Quest

[Quest]

7 hours ago, Altostrata said:

 

Did you get a period of anxiety after you took the 15 beads between 8 and 9:30?

 

7 hours ago, Altostrata said:

 

Did you get a period of anxiety after you took the 15 beads between 8 and 9:30?

Yes,  sept4/17 wasn't bad.  Sept5/17 extreme anxiety9/10 all day, eased at 6 pm

sept6/17 anxiety was 4/10 depression started 9/10.     No sleep..sept7/17 anxiety was a 7/10, depression 9/10 all day until about 6 pm.about an hour of sleep with 3.75 mg of zoplicone.  I was halving the dose, 1/2 at 10 and other half when I woke an hour later at this point.       Sept8/17------this was an ok day, 3/10 anxiety.

Sept9/17-------no sleep, high anxiety all day 10/10. Depression 7/10

Sept10/17.  Instead of random 15 balls I started 15 big balls as instructed by mammap and ChessieCat.  9/10 anxiety huge brain fog

Sept11/17-------horrible anxiety 9/10. Depression8/10

Sept12/17-------anxiety5/10. Depression 5/10.   Took 1/2 of 3.75 mg of zoplicone and 1/2 of sublinox to try and sleep.  Got maybe one extra hour.  Did not take sublinox again.

sept13/17------anxiety 7/10, depression 6/10. Afternoon anxiety increased as well as depression, did not let up......

sept14/17-----anxiety 10/10 depression 10/10 suicidal thoughts.  Eased up by 4pm.

sept15/17-----anxiety 6/10, depression 5/10

sept 16/17------anxiety 7/10 all day and depression 8/10,  by 9:45 pm felt good?  Normal, only took 1/2 of 3.75 zoplicone

sept17/17------anxiety all day 7/10, anxiety all night

sept 18/17------- from 3:30 am anxiety all day and evening, huge depression, suicidal thoughts again.tried a 1/4 piece of seroquel as directed by dr.  To try and get some sleep.  Had 4 hours.

Sept19/17------10/10 anxiety, terrible depression 10/10, dark thoughts again.  Eased up at about 3:00 pm.

Sept20/17---- anxiety from about 3 am all through day 7/10 depression was ok.

9:00 pm, felt good, normal.

Sept.21/17-----from 1:30 am- to all day and evening anxiety 10/10

 

These were my journal notes and I started taking better notes when Shep sent me a layout from the 22 up until now.  Will add them next.

 

 

 

 

[Quest]

3 minutes ago, Quest said:

 

Yes,  sept4/17 wasn't bad.  Sept5/17 extreme anxiety9/10 all day, eased at 6 pm

sept6/17 anxiety was 4/10 depression started 9/10.     No sleep..sept7/17 anxiety was a 7/10, depression 9/10 all day until about 6 pm.about an hour of sleep with 3.75 mg of zoplicone.  I was halving the dose, 1/2 at 10 and other half when I woke an hour later at this point.       Sept8/17------this was an ok day, 3/10 anxiety.

Sept9/17-------no sleep, high anxiety all day 10/10. Depression 7/10

Sept10/17.  Instead of random 15 balls I started 15 big balls as instructed by mammap and ChessieCat.  9/10 anxiety huge brain fog

Sept11/17-------horrible anxiety 9/10. Depression8/10

Sept12/17-------anxiety5/10. Depression 5/10.   Took 1/2 of 3.75 mg of zoplicone and 1/2 of sublinox to try and sleep.  Got maybe one extra hour.  Did not take sublinox again.

sept13/17------anxiety 7/10, depression 6/10. Afternoon anxiety increased as well as depression, did not let up......

sept14/17-----anxiety 10/10 depression 10/10 suicidal thoughts.  Eased up by 4pm.

sept15/17-----anxiety 6/10, depression 5/10

sept 16/17------anxiety 7/10 all day and depression 8/10,  by 9:45 pm felt good?  Normal, only took 1/2 of 3.75 zoplicone

sept17/17------anxiety all day 7/10, anxiety all night

sept 18/17------- from 3:30 am anxiety all day and evening, huge depression, suicidal thoughts again.tried a 1/4 piece of seroquel as directed by dr.  To try and get some sleep.  Had 4 hours.

Sept19/17------10/10 anxiety, terrible depression 10/10, dark thoughts again.  Eased up at about 3:00 pm.

Sept20/17---- anxiety from about 3 am all through day 7/10 depression was ok.

9:00 pm, felt good, normal.

Sept.21/17-----from 1:30 am- to all day and evening anxiety 10/10

 

These were my journal notes and I started taking better notes when Shep sent me a layout from the 22 up until now.  Will add them next.

 

 

 

 

09/21/17

Am:

8:00 - 500 mgs of garlic, 1300 mgs of fish oil

10:00 - took effexor xr 15 balls

 

Pm:

 

12:00 - extreme anxiety, body vibrating, depressive thoughts increasing, feels like a 

              Dark fog.  Very hard time being still/ pacing around house, in and outside 

               Dogs.

12:30 - neck is weak, feels like it's made of rubber  anxiety10/10

1:00 -forced myself to eat an apple  almost in panic mode

1:30 - moods getting lower- 

2:30 - extreme anxiety/ dark thoughts 

3:00 - very fatigued, stomach churning

3:30 - 8/10 anxiety

4:00 - forced myself to eat a chicken salad sandwich, more water.

