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Snorky: Reinstatement of amitriptyline


Snorky

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7 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

We do not recommend "therapeutic" dosages. We want to reduce withdrawal symptoms, not clobber depression. Your nervous system might be sensitized by your drug misadventures and react badly to anything approaching a normal "therapeutic" dose. It's not likely your doctor will have any awareness of this or anything else related to withdrawal syndrome.

 

Perhaps your best bet would be to request 75mg Effexor XR in name-brand capsules, which contain tiny beads. You can titrate by opening the capsule and trying a few beads, which would be about 3mg. Or, if you can get regular Effexor, you can make a liquid from it to take a small amount.

Thanks. I also recall now that I could never tolerate extended release ven. Just didn’t agree with me. Another complication I guess.

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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  • Administrator
4 minutes ago, Snorky said:

I also recall now that I could never tolerate extended release ven. Just didn’t agree with me. Another complication I guess.

 

What were you taking from 2010-2018?

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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15 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

 

What were you taking from 2010-2018?

Just the standard release, not extended release ven 

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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  • Administrator

If I were you, I'd get standard-release venlafaxine and make your own liquid or get it compounded into a liquid, take 0.5mg to see if it helps. See Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

 

You may wish to take 0.5mg twice a day, 12 hours apart.  But see what 0.5mg does first. Please let us know how you're doing.

 

In general, it sounds like you have always been sensitive to "normal" dosages of antidepressants. Unfortunately, your doctor did not recognize this.

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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9 hours ago, Altostrata said:

If I were you, I'd get standard-release venlafaxine and make your own liquid or get it compounded into a liquid, take 0.5mg to see if it helps. See Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

 

You may wish to take 0.5mg twice a day, 12 hours apart.  But see what 0.5mg does first. Please let us know how you're doing.

 

In general, it sounds like you have always been sensitive to "normal" dosages of antidepressants. Unfortunately, your doctor did not recognize this.

Hi

 

My decision, but terrified that reinstatement of ven (a year after stopping) will unleash another neurological event that will make this one seem like a walk in the park.

 

Thanks

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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  • Administrator

Perhaps you want to wait it out, then.

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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What would you do?

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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Christmas Day with in laws. Thought it would alleviate symptoms somewhat, with more people around. Reverse is true. My mood, anger and confusion causing tension and arguments. Trying to watch Christmas TV, but no interest in anything. Is this anhedonia? V difficult to differentiate this from the black depressive feelings. Also permanent feeling of being on edge. What is this, and how long is it likely to go on before some respite.

 

Happy Christmas.

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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2 hours ago, Snorky said:

Christmas Day with in laws. Thought it would alleviate symptoms somewhat, with more people around. Reverse is true. My mood, anger and confusion causing tension and arguments. Trying to watch Christmas TV, but no interest in anything. Is this anhedonia? V difficult to differentiate this from the black depressive feelings. Also permanent feeling of being on edge. What is this, and how long is it likely to go on before some respite.

 

Happy Christmas.

Snorky, nobody knows the length of time. Sorry, but that's the difficult truth. Hopefully it will pass sooner, rather than later, and there are non - drug coping techniques. Deep breaths, excuse yourself and go for a walk, a cry, a scream into a pillow. 

 

However, the good news is that it WILL stabilise, and you will get windows of feeling better along the way, even if you haven't seen any yet. 

 

Sending good wishes to you. I know it's hellish at the moment. But it will change. 

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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24 minutes ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Snorky, nobody knows the length of time. Sorry, but that's the difficult truth. Hopefully it will pass sooner, rather than later, and there are non - drug coping techniques. Deep breaths, excuse yourself and go for a walk, a cry, a scream into a pillow. 

 

However, the good news is that it WILL stabilise, and you will get windows of feeling better along the way, even if you haven't seen any yet. 

 

Sending good wishes to you. I know it's hellish at the moment. But it will change. 

Hi 

 

Many thanks S. In laws always stressful time, but obviously exacerbated by my current symptoms.

 

Hope you are seeing some alleviation.

 

Thanks

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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15 minutes ago, Snorky said:

Hi 

 

Many thanks S. In laws always stressful time, but obviously exacerbated by my current symptoms.

 

Hope you are seeing some alleviation.

 

Thanks

I think it's mighty brave of you to be at inlaws for Xmas, especially in WD, I couldn't even manage family this year! 

 

Yes, I'm feeling OK, not good but not bad, kind of WD normal today. Which is definitely an improvement on the last two days. Thank you for your good wishes. 

We will get through Xmas and all of its hype. 

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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2 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

I think it's mighty brave of you to be at inlaws for Xmas, especially in WD, I couldn't even manage family this year! 

