hardy86 Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 I was last settled 5 months ago. Someone suggested my nice friend named squirrellygirl on this forum maybe a micro cut on Mirtazapine 5% but I don't know really need someone to reply who can help me hope someone does soon. Well I hope you really don't suffer any more I hate people suffering and I pray for u all the way. Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. Link to comment
Mort81 Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Hey thanks Hardy im praying for you too. It will be over for both of us. I have no doubts about it. My only concern is when will it lift. At first I did work for the first 6 months of withdrawal. But I only made it 2-3 times a week and it was hell cause I was in so much distress. I hit a wall late last February from fatigue and pain and have been off work since last March.Its been a major stressor for me because other than the money I truly loved my job. The only reason I stuck it out that long was because of that reason. I questioned too if it was something other than WD but tests were all good. And reading the recovery stories some people are this bad in one way or another. I guess for us we have been temporarily compromised with fatigue. Coffee did work for me but it only lasted an hour and then I crashed. After about a year I started getting more neuro anxiety and akathisia so I had to cut it out. I drink decaf now when my gut is okay. Nothing has worked that I've tried. I can't exercise at the moment. Ive tried lightly with poor results. If you try supplements just go easy on lowest dose. Sometimes can be counter productive. I really believe its just gotta take its course for me. Squirrelgirl makes a good suggestion. Why not make the smallest cut possible. Even 1% if you have too? Maybe DM one of the mods? Since I never did a slow taper im curious what you should do if you have been holding for 5 months without stabilizing. Do you updose again? Or do you continue with a micro taper. Its confusion to me. Do you feel slightly better now at 5.5 or the same when u had that horrible reaction at 4.5? These symptoms are all related to each other. I have no doubt when your fatigue lifts others will improve. Its completely normal to be depressed or anxious when our bodies are going through such painful transformations. Its such a domino effect. My gut pain makes me anxious which causes me to feel down which saps my strength which causes agitation. Maybe not in that order but its a chain reaction. I think your depression is the same. Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant 30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently. using zantac as needed. Benzo is currently 0.10mg Link to comment
Lexy Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Hi all I've had fatigue and body pain since cutting effexor in half 3 and half years ago. After waiting 3 months trying to stabilize I started micro tapering. Since the 50% cut I've had wds depression comes and goes, but the fatigue has always stayed. No relief in three years. Mort81-can u describe the gut pain? Since almost three weeks I've been having a pain from chest to under ribs. Went to er and tests were normal except he said I have costochrondritis which is inflammation of chest wall lining. Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg. Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45 Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89 Link to comment
hardy86 Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Hi mort81 Yeah I think it's a good idea I should maybe confirm with one of the mod. Yeah very hard to day if I feel better upping the dose maybe almost the same 4.5 and 5.5. First it was lots of anxiety panicky and extreme depression, now it's extreme tiredness and bad depression with anxiety slight less anxiety. It's all crazy and hard to believe. I have to go oversees soon as my 2 baby due. So had this illness from the start of my first child he is now 2. You wouldn't believe how this all started I took 1 pill called salbuterol and it triggered anxiety and then all went to hell taking AD. I hope yr gut pain eases away forever soon. Hard to believe how this can all take so long to feel good 1 day but suffer in the mean time. Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. Link to comment
