sunnysideup69: what can I do to stabilise on venlafaxine

[sunnysideup69]

21 minutes ago, Longroadhome said:

Can you not get liquid form ? 

 

Not as far as I'm aware. I think the bead method looks like the best bet for tapering. It's quite widely covered on here, so I'd have lots of back up advice to turn to.....

 

Just checked. It seems it does. However, liquids seem to often go out of stock/ production, so I'd rather switch to brand name and get acquainted with bead counting 😂

[Lynnardgirl]

56 minutes ago, sunnysideup69 said:

 

Thanks @Gridley  That's good news, will reassess how I am at the end of August. 

Thanks @Longroadhome, I think I'm kind of at this point. I'm not really getting any new symptoms at this point, just the same old and, as you say, differing intensity. E.g. this week for me is slightly less buoyant than last week. But as a 'wave', it is pretty mild. Mostly, I'm being hit with fatigue and anhedonia. Don't seem to be too anxious these days. Also grief, which is another thing.

 

One thing I'm gonna have to do is switch from Venlafaxine to Effexor, at some point. I want to be able to do bead reduction and Venlafaxine doesn't seem to come in 'bead' format.

I did the switch to beads but had to go back to Venlafaxine! I am cutting but next time I taper I will have to start using the scale 

[sunnysideup69]

7 minutes ago, Lynnardgirl said:

I did the switch to beads but had to go back to Venlafaxine! I am cutting but next time I taper I will have to start using the scale 

Why did you go back - if you don't mind saying? Also, are you on the instant release version? I'm on the extended release.

 

Have just read your signature and seen you're on instant release. Was wondering...cos I know you're having waves....have you thought about weighing your dose now, (rather than waiting until you next cut), to make sure you're getting a consistent dose? It might help calm things...

[Lynnardgirl]

34 minutes ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Why did you go back - if you don't mind saying? Also, are you on the instant release version? I'm on the extended release.

 

Have just read your signature and seen you're on instant release. Was wondering...cos I know you're having waves....have you thought about weighing your dose now, (rather than waiting until you next cut), to make sure you're getting a consistent dose? It might help calm things...

I went to a different doctor she wanted me to do the Instant release ! I went back to extended because that’s what I was on for so many years and didn’t want to mess up my CNS any more !

yes I should start weighing my dose just scared I will not do it right and really mess me up more 

[sunnysideup69]

12 hours ago, Lynnardgirl said:

 

yes I should start weighing my dose just scared I will not do it right and really mess me up more 

 

If you're scared about getting the calculation wrong/ reading the scale wrong, why not tag a moderator on here and ask for help? I'm sure they'd be happy to talk you through it and it might make your symptoms a bit more level.

[Lynnardgirl]

7 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

 

If you're scared about getting the calculation wrong/ reading the scale wrong, why not tag a moderator on here and ask for help? I'm sure they'd be happy to talk you through it and it might make your symptoms a bit more level.

Thank you ! Good ideA God bless you my friend 

[sunnysideup69]

15 hours ago, Lynnardgirl said:

Thank you ! Good ideA God bless you my friend 

 

You're most welcome, God bless you, too xxx

[sunnysideup69]

30th May 2020

 

Weekly check in.

So, the last week has been a bit more of WD normal/ wavey, but a very mild one compared to how I was experiencing waves before. I'm a bit preoccupied with symptoms, I notice, but still the effects are milder. Either that or I'm just accepting the waves/downers and handling them better.Mostly it has manifested as anhedonia, fatigue, apathy, lack of motivation. Feeling spaced out. Some weird, intrusive thoughts. I've been SO tired a lot of this week. This could also be lockdown and the fact that it has been half term in the UK. Although we're not in school at the moment, my body clock is kind of tied to the rhythm of school and school holidays.

 

Of course, also still processing bereavements. Also out of a rhythm/ routine at the moment.

