Caspur: history

[Caspur]

Hi ChessieCat,

Thanks, but I am OK going the way I am at present. I am bead counting so can adjust reductions as I need to via a spreadsheet. This week has been horrendous as a friend took his own life, plus extreme pressure at work, so I am OK to hold for a while I think.

Thanks

Capsur

[ChessieCat]

11 hours ago, Caspur said:

This week has been horrendous as a friend took his own life, plus extreme pressure at work, so I am OK to hold for a while I think.

 

Sorry about the loss of your friend.  That, plus the work stress, may cause an uptick in your symptoms.  Time for lots of TLC.

 

And yes, holding for a while is an excellent idea.  Take care.

[Caspur]

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has leveled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

 

NOTE: all reductions are 10% of previous dose.

[ChessieCat]

Thank you for the update.  It's good that the life/work stress has leveled out a bit and you were able to resume tapering.

 

Please remember to update your drug signature with  you current dose.  Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

It would also be helpful to have a link to the above post in your signature.  Just copy and paste the following.  It is already linked.

 

Venlafaxine taper details

[Caspur]

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has leveled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

25/9/2020 - reduced by 10% to 17.1 mg. Very few symptoms over the past month.

[Caspur]

Hi Chessie Cat

How do I update the hyperlink you created for my signature, linking to my taper history? As I cannot update previous posts, I am copying and pasting all the history each time so others can follow.

Cheers

Capsur

[ChessieCat]

Just copy and paste the following:

 

Taper history details

 

[Caspur]

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has leveled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

25/9/2020 - reduced by 10% to 17.1 mg. Very few symptoms over the past month.

29/10/2020 - reduced by 10% to 15.4 mg delayed reduction for a few days due to infection and needing antibiotics.

[ChessieCat]

Taper history details

 

Here's the new link for your signature.

 

Instructions on how to do it:

 

Make the post.  Right click on the share icon (top right of post) and copy.  Go to your drug signature.  Select the Taper History Details and click on the Link icon to the left of the " at the top of box.  Delete the old link, paste (ctrl+V) the new link.  Insert into post.  Save drug signature.  Then check that link goes to the correct post.

 

[Caspur]

Thanks @ChessieCat

[Caspur]

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has leveled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

25/9/2020 - reduced by 10% to 17.1 mg. Very few symptoms over the past month.

29/10/2020 - reduced by 10% to 15.4 mg delayed reduction for a few days due to infection and needing antibiotics.

22/11/2020- reduced by 10% to 13.9 mg last reduction was almost symptomless. I am doing well despite some minor work related stress (business reorganisation; people being made redundant; thankfully I am not impacted, but I realy feel for those who are).

[Caspur]

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has leveled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

25/9/2020 - reduced by 10% to 17.1 mg. Very few symptoms over the past month.

29/10/2020 - reduced by 10% to 15.4 mg delayed reduction for a few days due to infection and needing antibiotics.

22/11/2020- reduced by 10% to 13.9 mg last reduction was almost symptomless. I am doing well despite some minor work related stress (business reorganisation; people being made redundant; thankfully I am not impacted, but I realy feel for those who are).

20/12/2020 - reduced by 10% to 12.5mg. No discernable symptoms so far.

[Caspur]

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has levelled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

25/9/2020 - reduced by 10% to 17.1 mg. Very few symptoms over the past month.

29/10/2020 - reduced by 10% to 15.4 mg delayed reduction for a few days due to infection and needing antibiotics.

22/11/2020- reduced by 10% to 13.9 mg last reduction was almost symptomless. I am doing well despite some minor work related stress (business reorganisation; people being made redundant; thankfully I am not impacted, but I really feel for those who are).

20/12/2020 - reduced by 10% to 12.5 mg. No discernable symptoms so far. Some mild dips in mood in mid Dec but only lasted a few days.

19/01/2021 - reduced by 10% to 11.3 mg

[Caspur]

 

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has levelled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

25/9/2020 - reduced by 10% to 17.1 mg. Very few symptoms over the past month.