4:30 - high anxiety, 9/10. Very low mood, terrible thoughts

5:30 -made one 15 ball capsule for tomorrow,  for some reason this freaks me out, 

            Anxiety like crazy, 10/10

6:15- took one probiotic ultra flora 50 billion, 1 mag glycinate 200 mgs.

6:30 - Anxiety 6/10. Tense and tight muscles, sore lower back, really sore and tight calves.  Tight stomach, feels like I did 100 sit-ups.  Brain fog-7/10, eyes dry and sore, used substance drops.  Extremely dry mouth~

7:00 - very exhausted, stiff neck and shoulders

                 Very cold, and even dressed in layers.  

7:30 - having a hard time sitting still, anxiety about 5/10. Eating a handful of grapes, 

             Feel like eating them~

8:00 - brain fog has lifted at this moment, storm is calm for last 5 minutes

8:30 - anxiety is coming in spurts, very tired

9:00 - depression again?!

9:30 - bed, going to try and lay down, 

10:00 - toss and turn, practice breathing to calm anxiety

10:30 - talk to God time, remembering to breathe

11:00 - take my 3.75 mgs of zoplicone

11:40- last time I seen clock, dozed off

 

________________________________________________________

 

09-22-2017

 

Am:

 

12:00 - 

12:30 - 

1:00 -woke up

1:30 - toss, turn

2:00 - doze

2:30 - drank water

3:00 - laying in the warmth, trying not to think

3:30 - bathroom

4:00 - low anxiety 3/10

4:30 - really weak and sore neck

5:00 - water

5:30 - listened to a meditation for 5 mins.

6:00 - ate a banana

6:30 - freezing, anxiety starting in spurts

7:00 - brain fog is minimal right now, neck really sore

8:00 - 1300 mgs of fish oil, 500 mgs of garlic, teaspoon of Himalayan salt in water

8:30 -anxiety about 4/10 super tight gut

9:00 - bowl of oatmeal with blueberries

9:10- jittery, weak

10:00 - 15 balls of effexor. Xr

11:00 - complete brain fog,  plugged up ears,freezing, neck is going wobbly again

             Concentrating on breath to manage anxiety

11:30 -   Anxiety 5/10. Ate apple

Pm:

12:00 - major rubber neck

12:30 - paperwork for husband, total fog brain, sick feeling stomach- tight muscles

1:30 - diarreah 

2:00 - no appetite, forced myself to eat a sandwich, breathing deep

2:30 - high anxiety 7/10, depressive thoughts, super fuzzy brain, can't form a 

             Cohesive thought.  Shaky, tired legs.

4:00 - going for a walk

5:30 -supper

6:00 - headache behind my eyes/ blurry vision

6:30 - sore, rubber neck, took my 200 mag. Bis glycinate and probiotic

7:00 - anxiety in spurts/ every 15-20 mins in stomach

7:30 - hard time swallowing, feels like lump in throat

8:30 - going to try and sit still, anxiety is not bad2/10

9:30 - going to try and sleep, very tired today~ 

10:45- headache, anxiety ramping up6/10

11:00 - 3.75 mgs of zoplicone

11:30 - bad anxiety, very tired

 

________________________________________________________

 

09-23-2017

 

Am:

 

2:00 - startled awake, agitation,trembling, anxiety

4:00 - tossed and turned up until this point, tried breathing, walked around

4:30 - freezing

5:00 - high anxiety 7/10

7:30 - in bed, up and about, breathing, legs up wall!!!!  Still anxiety!  Exhausted...

8:00 - bananna, 1500 of fish oil and 500 mgs of garlic

8:30 - 8/10 anxiety, ramping up, sore back of neck, tight muscles

9:00 - forced a fruit veg smoothie/ no appetite, constipation, shaking so bad feel

            Like a junkie

10:00 - high anxiety, 15 balls of effexor xr

11:30 - forced myself to eat sandwich

 

Pm:

 

12:00 - went and got groceries, almost lost it in the store\panic

1:00 -very depressed, black feelings

1:30 - depressed/ sick to stomach

2:30 - trying not to go into panic, trying to breathe, pacing

3:00 -going to go outside, thinking terrible thoughts

3:30 - total brain fog and sore back of neck.  No focus, depressed~

4:30 - complete anxiety/depressed10/10, feel horrible, blood feels like it's on fire

         

No appetite, neck and back of legs weak, wobbly

5:30 -forced myself to eat, anxiety7/10

6:00 200 mgs of mag. Probiotic

7:00 - had epsom bath to try to ease symptoms

8:30 - exhausted, brain fog, anxiety, depression  has eased a bit, 7/10 going to try

            And sit with family.

9:30 - bed to lay down, what a day

10:30  toss and turn, anxious

11:00 - 3.75 mgs of immovane

 

 

________________________________________________________

 

09-24-2017

 

Am:

 

 

1:00 -wide awake now, anxiety 6/10

3:30 - got up walked around. Bed to warm up, breathing

5:00 - severe anxiety 9/10. Trying to breathe through 

7:30 - feel depression coming again, anxiety 7/10

8:00 - 500 mg of garlic, 1300 mgs of fish oil

10:00 - effexor, 15 balls , smoothie , headache

10:30 - went outside to distract myself

11:30 -made myself eat tomato sandwich

 

Pm:

 

12:00 - 6/10 anxiety, sore neck, no more headache, just can't think, low mood

              Eased a bit since early morning~

12:30 - anxiety ramped right up9/10

2:00 - brain fog, depression easing off

2:30 - anxiety 6/10

3:00- walking, 25 mins

3:30 - ate apple,water

4:30 - am actually hungry

5:00-  super chilly again, numb fingers, tingling

5:30 -supper, got some rice and a little chicken

6:00 - having a hard time getting a deep breath again, chest feels heavy

7:00 - very fatigued, anxiety is manageable4/10, pro biotic and 200 mag glycinate

7:30 - now I'm hot?!

