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Rozon1: Effexor withdrawals


Rozon1

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Hey @Colonial was thinking about you on my drive back home from hanging out with my girl. You stay safe out there. 

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

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Thanks Buddy, You too...

 

 Starting ds 2 (12.5 CR'S) = 25 MG PAXIL CR 1/21/15: 1 Pill + 10mg liquid (2 weeks) 2/4: 1 Pill + 9mg Lq (3 weeks) 2/25: 1 Pill + 8 mg lq (1 week) 3/4: 1 Pill + 6 mg lq (2 weeks) 3/18/15 1 Pill + 4 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/1/15 1 Pill + 3 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/14/15 1 Pill + 2 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/29/15 1Pill + 1 mg lq (16 days) 5/15/15 1 12.5 mg Pill ONLY (9 days) 5/24/15 12 mgs liquid (8 days) 6/1/15 11mg lq (12 days) 6/13/15 10 mg.  12/3/15 Drop from 8mg to 7.6 (24 days to) 12/27/15 7.2mgs 8/4/16 6.8mgs,  11/1/16 6.4mgs, 2/5/17 6 mgs  4/3/17 5.6mgs, 4/24/17 5.2mg, 6/13/17 4.8mgs, 9/20/17 4.4mgS, 11/23/17 4 mgs, 1/1/18 3.6 mgs, 2/15/18 3.2 mgs. 4/13/18 2.8mgs, 5/11/18 2.4mgs, 6/10/18 2.0 mgs, 8/4/18 1.6mgs,  9/27/18 1.2mgs, 12/24/18 0.8mg, 3/24/19 0.64 mg,(syringe change issue date?) 4/22/19 0.60 mg, 5/24/19 0.60 mg, 7/7/19 0.52 mgs, 8/4/19 0.44mgs, 11/4/19 0.36mgs, 2/1/20 0.28mgs, 3/1/20 0.24mgs (crash April 6) Compound started 6/28/21: 0.24mgs, 8/29/21: 0.22mgs, 10/31/21: 0.20mgs, 1/03/22: 0.18mgs, 3/5/22: 0.16mgs, 5/5/22: 0.14mgs.

 

Original Wellbutrin Dose: 6 months from 9/14 to 3/2015, 300 XL 3/15/15: Half to 150 XL ( severe symptoms started on day 12) 4/16/15: 125mg   for 20 days to: 5/6/15:   100mg  for  15 days to: 5/21/15    75mg  for  10 days to: 6/1/15:  56.25mg      13 days to: 6/13/15: 37.25mg    7 days to: 6/20/15  28.12mg   14 days to: 7/4/15  18.75mg, 7 days to: 7/11/15; RAISE BACK TO: 28.12 to 8/14/15: 18.75mg  20 days to :9/3/15 : 12.5mg, 8/4/16 9mg 1/9/17: 8.5mg 2/8/17 8mg, 3/9/17: 7.6  4/9/17  7.2  5/27/17 6.4 6/24/17 5.8, 8/1/17 5.0, 8/29/17 4.2mgs, 10/2/17 3.5mgs, 12/28/17 2.5mgs, 2/27/18 1.7mgs,  4/19/18 0.8 mgs, LAST DOSE: 6/11/18:  3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS, 27 DAYS...

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I’m doing okay here in Oklahoma @Colonial. we’re no where near as bad as the upper east coast. Not yet atleast. I truly think it’ll get better here in a week or two. Could be wrong obviously. 
 

im just posting an update. Today is the best I’ve felt since the beginning of this WD hell journey. Sorry for not posting updates I just haven’t been bothered to come on here much because it’s getting easier to cope without a website as a crutch. My most concerning symptoms are inflammation in my testicles(so weird saying that in a public forum lol). Tense muscles in my butt and inability to fully yawn and cough. 

 

symptoms that have improved:

 

insomnia - I can sleep a good 5-7 hours with little to no interruption 

morning cortisol rushes - havent had one in three days

anxiety - overwhelming anxiety has decreased significantly. 
Temperature dysfunction- still get it but it’s minor compared to where it was and much less frequent 

 

over all, seems I’m healing but these physical symptoms make me think other wise. Or maybe I’m in for a much worse wave coming up.