hardy86 Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Hi lexy 3 years is very hard for me to believe. Worried I will be like this. How do you manage? But you Said depression comes and go. So that's not constant depression which sounds like a relief on that side. So you are still in AD right? Yeah so I'm not sure if I have this bad fatigue like you do I cut or wait? So you sounded like you continued to cut micro even though tiredness still there I'm not sure if I should cut. But mort81 suggested I ask a mod what to do. Kind hearted AliG from this forum suggested I hold longer. Well I hope the pain eases for u and send my prays. Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. Link to comment
Lexy Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Hardy Did u post on your intro? You will get more advice on your thread from moderators. I'm on my phone can't see you sig line. Did you cut from 5.5mg to 4.5mg? If so thats almost 20% cut. Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg. Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45 Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89 Link to comment
hardy86 Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Hi lexy Yeah I posted on intro page. Yeah I did that exact cut 5.5 to 4.5 that's when it all went to disaster and has stayed like this for 5 months. And then new symptom came which is severe chronic fatigue lasting 3 months now. I'm also on roboxetine cut recently from 8mg to 6mg on 14/1 I know that's to much I should of known from my past mistake. Been advised to hold on dose 5.5mg mirt and roboxetine 6mg then continuing cutting roboxetine. I just have a very curious question what if I micro cut mirt a few times and the tiredness could possibly ease a little. Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. Link to comment
Lexy Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 I don't know about that. I've been micro cutting and fatigue has not let up. Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg. Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45 Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89 Link to comment
hardy86 Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 That really suxs why yr tiredness has not eased. Are you able to work, do any exercise, how does your day unfold with this. I really feel for you seriously no one deserves this. I read some stories sometimes it won't go away till you are completely of meds. I hope this is not us. My daily life is so so in line just to survive or I will be worst. Example need to have sleep through out the day, eat basmati rice lower gi as I have big sugar problems.....wake up same time everyday....and a lot more. Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. Link to comment
Lexy Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 I'm lucky my doctor believes in wds. He did say that the fatigue and body pains would be the last to go even after the tapering. I need to ore plan everything ahead, I can only do so much. Being around people my age is quite difficult because they want to be going out, I on the other hand feel like an 80 yr old. Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg. Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45 Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89 Link to comment
hardy86 Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Hi lexy Wow so he said last to go I'm a long long way before I'm of AD. I can't bare this pain awful. Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. Link to comment
Mort81 Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Hey Lexy my gut is super sensitive to touch. like my whole area underneath my ribs and and my intestinal area. It started back 2 or 3 weeks ago. It had been steadily improving for 9 months or so until my last wave. Its pretty uncomfortable. It was by far and away my worst WD symptom for the first 9 months of WD. I cant help but think its a wave and when it passes my gut will be even in better shape than my last windows. I definatly can tell when I get scared about the feeling it adds to the discomfort. It seems like its a stress response to the wave. Hey Hardy congrats on having your 2nd baby. I know what you mean about surviving. Thats all we have to do , is keep getting through the next day and eventually its really gonna let up . I think your fatigue could definatly let up even though you are still on it . everyone on here is so different and seem to follow different recovery processes. Its so weird to me this WD. Someone who takes a 6 week trial can suffer as much as someone who has been 10 different meds for 25 yrs. Salbuterol is for astma ? man none if these drugs are safe. I have a friend who took some piils his doctor said was safe for hair growth. It triggered major panic attacks . SO after you took the Salbuterol you doc put you on Antidpressants ? I think my personal advice about your tapering is I would make the smallest cuts possibe and if you got much worse Id probably go back up and wait. But if its slightly worse I might stick it out. Its a tough spot to be in , I know. I had the same dilemma but with Reinstating. At 7 months off AD I found the site and was told RI could make me worse or better. I couldnt take anything worse so I never tried to RI. I still struggle with this thought but always my fear of it getting worse put and end to my RI thoughts. SO I do understand your dilema . You want to speed up the healing process but you dont want to suffer more than you are now . Geese these meds suck!! Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant 30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently. using zantac as needed. Benzo is currently 0.10mg Link to comment
Mort81 Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Lexy how old are you ? I am pretty young aswell 34 . I also feel like im 80! Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant 30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently. using zantac as needed. Benzo is currently 0.10mg Link to comment
Mort81 Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Hardy I forgot to say that I have seen improvements. I have had days where I wake up and want to try to exercise . It hasnt happened often but it has happened . I think on this thread Ive reported much improved fatigued but than it comes back . I guess its similiar to the rest of my symptoms. Like I had anxiety for a few weeks off and on , terrible neuro anxiety and than it just leaves and stays away for months. For some reason the Fatigue has been around the most . I could only think that its the bodies mechanism of repairing. Its using all the energy to repair our other sub systems so the result is this weak feeling. Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant 30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently. using zantac as needed. Benzo is currently 0.10mg Link to comment
hardy86 Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Hi mort81 Well I'm so glad to hear your are improvig. And you make some very good points. Well hope you have a very good day. I'm waking up now and have to be spot in with my day so I can bare it all. Do you take any thing daily supplements? Coffee? Etc. Hardy Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. Link to comment
Mort81 Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 Hey Hardy Thanks, I don't take any supplements anymore . I do a Epson salt foot soak 2-4 times a week. Coffee I've had to kick for the time being until my stress tolerance back. I do have decaf a few times a week. Have a good weekend buddy Was on 30mg (Lexapro) for 7-8yrs20mg for 3 months (This was my choice my Doc wanted me to drop much faster)15 mg 2week10mg 2 weeks 5 mg 1 week0 since August 24th . PPI Dexlant 30 mg taper has begun. Cutting 20% currently. using zantac as needed. Benzo is currently 0.10mg Link to comment
hardy86 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Himort81 I hope you are feeling better today. Thanks for the reply. Take care and talk soon. Currently suffer extreme CFS, Lyme, adrenal fatigue, bad gut issues, reaction bad to mold basically etc home a lot. Can hardly walk all I get crash easily. I’m currently on mirtizapine 1.7mg and Reboxetine 0.4mg. I did a cut on reboxetine on the 19/4/20 around 11%. Also taking Ativan since January 2mg. Link to comment
reachingforthestars Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Mort, maybe you are suffering from PPi dexilant withdrawal also? Citalopram 40mg from 2003-2015 Jan 2015 started tapering first dropped to 35mg, Feb 30mg, March 25mg, April 20mg, May 17,5mg, June 15mg, July 12,5mg, Aug 12,5mg, Sep 0mg for 5 days because of stomac flu and after I raised to 7,5mg. All the symptoms of acute WD shaking, diarrhea, vomiting, barely could walk ect. Still didn't realize that it wasn't only stomac flu but I was also going through WD. Oct 2,5mg and crashed again badly and quickly raised to 4mg. It was then when I knew my symptoms were due to WD. Then in November after a month holding on 4mg raised to 5mg due to muscle weakness and had a VERY BAD reaction to reinstatement: akathisia(lasted for one or two weeks), insomnia, anhedonia... Drop quicly back to 4mg, Dec 3mg Jan 2016 2,6mg( in the middle of Jan after I had been on 2,6mg for a week I tried to updose to 2,8mg and immediately had bad reaction to it: akathisia for a day, andehonia got worse. The next day dropped back to 2,6mg), Feb 2,4mg( a new symptom PGAD lasted 24/7 for 2 months after that on and off), March 2,4mg, April 2,3mg, May 2,2mg, June 2,1mg, July 2,0mg( Pgad almost nonexisting, sleeping pretty good, still some anhedonia but there has been a lot of gradual progress), Aug 1,97mg-1,89mg, Sep 1,88mg-1,49mg, Oct 1,48mg- 1,70mg, Nov 0,65mg- current dose 0,5mg Link to comment
