to deal with withdrawal syndrome.

 

Withdrawal syndrome is serious. If necessary, you could go to the emergency room and tell them you've run out of Effexor.

[Austin]

So just got the phone with the psych office.  They can't get me in until 2 December!  And yes, I did tell them my medication situation.  Didn't seem to phase the girl on the phone one bit.

 

Called the pharmacy, just to see, and yep, they still say the venlafaxine requires a secondary prior authorization.  Over a week later.

 

On the line now with Alta-Med (where the general practitioner is).  Will report back.

[KarenB]

Another thought, vitamins (including B vitamins) can make withdrawal symptoms much worse.  Have a read of the topics in  http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/606-important-topics-about-tests-supplements-treatments-diet/ and see what you think.  You may be much better of without them.

 

I'm another Effexor taperer and from what I've experienced, I'd encourage you to reinstate a small amount, then stabilise and then gently taper.  Withdrawal comes in windows and waves, ie gets better, worse, better worse.  Your best bet for a good long-term is to follow the advice the others have given you.  Waiting it out can mean too much stress for your central-nervous-system, and then you could get delayed withdrawal down the track. 

 

I'm so sorry how 'the system' is treating you - there is no excuse for such inhumanity.  You'll get plenty of support at s/a.

 

Hugs,

KarenB

[Austin]

Well, the doc says he signed off on the secondary prior authorization (twice, in fact) and it's in the hands of CalOptima — yet again.  CalOptima says it can take up to seven business days for clearance.  Seems to me like nobody wants to take responsibility and just say, "Hey we need the prescription from a psych, not a GP."  That's a reasonable enough answer.  I'm more angered by the runarounds and finger pointing than I am about my withdrawal symptoms.

 

What-friggin'-ever.

[peggy]

are you in a position to pay for the prescription yourself, not through your insurance?  it could be a small price to pay in the long run

[Austin]

Hi peggy—

 

No, they want $300+ for a 30 day supply.  That's a real good way to break the bank real fast 

 

Am looking into the link Alto posted, but since this is a new prescription, it would require my GP to call/fax them.  And that's worked so well for me thus far 

 

Like I said, whatever.  Made it this far.

[nz11]

Peggy took the words right out of my mouth ...'it would be a small price to pay.'

Better to hit the bank than to be hit by 'blunt force trauma to the brain'

[JanCarol]

Hey Austin - 

 

the red tape you have been caught in is suck-o-mania!  I'm with Alto - before it gets any worse, check into Emergency room and get some Effexor/venlafaxine.  There is more than one way to skin a cat, and I think you've chosen the one with the fangs and claws on!

 

You don't have to have the full dose to get relief.  

 

You claim you are in a low-stress / no stress situation, but the drug doesn't really care about that.  I'll quote you:

 

It is a HUGE DEAL to go off Effexor cold turkey. 

 

You got that right!  And dangerous.  Very dangerous.  You are flirting with all kinds of evil possibilities (which I won't name, they are splashed all over this website and the interwebs).

 

You claim:

 

 I think I'm on the downside of the withdrawal because the wooziness and dizzy spells aren't nearly as strong as they were a couple days ago. 

 

But what you don't realize is that Effexor (and all SSRI / SNRI) drugs often have a "honeymoon phase" in withdrawal.  You see more clearly, the fog of the drug lifts, and you think you're better than ever before.  

 

This is equivalent to the ecstasy of feeling the air rushing by as you've jumped off a cliff.  

 

Thing is, with antidepressants, that fall to the bottom of the cliff may take 6 months, 8 months, a year.  Then, when you smash to the bottom, you are shattered into a million tiny pieces that you have to pick up.  IT IS MUCH EASIER, SAFER, SMARTER, to rappell down that cliff a little at a time, to control your symptoms before they control you.

 

MAYBE you will be one of the lucky ones who walks away from it - but given your history, I'd say that's a dangerous gamble.

 

This is alarming:

 

In any case, I have an entire bottle of the 30mg tablets and just got my 30 day 20mg tablet supply refilled yesterday. I've been googling what the effects of overdose would be. I certainly have enough to overdose, I'm just not sure it would be lethal (can't find anything definitive). Kind of scared. I mean, why am I looking that up?

and

 

 

But seriously, in the past I've been to institution two times because I was stockpiling pills and one time because of an attempt.

 

This forum is not equipped to deal with suicide counseling, and is therefore not the place to discuss methods.  This site needs to be safe for all members.  If you are seriously suicidal, please see:

Help for those who are feeling desperate or suicidal.

and if you want to know why you are researching, you might read:

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4678-thoughts-of-suicide

which is a discussion of how the DRUGS cause many suicidal obsessions.

