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DogLover: Effexor 12 months in


DogLover

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On 3/19/2019 at 6:09 PM, ChessieCat said:

It sounds like you have not been taught and learned ways to deal with regular life situations which we all have happen to us.

 

Probably not, can you steer me in any direction? CTB?

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 3/20/2019 at 6:55 AM, ChessieCat said:

It might be better to wait for at least a week before increasing again.  It takes about 4 days for a dose change to get to full level in the blood and a bit longer for it to register in the brain.

 

Try not to panic and end up taking too much.  If you take too much it might make things a lot worse.

 

It hasn't even been 4 days on the current dose.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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i know it hasn't been 4 days but yesterday was horrendous. i kept getting anxiety attacks, walked all day, couldn't settle down. i kept thinking about going to the hosp.

 

it is so hard. in desparation i took a .5 mg lorazepam around dinner which nearly knocked me out becausd i could finally relax.  i'm trying to let the anxiety wash over me and accept it, but sometimes i feel like i'm going to lose control.

 

 

 

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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I feel SOOO much better!!! I woke up today and my heart was not racing!

 

Over the last few days, I was in a panic and I spiked my Effexor dose by 3 extra bbs and increased my nightly dose from 11 to 12 bbs. I'm not sure what my actual operating dose is at this point, but I would settle for 15 bbs. Apparently, the increase worked to settle me down.


Yesterday I was a complete basket case as I couldn't stop pacing, bouncing, rocking, walking and fidgeting. My head was hot, my back felt like it was being electrocuted and my stomach was in a tight knot. Today I am stable.

 

 

 

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Doglover, 

 

I’m so glad you woke up feeling better. Yay! 

 

The pacing and electrocution feeling definitely sounds like akathisia. I’ve had that electrocution feeling too, it’s like you’ve put your finger in a power socket. I haven’t had it for a while now though. The last time I had it really badly was before I joined this site and tapered too quickly. 

 

Wishing you many more windows💚

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

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Thank you Carmie!!!

 

I was just reading your introduction page and wanted to say, "hey," but I didn't know what to say.

OMG Carmie it was horrible. I think I got ahead of myself in tapering, so I updosed.

 

Thank you for your kind heart and I hope you get some sleep.

 

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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  • Administrator
13 hours ago, DogLover said:

....

it is so hard. in desparation i took a .5 mg lorazepam around dinner which nearly knocked me out becausd i could finally relax.  i'm trying to let the anxiety wash over me and accept it, but sometimes i feel like i'm going to lose control.

 

3 hours ago, DogLover said:

I feel SOOO much better!!! I woke up today and my heart was not racing!

 

Over the last few days, I was in a panic and I spiked my Effexor dose by 3 extra bbs and increased my nightly dose from 11 to 12 bbs. I'm not sure what my actual operating dose is at this point, but I would settle for 15 bbs. Apparently, the increase worked to settle me down.


Yesterday I was a complete basket case as I couldn't stop pacing, bouncing, rocking, walking and fidgeting. My head was hot, my back felt like it was being electrocuted and my stomach was in a tight knot. Today I am stable.

 

I hope you feel as good tomorrow.

 

Exactly how much Effexor are you taking, and for how long? Please don't bounce around in dosages, take the same amount at the same time each day.

 

Please list all the drugs you've taken in the last 48 hours, with times and dosages.

 

From now on, please keep daily notes of times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms. You can post them in this topic with a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom, drug and dosage) on the right. Post your notes here in your Intro topic.

 

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus
2 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

From now on, please keep daily notes of times of day you take your drugs, their dosages, and your symptoms. You can post them in this topic with a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom, drug and dosage) on the right. Post your notes here in your Intro topic.

 

Example:

 

6 a.m. Woke with anxiety
8 a.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
10 a.m. Stomach is upset
10:30 a.m. Ate breakfast
11:35 a.m. Got a headache, lasted one hour
12:35 p.m. Ate lunch
4 p.m. Feel a bit better
5 p.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
6 p.m. Ate dinner
9:20 p.m. Headache
10:00 p.m. Took 50mg Seroquel
10:20 p.m. Feeling dizzy
10:30 p.m. Fell asleep
2:30 a.m. Woke, took 3mg Ambien (NOT "took 1/2 tablet Ambien")
2:45 a.m. Fell asleep
4:30 a.m. Woke but got back to sleep

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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currently, im at 15 bbs of effexor and a little bit of lorazepam i use sparingly.