8:30 - sitting with hubby 

9:00 - I feel ok right now😳

9:30 - bed time, or lay down time~

10:00 - 

10:30 - 

11:00 - 3.75 mg of immovane

11:30 - 

 

________________________________________________________

[Quest]

10 minutes ago, Quest said:

09/21/17

Am:

8:00 - 500 mgs of garlic, 1300 mgs of fish oil

10:00 - took effexor xr 15 balls

 

Pm:

 

12:00 - extreme anxiety, body vibrating, depressive thoughts increasing, feels like a 

              Dark fog.  Very hard time being still/ pacing around house, in and outside 

               Dogs.

12:30 - neck is weak, feels like it's made of rubber  anxiety10/10

1:00 -forced myself to eat an apple  almost in panic mode

1:30 - moods getting lower- 

2:30 - extreme anxiety/ dark thoughts 

3:00 - very fatigued, stomach churning

3:30 - 8/10 anxiety

4:00 - forced myself to eat a chicken salad sandwich, more water.

4:30 - high anxiety, 9/10. Very low mood, terrible thoughts

5:30 -made one 15 ball capsule for tomorrow,  for some reason this freaks me out, 

            Anxiety like crazy, 10/10

6:15- took one probiotic ultra flora 50 billion, 1 mag glycinate 200 mgs.

6:30 - Anxiety 6/10. Tense and tight muscles, sore lower back, really sore and tight calves.  Tight stomach, feels like I did 100 sit-ups.  Brain fog-7/10, eyes dry and sore, used substance drops.  Extremely dry mouth~

7:00 - very exhausted, stiff neck and shoulders

                 Very cold, and even dressed in layers.  

7:30 - having a hard time sitting still, anxiety about 5/10. Eating a handful of grapes, 

             Feel like eating them~

8:00 - brain fog has lifted at this moment, storm is calm for last 5 minutes

8:30 - anxiety is coming in spurts, very tired

9:00 - depression again?!

9:30 - bed, going to try and lay down, 

10:00 - toss and turn, practice breathing to calm anxiety

10:30 - talk to God time, remembering to breathe

11:00 - take my 3.75 mgs of zoplicone

11:40- last time I seen clock, dozed off

 

________________________________________________________

 

09-22-2017

 

Am:

 

12:00 - 

12:30 - 

1:00 -woke up

1:30 - toss, turn

2:00 - doze

2:30 - drank water

3:00 - laying in the warmth, trying not to think

3:30 - bathroom

4:00 - low anxiety 3/10

4:30 - really weak and sore neck

5:00 - water

5:30 - listened to a meditation for 5 mins.

6:00 - ate a banana

6:30 - freezing, anxiety starting in spurts

7:00 - brain fog is minimal right now, neck really sore

8:00 - 1300 mgs of fish oil, 500 mgs of garlic, teaspoon of Himalayan salt in water

8:30 -anxiety about 4/10 super tight gut

9:00 - bowl of oatmeal with blueberries

9:10- jittery, weak

10:00 - 15 balls of effexor. Xr

11:00 - complete brain fog,  plugged up ears,freezing, neck is going wobbly again

             Concentrating on breath to manage anxiety

11:30 -   Anxiety 5/10. Ate apple

Pm:

12:00 - major rubber neck

12:30 - paperwork for husband, total fog brain, sick feeling stomach- tight muscles

1:30 - diarreah 

2:00 - no appetite, forced myself to eat a sandwich, breathing deep

2:30 - high anxiety 7/10, depressive thoughts, super fuzzy brain, can't form a 

             Cohesive thought.  Shaky, tired legs.

4:00 - going for a walk

5:30 -supper

6:00 - headache behind my eyes/ blurry vision

6:30 - sore, rubber neck, took my 200 mag. Bis glycinate and probiotic

7:00 - anxiety in spurts/ every 15-20 mins in stomach

7:30 - hard time swallowing, feels like lump in throat

8:30 - going to try and sit still, anxiety is not bad2/10

9:30 - going to try and sleep, very tired today~ 

10:45- headache, anxiety ramping up6/10

11:00 - 3.75 mgs of zoplicone

11:30 - bad anxiety, very tired

 

________________________________________________________

 

09-23-2017

 

Am:

 

2:00 - startled awake, agitation,trembling, anxiety

4:00 - tossed and turned up until this point, tried breathing, walked around

4:30 - freezing

5:00 - high anxiety 7/10

7:30 - in bed, up and about, breathing, legs up wall!!!!  Still anxiety!  Exhausted...