 

other wise, I hope @Happy2Heal @Altostrata and @mstimc are having a good week

 

ps. Alto don’t give me warning points for tagging you and wishing you a good day. ;) 

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

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  • Mentor

Sounds like as your mental state and attitude improve, your physical symptoms are beginning to improve as well. I think the tension and plumbing issues 😆 will decrease as time goes by.  One day at a time! 

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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Well call it plumbing issues from now on @mstimc lol. Yea it just feels like there’s so much inflammation havoc inside of me right now that I assume over time it’s gunna get better. Hope you’re well 

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

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  • Mentor
1 minute ago, Rozon1 said:

Well call it plumbing issues from now on @mstimc lol. Yea it just feels like there’s so much inflammation havoc inside of me right now that I assume over time it’s gunna get better. Hope you’re well 

Thanks--doing pretty well, all things considered.  Portugal has been hit hard but not as bad the US.  FWIW, I had similar plumbing issues for a time in WD and near-constant tension in my neck and left shoulder.  I dinged my shoulder in a car accident as a teenager and it can get achy sometimes.  I've always had a theory anxiety will find your weakest spot and make it worse. 

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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Don't let the physical symptoms frighten you, it's just part Deux of the long Wave.

And in truth,  they may only "seem" worse than before because now You don't have the other symptoms calling for Your Mental attention.

Your Brain sort of "triage's" whats the worst thing you have, and sends your SOS There.

The sleep is the huge improvement, with that, the rest of Your CNS can heal, and Your physical symptoms will resolve after that over time.

 Starting ds 2 (12.5 CR'S) = 25 MG PAXIL CR 1/21/15: 1 Pill + 10mg liquid (2 weeks) 2/4: 1 Pill + 9mg Lq (3 weeks) 2/25: 1 Pill + 8 mg lq (1 week) 3/4: 1 Pill + 6 mg lq (2 weeks) 3/18/15 1 Pill + 4 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/1/15 1 Pill + 3 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/14/15 1 Pill + 2 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/29/15 1Pill + 1 mg lq (16 days) 5/15/15 1 12.5 mg Pill ONLY (9 days) 5/24/15 12 mgs liquid (8 days) 6/1/15 11mg lq (12 days) 6/13/15 10 mg.  12/3/15 Drop from 8mg to 7.6 (24 days to) 12/27/15 7.2mgs 8/4/16 6.8mgs,  11/1/16 6.4mgs, 2/5/17 6 mgs  4/3/17 5.6mgs, 4/24/17 5.2mg, 6/13/17 4.8mgs, 9/20/17 4.4mgS, 11/23/17 4 mgs, 1/1/18 3.6 mgs, 2/15/18 3.2 mgs. 4/13/18 2.8mgs, 5/11/18 2.4mgs, 6/10/18 2.0 mgs, 8/4/18 1.6mgs,  9/27/18 1.2mgs, 12/24/18 0.8mg, 3/24/19 0.64 mg,(syringe change issue date?) 4/22/19 0.60 mg, 5/24/19 0.60 mg, 7/7/19 0.52 mgs, 8/4/19 0.44mgs, 11/4/19 0.36mgs, 2/1/20 0.28mgs, 3/1/20 0.24mgs (crash April 6) Compound started 6/28/21: 0.24mgs, 8/29/21: 0.22mgs, 10/31/21: 0.20mgs, 1/03/22: 0.18mgs, 3/5/22: 0.16mgs, 5/5/22: 0.14mgs.

 

Original Wellbutrin Dose: 6 months from 9/14 to 3/2015, 300 XL 3/15/15: Half to 150 XL ( severe symptoms started on day 12) 4/16/15: 125mg   for 20 days to: 5/6/15:   100mg  for  15 days to: 5/21/15    75mg  for  10 days to: 6/1/15:  56.25mg      13 days to: 6/13/15: 37.25mg    7 days to: 6/20/15  28.12mg   14 days to: 7/4/15  18.75mg, 7 days to: 7/11/15; RAISE BACK TO: 28.12 to 8/14/15: 18.75mg  20 days to :9/3/15 : 12.5mg, 8/4/16 9mg 1/9/17: 8.5mg 2/8/17 8mg, 3/9/17: 7.6  4/9/17  7.2  5/27/17 6.4 6/24/17 5.8, 8/1/17 5.0, 8/29/17 4.2mgs, 10/2/17 3.5mgs, 12/28/17 2.5mgs, 2/27/18 1.7mgs,  4/19/18 0.8 mgs, LAST DOSE: 6/11/18:  3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS, 27 DAYS...