 

im working on the exact log. i have almost three days of acurate info of what goes down my gullet. i here you about bouncing around doses. my plan is to hold steady at 15 bbs for at least four weeks.

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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honestly, when i first read about  the 10percent taper per month, i thought you guys were a little nutty. but now i'm a believer. i pray i dont return to the anxiety i felt yesterday.

 

 

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
9 hours ago, DogLover said:

Thank you Carmie!!!

 

I was just reading your introduction page and wanted to say, "hey," but I didn't know what to say.

OMG Carmie it was horrible. I think I got ahead of myself in tapering, so I updosed.

 

Thank you for your kind heart and I hope you get some sleep.

 

 

 

Hi DogLover, 

 

Yes, going through akathisia is definitely horrific, so it’s slow and steady does it when it comes to tapering. 

 

Feel free to come and say “hey” anytime, you don’t need to say anything profound. Feel free just to pop over to people’s threads just to say hi. I’m sure they would appreciate it. Only people that have gone through withdrawals really know what it’s like.

 

Take care, sending hugs🤗

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

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Here's my note book for 3/19, 3/20, 3/21

 

3-19        
05:00 AM  Woke in panic heart rate high          
                  .25 Lorazepam        
                   650 mg Inositol        
10:30 AM  Panic        
                 1300 mg Inositol        
                  500 mg Magnesium        
                   600 mg Calcium        
                    3 bbs Effexor spike        
11:00 AM  Called GP        
11:30     Calmed down some        
12:45 pm   .5 Lorazepam    1    0
01:00    200gm l-Theanine        
02:20    No help from Lorazepam    2    
2:50     1300mg Inositol
4:00      Less stress    
5:00     More stress, 1300mg Inositol        
6:00    Dinner: upset stomach
8:30    2 mile walk
           400mg Magnesium
            Anxiety(2/5)
9:00    Pacing
10:00    Anciety(1/5)
11:00    1300mg Inositol    
             13bbs Effexor
              Feeling Mellow            
11:45    Sleep
3:00AM    .25 Lorazepam

 

 

3-20
8:00    Anxiety(2/5)
9:30    Shower
10:00    250mg Magnesium
    650 Inositol
11:00    Dr visit: "try not to let things get to you."
12:00 pm   650 Inositol
1:00    Anxiety(1/5)
2:00    Feel like vomiting
3:00    Terror Spikes (3/5)
4:30    650mg Inositol, 400mg Magnesium
5:30    Relaxed
8:00    getting anxious
8:40    400mg Magnesium
            300mg Insoitol
9:30    .25 Lorazepam
10:00    Coconut oil tea
11:00    15 bbs Effexor
12:00    3mg Melatonin

 

3-21
6:00    Wake up Anxiety(1/5)
7:00    Feel stress coming
           400mg Mag. 1300mg Inositol
7:30    Ruminating about future
8:30    .25 Lorazepam
            Mindfulness Meditation
9:00    Drifted to sleep
10:00    Heart not pounding!
11:00    Anxiety:2/5, Yogurt
11:30    .15mg Lorazepam
             Bacon
11:45   200mg l-theanine
2:00pm    windows of good cheer
3:00    A(1/5)
           400mg Magnesium
            1300mg Inositol
4:00    Pretty Calm
9:30    400mg Magnesium
           1300 Inositol
             A(1/5)
10:30   Calm
11:00    15 BBS Effexor
              3mg Melatonine

 

 

 

Yesterday was the first sane day I had in a while!

Wondering what I should do with my Effexor dose? I would love any recommendations.

 

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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17 hours ago, Altostrata said:

 

I hope you feel as good tomorrow.

 


It's about 2:47pm and i'm not doing as good.

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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  • Administrator

Why are you taking inositol? What effect does it have on you?

 

Take 15 beads Effexor XR at the same time each day. It appears you take it at 11 p.m.  In the past, have you found Effexor makes you sleepy?

 

How are you sleeping?

 

It appears you take lorazepam on and off every day. How long have you been taking lorazepam at least once a day? @Shep

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Not sure when I stated taking Inositol (3,4 weeks?), but it seemed to have a calming affect on me. I was going to quit taking it, but then that would be another change.

 

I never noticed any immediate affect after taking Effexor, just took it at night because that's how I've always done it.