daddybuggaorange Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 To those who have said they can't exercise, what problems are you having? More fatigue? Coming off klonopin exercise was my best friend...it alleviated anxiety. Now post ssri it causes extreme fatigue and depression. Is this normal? Started klonopin 11/7/14 at 0.5 mg on K consistently until week prior to Christmas on/of Klonopin and 0.5 mg Xanax until 3rd week in February tried c/t 3rd week in february, crashed hard, ER several times 1 mg klonopin last week in February until 2nd week in March Quit Zoloft c/t 1st week of March 2015 & started Amitriptyline Quit amitriptyline 2nd week in March & started Cymbalta 0.5 mg cut of Klonopin 2nd week in March 0.5 to 0 mg Klonopin taper March to June 2 off Klonopin since June 2 Stopped cymbalta august 24, started zoloft august 24 Seroquel taper from 75 to 0 over 12 days, last dose September 4. Started Compazine Aug 12, 10 mg day Stopped compazine aug 17, bad withdrawl Started Remeron 3.75mg 10/12/15 Off Compazine 11/2/15 Off Zoloft 11/25/2015 Off Remeron 1/2/16 Brief encounter with Buspirone 1/13/16 - 1/18/16 2 tablets, bad reaction - severe depression Tried Colonidine 1/14/16-1/20/16 - severe depression Only Atenolol since 1/20/16 Reinstated Remeron 15mg 3/26/16 Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus KarenB Posted March 4, 2016 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted March 4, 2016 For me it makes all my symptoms worse, and exhausts me. I get headaches for a few days, more dizziness and ear-ringing etc. I have to keep all exercise to a very gentle level, and for shorter lengths of time. It's very normal. 2010 Fluoxetine 20mg. 2011 Escitalopram 20mg. 2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS. Effexor 150mg. 2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants. Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms). 8 month hold. 2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent). 2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well. Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea. 2023 December - Now on 5 micro-beads Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops. Symptoms begin to increase. 2024 April - Updosed to 6 microbeads - immediate increase in symptoms for 4 days. Decreased to 5 microbeads. 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.' Dr Gabor Mate. Link to comment
ryella Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 (edited) I’m so tired and I can barely hold my head up to write this. It’s so hard being strong and not wanting to relapse. I want to document this, but it hurts so much to even hold a pen or camera… I don’t know why. I am in so much emotional and physical pain (Can I call it that, I have no idea?) it’s so indescribable. I think the fatigue is the worst part. It’s the type that swallows you whole and eats your entire brain. My brain is in a perpetual fog, I can barely even think.. Time goes by way too quickly and too slowly all at once. I haven’t washed clothes, showered, or cleaned my house in days. I am so unmotivated and it feels like my entire body is on fire. I feel like I’m on the verge of throwing up or having terrible diarrhea at any moment.. I can barely eat without everything coming out. It is hard to find interest in anything. I become distracted so easily. I feel so restless, like there’s something I need to be doing desperately but I have no idea what that is. I can’t gather my thoughts to make coherent sentences. I have no idea if this is pain or numbness, or if I’m even in pain at all. All that remains of me is confusion and complete and utter despair. If you can even call it despair at this point, as I think it’s past that. My muscles are weak and numb. Every inch of me cracks when I stretch. I’m 25 years old. It shouldn’t be like this. My father will never understand my struggle. I think he just wants me on as many medications as possible to drug me into oblivion. He controls me emotionally, I think. I still have to work 5 days a week in order to pay my living expenses. My father has “cut me off” so to speak, but still feels like he can control me emotionally. I went down 3mg of Abilify and I have been on the reduced dosage for a month. The withdrawal has been very steady and it is wrecking its way through my life. I’m hurting so badly. I think the fatigue is the worst part. If I didn’t have to deal with this, maybe I could wake up a little. Make no mistake, Drug withdrawal is hell. Edited May 4, 2016 by KarenB merged similar threads Original Drug Dose Apr 2016: Adderall XR 30mg, 10mg Abilify, 100mg zoloft, over 700mg caffeine August 2016- 4mg Abilify, 100mg Zoloft, 5mg Ritalin Instant Release, 200-500 Caffeine Sept. 2016 - 2mg Abilify, 100mg Zoloft, 5mg Ritalin IR, ~400mg Caffeine Daily Oct. 2016 - 1.75mg Abilify, others remain the same. Nov 2016 - 1mg Abilify, others the same Link to comment