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  • Administrator

At this point, I don't care if Rozon's constipation is related to withdrawal or not. If he will not use common sense to relieve it, I don't want to hear any more about it.

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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  • Administrator

No more of the scatology and references to male anatomy, please. This isn't 4chan.

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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Hey guys just posting an update. First of all I plan on donating to this site to compensate for all the bandwidth I’ve been using alto. So, please keep that in mind I’m not entirely selfish. Second of all, I’ve tried many many things to elevate constipation. It’s impossible to try them all in such a short period of time. 
 

so I have been making active efforts to elevate these symptoms like you’ve advised. Please keep that in mind. 
 

I’m getting blood work done today for testing on dehydration and a CBC since the last time I’ve had blood work done was December when I first came off the drug. I certainly feel dehydrated but it’ll be interesting what the results yield as we know wd mimics a lot of these other health issues. Probably benign to say the least. 
 

I’ll keep you guys posted on the results later this week.

 

if I’m being honest, my anxiety is a 2/10 . It was a 20/10 at the beginning of this whole journey. Cold chills have improved some what as well. sleep has gotten better. Starting to a feel a little tired now instead of wired before I sleep. Which is nice. I’m posting this because I KNOW my body. I know what I’m going through is infact withdrawls. If someone comes across this thread and questions what you’re going through, they can use this as a reference. You wouldn’t even recognize the person that first arrived at this forum 3 months ago to today.
 


Screw withdraws and screw these stupid drugs. 


 

also @Colonial I’ve read your message and I’ll get back to you in a bit. At the docs right now. 
 

 

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

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  • Administrator

Rozon, please do not even mention your constipation until you are drinking more water and eating vegetables.

 

If you're thinking you can get a drug to work around doing sensible things for your own health, like eating healthily, you own the adverse effects. It's not our job to counsel you or hold your hand if you prefer to take a drug instead of taking care of yourself.

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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19 hours ago, Rozon1 said:

I’m getting blood work done today for testing on dehydration and a CBC since the last time I’ve had blood work done was December when I first came off the drug. I certainly feel dehydrated but it’ll be interesting what the results yield as we know wd mimics a lot of these other health issues. Probably benign to say the least. 

 

That's great on the CBC if it's been that long. 

That should help separate any fog between the WD and any possible other condition that could, in and of itself, be mild, but being exacerbated by the WD.

 Starting ds 2 (12.5 CR'S) = 25 MG PAXIL CR 1/21/15: 1 Pill + 10mg liquid (2 weeks) 2/4: 1 Pill + 9mg Lq (3 weeks) 2/25: 1 Pill + 8 mg lq (1 week) 3/4: 1 Pill + 6 mg lq (2 weeks) 3/18/15 1 Pill + 4 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/1/15 1 Pill + 3 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/14/15 1 Pill + 2 mg lq (2 weeks) 4/29/15 1Pill + 1 mg lq (16 days) 5/15/15 1 12.5 mg Pill ONLY (9 days) 5/24/15 12 mgs liquid (8 days) 6/1/15 11mg lq (12 days) 6/13/15 10 mg.  12/3/15 Drop from 8mg to 7.6 (24 days to) 12/27/15 7.2mgs 8/4/16 6.8mgs,  11/1/16 6.4mgs, 2/5/17 6 mgs  4/3/17 5.6mgs, 4/24/17 5.2mg, 6/13/17 4.8mgs, 9/20/17 4.4mgS, 11/23/17 4 mgs, 1/1/18 3.6 mgs, 2/15/18 3.2 mgs. 4/13/18 2.8mgs, 5/11/18 2.4mgs, 6/10/18 2.0 mgs, 8/4/18 1.6mgs,  9/27/18 1.2mgs, 12/24/18 0.8mg, 3/24/19 0.64 mg,(syringe change issue date?) 4/22/19 0.60 mg, 5/24/19 0.60 mg, 7/7/19 0.52 mgs, 8/4/19 0.44mgs, 11/4/19 0.36mgs, 2/1/20 0.28mgs, 3/1/20 0.24mgs (crash April 6) Compound started 6/28/21: 0.24mgs, 8/29/21: 0.22mgs, 10/31/21: 0.20mgs, 1/03/22: 0.18mgs, 3/5/22: 0.16mgs, 5/5/22: 0.14mgs.