 

I fall asleep pretty easily, but for the last week, I've been waking up around 3am and again around 6am with anxiety.

 

I started taking Lorazepam just over the last week, before that it had been months if not year.  So far I've not gone over a full 1mg/day.

 

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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Sometimes I feel like I'm about to go crazy. It''s really bad. I'm trying to float with the anxiety, but it's so hard.

 

Any ideas Alto, what I should do?

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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  • Administrator

You have withdrawal syndrome, same as the thousands of other people here.

 

Please take the same amount of inositol on a regular schedule like everything else. We need to see those daily notes to determine if anything you're taking is causing symptoms.

 

You've been taking Effexor regularly for only a few days. It may take some time to take full effect. See

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

"Is it always going to be like this?"

 

Withdrawal dialogues & encouragement

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Neuro-emotions

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

Easing your way into meditation for a stressed-out nervous system

 

Music for self-care: calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

Ways to cope with daily anxiety

 

A lot of people find fish oil and magnesium supplements helpful, see

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/
 
Try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you.

 

Please let us know how you're doing.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I'm having a hard time of it.  I wish I could just chill.

So, as far as my game plan.  Should the cycle be updose, wait 5 days, then repeat until I level out?
My goal isn't to "feel good" but to be able to sleep and settle down.  I feel so worthless.

 

 

3AM wake, sleep
6   wake, .15 lorazepam
9   400mg Mag, 1300mg Inositol, Anxiety(2/5)
9   Long walk
.5 lorazepam
11  work
1pm Anxiety(2/5)
3   400mg Mag, 1300mg Inositol
4   Anxiety(2.5/5) up and down
5   20 min bike ride
7   20 min bike ride (return trip)
9   400 mag, 1300mg Inositol, Anxiety(1/5)
10  Calm
11  15bbs Effexor, 3mg melatonin
12:30 sleep

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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  • Moderator Emeritus
19 hours ago, Altostrata said:

It appears you take lorazepam on and off every day. How long have you been taking lorazepam at least once a day? @Shep

 

19 hours ago, DogLover said:

I started taking Lorazepam just over the last week, before that it had been months if not year.  So far I've not gone over a full 1mg/day.

 

 

On 3/11/2019 at 12:39 PM, DogLover said:

I've had to take a .25 dose of Lorazepam a few times to settle down.

 

On 3/22/2019 at 11:42 AM, DogLover said:

3-19        
05:00 AM  .25 Lorazepam        
12:45 pm   .5 Lorazepam    
3:00AM    .25 Lorazepam

 

3-20
9:30 PM  .25 Lorazepam

 

3-21
8:30 AM  .25 Lorazepam
11:30 AM    .15mg Lorazepam
  

 

DogLover, I've read over your thread and it looks like you started using periodic lorazepam again around March 11. Is this correct?

 

If so, you may be becoming dependent on it and / or are experiencing interdose and rebound anxiety from it. Dependency can form in 2 - 4 weeks time. 

 

Lorazepam has a half-life of 10 - 20 hours, so if you are a slow metabolizer, you would still have 25% of your last dose 40 hours later. You can see how this works using a half-life calculator.

 

Half-Life Calculator

 

This is how people develop dependency using periodic benzos.

 

Do you feel you are becoming dependent on them? 

 

 

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Hi Shep! Thanks for the post.

I can't say if I feel like I'm getting dependent on them.  All I know is that I'm bouncing off the walls and I think they calm me down. Sometimes I feel like the guy in the movies that goes hysterical creaming, "we're all gonna die!"  March 11 is about  when I started taking lorazepam.



Over the years I would sometimes get anxiety attacks that I would deal with by taking a course of Lorazepam. I would take as many as two or three a day if needed for a week, then the symptoms woulds subside, then I would taper down. I've done this as many as 10 times in 20 years. For whatever reason, I never got dependent to where I didn't quickly taper down. However, the reason i took them in the past was always situational: break-up, bills, etc. Nothing like ADWD.

 

Sometimes I think If I ran a course of lorazepam to settle down, my nervousness would pass and I could repeat. But, then if the stresser isn't removed (ADWD) I will not be able to taper down.