29/10/2020 - reduced by 10% to 15.4 mg delayed reduction for a few days due to infection and needing antibiotics.

22/11/2020- reduced by 10% to 13.9 mg last reduction was almost symptomless. I am doing well despite some minor work related stress (business reorganisation; people being made redundant; thankfully I am not impacted, but I really feel for those who are).

20/12/2020 - reduced by 10% to 12.5 mg. No discernable symptoms so far. Some mild dips in mood in mid Dec but only lasted a few days.

19/01/2021 - reduced by 10% to 11.3 mg - only symptoms experienced were what felt like two blood sugar dips in the first couple of days after the reduction. Otherwise, all OK

8/02/2021 - reduced by 10% to 10.1 mg accept I am taking a risk by reducing again more quickly than before, but I am experiencing so few symptoms I am trying to go a little faster.

[Caspur]

[Caspur]

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has levelled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

25/9/2020 - reduced by 10% to 17.1 mg. Very few symptoms over the past month.

29/10/2020 - reduced by 10% to 15.4 mg delayed reduction for a few days due to infection and needing antibiotics.

22/11/2020- reduced by 10% to 13.9 mg last reduction was almost symptomless. I am doing well despite some minor work related stress (business reorganisation; people being made redundant; thankfully I am not impacted, but I really feel for those who are).

20/12/2020 - reduced by 10% to 12.5 mg. No discernable symptoms so far. Some mild dips in mood in mid Dec but only lasted a few days.

19/01/2021 - reduced by 10% to 11.3 mg - only symptoms experienced were what felt like two blood sugar dips in the first couple of days after the reduction. Otherwise, all OK

8/02/2021 - reduced by 10% to 10.1 mg accept I am taking a risk by reducing again more quickly than before, but I am experiencing so few symptoms I am trying to go a little faster.

01/03/2021 - reduced by 10% to 9.1 mg. the only symptoms I experienced this reduction were 2 days of headaches immediately after reducing. No other symptoms experienced.

[Caspur]

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has levelled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

25/9/2020 - reduced by 10% to 17.1 mg. Very few symptoms over the past month.

29/10/2020 - reduced by 10% to 15.4 mg delayed reduction for a few days due to infection and needing antibiotics.

22/11/2020- reduced by 10% to 13.9 mg last reduction was almost symptomless. I am doing well despite some minor work related stress (business reorganisation; people being made redundant; thankfully I am not impacted, but I really feel for those who are).

20/12/2020 - reduced by 10% to 12.5 mg. No discernable symptoms so far. Some mild dips in mood in mid Dec but only lasted a few days.

19/01/2021 - reduced by 10% to 11.3 mg - only symptoms experienced were what felt like two blood sugar dips in the first couple of days after the reduction. Otherwise, all OK

8/02/2021 - reduced by 10% to 10.1 mg accept I am taking a risk by reducing again more quickly than before, but I am experiencing so few symptoms I am trying to go a little faster.

01/03/2021 - reduced by 10% to 9.1 mg. the only symptoms I experienced this reduction were 2 days of headaches immediately after reducing. No other symptoms experienced.

29/03/2021 - reduced by 10% to 8.2 - a few symptoms this time but mild. Worst was a period of low mood triggered by a bout of intense exercise. Resolved in a few days.

26/04/2021 - reduced by 10% to 7.4

[Caspur]

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has levelled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

25/9/2020 - reduced by 10% to 17.1 mg. Very few symptoms over the past month.

29/10/2020 - reduced by 10% to 15.4 mg delayed reduction for a few days due to infection and needing antibiotics.

22/11/2020- reduced by 10% to 13.9 mg last reduction was almost symptomless. I am doing well despite some minor work related stress (business reorganisation; people being made redundant; thankfully I am not impacted, but I really feel for those who are).

20/12/2020 - reduced by 10% to 12.5 mg. No discernable symptoms so far. Some mild dips in mood in mid Dec but only lasted a few days.

19/01/2021 - reduced by 10% to 11.3 mg - only symptoms experienced were what felt like two blood sugar dips in the first couple of days after the reduction. Otherwise, all OK

8/02/2021 - reduced by 10% to 10.1 mg accept I am taking a risk by reducing again more quickly than before, but I am experiencing so few symptoms I am trying to go a little faster.