 

Original Wellbutrin Dose: 6 months from 9/14 to 3/2015, 300 XL 3/15/15: Half to 150 XL ( severe symptoms started on day 12) 4/16/15: 125mg   for 20 days to: 5/6/15:   100mg  for  15 days to: 5/21/15    75mg  for  10 days to: 6/1/15:  56.25mg      13 days to: 6/13/15: 37.25mg    7 days to: 6/20/15  28.12mg   14 days to: 7/4/15  18.75mg, 7 days to: 7/11/15; RAISE BACK TO: 28.12 to 8/14/15: 18.75mg  20 days to :9/3/15 : 12.5mg, 8/4/16 9mg 1/9/17: 8.5mg 2/8/17 8mg, 3/9/17: 7.6  4/9/17  7.2  5/27/17 6.4 6/24/17 5.8, 8/1/17 5.0, 8/29/17 4.2mgs, 10/2/17 3.5mgs, 12/28/17 2.5mgs, 2/27/18 1.7mgs,  4/19/18 0.8 mgs, LAST DOSE: 6/11/18:  3 YEARS, 2 MONTHS, 27 DAYS...

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On 4/5/2020 at 2:28 PM, Rozon1 said:

regardless, this is a rather concerning symptom as I cannot have bowel movements without the help of a laxative. Laxatives send me in a spiral of anxiety. It seems like I’m stuck in a rock and a hard place. I might be forced to reinstate. I’m 5 months out and I thought surely my bowel movements would start to get better but if I keep up this rate, I’ll easily go a week without bowel movements.

Hey Rozon, 

I have to tell you I had really really weird stuff going on as well downstairs especially in the first few months of my too-quick taper. Perhaps even the female equivalent of what you’re dealing with.  
One thing that has helped me is pounding the water as soon as I wake up—lots & lots of water in morning and then staying hydrated throughout the day.  
My butt muscles were also strangely tight for awhile, and I had the weirdest sensations in my genitals and pelvis—felt like enlarged or inflamed.  
 

I’m hoping this gets better for you soon.  When I could tolerate a few sips of coffee (though I know highly not recommended b/c caffeine), sometimes that would help the b.m.    Lots of spinach seemed to help some.  
Hang in there, Rozon.  

1999-2006 Luvox, xanax

2007-2009 Prozac, xanax, klonopin

2009-2018 Zoloft, xanax, klonopin

2019 January zoloft 150mg, February 100mg, April 75mg, mid-May 50mg, July 25mg, (xanax .5mg or .25mg as needed)

August zoloft 25mg HOLD, CT xanax, reinstate 50mg zoloft, September reinstate 100mg zoloft w/.375 klonopin, mid-September lower to 75mg zoloft

2020 January:  .125mg klonopin 

February 1st: .112mg klonopin

February 24th:  60.3mgai zoloft

 

2020 December 1st:  off klonopin completely

currently on 15mgai zoloft 

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  • Administrator
1 hour ago, Cathy4 said:

pounding the water as soon as I wake up—lots & lots of water in morning and then staying hydrated throughout the day.

 

This and roughage from eating fruits and vegetables is the basic common-sense way of relieving constipation.

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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  • Mentor
On 4/5/2020 at 5:55 PM, Rozon1 said:

I’ll change my diet but that can get expensive. I’m trying here. 

 

I eat a whole foods plant based diet, low in added salt, sugar and fats

 

it's mainly vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains. no meat, eggs, dairy, as low fat as I can (but I do love my all natural peanut butter)

 

It's almost impossible to be constipated on this diet, AND huge bonus, it's incredibly CHEAP

I get a lot of frz veggies, but even fresh ones I much less expensive than meat, for example. 

I eat a lot of oatmeal, it's really good for issues with constipation.

 

you need to also drink a good amount of liquid. 