Lex2Nothing Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 Dear Ryella, I don't know what to say other than someone on the other side of the world has listened to what you wrote. The fatigue is the worst, For 10 years I've had this kinda jet lag experience, and that's on good days. But that grinding fatigue, you just want to go to sleep and wake up in the morning fresh and like .... I don't know just have normal tired. This is my first post to anyone on this site. You must be so tired of being tired. Hang in there mate. Your not alone. Thats why there is a site like this. Its great that you had that grit to reach out. Lex2Nothing. Link to comment
Junglechicken Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 Hi Ryella, Just wanted to say hello and welcome to SA, you've come to the right place and are not alone. One of the experienced staff or mods will be along to help you shortly. Hugs JC x Dose History: 19 Feb 2014 - Escitalopram 10mg daily June 2015 - Started taper, 5mg every other day July 2015 - 5mg every 2 days August 2015 - 5mg every 3 days September 2015 - 5mg every 4 days Sept 14th - Completed tapering, but at 7 weeks "drug free" I suffered serious WD symptoms as a consequence of "incorrect" tapering. Nov 25 2015 - Re-instated Cipralex @ 2.5mg daily. WD symptoms faded. Held at this dose and experienced "windows and waves". 12 Oct 2017 Reduced dose to 1.25mg. 13 Mar 2018 Reduced dose to 0.625mg (approx.). 16 April 2018 0mg. Windows and waves triggered by stress (IBS/reflux, headaches, sinus issues) Aug 2019 Mirena coil fitted 6 Jan 2020 MAJOR Wave hit 19 months following last dose (protracted WD). Symptoms listed below Mar 2020 Mirena coil removal. Therapy: Nov 15th 2016 Re-started therapy Jan 19th 2017 Started CBT Dec 2017 Started listening to Hypnotherapy CD (self-esteem). Nov 2019 Started couples therapy. Supplements: "Bioglan" Biotic Balance Ultimate Flora 10 billion CFU, live Bacteria, Probiotic, suitable for Vegetarians, with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Longum. "Pukka" Vitalise a unique blend of 30 energising botanicals. Diet: 16 April 2018 Detox cleanse / anti-candida for 90 days. Jan 2020 Started "small plate" diet (i.e child size portions). Exercise: Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Spinning, Elliptical/upper body workout, walking. Medical Test Results: 4 Jan 2017 Homeopathic Treatment starts 24 Feb 2017 Started weight loss program 24 Mar 2017 Naturopathic Treatment + anti-Candida diet started due to suspected Candida Related Complex (CRC). DETOXED for 7 weeks to "re-set" gut. April 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Comprehensive Stool Analysis NEGATIVE; Full Blood Count (Normal) / Blood Cholesterol: 5.6 (Borderline) / Blood Sugar (Normal) / 28 Jun 2017 FSH 8.2 / 14 Nov 2017 FSH 17.7 Dec 2017 Blood Cholesterol: 3.9 (Normal) / Kidney Function (Normal) / Blood Sugar (Normal). December 2017 "Genova Diagnostics" Food panel allergy (bloodwork) analysis - a few "VERY LOW/VL" allergens; Mar 2018 "Genova Diagnostics" SIBO urine analysis: High Level of Yeast/fungal markers found in small intestine but NO SIBO. April 2018 Thyroid (Normal) / Full Blood Count (Normal) / FSH (Normal). 16 April 2018 Started anti-Candida diet - 3 month protocol. 25 March 2020 All test results "Normal". CRP" 5 mg/L (normal range to 0-5 mg/L). Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, anxiety, anhedonia, sinus headaches right-side (severe), IBS issues/reflux (severe)**, tinnitus, fatigue, inner tremor, nausea, chills/hot flushes, pounding heart, muscular issues including stiff left hip flexor, intense anger, PSSD (ongoing). **Histhamine intolerance (suspected). Major Life Events: Re-located to UK from Canada: Jan 2016 My father died: 5:05pm, Monday 5 Feb 2018 Last Lexapro dose: 16 April 2018 (its now been over a year since I quit ADs) Moved house: Friday 23rd February 2018 "Divorced" toxic Mother: Monday 26 March 2018 Starting working again: 19 November 2018 Diagnosed with: 5th August 2021 PTSD/C-PTSD Diagnosed with: March 2022 Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome Link to comment