01/03/2021 - reduced by 10% to 9.1 mg. the only symptoms I experienced this reduction were 2 days of headaches immediately after reducing. No other symptoms experienced.

29/03/2021 - reduced by 10% to 8.2 - a few symptoms this time but mild. Worst was a period of low mood triggered by a bout of intense exercise. Resolved in a few days.

26/04/2021 - reduced by 10% to 7.4

24/05/2021 - reduced by 10% to 6.7 - weights are starting to become vague now as I am bead counting and have reached 20 beads. The next 10% drop will be 2 beads, but after that I will probably reduce by one bead at a time. I've had a prolonged period of symptoms in this period. Persistent lowered mood, mainly in the mornings (moderate only). Tiredness and some digestive tract issues. I am also losing weight quite quickly, which is something I've struggled to do whilst taking this drug (I will get this checked by a Dr - reluctantly though, as explaining what I think it is to one will be interesting!)

[Caspur]

To anyone who's suffered tinnitus as a withdrawal symptom, after some research I have decided to try acupuncture. I had my first session last week and a second one today. Most reports say that some benefit should be discernable after 3-4 sessions. I am hopeful as my tinnitus has definitely intensified in the last 2-3 months. It does not impact sleep, thankfully, but it is noticeable at most times. I have a high-pitched ringing in both ears. I am finding it quite distressing at times. I will provide further updates for info to other sufferers.

 

If anyone has any other suggestions for helping with tinnitus, I would be pleased to hear from you!

 

Thanks

Caspur

[Caspur]

1/9/2019 - first 10% reduction to 67.5mg. I've held for 28 days (the number of capsules in the box of meds). Apart from a mild headache for the first two days of this period, I've had no discernible withdrawal symptoms.

10/10/2019 - reduced dose by a further 10% to 60.75 - during this period I had 3 or 4 days of lowered mood and irritability, plus a definite cortisol bump on one morning only; all symptoms resolved.

8/11/2019 - reduced by a further 10% to 54mg - had some fatigue and gastro symptoms, but quite mild and have resolved. Sleep seems to be improving i.e. not waking up and not being able to get back to sleep, which has been an issue since stopping quetiapine in June/July.

16/12/2019 - reduced by 10% to 49.5mg. Symptoms very mild and hardly noticeable. Annoyingly hungry all the time and tinnitus is bothering me, but I don't think its got any worse. Sleep is relatively good. using Niacin and Mag glycinate before bed. I take more niacin if I wake in the night and cannot get back to sleep. it works really well. Had a bad chest and sinus infection so held a few longer from the previous drop.

6/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 44mg. Had no symptoms for 2 weeks so decided to go for it early on this one (22 day hold).

27/1/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 39.8mg. Very mild symptoms and not sure if they are symptoms at all - mild headache, tiredness. I do have an insatiable appetite which is really annoying as I find my self eating too much junk. Have gained some weight because of this. Going to get back into my running to get it under control. Up to now its been so wet and muddy where I run, I'd been giving it a miss.

28/2/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 35.8mg. Corona virus starting to have a real impact in the UK now. Its completely surreal. Withdrawal symptoms minor, headaches etc, all mild. Some broken sleep and waking up early in the morning. No noticeable cortisol spike though.

25/3/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 32.3mg some minor symptoms in the first few days, but otherwise all good

22/4/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 29 mg. Have 3 or 4 days with brain fog and inability to concentrate. Felt like a low blood sugar episode. Cleared up quite quickly. Still wake up in night, usually prompted by bladder, but cannot get back to sleep for 1-2 hours. Magnesium glycinate definitely helps

21/5/2020 - reduced by 10% to about 26.1 mg

14/6/2020 - reduced by 10% to 23.5mg - had about 4 days of feeling tense and low mood. This passed though (suspect vitamin D3 supplement intolerance - issue went away when I stopped the sup). Should be reducing again now (18/7) but work is super stressful atm so I am waiting a bit. Thinking I might try a 5% reduction as I really need to be up together.