 

I don''t usually get this graphic, but people who eat like I do typically have 3 or more BMs per day

 

before I started this diet, I'd been diagnosed with IBS -C, I know what severe constipation is like, it's not fun

but it's surprisingly easy to treat or cure.

 

give it a real shot and you'll see.

If you're not used to eating many veggies, it's best to increase them slowly. 

too many too soon can cause a lot of gas

 

chewing your food slowly can also help. 

 

good luck! you can do this. ;)

 

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
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Thank you @Happy2Heal Thank you so much. Did you ever feel like you didn't need to go? That's how I feel. Never feel the need to go.

 

I got my blood results back. Comparing these results to my previous CBC before withdraws, these two are higher and above what is normal

 

Did some research on this..

 

Immature granulocyte could cause constipation, other symptoms. I DID not have these levels before withdraw. Weird it started right after I stop the medication, right? If anyone is fimiliar with these or has knowledge, that'd be good to know. When I got tested in december of last year, my ImmatureGrandulcoyte was 0.02 and blood count was 5.88

 

 

 

F RED BLOOD COUNT 5.99  H 4.50-5.90 (10*12/L)
F IMMATURE GRANULOCYTE# (AUTO) 0.04  H 0.00-0.02 (10*9/L)

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

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  • Administrator

@Rozon1 I am really fed up with the discussion of your constipation.

 

If you're not drinking enough water or eating fruits and vegetables, you're causing it yourself.

 

No amount of tests is going to make this a real medical condition.

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
  • Mentor
2 hours ago, Rozon1 said:

I got my blood results back. Comparing these results to my previous CBC before withdraws, these two are higher and above what is normal

 

 

do you have health anxiety @Rozon1?

 

there's a lot of causes for constipation, and the best you can do  is to try to adjust your diet to correct the problem

 

it truly does work.

 

or  you can continue to complain about the symptom and do nothing, your choice ;)

 

SSRIs affect serotonin, and there is more serotonin in the gut than in the brain, from my understanding

 

 

it's very common to have GI upsets in WD recovery. it's nothing to worry about, in fact, being tense and anxious can make it worse, depending on the cause.

 

you can try drinking warm drinks, relaxing in a hot tub, listening to music, in general, doing things to help yourself relax

 

also have you been angry lately? for ppl with IBS, emotions can make the condition worse, and holding on  to anger can sometimes make folks constipated

 

if you're angry, try to let go of it, and see if that helps your bowels more or less "let go" as well

 

if you're feeling upset with yourself, try to be as understanding and as accepting of yourself as you can be

 

I suffered for years with IBS and it wasn't pleasant. I know my diet had a lot to do with it, but IBS (irritable bowel syndrome, not inflammatory bowel disease) has an emotional component to it

 

so your distress about WD can be causing it, or it could be part of WD, who knows?
 

it honestly makes no difference, don't waste your time on that, just try doing different things to see what works

 

it's not horrible to use a laxative once in awhile, but as you know, it's not great to use them regularly

so do what you can with your diet, and relaxation, get enough physical exercise, that helps move things along as well

and if you are holding on to any emotions, try to let them go

 

esp things like anger, at yourself or anyone else

 

you can do this, you've been doing so much better lately

;)

 

I've forgotten, are you able to see a therapist? perhaps there are things that they could work on with you, 

for example if you do have health anxiety (not saying you do, but maybe you do?) they could help you with that

 

a family member has health anxiety and she has needed a lot of reassurance with this whole covid19 thing

 

how are you doing otherwise? has your sleep improved?

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment
  • Mentor
On 4/5/2020 at 5:28 PM, Rozon1 said:

I’ll easily go a week without bowel movements. Which in turn will probably land me in the e.r.

 

not trying to minimize this Rozon, but with IBS I would go for over 3 weeks without one and I never ended up in the hospital

 

see if you can find some books about IBS< they might help.

concentrate on finding solutions, it's a much better use of your time ok?

 

 

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment
  • Mentor
On 4/3/2020 at 5:36 PM, Rozon1 said:

im just posting an update. Today is the best I’ve felt since the beginning of this WD hell journey. Sorry for not posting updates I just haven’t been bothered to come on here much because it’s getting easier to cope

this is wonderful news!!!!

I'm so happy for you.