8:00 - bananna, 1500 of fish oil and 500 mgs of garlic

8:30 - 8/10 anxiety, ramping up, sore back of neck, tight muscles

9:00 - forced a fruit veg smoothie/ no appetite, constipation, shaking so bad feel

            Like a junkie

10:00 - high anxiety, 15 balls of effexor xr

11:30 - forced myself to eat sandwich

 

Pm:

 

12:00 - went and got groceries, almost lost it in the store\panic

1:00 -very depressed, black feelings

1:30 - depressed/ sick to stomach

2:30 - trying not to go into panic, trying to breathe, pacing

3:00 -going to go outside, thinking terrible thoughts

3:30 - total brain fog and sore back of neck.  No focus, depressed~

4:30 - complete anxiety/depressed10/10, feel horrible, blood feels like it's on fire

         

No appetite, neck and back of legs weak, wobbly

5:30 -forced myself to eat, anxiety7/10

6:00 200 mgs of mag. Probiotic

7:00 - had epsom bath to try to ease symptoms

8:30 - exhausted, brain fog, anxiety, depression  has eased a bit, 7/10 going to try

            And sit with family.

9:30 - bed to lay down, what a day

10:30  toss and turn, anxious

11:00 - 3.75 mgs of immovane

 

 

________________________________________________________

 

09-24-2017

 

Am:

 

 

1:00 -wide awake now, anxiety 6/10

3:30 - got up walked around. Bed to warm up, breathing

5:00 - severe anxiety 9/10. Trying to breathe through 

7:30 - feel depression coming again, anxiety 7/10

8:00 - 500 mg of garlic, 1300 mgs of fish oil

10:00 - effexor, 15 balls , smoothie , headache

10:30 - went outside to distract myself

11:30 -made myself eat tomato sandwich

 

Pm:

 

12:00 - 6/10 anxiety, sore neck, no more headache, just can't think, low mood

              Eased a bit since early morning~

12:30 - anxiety ramped right up9/10

2:00 - brain fog, depression easing off

2:30 - anxiety 6/10

3:00- walking, 25 mins

3:30 - ate apple,water

4:30 - am actually hungry

5:00-  super chilly again, numb fingers, tingling

5:30 -supper, got some rice and a little chicken

6:00 - having a hard time getting a deep breath again, chest feels heavy

7:00 - very fatigued, anxiety is manageable4/10, pro biotic and 200 mag glycinate

7:30 - now I'm hot?!

8:30 - sitting with hubby 

9:00 - I feel ok right now😳

9:30 - bed time, or lay down time~

10:00 - 

10:30 - 

11:00 - 3.75 mg of immovane

11:30 - 

 

________________________________________________________

Dear Moderators after going over my journal could you please help me form a direction. what are your suggestions.  I don't know if I should lower effexor or the immovane.  I do know the immovane makes my depression and anxiety worse but won't lowering it too or will it help.  This morning is manageable with the anxiety 4/10 , so far depression is low.  Sleep was still non- existent, slept until about 1:00 am.  My compounding pharmacist is finally open in her business today.  Should I get the effexor made into a more equal dosage than what I am doing.  Shep, what should I do with the immovane?  Please help me to form a go forward plan.  Some days I think the effexor is helping and others I think I reinsured too late or too high.  Does this look like I am going in the right direction?  Thank you so much in advance for all of your tireless efforts to help.  I could not do this on my own.

[bubble]

4 hours ago, Quest said:

 

Yes,  sept4/17 wasn't bad.  Sept5/17 extreme anxiety9/10 all day, eased at 6 pm

sept6/17 anxiety was 4/10 depression started 9/10.     No sleep..sept7/17 anxiety was a 7/10, depression 9/10 all day until about 6 pm.about an hour of sleep with 3.75 mg of zoplicone.  I was halving the dose, 1/2 at 10 and other half when I woke an hour later at this point.       Sept8/17------this was an ok day, 3/10 anxiety.

Sept9/17-------no sleep, high anxiety all day 10/10. Depression 7/10

Sept10/17.  Instead of random 15 balls I started 15 big balls as instructed by mammap and ChessieCat.  9/10 anxiety huge brain fog

Sept11/17-------horrible anxiety 9/10. Depression8/10

Sept12/17-------anxiety5/10. Depression 5/10.   Took 1/2 of 3.75 mg of zoplicone and 1/2 of sublinox to try and sleep.  Got maybe one extra hour.  Did not take sublinox again.

sept13/17------anxiety 7/10, depression 6/10. Afternoon anxiety increased as well as depression, did not let up......

sept14/17-----anxiety 10/10 depression 10/10 suicidal thoughts.  Eased up by 4pm.

sept15/17-----anxiety 6/10, depression 5/10

sept 16/17------anxiety 7/10 all day and depression 8/10,  by 9:45 pm felt good?  Normal, only took 1/2 of 3.75 zoplicone

sept17/17------anxiety all day 7/10, anxiety all night

sept 18/17------- from 3:30 am anxiety all day and evening, huge depression, suicidal thoughts again.tried a 1/4 piece of seroquel as directed by dr.  To try and get some sleep.  Had 4 hours.

Sept19/17------10/10 anxiety, terrible depression 10/10, dark thoughts again.  Eased up at about 3:00 pm.

Sept20/17---- anxiety from about 3 am all through day 7/10 depression was ok.

9:00 pm, felt good, normal.

Sept.21/17-----from 1:30 am- to all day and evening anxiety 10/10

 

These were my journal notes and I started taking better notes when Shep sent me a layout from the 22 up until now.  Will add them next

 

 

Thank you for providing these notes. You are really having a hard time But these are the first 3 weeks in a very long time that your brain is having stability but I see a stabilization pattern.. I highlighted days when you felt better and there were also brief periods were you felt good and normal. This sounds very positive and I see no reason for these brief period not getting longer and more frequent. This is what CNS stabilization and healing looks like.

 

I know it has been very hard but you endured and I hope you see some reward in the form of more relief moments soon. Once they start there are just more and more of them coming... 