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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  • Administrator

It's hard to tell, but I believe I'm seeing rebound anxiety from lorazepam. This is how a benzo convinces you to take more of it -- the early stage of physiological dependency.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I'm doing breathing exercises by Wim Hof. I felt symptoms of an anxiety attack, but then my arms got all tingly . 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

Link to comment


5am Wake up Anxiety(1/5)

7  re-sleeping
9   400mg Mag, 1300 Inostitol, shower
10  .25 Lorazepam
11  work Anxiety(2/5)
1pm   Anxiety(1/5)
2   Anxiety Builing (2/5)
3   Pacing
4   400mg Mag, 1300 Inostitol, Anxiety passing (1/5)
5   Long walk 2mi
6   dinner
6:30 breathing exercises
7   Anxiety(1/5) calm

 

Could I be taking too much magnesium?

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

Link to comment

I finally calmed down enough to where I could look over my notes and see what has happened over the last year. I've tried to put together the most accurate timeline of what took place and put that information in my signature.

 

After going through the notes, I've been on 15bbs of Effexor since last Tuesday, March 19th. This Tuesday I would like to up my dose, but I'm uncertain of the amount.


My previous posts may contain conflicting dates, but sometimes I would write a post and not actually post it for a day or two.

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 3/23/2019 at 8:34 PM, DogLover said:

Could I be taking too much magnesium?

 

You took magnesium, inositol, and lorazepam within an hour of each other in the morning and reported upticks in anxiety.

 

You reported taking magnesium and inositol in the evening and reported the anxiety decreased.

 

I would suspect rebound symptoms from the lorazepam more than too much magnesium. 

 

There is a similar pattern in your previous drug and symptoms journals but your benzo dosing was more frequent, so it's harder to tell. 

 

Do you plan on continuing to take lorazepam? If you think you are dependent, it's best to take the same dose every day, divided throughout the day to keep from going into interdose withdrawal. And then you would taper off it once you're off the antidepressant. 

 

If you're not dependent on it, you can stop or do a rapid taper. 

 

12 hours ago, DogLover said:

After going through the notes, I've been on 15bbs of Effexor since last Tuesday, March 19th. This Tuesday I would like to up my dose, but I'm uncertain of the amount.

 

Another mod more familiar with Effexor will stop by with a recommendation. 

 

Please let us know your thoughts on the benzo, as you don't want to make a change to that and to the Effexor at the same time. 

 

 

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4 hours ago, Shep said:

Do you plan on continuing to take lorazepam? If you think you are dependent, it's best to take the same dose every day, divided throughout the day to keep from going into interdose withdrawal. And then you would taper off it once you're off the antidepressant. 

If you're not dependent on it, you can stop or do a rapid taper. 

 

 

Sunday I did not take any lorazepam and it went OK early in the day, but turned ugly. I don't know if I'm growing dependent, but looking at Sunday, I would have to wonder.


3-24
6am  woke, breathing and sleep
9    woke again
11   Anx(1/5) 400mg mag, 1300 inositol
12pm feeling better
1    Anx(2/5) walk, ate meat and banana
3    Anx(2/5)    
4    Calm reading SA
5    Anx(1/5)
6    Dinner: meat and veggies
9    walk 400mg mag, 1300 Inositol, 0.1mg lorazepam
10   Anx(3/5) long walk
11   Effexor 15bbs anx(2/5)
12   no sleep, read book
       

 

Tomorrow  will be one week at my current Effexor dose. I would like to updose a bunch.

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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  • Administrator

If the lorazepam is causing rebound anxiety, I don't see why you would want to increase Effexor. That's not going to cancel an adverse effect of lorazepam.

 

It appears to me that if you want to decrease those spells of anxiety, you'd need to stop taking lorazepam, or as  @Shep said, even out your lorazepam dose to control your dependency.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I'm feel like I'm spiraling out of control. I'm not getting better I'm getting worse.

 

I've been at 12-15bbs sense Feb and the symptoms are getting progressively worse and my lorazepam use has only been over the last three weeks.

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Up to you whether you want to ask questions here and then ignore replies from the staff. You can do whatever you want. Eventually, the staff will stop responding.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I don't mean to ignore the staff. I'm truly sorry. Perhaps I'm not explaining myself.

 

So, it is the staff's belief that my anxiety spikes are caused by my lorazepam use and I need to discontinue. I will quit taking lorazepam by taking trace amounts spaced throughout the day ( ~.1mg 3X ) for a few days until I am able to quit.