 

To find someone to talk to NOW:

http://www.befrienders.org/

 

http://www.samaritans.org/

 

Please, casually dropping these hints can be distressing to our members.  Please seek face to face help for your suicidal urges.

 

I'll be back in a mo with some suggestions about your supplements.

[JanCarol]

Okay Austin, you asked:

 

 

I have a question for my other anti-depressant takers: do you have any experience with Deplin (l methylfolate)? My old doc ran a test on me and discovered it was a supplement that I was lacking in, so prescribed that for me. From what I understand, it helps your body metabolize the anti-depressant more efficiently (and presumably, work better). 'Course, that's out the window now, too.

 

I have to compliment your doc for looking for this. Psych drugs deplete B12, Folate, Vit D, and sometimes zinc (sorry, I don't have studies for this, just hanging out with my "Orthomolecular" doc.)  If you are depleted in this, it will do no harm to take it.  I take it, and my recent blood tests indicate I can decrease my dose.  I take an over the counter version, though.

 

However, you are in withdrawal.  B vitamins in particular can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms, even if you are depleted.  Try cutting out your B vitamins for a few days to see if your symptoms improve.  That will tell you if they are overstimulating or not.

 

See:

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/43-vitamin-b3-niacin-niacinamide/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8532-vitamin-b6/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?showtopic=419

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/5547-the-importance-of-mthfr-methylation-and-b-vitamins/?hl=vitamin

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1328-deplin-the-l-methylfolate-swindle/

 

About Benadryl:

 

Just spent about ten minutes inspecting under the bed and in the closet to make sure there really isn't anything there.  Gonna have a midnight snack and listen to some records in an attempt to calm down, but am completely freaked out right now.  Heart is racing, cold sweat, shakiness, trouble taking deep breaths, the whole lot.  

 

Is it wise to be taking benadryl to help me get back to sleep at times like this?

 

Alto told you that your temazepam might be "pooping out" or going paradoxical on you now that you are in withdrawal.

 

It is the same with Benadryl.  It might work once, then never again.  I use it occasionally, but no more than once a week, to make sure I don't get "used to it."

 

This may be true of any supplements you take - maybe you were fine with them before withdrawal, but they will cause problems - or just be useless - while you are in withdrawal.

 

You optimistically state:

 

The next minute will be better, which means the next hour will be better, which means the next day will be better.

 

This is ***so*** the right attitude!  

 

However, in withdrawal, recovery comes in Waves and Windows.  I tell you this, not so you will expect the worst, but if and when things do get worse (and they certainly can, just read around some threads at the site to see what can happen), you will know:  this is just the withdrawal.  So often, we are told by the doctors, "See?  It's your 'original illness' returning, you need to stay on the drugs," when really, the symptoms are caused by the drugs or withdrawal from them.

 

Here are some cartoons which exemplify what you can expect in withdrawal.

 

Withdrawal Dialogues - cartoons to encourage you

 

Please keep us posted on the "saga to acquire Effexor" and how you are going?  Welcome to SA!

[Austin]

Hi JC-

 

Forgive any typos, as I'm replying from my phone.

 

Just got off the phone a bit ago with the pharmacy and they've filled the prescription for the Effexor. Now I'm in a quandry, because of issues beyond my control, I will be unable to pick up the the pills until Tuesday.

 

I've started to feel more dizziness and flu like symptoms today than the past couple of days. My appetite is out the window as well.

 

When I do get the prescription filled, I plan to start tapering.

[ChessieCat]

That's great news.  Hang in there.  Not long now.

 

So how long is it since you had a dose and what was it?  Just so someone can suggest what dosage to reinstate.

 

Last day 5th Nov 225mg?    If this is correct it will be 12 days once you get the medication.  You may need to take a bit less. 

 

CC

[Fresh]

Hi Austin , welcome to the site.

 

As I've been reading through your posts , I was considering sending you the link to a video of me when I was

extremely sick with w/d symptoms.  Now that I see you're going to try reinstating , I'll hold off.

 

However strong you think you are , you have no idea of what w/d can do to you.  For alot of us , the initial week

of feeling good , more alive , euphoric , etc  is replace by more disturbing symptoms as time goes on.

This often peaks around 6-9 months after stopping.  And by then there's no quick fix.

 

When you get your Effexor , you don't start tapering.  

You allow yourself to stabilize on the lowest dose possible , and this may take more than a month.  

Then , once all your symptoms have resolved , you wait.

After this hiccup , you may want to wait another month or two.

And then , that is when you begin to taper.  

 

However bad things get in the next few days , remind yourself that it's temporary , it's due to w/d , and 

you're going to get better from this.

 

Best wishes ,  Fresh

[Altostrata]

Austin, don't underestimate yourself, you can do this thing.

 

Are you getting 225mg capsules? You went off Effexor on November 11?