[Altostrata]

Is your anxiety better or worse after you take Effexor in the morning? Has this always been the pattern?

[Quest]

5 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

Is your anxiety better or worse after you take Effexor in the morning? Has this always been the pattern?

The anxiety for the most part gets worse.  it seems like it has been this way since I've started again.  Was ok this morning until about 12:00.  Now at 2:00 I have high anxiety, brain fog and hoping like hell that the depression doesn't worsen anymore.  

 

What am I going to do?  Should I switch to Prozac and get off effexor?  I am having such a hard time, I don't know if I should take more or less Effexor or stop.  I feel as though I am losing my mind.  I have done distraction constantly today and nothing is working.  Do I stay this course?  How much longer can I give it.  I don't even know what to do with the immovane and I know this is not conducive to the depression.... but I know I can't just stop it.  What can I do?  I also think I am getting too much variation on the 15 ball dose, it's never the same each day.  

[Altostrata]

You've been taking the 15 beads since Sept. 4, is that correct?

 

I have a feeling that the 15 beads of Effexor are not helping. More Effexor is not going to be less activating. It may be a good idea for you to reduce and go off the Effexor over a week. Please track the number of beads you take and your symptom pattern.

 

Magnesium works better if you take several small doses rather than one large dose. Does your magnesium come in a capsule with powder inside? You can put some powder in water and sip it throughout the day, see http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

 

[Quest]

9 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

You've been taking the 15 beads since Sept. 4, is that correct?

 

I have a feeling that the 15 beads of Effexor are not helping. More Effexor is not going to be less activating. It may be a good idea for you to reduce and go off the Effexor over a week. Please track the number of beads you take and your symptom pattern.

 

Magnesium works better if you take several small doses rather than one large dose. Does your magnesium come in a capsule with powder inside? You can put some powder in water and sip it throughout the day, see http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

 

How am I going to do that without losing it? Do I use Prozac?  I will end up in the hospital if I quit effexor after 24 days.  

[Quest]

Please help

[Quest]

1 hour ago, Quest said:

Please help

Altostrata, couldn't the anxiety and depression be due to the insomnia and stopping remeron in August?  Wouldn't it be better to take effexor because it's always what I e been on instead of switching drugs?

[Quest]

4 hours ago, bubble said:

 

Thank you for providing these notes. You are really having a hard time But these are the first 3 weeks in a very long time that your brain is having stability but I see a stabilization pattern.. I highlighted days when you felt better and there were also brief periods were you felt good and normal. This sounds very positive and I see no reason for these brief period not getting longer and more frequent. This is what CNS stabilization and healing looks like.

 

I know it has been very hard but you endured and I hope you see some reward in the form of more relief moments soon. Once they start there are just more and more of them coming... 

Bubble, what do you suggest, alto says she doesn't think 15 balls are working.  Should I go up in effexor or try something like prozac?  I am so scared, I think I will lose it just stopping effexor after a week.  I dont know what else to go on........  won't my depression and anxiety skyrocket?

[ChessieCat]

11 minutes ago, Quest said:

alto says she doesn't think 15 balls are working

 

2 hours ago, Altostrata said:

I have a feeling that the 15 beads of Effexor are not helping. More Effexor is not going to be less activating. It may be a good idea for you to reduce and go off the Effexor over a week. Please track the number of beads you take and your symptom pattern.

 

Please not that Alto, who is this site's owner, said "not helping".  She did not say that they were not working.  Very big difference!

[Quest]

11 minutes ago, Quest said:

Bubble, what do you suggest, alto says she doesn't think 15 balls are working.  Should I go up in effexor or try something like prozac?  I am so scared, I think I will lose it just stopping effexor after a week.  I dont know what else to go on........  won't my depression and anxiety skyrocket?

Will effexor even work anymore after just being on 15 balls of it?. What does one do in this situation?  Or even consider doing?  Has anyone done this ???  What options do I even have... very hopeless right now~

[Quest]

2 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

 

Please not that Alto, who is this site's owner, said "not helping".  She did not say that they were not working.  Very big difference!

But ChessieCat she said to come off over the next week.   Doesn't that indicate that they are not working?  My anxiety and depression will be way worse with more side effects from coming off.  I can barely handle things now.  What would you suggest at this point?  I have no glue left to keep it all together.  What have others done if reinstatement at low dose did not work?

[Quest]

Just now, Quest said:

But ChessieCat she said to come off over the next week.   Doesn't that indicate that they are not working?  My anxiety and depression will be way worse with more side effects from coming off.  I can barely handle things now.  What would you suggest at this point?  I have no glue left to keep it all together.  What have others done if reinstatement at low dose did not work?

How would I ever manage the symptoms?  I am terrified right now...

[ChessieCat]

4 minutes ago, Quest said:

But ChessieCat she said to come off over the next week.

 

ALTO suggested reducing over the next week.

 

Alto is this site's owner and has done a lot of research and has also learned a great deal from the experiences of the many members since she started SA in 2012.

 

It would seem that there is a difference in the way we are interpreting.

 

My interpretation:  "not helping" = not doing anything and may be causing problems and you need to reduce it whereas "not working" = means you need to take more.

 

2 hours ago, Altostrata said:

I have a feeling that the 15 beads of Effexor are not helping. More Effexor is not going to be less activating. It may be a good idea for you to reduce and go off the Effexor over a week. Please track the number of beads you take and your symptom pattern.

