JacSmith: What to do when it's too late to taper?

[JaqSmith]

Hi there, everyone!

 

I just joined today and have been a bit disheartened to find no advice for those who no longer have the option to taper. I was put on 225 mg Effexor for one month in October of 2016. After serotonin syndrome (which has similar effects to severe withdrawals) my doc had my taper over only 5 days. I was unaware that a new and more dangerous condition was replacing the old. I am still struggling with severe GI, psychological and nerve issues. GABApentin 300mg daily seems to bring the only relief.

 

At several months past the year mark I am terrified that this is my life now. Like many on this sight, it's hard to see a future worth living for.

 

Has anyone had success recovering from long-term damage?

[ChessieCat]

Hi JacSmith and welcome to SA,

 

We ask all members to create a drug signature which will show below every post you make.  Please use the following format:

 

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature - ALL drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly?

• Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses.
• A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs. 

• Any drugs prior to 24 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years.
• Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago)
• Spell out months, e.g. "October" or "Oct."; 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as Jan. 9, 2016 or Sept. 1, 2016.
• Link to Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

This is your own Intro topic where you can ask questions and journal your progress.  We encourage members to visit other members' topics so you can support each other.

[Gridley]

Hello, JacSmith, and welcome from me too.

 

I think you might find these long-term success stories encouraging:

Success stories - Surviving Antidepressants

[Thelongestroadhome]

Welcome Jaq!

In the success stories you will find many different testimonies of healing. I personally have my favourites, stories that give me hope. My favourite is probably Nadia’s. I like hers because she never stopped trying, was always working towards her healing. I think having hope is so important. Without hope we have nothing. Whatever fuels that hope then embrace it! Educate yourself as much as you can about the process, read the links here. There is a lot of good advise and it will help you. Stay connected both here and in real life with people who want to encourage you. I wish you all the best.