25/07/2020 - reduced by 10% to 21.2mg - very few symptoms. Decided against 5% reduction as life/work has levelled out a bit.

25/08/2020 - reduced by 10% to 19.1 mg - again very few symptoms, apart from some minor gastrointestinal upset, and some low intensity headaches (used paracetamol).

25/9/2020 - reduced by 10% to 17.1 mg. Very few symptoms over the past month.

29/10/2020 - reduced by 10% to 15.4 mg delayed reduction for a few days due to infection and needing antibiotics.

22/11/2020- reduced by 10% to 13.9 mg last reduction was almost symptomless. I am doing well despite some minor work related stress (business reorganisation; people being made redundant; thankfully I am not impacted, but I really feel for those who are).

20/12/2020 - reduced by 10% to 12.5 mg. No discernable symptoms so far. Some mild dips in mood in mid Dec but only lasted a few days.

19/01/2021 - reduced by 10% to 11.3 mg - only symptoms experienced were what felt like two blood sugar dips in the first couple of days after the reduction. Otherwise, all OK

8/02/2021 - reduced by 10% to 10.1 mg accept I am taking a risk by reducing again more quickly than before, but I am experiencing so few symptoms I am trying to go a little faster.

01/03/2021 - reduced by 10% to 9.1 mg. the only symptoms I experienced this reduction were 2 days of headaches immediately after reducing. No other symptoms experienced.

29/03/2021 - reduced by 10% to 8.2 - a few symptoms this time but mild. Worst was a period of low mood triggered by a bout of intense exercise. Resolved in a few days.

26/04/2021 - reduced by 10% to 7.4

24/05/2021 - reduced by 10% to 6.7 - weights are starting to become vague now as I am bead counting and have reached 20 beads. The next 10% drop will be 2 beads, but after that I will probably reduce by one bead at a time. I've had a prolonged period of symptoms in this period. Persistent lowered mood, mainly in the mornings (moderate only). Tiredness and some digestive tract issues. I am also losing weight quite quickly, which is something I've struggled to do whilst taking this drug (I will get this checked by a Dr - reluctantly though, as explaining what I think it is to one will be interesting!)

29/06/2021 - reduced 10% - I am working with bead counts only now as I was down to 20. Therefore, a 10% reduction in 2 beads so, at 18 beads now. Future reductions will be single beads. Suffered a couple of days of low mood in morning after reduction, plus foggy head and headaches. Symptoms now gone.

[Caspur]

Hi All,

 

The last 5-6 weeks have been the most difficult of my taper. I have experienced waves of symptoms lasting 1-2 weeks. I am into the third wave now. One of the main triggers appears to be alcohol, which I seem to have become sensitised to (or it is aggravating the situation). I consume very little alcohol and can go weeks without it, but have an occasional social drink. I will not be having any again for a long while I think.

 

Symptoms include waking up feeling tense and with a sense of impending doom for no reason, which gradually subsides during the day. Nausea and gastro upset, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss (I've lost over half a stone; weight loss has been impossible up to now), tiredness and fatigue. For the first two waves, the symptoms just stopped after 1 or 2 weeks. I am still in the third.

 

I would say the symptoms are making life unpleasant and irritating, but I am still working and participating in other activities, so I should not complain too much.

Thanks

 

Caspur

[Caspur]

All,

The most recent wave came to an abrupt but welcome end yesterday (Monday 9th Aug). I woke up that morning without the cortisol surges and other symptoms and feeling 90% normal. I just feel quite fatigued now. Sunday in particular was bad, but I forced myself to go out having committed to a game of cricket. 6 hours in the fresh air was good.

I was thinking about triggers and remembered I'd also had two unavoidable courses of antibiotics a few weeks ago, which I am sure did not help. They were for an abscess in an awkward place! The first course failed and the second one worked. Both made me feel ****. I only took 5 days of a 7-day course of the second lot as they were so unpleasant. Thankfully, that was enough.

 

Anyway, onwards and fingers crossed for some stability.