 

None of my symptoms have been intense, however....oh, apart from the fatigue, that's been pretty knockout sometimes. Wednesday was one such day. Mostly though, I feel a bit blank as if some switch in  my head has been turned off, or a bit like a dimmer switch on a light having been turned down low and it gradually gets turned up during the day.

 

Generally, the lows don't last too long for me, usually about a week, maximum two weeks, before I pick up a bit and get some windows. Looking forward to those again ❤️  

[Longroadhome]

6 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

30th May 2020

 

Weekly check in.

So, the last week has been a bit more of WD normal/ wavey, but a very mild one compared to how I was experiencing waves before. I'm a bit preoccupied with symptoms, I notice, but still the effects are milder. Either that or I'm just accepting the waves/downers and handling them better.Mostly it has manifested as anhedonia, fatigue, apathy, lack of motivation. Feeling spaced out. Some weird, intrusive thoughts. I've been SO tired a lot of this week. This could also be lockdown and the fact that it has been half term in the UK. Although we're not in school at the moment, my body clock is kind of tied to the rhythm of school and school holidays.

 

Of course, also still processing bereavements. Also out of a rhythm/ routine at the moment.

 

None of my symptoms have been intense, however....oh, apart from the fatigue, that's been pretty knockout sometimes. Wednesday was one such day. Mostly though, I feel a bit blank as if some switch in  my head has been turned off, or a bit like a dimmer switch on a light having been turned down low and it gradually gets turned up during the day.

 

Generally, the lows don't last too long for me, usually about a week, maximum two weeks, before I pick up a bit and get some windows. Looking forward to those again ❤️  

Hi Sunny

regarding accepting the waves. I think that’s true about getting used to them and no longer reacting strongly anxiety wise  which makes them worse . 
True acceptance leads to a calmer CNS.?

I don’t  think the weathers helping with tiredness as lovely as it is the intense heat is very draining . 
I can’t sit out in it as my skin reacts badly to any form of heat at the moment. 

are  you returning to work after half term?

My nursery opens on Monday next week. Not many children returning At the moment parents are too scared.   I’ve managed to tske 5 staff out of furlough . Have to say they seem a bit reluctant after nearly three months off.. 

 

Have you decided what to do about tapering ? 
 

take care 

have a nice weekend 

LRH

[sunnysideup69]

Hello @Longroadhome  Nice of you to drop by.

I think you're right, acceptance of my current state is making me feel calmer.

 

I used to LOVE the hot weather, also find now that I can't tolerate sitting in it directly too much, maximum ten minutes. It can be very draining. I like to sit outside, in the shade, from there I can admire the sunshine!

 

Not returning to work yet, no. School is not reopening to more kids until 15th June. Key worker kids will go back next week, but there are already staff volunteering with them. 15th June year six will take turns to go back. 22nd June reception will join them....but each class is not in every day.  Those kids are covered, I think. I may not actually be in at all until September! Which is good, to be honest- feels like my nervous system is getting a chance to settle. Just have to make sure I have enough distractions to keep me busy.

I've decided to assess the tapering situation at the end of summer. Might try to do a switch to Effexor at that point.

Hope you're enjoying this glorious weekend  

[Longroadhome]

2 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Hello @Longroadhome  Nice of you to drop by.

I think you're right, acceptance of my current state is making me feel calmer.

 

I used to LOVE the hot weather, also find now that I can't tolerate sitting in it directly too much, maximum ten minutes. It can be very draining. I like to sit outside, in the shade, from there I can admire the sunshine!

 

Not returning to work yet, no. School is not reopening to more kids until 15th June. Key worker kids will go back next week, but there are already staff volunteering with them. 15th June year six will take turns to go back. 22nd June reception will join them....but each class is not in every day.  Those kids are covered, I think. I may not actually be in at all until September! Which is good, to be honest- feels like my nervous system is getting a chance to settle. Just have to make sure I have enough distractions to keep me busy.

I've decided to assess the tapering situation at the end of summer. Might try to do a switch to Effexor at that point.