 

Another way of wording it would be not beneficial, which means not good.

 

More Effexor is not going to be less activating.  Changing the wording would be More Effexor is going to be more activating.

 

Instead of reducing by taking 2 less beads each day, which would get you off in a week as Alto has suggested, you could go slower and reduce by taking 1 less bead each day.  If you notice that things are getting worse stop reducing.

 

We provide you with information and suggestions.  We cannot make the decision for you.

[Quest]

14 minutes ago, ChessieCat said:

 

ALTO suggested reducing over the next week.

 

Alto is this site's owner and has done a lot of research and has also learned a great deal from the experiences of the many members since she started SA in 2012.

 

It would seem that there is a difference in the way we are interpreting.

 

My interpretation:  "not helping" = not doing anything and may be causing problems and you need to reduce it whereas "not working" = means you need to take more.

 

 

Another way of wording it would be not beneficial, which means not good.

 

More Effexor is not going to be less activating.  Changing the wording would be More Effexor is going to be more activating.

 

Instead of reducing by taking 2 less beads each day, which would get you off in a week as Alto has suggested, you could go slower and reduce by taking 1 less bead each day.  If you notice that things are getting worse stop reducing.

 

We provide you with information and suggestions.  We cannot make the decision for you.

I mean abseloutely no disrespect, I am in utter terror mode right now.  I have no idea which way to go and am asking for direction.  I came to this site because of all of Altostrata' s hard work, hoping  to one day benefit.  I am trying to decide what to do and I know the side effects too coming down from this I am going to feel.  

[bubble]

Chessie gave a great analysis and proposed a very good solution: we are not in your head and body but if you say that after taking Effexor your anxiety increases (although it seems to be pretty high at times even before you take Effexor and you also report some periods of feeling normal) and if you feel that you are not feeling better and might be feeling even worse over the last 20 days since reinstatement, then it means Effexor is too activating and it could be good to reduce it.

 

As Chessie suggests: if you decide to do that, you can remove one bead and see how you feel. If it makes you feel worse it will mean that you don't have to reduce further.

 

No need to panic. You will take small controlled steps and monitor carefully so that you always stay in charge.

 

Let us know what you decide.

 

  

[powerback]

hi quest I feel your pain ,I am doing a snails taper and I'm so far from symptom free that tapering seems pointless .

constantly switching to panic mode is ripping your head apart believe me I'm trying to control my intrusive thoughts constantly .you will not die your body is designed to cope with panic and anxiety .we need to learn to control this in the escalated panic mode .

when I'm out and about my paranoia and self consciousness gets so bad that I don't look at anyone or anything it all triggers my depression .but then it can pass sometimes  because I'm not feeding it .

I'm beep breathing now with the usual waking symptom's .

force yourself to find humour and pleasant company .I had a nice interaction with pensioners in a long reception queue yesterday .your still in there .

I'm a broken record about diet and exercise and be aware of your triggers when not well .

ive avoided a neighbour for a month during my worst depression and symptoms .a decent man but I cant risk snapping and making a small disagreement into a huge argument ,it works because some time has gone by and my symptoms have passed from that level towards him .

we need to practice ways to cope and see the benefits in reality .

when we are  better we can use these techniques to help our lives that others can only dream of .

take care

PB

I tried this in a serious state the other week and it calmed me down.

 

[Lexy]

 Hello I am another extremely sensitive person to these meds.  I would follow alto's advice,  she has been right many a times .  The Effexor might be too activating for you, as you reduce you might feel a little better if not you can stop reducing. 

Many people here are going through the same thing.  At this point you might feel hopeless,  but I assure you it will get better .  

 

[Quest]

2 hours ago, Lexy said:

 Hello I am another extremely sensitive person to these meds.  I would follow alto's advice,  she has been right many a times .  The Effexor might be too activating for you, as you reduce you might feel a little better if not you can stop reducing. 

Many people here are going through the same thing.  At this point you might feel hopeless,  but I assure you it will get better .  

 

Lexy, thank you,  my depression is not good right now.  I took two balls out today.  Just really scared that I don't have enough strength to face all the withdrawl on top of how I feel now.  I appreciate your time~

[bubble]

Do you have the symptom log with two balls out?

 

 

[Quest]

2 hours ago, bubble said:

Do you have the symptom log with two balls out?

 

 

I am making it, it is 2:30 pm should do the whole day?

[Littlegrandma]

Quest, I just want you to know I'm thinking about you and hoping for the best!!      Lg

[Quest]

17 minutes ago, Littlegrandma said:

Quest, I just want you to know I'm thinking about you and hoping for the best!!      

Thanks lg, me too.  Coming off effexor again, don't know if I will be able to go with no medication at all being this unstable.  I hope you're doing ok.might not be able to kick this depression on my own.  

[Quest]

12 hours ago, powerback said:

hi quest I feel your pain ,I am doing a snails taper and I'm so far from symptom free that tapering seems pointless .

constantly switching to panic mode is ripping your head apart believe me I'm trying to control my intrusive thoughts constantly .you will not die your body is designed to cope with panic and anxiety .we need to learn to control this in the escalated panic mode .

when I'm out and about my paranoia and self consciousness gets so bad that I don't look at anyone or anything it all triggers my depression .but then it can pass sometimes  because I'm not feeding it .

I'm beep breathing now with the usual waking symptom's .

force yourself to find humour and pleasant company .I had a nice interaction with pensioners in a long reception queue yesterday .your still in there .