 

Yes, I'm feeling OK, not good but not bad, kind of WD normal today. Which is definitely an improvement on the last two days. Thank you for your good wishes. 

We will get through Xmas and all of its hype. 

Slightly easier as in laws with us. We don’t have best relationship, but I naively thought more people around would ease the helplessness, loneliness etc. Reality is feelings so embedded that destroying me while others able to relax and enjoy. Almost makes it million times worse.

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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  • Administrator

It's unlikely you will feel better in the midst of a stressful family situation. You'll have to keep as calm as possible and wait it out until you get home.

 

On 12/24/2019 at 11:55 AM, Snorky said:

What would you do?

 

Sorry, you need to make your own decision. I gave you my best guess.

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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27 minutes ago, Altostrata said:

It's unlikely you will feel better in the midst of a stressful family situation. You'll have to keep as calm as possible and wait it out until you get home.

 

 

Sorry, you need to make your own decision. I gave you my best guess.

Hi

 

I’m not sure the “family situation” has anything to do with it. Was already on a downward trajectory.

 

Mental

Depression 18

Anhedonia 18

Aphasia 18

Strain and confusion 18

 

Physical

Head tremors 18

 

No win situation. Same place-same memories = bleak house. Different people- intensified symptoms?

 

 

 

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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Hello Snorky! Thank for stopping by my thread and giving me the support! I am dropping by to give you support too! I am glad you had a few hours where you had some relief! ❤ I hope they keep coming!

Gemma92's signature(now Gem92) (added in by mod mmt 4/23/22)

90s and 2008:Prozac for a year

2016:ADHD drug for a few months CT 2017:Right thyroid removed. 

May-June 2018: Lexapro 10-20mg. July 4th 2018 Lex CT and took Penicillin, Z-pack.

August 2018: 3rd antibiotic and Effexor for 5 days CT. 

September 2018: Lexapro 5mg (CT after month) Ativan 1-.5mg(CT after 2 weeks) and Hydroxyine 50mg (2 weeks) SEVERE REACTIONS AND SEVERE WITHDRAWAL

October 2018: Ashwahganda 2 weeks, Probiotics 2 weeks. Mirt 15mg 6 days CT Oct- Nov 2018: gaba gummies, cbd oil, magnesium. December 2018: Mirt 7.5mg, 15mg, 30mg, Zyprexa 2.5mg, 5mg for 1 week back to 2.5mg. 4th antibiotic used. Hydroxyine. Jan 2019: Mirtazapine 26.5mg. Different brands used when hospitalized. Hydroxyine.

Feb 2019: Mirtazapine 22.5mg, 15mg. Zyprexa 2.5mg CT. Prozac 1 pill, Trazadone 4 pills, Hydroxyine few pills, INJECTED with steroids, antibiotics and pain killers for 2 days. Took high doses of benadryl a few times, few more pain killers

June 2019: Mirt 14.5mg-13.5mg Sept 2019: 13mg, 12mg, sep 25th 11 mg. 
4/22/22- 6.3mg (Tapering between 2 and 3% every 2 weeks). 11/27/2022- 5.4mg 
1/8/23- 5.25mg 1/30/23-5.2mg 2/22/23-5.15mg 3/10/23-5.1mg 4/4/23-5.05mg 4/16/23-5mg

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11 minutes ago, Gemma92 said:

Hello Snorky! Thank for stopping by my thread and giving me the support! I am dropping by to give you support too! I am glad you had a few hours where you had some relief! ❤ I hope they keep coming!

Many thanks

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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Hi again

 

Been reading the posts on emotional spirals. 

 

 

I see there is ref to a “doom cloud”, rather than fear. This is v much my black dog at the moment. However, I also see many refs to this phenomenon during “AD taper”.    Does this also apply to someone like me, bring on CT (three months) as opposed to tapering?

 

Thank you

 

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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  • Moderator

The "doom cloud" is one of those symptoms that can happen to anyone.  We've seen it with fast tapers, slow tapers, micro tapers, CTs and people who have been trying to stabilize for a long time. Very unpleasant to go through, but it does go away.  CBT and AAF can be helpful.

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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Hi @Snorky, just checking in to see how you're doing. Hope those small windows now begin to expand for you,

SSU. 

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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3 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Hi @Snorky, just checking in to see how you're doing. Hope those small windows now begin to expand for you,

SSU. 