Cheers

Capsur

[Caspur]

Hi All,

 

Advice please.

 

The waves I have been experiencing have continued. They seem to morph and change, but centre around elevated cortisol in the morning. Other symptoms include nausea, retching and gastro upset, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, headaches and generally feeling unwell. Tolerance to stress has reduced. I feel very jittery and on edge for a lot of the day.

 

The waves have also been different, alternating between what I have described above and just feeling very fatigued.

 

The symptoms are very diurnal. By the evening they will be gone, only to start again the next day.

 

I am considering going back to my previous stable dose, which was 20 beads (currently at 18) or approx 6 to 6.7 mg.

 

My last reduction was 29th June. I would appreciate input from Admins or mods and if you have seen others taking this approach with any degree of success.

 

Thanks very much

Caspur

[ChessieCat]

I'm assuming that you are talking about venlafaxine.

 

If you did decide to updose it would be better to only increase by 1 been, not 2.

 

However, there is a possibility that you might be experiencing interdose withdrawal.  If you notice a specific daily pattern when your symptoms are worse and then improve related to when you currently take your dose then thing might indicate interdose withdrawal.

 

When they design a drug most of them are created to cover a 24 hour period.  But once we do something to the original formulation then we might change that.  Also some people are fast metabolisers.  And also the lower doses might not cover the 24 hour period the same as the larger doses do.

 

If it was me, I would be dose splitting before updosing.  To do this you would move part of your dose by 1 hour each day.  Whilst doing this keep notes for yourself.  Generally 12 hours apart is the timing to aim for, however you need to keep an eye on how the timing affects your symptoms.  If you notice an improvement after a few days then you might want to stay at that timing for a few more days to see how things go.

 

There is no rule to follow for dose splitting.  You need to be observant and do things gradually.  Also, the aim is to get symptoms to a bearable level, not gone completely.  Sometimes looking for perfection can backfire.

 

And DO NOT make any other changes at the same time.

[Caspur]

Hi Chessie Cat,

 

Yes, venlafaxine extended release

 

Thanks for the advice.

 

I have thought about one point relating to what you have said - I am bead counting using the same formulation and manufacturer throughout (Dr helped here), but I am using saved beads. The expiry was March 2022, but I think I may get a new prescription as I am a bit worried about loss of potency due to repeated handling and storage.

 

The daily pattern is odd and not consistent, other than starting with the cortisol surge in the morning. Sometimes I can kill it off with exercise or a cold shower. Other times it continues until later afternoon. Also the appearance of this issue has been random. It comes and goes, lasting from 1-2 weeks, then stopping completely and abruptly for a few days.

 

I am going to try increasing by one bead first. If this does not work, I will try the dose splitting option. I hadn't thought of that, so thanks! I may well ask a Dr for liquid to do this, as it's easier and I can then measure much smaller doses than counting beads (I would have to split doses anyway to use the liquid venlafaxine).

 

 

[ChessieCat]

If you are going to change over to liquid SA suggests doing a cross over.

 

The usual suggestion is to do:  3/4 + 1/4, 1/2 + 1/2, 1/4 + 3/4 for 3-7 days or longer if needed.  This is much gentler on your system.

 

Because your current method is bead counting, it would be a good idea to take this into account and time your change over to liquid so that it is easier to get the bead doses you need.

 

And you do not make a dose change or make any other changes at the same time as the cross over.

 

I suggest that you also do some research about whether liquid/oral Effexor needs to be dosed once or twice daily.  There may be information in this topic:

 

tips-for-tapering-off-effexor-and-effexor-xr-venlafaxine

 

Also check the length of time that it can be kept after after opening.

[Caspur]

Thanks. I have used the venlafaxine liquid before. It does need to be taken twice a day, 12 hours apart.

 

Thanks for the other information too. I am being very careful about dose changes as I know the risks at this stage.

[Caspur]

Update: the last 2-3 days have been hard (since I up dosed by 1 bead). The general symptoms of nausea, diarrhoea, lack of appetite and feeling unwell have not really changed that much, but other symptoms have changed. Less headaches.