ryella Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 Dear Ryella, I don't know what to say other than someone on the other side of the world has listened to what you wrote. The fatigue is the worst, For 10 years I've had this kinda jet lag experience, and that's on good days. But that grinding fatigue, you just want to go to sleep and wake up in the morning fresh and like .... I don't know just have normal tired. This is my first post to anyone on this site. You must be so tired of being tired. Hang in there mate. Your not alone. Thats why there is a site like this. Its great that you had that grit to reach out. Lex2Nothing. Thank you so much for your kind remark. I would love to wake up feeling "normally tired" and not just like I want to pass out and die 24/7. Thank you so much. I know I'm not alone, and you're not either Original Drug Dose Apr 2016: Adderall XR 30mg, 10mg Abilify, 100mg zoloft, over 700mg caffeine August 2016- 4mg Abilify, 100mg Zoloft, 5mg Ritalin Instant Release, 200-500 Caffeine Sept. 2016 - 2mg Abilify, 100mg Zoloft, 5mg Ritalin IR, ~400mg Caffeine Daily Oct. 2016 - 1.75mg Abilify, others remain the same. Nov 2016 - 1mg Abilify, others the same Link to comment
CallaLily Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 ryella Big hugs, Ryella! I'm only a "baby" when it comes to my tapering/withdrawal story and so, I'm not able to fully identify with how you feel but I can definitely send you a big hug and healing vibes. No parent owns their child/ren! Not a single one. No matter how much they bribe you emotionally/financially, you are NOT owned by this person. I've cut all ties with my family because of one parent (a very detailed and sorry tale - I won't bore you with it haha) but rest assured, it takes time unravel the tentacle ties of putrid family members. Just know you are NOT alone in this... And one day, you will look back on this time and be grateful you clung onto hope for dear life. You can do this... PS - housework sucks. Don't even WORRY about it. Have a bath if you feel like it or... just wash your face and your hands... don't push yourself too much and know we're all here if you need us... *HUGE HUGS* Off Lithium (1000mg) since December 2016 Off Lamictal (50mg)since June 2016 Off Abilify (5/10mg) since 2015 It's diagnonsense! So, I threw it to the wind and kept walking... And I will never go back. Link to comment
redangel Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 I am 1yr 3mths off paxil and the fatigue and anger is overwhelming. I hate both and I don't see where anyone here has a cure or even what will help. The physical pain which the docs say is fibromyalgia just doesn't take a break. I know I cannot stay like this, it is to horrible Started on ad's in the mid 90's. Amitriptyline , prozac , Wellbutrin, 'zoloft, effexor, trazodone, remeron, Paxil, cymbalta xanax, buspar, lyrica, gabapentin, sam e, 5htp, L tryptophan, There were other ad's but I cant remember them all. Ambien, lunesta, cyclobenzaprine, levothyroxine Last ad was Paxil, 60 mg. I did a 6mt tapor, Only meds at this time is the levothyroxine, fish oil, folic acid, and unisom Link to comment
redangel Posted July 12, 2016 Share Posted July 12, 2016 Excersize makes me worse also. Ive tried at a gym for a few months and always was so exhausted from even just the treadmill. The pain would also be worse Started on ad's in the mid 90's. Amitriptyline , prozac , Wellbutrin, 'zoloft, effexor, trazodone, remeron, Paxil, cymbalta xanax, buspar, lyrica, gabapentin, sam e, 5htp, L tryptophan, There were other ad's but I cant remember them all. Ambien, lunesta, cyclobenzaprine, levothyroxine Last ad was Paxil, 60 mg. I did a 6mt tapor, Only meds at this time is the levothyroxine, fish oil, folic acid, and unisom Link to comment
BobtheBoulder Posted October 19, 2016 Share Posted October 19, 2016 Hi all I'm midway through my tapering regime off Pristiq and I have never felt so fatigued in my life! (with the possible exception of the first trimester of my pregnancy). I've had a sleep study - all good, no apnea. I'm currently seeing an Endocrinologist because my free cortisol levels are low .This means I've also had electrolytes tested - all good. The cortisol issue is a weird one because my free cortisol is low but my bound cortisol is normal. Now having more tests do determine if it's a CBG deficiency - if anyone knows anything about that, I'd be happy to hear from you. I've been thinking this fatigue is related to the hormonal stuff but after reading all of this thread, I think it must be the WD. My day went like this: Full 8 hours uninterrupted sleep. Up at 6.30, drop kid at school by 8am. Back at home and on the couch by 8.30am. I'm supposed to be writing an assignment but I have no energy and no ability to concentrate on it. By midday, I am asleep (again) and sleep for 