Hi

 

These "waves" of depressive thoughts and the anhedonia are with me constantly now.  I think I tempted providence yesterday, as the black symptoms kicked in around lunchtime and still with me. I'm due to return to work on Monday (been off for six weeks), but need to see Doc as in no position to do so. Wilhave to weigh up carrying on CT v reinstatement of A or B

 

The other thing I wanted to explain was the apparent overlap between the physical and mental symptoms. I.e. One of my main physical symptoms is permanent pressure type sensations from knee to feet in both legs. Manifests as numbness, pins and needles and pressure feeling. I almost feel that this sensation is also affecting my head. Does that make sense?  In that case, it may be partly that, rather than what I'm interpreting as the depression and anhedonia?

 

Thanks

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

Link to comment
3 hours ago, brassmonkey said:

The "doom cloud" is one of those symptoms that can happen to anyone.  We've seen it with fast tapers, slow tapers, micro tapers, CTs and people who have been trying to stabilize for a long time. Very unpleasant to go through, but it does go away.  CBT and AAF can be helpful.

Hi

 

Many thanks for response. I know about CBT, but can you elaborate on AAF.

 

 

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

Link to comment
10 minutes ago, Snorky said:

Hi

 

Many thanks for response. I know about CBT, but can you elaborate on AAF.

 

 

Acknowledge, accept and float from C Weeks. I’m wondering  how effective that would be with the depression/anhedonia as opposed to anxiety?? (More chemical basis to the problem?)

 

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

Link to comment
28 minutes ago, Snorky said:

Acknowledge, accept and float from C Weeks. I’m wondering  how effective that would be with the depression/anhedonia as opposed to anxiety?? (More chemical basis to the problem?)

 

Yeah, I use it for depression. It's hard but it helps me to remember that the feeling will pass. 

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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2 hours ago, sunnysideup69 said:

Yeah, I use it for depression. It's hard but it helps me to remember that the feeling will pass. 

Hi

 

This symptom is now intensifying and embedding. Ie a few weeks ago I used to get stir crazy and lonely in the house I know . Had to get out, fake reasons to go to supermarket etc. I know it’s much worse now, as going out does nothing to relieve symptoms. Been out with family to safari park, and unbearable black feelings and sensations driving there and at the place itself. I’ve also noted it’s not just deriving no pleasure, but seeing and magnifying gloom in everything. 

 

Just worried this is permanent without meds.

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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@Snorky, really don't think it's permanent without meds. It's for sure a pain dealing with it, though.

I have episodes where certain symptoms seem to be worsening eg I had two or three weeks of panicky sensations getting worse a few weeks back. It will go away again, this is quite typical of WD, then you're clobbered with something else waxing and waning.

Hang on in there. 

 

January 2008 to April 2015 Citalopram 20mg to 5mg, reducing in 50 per cent leaps. Jumped off at 5mg

March 2016 used MDMA triggered setback

April 2016 Citalopram 10mg October 2016 cut to 5mg, May 2017 cut to 2.5mg

May 2018 used MDMA triggered setback

June 2018 Citalopram 2.5mg up to 10mg, then back to 5mg

July/ August 2018 7.5mg, then 10mg

June 2019 updosed to 20mg Citalopram

August 2019 cold switch to Venlafaxine 75mg XR

Supplements; 1100mg fish oil daily; also 100mg Magnesium Glycinate. Tried Vagifem 10mcg from mid May 2021 to mid June 2021; caused depression, so stopped.

 

 

 

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24 minutes ago, sunnysideup69 said:

@Snorky, really don't think it's permanent without meds. It's for sure a pain dealing with it, though.

I have episodes where certain symptoms seem to be worsening eg I had two or three weeks of panicky sensations getting worse a few weeks back. It will go away again, this is quite typical of WD, then you're clobbered with something else waxing and waning.

Hang on in there. 

 

Thanks. These are so bad I’d give a million dollars to have brain fog, brain zaps. Can’t be anything to compare with this. I’d also be grateful for mod comment re the overlap between nerve symptoms in legs and head. Think that’s a complication in my case.

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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  • Moderator

There is a lot of discussion about AAF throughout the site.  Best way would be to do a site search.

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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1 hour ago, brassmonkey said:

There is a lot of discussion about AAF throughout the site.  Best way would be to do a site search.

Thanks. Have done some research. Also posted reasons why I thought that and CBT would be less successful in dealing with these v powerful (almost constant) surges of depressive feelings and anhedonia. Would appreciate your views specifically on this.

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

Link to comment
1 hour ago, Snorky said:

Thanks. Have done some research. Also posted reasons why I thought that and CBT would be less successful in dealing with these v powerful (almost constant) surges of depressive feelings and anhedonia. Would appreciate your views specifically on this.

Sorry, what I mean is that AAF helps to alleviate anxiety. Not convinced it would help with these crucifying negative thoughts?