Ch is chromium, Mg Magnesium glycinate.

The worsening sleep really worries me. Hands & feet are quite sweaty and generally sweaty in bed

 

08-Sep	t	Woke at 3am - back to sleep til 6 Morning cortisol spike  - not as strong but still uncomfortable - 8am Mg, Ch, fish oil increased ven to 19 beads. 10am nasty doom laden feelings which lasted 30-40 mins 11am big lift and reduction in symptoms, almost a 'high' pm - moderate symptoms til late afternoon; nausea/stomach ache etc 4pm walked dog - symptoms subsided, and mild. Lack of appetite apparent.
09-Sep	t	Woke at 4am - minor spike, awake for hour then back to sleep til 6 More surges once awake 7am run - better afterwards; retching a bit on run 8am - ven, Mg, Ch fish oil 8.45 - retching; gradual feeling of doom over next 30-40 mins 9.10 - symptoms subsiding; mood lifting - can feel it happening,  quite disconcerting 10.30 - labile symptoms; feeling quite tense;  5/10 pm - symptoms come and go. Feeling mildly tense/agitated with tight chest. Evening: can feel mild surges as if body won't calm down
10-Sep	t	2am awake (bed at 9.45pm). May have dozed off a couple of times but poor sleep til 6am; frequent urination an issue Morning Cortisol Spike there but not as intense; feeling generally unwell; feeling of tension lower 8am - ven, Mg, Ch fish oil

[Caspur]

10-Sept feelings of tension have amplified this morning, although they keep coming and going.

 

I have a big weekend ahead of me. My eldest son is going to University. I'm very worried about my ability to drive the distance I have to take him. So scared of letting him and the family down!

 

Also worried about work as I am struggling to participate and concentrate. Going to have to speak with my employer about this. Hoping for some relief soon.

 

Also struggling to eat, especially during the day. Appetite is gone. Can only drink water and some fruit.

[Caspur]

On 9/8/2021 at 12:02 AM, ChessieCat said:

I'm assuming that you are talking about venlafaxine.

 

If you did decide to updose it would be better to only increase by 1 been, not 2.

 

However, there is a possibility that you might be experiencing interdose withdrawal.  If you notice a specific daily pattern when your symptoms are worse and then improve related to when you currently take your dose then thing might indicate interdose withdrawal.

 

When they design a drug most of them are created to cover a 24 hour period.  But once we do something to the original formulation then we might change that.  Also some people are fast metabolisers.  And also the lower doses might not cover the 24 hour period the same as the larger doses do.

 

If it was me, I would be dose splitting before updosing.  To do this you would move part of your dose by 1 hour each day.  Whilst doing this keep notes for yourself.  Generally 12 hours apart is the timing to aim for, however you need to keep an eye on how the timing affects your symptoms.  If you notice an improvement after a few days then you might want to stay at that timing for a few more days to see how things go.

 

There is no rule to follow for dose splitting.  You need to be observant and do things gradually.  Also, the aim is to get symptoms to a bearable level, not gone completely.  Sometimes looking for perfection can backfire.

 

And DO NOT make any other changes at the same time.

@ChessieCat I am beginning to think you are right about the inter-dose withdrawals theory. I will try to explain.

 

From Wed last week to Sunday, things got terrible. I had up dosed by 1 bead on Wed.  Sleep deteriorated (7-8 hours to 3-4 or fewer hours per night), neuro emotions and cortisol/adrenaline surges ramped up badly, too nauseated to eat etc. Horrible flu-like symptoms. It reminded me of a terrible episode I had 3.5 years ago. It was scary.

 

On Sunday I was driving my son to University - he's leaving home for the first time so it's all very emotional anyway, and I awoke feeling **** that day. I take my dose at 8 am (venlafaxine extended release). By 10 am on Sunday things started to improve dramatically. Emotions became more robust, nausea reduced considerably, other symptoms declined all over the next 2-3 hours. By later in the day I was 85% well, able to eat normally etc. It was almost a gift from the gods on that particular day!