2 hours until it's time to pick up the kid at 3pm. Home by 3.30, back on the couch, still can't focus on the assignment. Instead of eat, sleep, rave, repeat - it's more like sleep, sleep, sleep, repeat! It's driving me crazy - I have no motivation for anything yet my mood is pretty stable and positive. I WANT to do some exercise but it's just not going to happen. I WANT to work on my study but I find it so hard. I WANT to do other things to improve my life but...I feel like I can only exist at the moment. And I still have three months of WD (at least) left. When will it end????? 2012 - Started on 50mg Pristiq 2013 - Increased to 100mg Pristiq in 2012 under Drs orders 2013 - 2016 Decreased to 50mg Prisiq and increased to 100mg Pristiq as I felt was required. No major withdrawal symptoms noticed. August 24th 2016 Started tapering from 50mg Pristiq last week, started 3 day washout as doctor wanted me to change to Prozac Horrible withdrawals from Day 2 - night sweats, nightmares, foggy head, headaches, brain zaps August 26th 2016 Decided to start tapering of AD altogether instead of switching to Prozac. Got 25mg of Pristiq compounded. Some withdrawals the first three days but has stabilised as of day 4. Plan is to taper by 5mg per month if tolerated. If not, will revert to 10% per month formula. September 24th 2016 - Next taper, down 5mg to 20mg for a month. Pattern seems to be ok on first day of taper, totally rubbish (exhausted, brain zaps, visual processing changes) the next day, a bit rubbish day 3 and then stabilise. Will watch for this pattern in the next taper. Some night sweats two weeks in. Next taper in two weeks. October 21st, 2016 - Horrendous fatigue for the last two weeks. Debilitating up to the point of sleeping every day and being physically unable to get out of bed. Pretty concerned about next taper beginning this weekend due to this fatigue. October 24th 2016 - Started next taper, down 5mg to 15mg for a month. First day good, second day better than previous month. November 27th 2016 - Decided to go cold turkey to 0mg in an effort to be well before the start of uni in Jan 2017. Have been struggling with fatigue, sensory changes (auras etc.) hair-trigger neuro-emotions and general feelings of unwellness. I would not recommend this course of action. Link to comment
RachelE Posted October 28, 2016 Share Posted October 28, 2016 Man, am I exhausted! Been sleeping 10-12 hours a day no matter what. Of course my family accuses me of laziness. Not sure how to go on like this. Any ideas? Either on ways to need less sleep or somehow get everything done that needs doing in 12 hours. I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count. Right now, however I have been taking: Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks. Abilify 20 mg: I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.! Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics. I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better. October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg. Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg. Link to comment
peng Posted October 29, 2016 Share Posted October 29, 2016 You are not alone, I could not get up until one and a half hours later than planned today. I am still fatigued. Yesterday I did 8 minutes on the rowing machine and it has obviously taxed my system As I wrote on my introductory post, I went to the doc with this problem, had blood tests, and one showed a folic acid deficiency. I have been considerably better on the prescribed folic acid and other stuff I take, but Effexor is a beast. I tapered down to 150mm XL 2 days ago. We've just got to hang in there, chum - Best wishes! Born 1945. 1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine. 2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor. 13Jul - 212.5mg; 6Aug - 200.0mg; 24Aug - 187.5mg; 13Sep - 175.0mg; 3Oct - 162.5mg; 26Oct - 150mg 2017 9Jan - 150.00mg; 23Mar - 137.50mg; 24Apr - 125.00mg; 31May - 112.50mg holding; 3Sep - 100.00mg; 20Sep - 93.75mg; 20Oct - 87.5mg; 12Nov - 81.25mg; 13 Dec - 75.00mg 2018 18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg. 2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside. 7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result. Supps/Vits Omega 3; Chelated Magnesium; Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. Link to comment