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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  • Moderator

Oh those pesky negative thoughts!! When they show up they demand so much attention, and that's the last thing you should give them. There is some discussion about handling them in the thread https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/13492-dealing-with-emotional-spirals/.  AAF and CBT are just a part of what is needed to be done to handle them.

 

Depression and Anhedonia are two of the most common ADWD symptoms.  It is true that AAF and CBT will not cure them, but they can help take the edge off and make the waves more manageable until things subside on their own.

 

20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013.

Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks.  The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better.

Final Dose 0.016mg.     Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017

 

"It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general."  Stephen Hawking

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8 hours ago, brassmonkey said:

Hi Snorky-- no apologies needed. I took a look.

 

I've got to say that going CT after thirty years of use is a really rough way to go, but it does get better and will eventually work out. One of our members just posted a success story about this. Coldturkeymama is doing very well after fighting her way through a CT. All the horrible symptoms that you are experiencing are not permanent, but will ebb and flow for a long time.  In time they will fade.

 

Those negative thoughts are a tough one to get control of.  Even with those and the other symptoms being chemically induced the CBT and AAF can help to take the edge off and gain some control over them.  Have you read my post on Dealing With Emotinal Spirals? Some of those techniques should help with the negative thoughts.

 

Brass

 

8 hours ago, brassmonkey said:

Oh those pesky negative thoughts!! When they show up they demand so much attention, and that's the last thing you should give them. There is some discussion about handling them in the thread https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/13492-dealing-with-emotional-spirals/.  AAF and CBT are just a part of what is needed to be done to handle them.

 

Depression and Anhedonia are two of the most common ADWD symptoms.  It is true that AAF and CBT will not cure them, but they can help take the edge off and make the waves more manageable until things subside on their own.

 

Thanks again B. Also thanks for your pm. I've responded, contrasting the difference between negative thoughts/ruminating and simply just describing these awful sensations in the brain I've been experiencing.  I'm not sure they're exactly the same thing?

 

 

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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Hi again

 

Quick query if I may. Have already said am now overwhelmed with constant depressive thoughts and anhedonia type symptoms. The one thing (thankfully) I don’t think I have is Akathisia. I certainly don’t have the constant restlessness and need to pace up and down. However, I do have a sort of mental feeling that forces me to turn the radio off quickly, not enjoy TV shows (more than not enjoy, just cause strain while watching)

 

I wondered:

 

a) if others experienced this?

b) whether more akin to anhedonia than Akathisia?

 

V distressing and getting worse, whatever it is.

 

Thanks 

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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Hi

 

Politely bumping this as getting more and more of the symptoms described in last post.

 

Thank you 

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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Happy new year. Wondering if anyone had an opportunity to consider my version of anhedonia?

 

Thanks

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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  • Mentor

Hi Snorky.  Yes, my anhedonia was closely associated with my OCD.  I could not enjoy even simple pleasures because of my oppressive thoughts.  Like many OCD sufferers, I also thought worrying about things would affect their outcomes, and denying pleasurable thoughts and activities would "help" with those outcomes. It was a terrible circular thought pattern I eventually managed as I recovered from withdrawal and practiced CBT .

Tim C

Started Paxil for GAD in 1999

Unsuccessful taper attempt in 2006

Paxilprogress helped with a successful taper completed in 2009

Using therapy and CBT to manage my anxiety

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1 minute ago, mstimc said:

Hi Snorky.  Yes, my anhedonia was closely associated with my OCD.  I could not enjoy even simple pleasures because of my oppressive thoughts.  Like many OCD sufferers, I also thought worrying about things would affect their outcomes, and denying pleasurable thoughts and activities would "help" with those outcomes. It was a terrible circular thought pattern I eventually managed as I recovered from withdrawal and practiced CBT .

Hi

 

Many thanks for your interest and response. It's a weird feeling, have it now, typing this. Like my brain is resisting any attempt to think or do anything positive . Tried to watch an old movie on YouTube last night. (Anthony Hopkins playing Hitler in "the Bunker"'). Thought it would distract me, but kept checking every five minutes how long was left. Guess that's a sort of restlessness reaction?

 

Thank you again

 

Cymbalta 2007

Lyrica 2010

Venlafaxine 2010-2018

Amitriptyline October 2018-2019. (25, 50, 75, 100, 75, 50, 25)

CT 10 Sept 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 5 mg 29 Oct 2019

Reinstate amitriptyline 2.5mg 19 Nov 2019

CT 24  Nov 2019

Vitamin D 16 Dec and Promethazine 25mg 16 Dec (one month only)

 

 

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