Hope you're enjoying this glorious weekend  

It’s good that you may not be back At school until September. Stress on your system while going through WD really intensifies symptoms and I should think it’s going to be quite stressful keeping those children apart. 
 

why the switch to Effexor does it have a longer half life ? 

[sunnysideup69]

@Longroadhome, no, it's because I want to do the bead tapering method. Venlafaxine generic doesn't come in bead format, as far as I'm aware.

 

How are you coping with social distancing in a nursery ?? Even harder, I would imagine?? To the point of not actually being do-able...

 

 

[sunnysideup69]

Morning all 😊

@Gridley, not quite ready to taper as I'm going to give myself time to resettle back into the routine of work in September, as the kids gradually filter back into school. Gives me another three months to assess my stability. Might hopefully be able to start making some small cuts in the Autumn, fingers crossed.

 

But I wanted to ask this question now. I'm currently taking Venlafaxine 75 mg extended release, same brand every month, and it comes as a longish tablet. 

 

I've been reading people's Venlafaxine / Effexor tapers here and it seems the bead reduction method is the most common for tapering.

 

Venlafaxine doesn't seem to come in bead form, as far as I'm aware. There is a brand which has a capsule and a few tablets inside, but I think that would still be a bit of a tapering problem, as they are coated with the same material that creates delayed release as my current tablet.

 

There seems to be a liquid format of Venlafaxine, but I don't know if it's available in the UK and also, liquids often seem to go out of stock. And I can't make a liquid from an XR tablet?

 

I'd probably have to switch to Effexor brand name in order to get beaded capsules. And ask my pharmacist to keep me with the same brand. 

 

I can't see how I'd transition between my current tablet and brand name, as I can't do fractional amounts of my XR tablet. Would it have to be a straight switchover?

 

Anyway, just thinking ahead, really. Not urgent but getting myself acquainted with the process.

[Hanna72]

On 5/30/2020 at 5:38 AM, sunnysideup69 said:

None of my symptoms have been intense

Hey sunny, this is great🙂 You are so strong, with everything you have gone through. 
 

 

6 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Anyway, just thinking ahead, really. Not urgent but getting myself acquainted with the process.

This is exactly what I did too, when I was getting ready to taper. Thought ahead, to prepare myself in my mind, and with every step I made. 
Our thoughts are powerful, and they can benefit us so much, that’s what I am trying to learn in this process to use them as a build up instead of tearing down my spirit.

Enjoy your day🙏

 

[sunnysideup69]

Thanks @Hanna72, well, I maybe spoke a bit too soon.I'm quite agitated today, not really sure why, just WD I guess. This last week has been a bit more symptomatic, unfortunately, and I haven't really had my usual pattern of feeling a bit better as the day goes on. About 9 days of feeling a bit blah, plus, lockdown is a bit boring. When you're feeling good, it's blissful. But when your nervous system is wobbly....ugh.

I'm gonna read back through this thread today. Think I need to remind myself of the good things that have happened. Solitary confinement is getting to me a bit this week.

[Gridley]

@sunnysideup69

 

8 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Gives me another three months to assess my stability

Good idea.

 

8 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

seems the bead reduction method is the most common for tapering.

 

There are other methods as described in the link below, but bead-counting is definitely a common method.

 

8 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

And I can't make a liquid from an XR tablet?

No, you can't.

 

8 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

'd probably have to switch to Effexor brand name in order to get beaded capsules. And ask my pharmacist to keep me with the same brand. 

According to this excerpt from the link below, some generics come in capsules.  You'd have to see what's available locally.

 

Extended-release (XR) venlafaxine capsules: Open and count out beads
Some generic venlafaxine XR and brand-name Effexor XR are available in 37.5mg, 75mg, and 150mg capsules.

 

8 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Would it have to be a straight switchover?

 

I think it would.

 

Read through this link and look at the options as you prepare yourself.  You have plenty of time, and it's good you're doing this step-vy-step.

Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

[sunnysideup69]

Yes, thanks @Gridley, I'm in no rush, not after bereavement and the wobbliness of lockdown/ world situation. Thanks so much for all that information. Gonna give myself more time to resettle.

It's hard not to be impatient to get off this muck but I know that's gonna set me back, if I begin a taper before as steady as possible.

Thanks for the link, gonna check it out  

[Lynnardgirl]

On 5/28/2020 at 10:58 PM, sunnysideup69 said:

 

If you're scared about getting the calculation wrong/ reading the scale wrong, why not tag a moderator on here and ask for help? I'm sure they'd be happy to talk you through it and it might make your symptoms a bit more level.

I got my scales, crushed my tablets and weighing them! I think for me the tablets are best ! Easy to crush and weigh !Thanks to my husband for helping me 

 

[sunnysideup69]

That's great @Lynnardgirl! Also great to get husband involved and helping. I think our friends/family can feel a bit helpless seeing us go through this process, so a chance to practically help out is really good!

[Lynnardgirl]

Just now, sunnysideup69 said:

That's great @Lynnardgirl! Also great to get husband involved and helping. I think our friends/family can feel a bit helpless seeing us go through this process, so a chance to practically help out is 

[Lynnardgirl]

yes My husband has been very helpful ! 
Thanks for your support my friend 

[sunnysideup69]

19 minutes ago, Lynnardgirl said:

yes My husband has been very helpful ! 
Thanks for your support my friend 

You're welcome xxx

[Cigale]

Hello @sunnysideup69! Just want to send you a hug on this first day of June. Your patience and careful approach to the start of your taper are inspiring! Thank you!

[sunnysideup69]

Hey @Cigale, thanks so much. Yes, I'm a way off the taper yet, but want to start reading up. Happy June! Sending hugs to you, too  

[sunnysideup69]

Will do a proper check in with progress update tomorrow. Just waving hello.

 

Since Monday lunchtime, I've been in a window again, ❤️, feeling pretty normal ie forgotten about WD, just getting on with life, even thinking how nice it would be to book a holiday next year.

 

Not sure how to categorise last week. Was it WD normal or was it a milder wave? I feel like something has definitely shifted over the course of May. I know the lockdown has been crazy and at times has driven me mad, but it has also allowed me the time to heal and rest. 

 

Be back tomorrow; making the most of this stable few days to get some work done and have some fun.

[Hanna72]

10 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Since Monday lunchtime, I've been in a window again, ❤️, feeling pretty normal ie forgotten about WD, just getting on with life, even thinking how nice it would be to book a holiday next year.

This is great sunny, I am truly happy for you, and I am sure those windows will keep on coming for you🥰

 

[sunnysideup69]

1 hour ago, Hanna72 said:

This is great sunny, I am truly happy for you, and I am sure those windows will keep on coming for you🥰

 

Hey @Hanna72, thank you, how are you doing??

[Hanna72]

Hey sunny, I am not doing too good. I have extreme anxiety and I am always sad. I have so many emotions, and I can’t deal with all the cruelty that goes on in the world. How can I cope, should I stop listening to news and keep myself in a bubble from the world. I am so sensitive to the suffering off others😔 Sorry to bother you with this.

[Longroadhome]

13 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Will do a proper check in with progress update tomorrow. Just waving hello.

 

Since Monday lunchtime, I've been in a window again, ❤️, feeling pretty normal ie forgotten about WD, just getting on with life, even thinking how nice it would be to book a holiday next year.

 

Not sure how to categorise last week. Was it WD normal or was it a milder wave? I feel like something has definitely shifted over the course of May. I know the lockdown has been crazy and at times has driven me mad, but it has also allowed me the time to heal and rest. 

 

Be back tomorrow; making the most of this stable few days to get some work done and have some fun.