I'm a broken record about diet and exercise and be aware of your triggers when not well .

ive avoided a neighbour for a month during my worst depression and symptoms .a decent man but I cant risk snapping and making a small disagreement into a huge argument ,it works because some time has gone by and my symptoms have passed from that level towards him .

we need to practice ways to cope and see the benefits in reality .

when we are  better we can use these techniques to help our lives that others can only dream of .

take care

PB

I tried this in a serious state the other week and it calmed me down.

 

You are such a strong person, I have no doubt you're going to make it on this journey~you have such a beautiful soul~

[Littlegrandma]

28 minutes ago, Quest said:

Thanks lg, me too.  Coming off effexor again, don't know if I will be able to go with no medication at all being this unstable.  I hope you're doing ok.might not be able to kick this depression on my own.  

 

[Littlegrandma]

Yes. You can do this! You have the tools and great support here. I think you'll find the anxiety will be much less as you taper. The depression will pass. You will be golden!! Stay positive. You will have your life back.     Lg

[Quest]

On 2017-09-26 at 1:15 AM, bubble said:

Chessie gave a great analysis and proposed a very good solution: we are not in your head and body but if you say that after taking Effexor your anxiety increases (although it seems to be pretty high at times even before you take Effexor and you also report some periods of feeling normal) and if you feel that you are not feeling better and might be feeling even worse over the last 20 days since reinstatement, then it means Effexor is too activating and it could be good to reduce it.

 

As Chessie suggests: if you decide to do that, you can remove one bead and see how you feel. If it makes you feel worse it will mean that you don't have to reduce further.

 

No need to panic. You will take small controlled steps and monitor carefully so that you always stay in charge.

 

Let us know what you decide.

 

  

I took out 2 beads yesterday, high anxiety before taking effexor and until about 6:00 pm.  7:30 pm felt all right until bed time.  Do I just stay at 13 beads and find out how this works or take out another today?  Doesn't it take 4 days to know how bad this will hit you?  Or will I know day to day? 

[Quest]

On 26/09/2017 at 6:59 AM, Altostrata said:

You've been taking the 15 beads since Sept. 4, is that correct?

 

I have a feeling that the 15 beads of Effexor are not helping. More Effexor is not going to be less activating. It may be a good idea for you to reduce and go off the Effexor over a week. Please track the number of beads you take and your symptom pattern.

 

Magnesium works better if you take several small doses rather than one large dose. Does your magnesium come in a capsule with powder inside? You can put some powder in water and sip it throughout the day, see http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1300-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

 I took 100 mgs of magnesium last night instead of 200..  tried some earlier in the day.  I took 2 balls out yesterday.  Should I just stay at 13?  I had good hours between 7:30-10:00 pm last night.  Doesn't it take 4 days to find out how this affects me as a whole or in your experience will I feel day to day?  Should I continue taking out another ball this morning?  Thank you for your help.

 

Edited September 28, 2017 by ChessieCat
Extracted response from quote

[Quest]

On 2017-09-26 at 1:15 AM, bubble said:

Chessie gave a great analysis and proposed a very good solution: we are not in your head and body but if you say that after taking Effexor your anxiety increases (although it seems to be pretty high at times even before you take Effexor and you also report some periods of feeling normal) and if you feel that you are not feeling better and might be feeling even worse over the last 20 days since reinstatement, then it means Effexor is too activating and it could be good to reduce it.

 

As Chessie suggests: if you decide to do that, you can remove one bead and see how you feel. If it makes you feel worse it will mean that you don't have to reduce further.

 

No need to panic. You will take small controlled steps and monitor carefully so that you always stay in charge.

 

Let us know what you decide.

 

  

09-26-2016

Am

 

1:00 -awake, anxiety5/10

1:30 - anxiety is worse 

2:00 - constant ruminating thoughts

6:30 - severe anxiety  

7:00 - 8/10 anxiety burning back of head

7:30 - weak and nauseated, eating bananna

8:00 - 500mgs of garlic, 1300 mgs of salmon oil

8:30 - shaky, anxious

9:30 - drank a veg, blueberry smoothie

10:00 - 13 balls of effexor xr

11:30 - serious brain fog

 

Pm:

 

12:00 - apple

12:30 - anxiety is about 7/10. Can't stop or distract from thinking

2:00 - ate some leftover beef pot pie and rice

2:30 - have to go and get groceries, fuzzy head, anxiety, restless

4:00 - ate an energy bar

4:30 - anxiety 5/10

5:00 -very tired, eyes blurry

5:30 -ate some roast beef some potatoes,coleslaw

7:30 - went for a 1/2 walk

8:00 - going to sit with hubby, anxiety is ok, fuzzy brain, took 100 mgs of magnesium, probiotic

8:30- sweet potato chips about 4 with hummus, piece of cheese

9:00 - bedtime

9:30-journal,passage of bible

10:00 - taking 3.75 immovane one hr. earlier per shep' s suggestion

11:30 - awake, anxiety 6/10

 

________________________________________________________

 

09-27-17

 

Am

12:30 - still awake, tossing breathing

1:00 -sleep mask still on, anxiety 7/10

2:00-5:30. Constant anxiety, stayed warm and still, breathed and tried to doze.

6:00- up, anxiety is about a 4/10 at this point

6:30 -

Bubble, this was at 13 balls, yesterday, do I keep coming off or stay? Will I notice the drops from day to day or in 4 days will I be totally blindsided and overwhelmed by discontinuation symptoms?  Yesterday evening was ok, this morning at 8:14 anxiety about 4/10.  I have to take my pill at 10:00 am, do you think I should go down another ball or stay put.  