 

Since then, sleep has improved again and symptoms are mild. I am diarising it very carefully, but again this morning I awoke with some symptoms (mild). Took my dose at 8am and by 10-10.30am symptoms have again declined. 

 

I have been having short waves of symptoms since the end of June, to varying degrees. They have lasted 5-7 days and then stopped suddenly, not unlike this more recent wave. Some centred around cortisol surges in the morning. Others just fatigue and lowered mood etc.

 

All this started when I went from 20 to 18 beads at the end of June.

 

It would seem quite plausible that, as you say, the lower dose does not last the whole 24 hours and therefore symptoms are worse in the morning and subside during the day. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Capsur

[Nomansland]

Hello @Caspur,

 

iam sorry that youre feeling rough in the last weeks.

 

I searched a bit for the half-life of different venlafaxine versions (https://www.drugs.com/ppa/venlafaxine.html)

 

"Half-Life Elimination

Venlafaxine: 5 ± 2 hours (immediate-release),

10.7 ± 3.2 hours (extended-release);

ODV: 11 ± 2 hours (immediate-release), 12.5 ± 3 hours (extended-release);

prolonged with cirrhosis (venlafaxine: ~30%, ODV: ~60%), renal impairment (venlafaxine: ~50%, ODV: ~40%), and during dialysis (venlafaxine: ~180%, ODV: ~142%)"

 

So in theory, even the extended release version has a quite short half-life. Also, given that the receptor occupancy curve falls of very quickly in lower doses, this could

result in a bigger drop of receptor occupancy in one half-life compared to higher doses (this would be true for all of the drugs).

 

For example, if a drug has a half-life of 24 hours, the blood concentration when you take 200 mg would be 100 mg when you take your next daily dose. If you take 10 mg then

it would be about 5 mg till the next dose. But the % drop in sert occupancy would be bigger from 10 mg to 5 mg than from 200 mg to 100 mg.

 

But of course its also true that for the most of us, symptoms are in general worse in the morning, even with drugs taken at night or drugs with quite long half-lifes.

 

Wish you a quick recovery!

 

Greetings

[Caspur]

Hi @Nomansland

Thanks and thanks for the info - very useful. I think I'm going to have to split the dose. What a pain. I need to remember two doses now!

 

Also thanks for promoting the withdrawal survey - I am on the research team!!

 

Thanks again

Caspur

[Caspur]

Hi,

So the dose splitting attempt was a disaster. I am kicking myself for attempting it so quickly after an up dose. It ruined all the gains I got from the up dose on the 8th Sept, which lasted for a 2-3 days (during this phase I had 80-90 remittance of symptoms).

 

I am back with lots of symptoms nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweaty hands and feet, insomnia, horrible feelings of tension and surges of adrenaline/cortisol sometimes lasting all day, flu-like symptoms. The insomnia is bad – bed at 10pm, then awake again at between 1 and 2am and no more sleep. Last night I was awake at midnight. I have used paracetamol which really helps with the symptoms and does make me drowsy, so I could go back to sleep until about 5 am.

 

All symptoms seem to stem from the adrenal/cortisol/adrenaline elements. As that subsides during the day, so do the other symptoms, but they all restart in the early hours of the morning ad seem to be causing the insomnia

 

On Saturday I did a second up dose of one bead which had an almost immediate benefit. 2 hours after taking it, symptoms started to subside. I slept well on Saturday night,  but the positive impact lasted only through Sat and half of Sunday (19/8). Last night was again bad, as is today.

 

I really need to get back to a position of stability, so I can consider what to do next. I also have to be a functioning husband, father and breadwinner.

 

It does seem that up dosing helps, so I may have to increase a little more, albeit in a very cautious manner.

 

Any advice please?!

 

Thanks

 

Caspur

[Caspur]

I should also have said, I am now at 20 beads.

 

Both up doses so far have been successful in alleviating symptoms, but the benefit just does not last very long.

 

There were immediate positive reactions to both, with the second one being much quicker than the first.

 

Both were an increase of one bead only.

[arbor]

Hi @Caspur How are things going for you?

All my best to you,

Arbor