 

hold on to these good days and good times, because as you know with the windows and waves pattern,

you'll have some less than good days off and on

 

focus on the good stuff because it will help get you thru when you're in a wave, but most of all

focus on the good stuff because that's what life is all about!

that's really and truly 'living your good life'

being in the  moment and enjoying it

 

good for  you!

 

it will keep getting easier.

 

so glad I saw this, I"m not around here much lately as I've got a lot going on, living my own good life, I guess you'd say

 

;)

 

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment

Just an update guys. It’s been a rough three days. I mean rough. Went to get an ultra sound on my testicles. Come to find out, they’re swollen(big surprise). I’ve been saying this for 4 months. Everything feels so swollen down there.     And yes, it’s WD. Just like it’s given me shortness of breathe(can’t yawn) and brought my asthma back. 
 

I’m having a break down right now. I don’t know what to write. I just need some re-assurance. Please don’t tell me to do this or that(coping). Or patronize me. I get enough of that in real life. I thought I felt bad on the medication. I had no idea the hell I was in for.  I’ve been extremely not well mentally. The idea of me being dead soon is much better than this hell. I cry more now than ever. I regret I ever took this drug. I regret it so much. My physical symptoms just seem never ending. My mental anguish seems to not let up. What the hell am I suppose to do? Have people had it worse than me and recovered by staying off the med? 
 

damnit... I’m not good at writing my feelings. I’m so alone in this. I want to cry. This is just withdrawl, I’ll get better right? 


 

 

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

Link to comment
  • Mentor
3 hours ago, Rozon1 said:

Just an update guys. It’s been a rough three days. I mean rough. Went to get an ultra sound on my testicles. Come to find out, they’re swollen(big surprise). I’ve been saying this for 4 months. Everything feels so swollen down there.     And yes, it’s WD. Just like it’s given me shortness of breathe(can’t yawn) and brought my asthma back. 
 

I’m having a break down right now. I don’t know what to write. I just need some re-assurance. Please don’t tell me to do this or that(coping). Or patronize me. I get enough of that in real life. I thought I felt bad on the medication. I had no idea the hell I was in for.  I’ve been extremely not well mentally. The idea of me being dead soon is much better than this hell. I cry more now than ever. I regret I ever took this drug. I regret it so much. My physical symptoms just seem never ending. My mental anguish seems to not let up. What the hell am I suppose to do? Have people had it worse than me and recovered by staying off the med? 
 

damnit... I’m not good at writing my feelings. I’m so alone in this. I want to cry. This is just withdrawl, I’ll get better right? 


 

 

Rozon, you've had a few weeks of a good window and now you're going through a wave.  Look back on some of your recent posts and you'll see how far you've come.  Hang onto that.  This is the nature of withdrawal and recovery--its slow and often discouraging.  I went through month after month of it I've felt what you're feeling.  And don't forget who you're doing this for; its nor just for yourself.  You have a daughter who needs her dad.  

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

Link to comment
3 hours ago, mstimc said:

Rozon, you've had a few weeks of a good window and now you're going through a wave.  Look back on some of your recent posts and you'll see how far you've come.  Hang onto that.  This is the nature of withdrawal and recovery--its slow and often discouraging.  I went through month after month of it I've felt what you're feeling.  And don't forget who you're doing this for; its nor just for yourself.  You have a daughter who needs her dad.  

Yea because I thought physically I would get better. It’s easy for me to have a “window” and be optimistic if I thought I would physically get better. The truth is, I simply haven’t. I’ve seen no improvement physically through out this process.. it’s discouraging. Infact everyday I wake up it’s discouraging because it feels more and more permanent. 
 

im fighting everyday for my life. For my daughter. But I don’t see these symptoms letting up. It just feels the same everyday. 

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

Link to comment
29 minutes ago, Rozon1 said:

Yea because I thought physically I would get better. It’s easy for me to have a “window” and be optimistic if I thought I would physically get better. The truth is, I simply haven’t. I’ve seen no improvement physically through out this process.. it’s discouraging. Infact everyday I wake up it’s discouraging because it feels more and more permanent. 
 

im fighting everyday for my life. For my daughter. But I don’t see these symptoms letting up. It just feels the same everyday. 

 

Reinstate.