AliG Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 Fatigue has always been one of my major symptoms both on and during withdrawal off the drugs. Even as most of my other symptoms were dropping off the relentless fatigue continued. I had severe insomnia in withdrawal but although sleep eventually returned the fatigue remained. What started to turn this around for me was juicing, mainly vegetables. I know it sounds simplistic but it was effective. An infusion of nutrients /enzymes via juicing helped to and is continuing to bring my energy back and lessen fatigue. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
peng Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 I am having juice every day with spinach (folic acid source) included in it. Have dropped 5mg Folic tablets after discussion with Dr yesterday. Will see how it goes. Not bad today. Born 1945. 1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine. 2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor. 13Jul - 212.5mg; 6Aug - 200.0mg; 24Aug - 187.5mg; 13Sep - 175.0mg; 3Oct - 162.5mg; 26Oct - 150mg 2017 9Jan - 150.00mg; 23Mar - 137.50mg; 24Apr - 125.00mg; 31May - 112.50mg holding; 3Sep - 100.00mg; 20Sep - 93.75mg; 20Oct - 87.5mg; 12Nov - 81.25mg; 13 Dec - 75.00mg 2018 18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg. 2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside. 7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result. Supps/Vits Omega 3; Chelated Magnesium; Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. Link to comment
AliG Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 I hope you have some success . I have found it helpful to drop most supplements and get the full complement of vitamins/ minerals & enzymes naturally . Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
peng Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 Thank you. Yes, one reads that is the best source. Trouble was, like me many of my generation (71) have been on what seemed at first to be benign acid-reducing drugs. These are recently known to be the cause of malabsorption of things like B vitamins from your food via the stomach, and so it would appear to have been the case for myself. Born 1945. 1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine. 2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor. 13Jul - 212.5mg; 6Aug - 200.0mg; 24Aug - 187.5mg; 13Sep - 175.0mg; 3Oct - 162.5mg; 26Oct - 150mg 2017 9Jan - 150.00mg; 23Mar - 137.50mg; 24Apr - 125.00mg; 31May - 112.50mg holding; 3Sep - 100.00mg; 20Sep - 93.75mg; 20Oct - 87.5mg; 12Nov - 81.25mg; 13 Dec - 75.00mg 2018 18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg. 2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside. 7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result. Supps/Vits Omega 3; Chelated Magnesium; Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. Link to comment
AliG Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 Yes, as we are now finding out there are no benign drugs. They all have considerable side effects and are ultimately dangerous particularly when taken on a long term basis. Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
peng Posted December 13, 2016 Share Posted December 13, 2016 God, so fatigued this morning. Just read a blog, though, after googling. I was thinking of making an appointment with doctor after several months, but have decided to hang in and give things some time. " In other cases, people notice that when they pursue antidepressant withdrawal, one of the symptoms is fatigue. In many cases, the withdrawal is so prolonged, lasting for months (as opposed to “days” like most doctors suggest), that people believe they have developed “chronic fatigue syndrome.” Based on the relatively vague diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, a doctor may end up throwing another medication onto your existing cocktail – which may end up impeding the recovery of your natural, homeostatic energy levels over the long-term." http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/02/13/can-antidepressants-cause-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/ Apart to reference to "chemical imbalance" theory, I found a lot of stuff in here that seemed reasonable. Born 1945. 1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine. 2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor. 13Jul - 212.5mg; 6Aug - 200.0mg; 24Aug - 187.5mg; 13Sep - 175.0mg; 3Oct - 162.5mg; 26Oct - 150mg 2017 9Jan - 150.00mg; 23Mar - 137.50mg; 24Apr - 125.00mg; 31May - 112.50mg holding; 3Sep - 100.00mg; 20Sep - 93.75mg; 20Oct - 87.5mg; 12Nov - 81.25mg; 13 Dec - 75.00mg 2018 18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg. 2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside. 7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result. Supps/Vits Omega 3; Chelated Magnesium; Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. Link to comment
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