That sounds really promising Sunny.great!!

there must be something in the air because I have also had a better week. 
Onward and upward my friend I’m happy for you 😊

[sunnysideup69]

On 6/4/2020 at 6:32 PM, Hanna72 said:

Hey sunny, I am not doing too good. I have extreme anxiety and I am always sad. I have so many emotions, and I can’t deal with all the cruelty that goes on in the world. How can I cope, should I stop listening to news and keep myself in a bubble from the world. I am so sensitive to the suffering off others😔 Sorry to bother you with this.

 

Deep breaths @Hanna72, it will pass again. You're not bothering me at all. I have had to stop listening to the news at times. I'm not listening to the current news from the States or anything to do with Covid. It's a necessity at the moment, I find I get too easily wound up and involved. Sending you a big hug, remember, this too shall pass.

 

On 6/4/2020 at 7:24 PM, Longroadhome said:

That sounds really promising Sunny.great!!

there must be something in the air because I have also had a better week. 
Onward and upward my friend I’m happy for you 😊

 

Thanks @Longroadhome! It's good to feel okay again. Still quite fatigued, but mood is a lot better and not preoccupied with WD. Really glad for you, too, dear friend  

[sunnysideup69]

Good morning, weekly check in to note progress.

 

❤️❤️ Since Monday 1st June, am doing better again. I'm in a state that seems to be a bit of an improved WD normal, with several windows. 

 

The previous week seemed to be a wave, BUT it was a very mild wave compared to previous ones. I'm hoping the trend of mild waves continues as that feels very promising. Still lasted a few days, but the main symptom in a wave for me now seems to be anhedonia and fatigue rather than anxiety.

 

I've now had five straight days of waking up with no/ minimal anxiety, which is nothing short of miraculous as far as I'm concerned. Since Monday, I've been feeling pretty normal and have not really thought about WD at all, apart from to note that I'm feeling quite good!

 

What I'm still dealing with is skin issues (although r side of face is healing well), some disturbed sleep, fatigue, sometimes feeling a bit blank...but anhedonia is minimal this week. I just feel a bit vague every now and then. I don't feel ecstatic but I am having some genuine moments of happiness.

 

Another improvement this week; I found myself DAYDREAMING! About travelling! I only just realised that the 'daydreaming' function in my brain seems to have been switched off for me....catastrophising has been easy, imagining nice things has been switched off. I guess they use different parts of the brain. SO, am going to actively practise more daydreaming/ visualising good things.

 

Have a great weekend all, I'm going to try to have an internet free weekend and make the most of feeling a bit better whilst it's here.

[Cigale]

3 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

I've now had five straight days of waking up with no/ minimal anxiety, which is nothing short of miraculous as far as I'm concerned.

 

I sure hope you don't read this until some time next week. But this is wonderful, incredible news! You are healing!

[sunnysideup69]

Thank you @Cigale- gosh, I've had a few days away! 

[sunnysideup69]

A quick check in for the week just gone.

 

Not a bad week, but more WD normal than windows since last week. WD normal is tolerable. This week I've experienced slightly more anxiety which tapers off as the day progresses, but it hasn't stopped me doing anything. It was triggered by finding what looked like a 'black mole' on my skin on Sunday. For some reason, got really worried about it, unfortunately fell into a bit of catastrophising and wore myself out Had a virtual GP appointment on Monday, GP said not to worry it was just a mole. The 'mole' then dried up and fell off....turns out it was a blood blister. Oh dear.

 

Anyway, apart from feeling pretty exhausted from that and sleeping a lot, it has been an ok week. Hopefully some more windows coming. Focussing upon calming and soothing.

 

My WD normal is definitely more tolerable these days and when in a window, I feel totally normal.

[Erell]

On 6/12/2020 at 11:41 AM, sunnysideup69 said:

y WD normal is definitely more tolerable these days and when in a window, I feel totally normal.

 

Healing is coming...<3 

Edited June 14, 2020 by Erell

[sunnysideup69]

3 hours ago, Erell said:

 

Healing is coming...<3 

 

It is ❤️ xxx