 

The reason I keep thinking about Effexor is that my downward spiral began prior to my lorazepam use. I started out the month of Feb in fairly good spirits. Bit by bit I became more withdrawn, not wanting to eat and far more anxious. Some time in mid March I turned to lorazepam for relief which made matters worse.   Given my Feb-March descent is it not reasonable to look at Effexor?

 

Please, Alto, I don't mean to disrespect and am truly sorry if I appeared to ignore your advice. 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

Link to comment
  • Administrator

We already discussed how lorazepam may be causing your symptoms. The more you take, the worse it gets. Benzos are funny that way.

 

Please discuss a lorazepam schedule with @Shep

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment
9 hours ago, Shep said:

If you're not dependent on it, you can stop or do a rapid taper. 

 

Another mod more familiar with Effexor will stop by with a recommendation.

 

I'm tapering down on lorazepam. Altostrata suggested I discuss my schedule with you. As of two days ago I was at ~1mg per day for a couple of weeks. I only had about ~0.1 mg yesterday and really paid for it.

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

Link to comment

heading advice as i understand it, i'm taking lorazepam chips 0.1mg (est) morning noon and night for a few days to taper.

 

somehow after a horrific week god gave me a window!

 

 

 

 

 

 

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus
14 hours ago, DogLover said:

 

I'm tapering down on lorazepam. Altostrata suggested I discuss my schedule with you. As of two days ago I was at ~1mg per day for a couple of weeks. I only had about ~0.1 mg yesterday and really paid for it.

 

8 hours ago, DogLover said:

heading advice as i understand it, i'm taking lorazepam chips 0.1mg (est) morning noon and night for a few days to taper.

 

somehow after a horrific week god gave me a window!

 

This sounds good, DL. I'm so glad to read you've decided to get off the benzo before dependency sets in.

 

You're going through the classic waves and windows. 

 

Please let us know how you're doing over the coming days. You may get hit by some more waves and windows before your nervous system settles down.

 

How is your sleep? 

 

 

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Thank you! 

 

Last night I slept pretty good.

20+ years EffexorXR 150mg. and Lorazepam PRN <- I rarely took this and never developed a problem.
2017 (nov-dec?) -> Feb 2018 fast taper - flipped out in Feb. Reinstated with 75mg-150mg (?not sure) stabilized
2018 Feb Began year long taper - somehow made it to 50pellets, did fine
          Sept -  17 bbs <-- where I started keeping track
           Oct - 16 bbs, Nov - 15 bbs, Dec - 14 bbs
2019 Jan - 13bbs, Feb - 12bbs, Feb Had problems - found SA
           March 19 - 15bbs,  April 17 - 20bbs  <--Updosing

 

Supplements: Multivitamin,  Fish Oil, B Complex, Magnesium, GABA,  L-Theanine, Inositol

Low sugar/carb diet, plenty of exercise. Meditation
Blood test Results: High in Copper, Low in Zinc, Very high whole blood hystamines

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Glad you had a good night’s sleep last night DogLover💚

Been on APs, benzos, ADs and opiates, for chronic pain. Had Akathisia in the past that made me suicidal. Still on Seroquel. 2019:➡️ March10=7.25mg ✔️ April17=7.0✔️ June5=6.75✔️ July14=6.50✔️ Aug28=6.25✔️ Oct10=6.20  ✔️ Oct21=6.0✔️ Dec16=5.80 ✔️ 2020➡️ Jan 21=5.60 ✔️ April2=5.40 ✔️ May29=5.20 ✔️ Aug14= 5.0 ✔️Sep29=4.80✔️2021➡️ Jan31=4.60 mg✔️ April24=4.40mg✔️Jul17=4.30mg ✔️ Aug 28=4.20 ✔️ Oct 11=4.15✔️Nov1=4.10 ✔️ Nov21= 4.05✔️ Dec13= 4mg ✔️2022 ➡️ Jan8=3.95✔️ Jan31=3.90✔️ March2=3.85 ✔️ April4=3.80 ✔️ June16=3.75✔️ July26=3.70✔️ Sep2=3.65✔️ Oct21=3.60 ✔️ Dec8=3.55✔️2023➡️ Jan 26=3.50✔️ March 17=3.45✔️ June12=3.40✔️ July30=3.35✔️ Sep14=3.30✔️ Oct31=3.25✔️This is NOT medical advice.Consult your doctor.

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