2017 Feb : Lexapro 10mg.

2017 May : Lexapro 20mg.

2017 Nov : CT Lexapro

2017 Dec Reinstated Lexapro 20mg.

2018 Feb : Lexapro 20 + Effexor 75

May to December : Taper Lexapro 

2019 Apr : Effexor 56mg

2019 May : Effexor 37,5mg

2019 Jun : Effexor 18,75mg

2019 Aug : Reinstated Effexor 37,5mg.

2020 Oct : Slowly updose Effexor

 

Link to comment
  • Mentor
7 hours ago, Rozon1 said:

Have people had it worse than me and recovered by staying off the med? 

 

oh yes, most definitely ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment
  • Altostrata changed the title to Rozon1 Advice needed

sorry guys, wrong thread. Thought I was on mine. Can a mod please move this to my thread.

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

Link to comment

Thanks @phill.

 

I think I accidently took over your thread because I thought it was mine. 

 

My asthma is backing me up. My lungs are having trouble with my breathing. My constipation is still the same. Went to get an ultra sound on my testicles. Cam back with fluid inside of them and inflammation. No surprise here. I coulda told anyone that. I feel the same is happening inside my body. It's just on high alert. The exlax really put a number on me. When I take any stimulate it just sends me spiralling out of control. Increased heart rate, etc. 

 

Thanks @Happy2Heal, @Subzero42 and @mstimc for your replies. Last night was really tough on me. Still is today. Looking for hope.

 

 

 

 

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

Link to comment
  • Altostrata changed the title to Rozon1 Effexor withdrawals
  • Administrator

Apologies, Rozon, your Introductions topic was accidentally moved. It has been restored.

 

Do you have asthma from before taking psychiatric drugs? Please see a doctor for your asthma.

 

Consult a doctor about your testicles. No more posting about your constipation, asthma, or testicles. We don't do general medicine. We are interested in withdrawal symptoms only.

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

hey alto, yes. I've had asthma before taking the drugs. But never to this degree. Ever. I've seen a doctor, they're going to run a lung test and do a CT just to rule out anything major. Why are you saying my asthma, constipation and the rest aren't WD? they're clearly a result of me quitting the medication. I've never had these symptoms. So intense, btw. I've read several places where peoples GI trac didn't work on this website due to WD. A lot of similar stories. Please, understand, that when you say they're not WD, they clearly are. You're undermining me and I don't understand why? That's not fair to me. I'll quit posting about them if you'd like, but to say they're not a result of WD is just wrong. I'm getting them chcked out by my doctor as advised. Either way, I'll continue to post updates about my depression instead. 

 

I'm depressed. I'm anxious. I'm restless. These symptoms are very concerning as the past three days it just seems as if I've just been in survival mode and I can't get out. I'm keeping faith by reading success stories. My brain is injured. I just don't know after I kindled myself then CT'd if it can heal from that. I'm hopefull.

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

Link to comment
  • Administrator

You have asthma before taking any psychiatric drugs. Therefore, the drugs did not cause your asthma. Nothing connected with the drugs caused your asthma. If you are having worse asthma symptoms now, it may be because of environmental factors or a worsening of your pre-existing asthma condition. You might feel asthma symptoms more because you are so closely examining your withdrawal symptoms or because you have health anxiety, or because you are not feeling well physically and less able to cope with asthma in addition.

 

Asthma that pre-dated your taking any psychiatric drugs cannot be a withdrawal symptom. We do not treat asthma here. You need to see a doctor about your asthma.

 

Since we don't counsel about asthma, it's unfair of you to involve staff in discussions of your asthma. Please have more respect for our time.

 

If you are not drinking enough water and ingesting adequate roughage, which most people get in the form of fruits and vegetables, you are causing your own constipation. If you have, for example, a lifelong diet of eating fast food and potato chips, you may be constipated because of your own lifestyle choices. Our peer counselors are volunteers. The time they spend here is time they might use to take care of themselves. If you continually ask for attention for problems you're making for yourself, you are unfairly claiming their time.

 

One grounds for being banned here is making your own problems.

 

Quote

- Asking for support for many self-generated emergencies. While we are sympathetic to people in distress, we're only a peer support site and we cannot do anything for people who are in the habit of self-harming in any way, be it via alcohol, risky or antisocial behavior, avoidable hospitalizations, irresponsible use of drugs, avoidable accidents, fights, or threats of suicide.
 