 

It sounds like you won't be able to take any until Tuesday, Nov. 17?

[Austin]

I *think* I will be getting 75mg capsules. That's what I had before anyway. I was taking three of those daily, for a total of 225mg. The last time I had any was 3 November, which was a partial dose; two 75mg capsules (that was all I had left). It looks like I will be getting my pills for sure this coming Tuesday (17 November), which will be two weeks exactly since I last had any venlafaxine.

 

Started having trouble with auditory things this morning and feeling very shakey. I've made it this far so I know I can do it, but it is getting harder.

[Altostrata]

You might want to try 2 capsules, or 150mg, to start. That might be enough to stop the withdrawal symptoms. Give 150mg at least 4 days to take effect.

 

Please let us know how you're doing.

[SquirrellyGirl]

Please go ahead and reinstate as Alto stated, Austin!  I went through the hell of Effexor WD last year and was lucky that reinstating at 37.5 mg around 10 months out worked!  I am now doing the slow taper.  I didn't realize at the time that all the horror I was experiencing was due to Effexor WD, because the emotional symptoms didn't hit until five or six months out.  By god, I will do everything in my power to ever end up there again!

 

I've read it over and over in threads on this forum and elsewhere, people thinking they can just tough it out from CT and never wanting to put "that poison in my body ever again," but they end up brought to their knees with completely debilitating WD symptoms that last many months and beyond.  See OffEFFexor as one of them:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7538-offeffexor-hello-everybody/#entry109110

 

17 plus months out from CT and still having waves.

 

We are all trying to spare you that outcome, so please do the reinstatement and then taper carefully and slowly from there!

 

SG

[Austin]

Yeah, I thought I could do it, but my withdrawal seems to be getting worse, not better so I think I've changed my mind about going cold turkey.

 

Should I continue on the Deplin (l methyfolate)?

[Altostrata]

How long have you been taking Deplin? Please put it in your signature.

 

Many people do better with fish oil and magnesium supplements, see
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/
 

[bluebalu86]

Don't go CT because you will find yourself in such a hell that you never thought was possible. The suffering is beyond this world and beyond description. Listen to the advice you get here. This is a very serious matter, don't take it lightly. It's not about "being strong". It's about causing severe trauma to the brain and nervous system. I recently did a very stupid thing messing with a new drug while in WD and let me tell you that now I am barely surviving second by second and don't even know if I'll even get better after this trauma. I have to tell you the suffering is unimaginable. You don't want to go there, trust me... Learn from others' mistakes and be smart about this. 

 

Good luck with your reinstatement. Let us know how you feel and how you're coping. When you can, read the forum. There is no better advice on WD and tapering anywhere else in the world. This is the best place. 

[Austin]

Thanks for your encouragement blue.

 

Sig updated.

[buggedout]

Hi Austin. Cold turkey, thats very brave and I wont offer my advice there since most have already said it. I do understand wanting to do it that way.

 

I do have one piece of advice as a Canadian living in the US with no insurance. If yoy do change your mind about CT. You can get brand name effexor xr up to 150mg for just 30 dollars every month (no expiry) by signing up on their official website. They give you a card but only certain pharmacies accept it (they give you a list). My local Kroger accepts it and I honestly dont know how id survive if they didnt.

 

If that interests you at any time let me know and I can find you the link. Its totally legit and really almost too good to be true. I guess they do that so they can keep even the uninsured or unemployed addicted to their poison.

 

As for the suicidal thoughts, the important thing is that you do recognize them. Ive had the same issue with effexor and its very scary to have thoughts like that. But very normal when dealing with effexor. So just remember that. Youll eventually gain control over your mind again so dont give up.

 

I can somewhat emphasize with your situation. My (ex) left me a couple years ago almost and I was devastated. I ended up with a new guy who is amazing after being heartbroken for a very long time. For the first six months of our relationship we lived at my parents and finally just got out this month. He is 36 btw, divorced recently and we were both new to town. There is no shame in seeking support from the parents during hardships. Really all that matters is that you make progress. You are actually lucky to have them there while you go through this. Its no easy thing, especially CT. Do keep us informed of your progress. And welcome to the club lol.

 

Oh and I couldnt help but chuckle at your marijuana comments. Ive been shy to talk about that here. I really wish I had of just stuck with that 7 years ago instead of taking this poison. I enjoyed some in Washington recently now if only TN can get on board with the legalization, lol.

[Austin]

Hi bugged-

 

Thanks for your words of encouragement.

 

Update:

 

Was able to get my Effexor today.  They gave me a 60 day supply of 225mg/day in the form of 60 150mg and 60 75mg capsules.  So, if I am taking my full dosage, I will be taking one 150mg capsule and one 75mg capsule daily.

 

I have decided to take one 150mg capsule today.