[Quest]

On 2017-09-25 at 5:37 PM, ChessieCat said:

 

ALTO suggested reducing over the next week.

 

Alto is this site's owner and has done a lot of research and has also learned a great deal from the experiences of the many members since she started SA in 2012.

 

It would seem that there is a difference in the way we are interpreting.

 

My interpretation:  "not helping" = not doing anything and may be causing problems and you need to reduce it whereas "not working" = means you need to take more.

 

 

Another way of wording it would be not beneficial, which means not good.

 

More Effexor is not going to be less activating.  Changing the wording would be More Effexor is going to be more activating.

 

Instead of reducing by taking 2 less beads each day, which would get you off in a week as Alto has suggested, you could go slower and reduce by taking 1 less bead each day.  If you notice that things are getting worse stop reducing.

 

We provide you with information and suggestions.  We cannot make the decision for you.

ChessieCat, how would I know at such a fast reduction of one bead a day if this is too much, doesn't it take 4 days to feel full effects.  Will I feel the effects in one day so I would know to stop right away.  Yesterday evening was ok, and this morning anxiety is about 4/10. so torn.  Will coming down this quickly not worsen my depression ?

[baroquep]

Hi Quest, feel bad for you that the Effexor reinstatement is not going as well as planned and sorry that you are still struggling.  I have to wonder if the 15 balls of Effexor might have been too activating for you.  When you mention that your anxiety is now a 4/10, after reducing two balls yesterday, maybe you might want to hold for a few days to see if the anxiety continues to diminish.  I understand from Shep that he is trying to move your Z around to hopefully get you a little more sleep.  How do you feel about holding at 13 beads of Effexor for another week or so?  

[Quest]

15 minutes ago, baroquep said:

Hi Quest, feel bad for you that the Effexor reinstatement is not going as well as planned and sorry that you are still struggling.  I have to wonder if the 15 balls of Effexor might have been too activating for you.  When you mention that your anxiety is now a 4/10, after reducing two balls yesterday, maybe you might want to hold for a few days to see if the anxiety continues to diminish.  I understand from Shep that he is trying to move your Z around to hopefully get you a little more sleep.  How do you feel about holding at 13 beads of Effexor for another week or so?  

That is what I was wondering?  For at least a few days?  Do you think I should start weighing, I think that my doses have varied from day to day.  Those balls are all different sizes, even the big ones. I have made so many mistakes and I am at the point where I can not make anymore.   I am unstable right now and wish I would have started so much lower as suggested but I didn't.  If I reduce a ball a day won't that be like a cold turkey or would I notice it and know to stop right away?  I have to take my pill in 20 mins.  i could reduce one more ball? Do not know what to do!  The most frightening thing for me is not to make my depression worse.  I wish I knew if reducing it would help.  Thank you for helping me baroquep. It helps me not feel so alone and a little more sane. 

[baroquep]

Hi again, because you have been having so much difficulty stabilizing, I would continue to take the 13 balls until the end of the week and keep track of your symptom pattern as you have been doing.  At the end of the week, we will have another look at the symptom pattern and if the anxiety continues to abate, it would tell me that you are moving in the right direction.  It's important for you to follow what Shep has been proposing as the goal is to stabilize you on both Z and Effexor.  

 

At this point Quest, and until we can determine the best possible dose of Effexor, you should just continue to take the biggest balls as you've been doing.  Please take 13 of the biggest balls until the end of the week.  Once we are able to determine the best dose, you can then have a compounding pharmacist prepare your monthly prescription. 

 

Unfortunaltely, no one can determine how these drugs are going to affect us, so let's just worry about getting you stabilized and we'll worry about the rest of it when we cross that bridge.  You sound a lot better today and the panic seems to be less apparent, and that makes me think that you may be heading in the right direction.  Hang in there, you are in good hands, and please try not to worry too much and just take good care of yourself.  

Edited September 27, 2017 by baroquep

[Quest]

7 minutes ago, baroquep said:

Hi again, because you have been having so much difficulty stabilizing, I would continue to take the 13 balls until the end of the week and keep track of your symptom pattern as you have been doing.  At the end of the week, we will have another look at the symptom pattern and if the anxiety continues to abate, it would tell me that you are moving in the right direction.  It's important for you to follow what Shep has been proposing as the goal is to stabilize you on both Z and Effexor.  

 

At this point Quest, and until we can determine the best possible dose of Effexor, you should just continue to take the biggest balls as you've been doing.  Please take 13 of the biggest balls until the end of the week.  Once we are able to determine the best dose, you can then have a compounding pharmacist prepare your monthly prescription. 

 

Unfortunaltely, no one can determine how these drugs are going to affect us, so let's just worry about getting you stabilized and we'll worry about the rest of it when we cross that bridge.  You sound a lot better today and the panic seems to be less apparent, and that makes me think that you may be heading in the right direction.  Hang in there, you are in good hands, and please try not to worry too much and just take good care of yourself.  

Thank you for giving me some direction.  I took 13 of biggest balls and will start saving extra  beads in a seperate container.  I have been throwing them out, probably not so great for environment.  I will post my symptoms on Friday evening.  😳This emoji about sums up my wonderful demeanor right now!    So very thankful for your time and helpfulness.  I am sending you health and wellness wishes as well. Hope your day is a good one~