We have seen that going on and off additional psychiatric drugs can worsen adverse effects, including withdrawal symptoms. If you add drugs and have an adverse effect, you will need to discuss it with the prescribing doctor -- we won't be able to help you. (If you feel you need continued drug treatment, your needs may be better met on forums such as depressionforums.org  or patientslikeme.com.)
 
If you find you are somehow involved in frequent emergencies, please seek face-to-face counseling. As emergencies can be upsetting to other members of the community, if you frequently report emergencies that you might have avoided, you will be asked to leave -- your needs are beyond the capabilities of online peer support.

 

 

Forbidding you to exploit our time for your medical problems and self-created problems is not undermining you. Your insistence you need to do this is further evidence of the lack of respect you have for the time and care you've already gotten from the staff. You've already demonstrated this by tagging me when I told you not to tag me.

 

We do not want to hear about your self-induced constipation, your pre-existing asthma, or the state of your testicles. It is inappropriate. Any further mention of any of these issues will get you warning points. Accumulate 4 warning points and you will be banned.

 

I am offering you this arrangement rather than banning you right now. I think it's very possible if you can't complain about your constipation, your asthma, or your testicles, you won't have anything to say about withdrawal-related problems because you actually do not have withdrawal syndrome.

 

So I think this is quite fair. Don't waste our time any more with your TMI.

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

Okay, you’re right alto. I won’t talk about my asthma anymore. I’ll talk about my WD only symptoms. Right now my lower body has muscle spasms and over all uncomfortable fullness from stomach to my upper legs area. Feels inflamed. Never felt something like this before. It all started when I left the drug. Above that, I have depression and anxiety. Anxiety has  improved which has allowed my brain to really feel these physical sensations. Which brings my depression up. I’ve tried multiple things including magnesium which seem to have no effect. It’s also hard to cry. Almost no emotion but sadness worried.  It’s uncomfortable and worrisome. 
 

 

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

Link to comment
  • Mentor
39 minutes ago, Rozon1 said:

Okay, you’re right alto. I won’t talk about my asthma anymore. I’ll talk about my WD only symptoms. Right now my lower body has muscle spasms and over all uncomfortable fullness from stomach to my upper legs area. Feels inflamed. Never felt something like this before. It all started when I left the drug. Above that, I have depression and anxiety. Anxiety has  improved which has allowed my brain to really feel these physical sensations. Which brings my depression up. I’ve tried multiple things including magnesium which seem to have no effect. It’s also hard to cry. Almost no emotion but sadness worried.  It’s uncomfortable and worrisome. 
 

 

Rozon

 

These are all withdrawal symptoms other members have mentioned.  That should give you some solace because that means they will eventually go away as you make progress in recovery, as they have for others.  Hopefully you're doing something to reduce the anxiety, which should speed that recovery.  

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

Link to comment
  • Administrator

What are you doing for exercise? Exercise can help your body work better and relieve muscle pains and spasms. If you're sitting at the computer all day, your lower body is bound to complain because of lack of exercise.

 

1 hour ago, Rozon1 said:

Anxiety has  improved which has allowed my brain to really feel these physical sensations. Which brings my depression up. It’s also hard to cry. Almost no emotion but sadness worried.  It’s uncomfortable and worrisome. 

 

You should be aware by now that withdrawal syndrome goes away very, very slowly. You have already seen some improvement. Your other symptoms will go away slowly. If you are adding to them by worrying about them, you are creating your own "depression" and slowing your own recovery.

 

We have never recommended magnesium for "depression." Many people find it relaxing. If you have a habit of worrying and making yourself "depressed", no amount of any supplement will stop you.

 

We can't help you with problems you make for yourself.

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

hey @Altostrata ive recently started running the past 3 days. About a quater of a mile. I'm so sad today guys. I know some things have gotten better but the physical symptoms just seem to not want to go anywhere. Constant inflammation feelings and numbness. Ughh..  THIS HAS GOT TO GET BETTER RIGHT?

Example:

2018 - Started Effexor 37.5 in Janurary of 2018
2019 January, 2nd  - Cold Turkeyed from Effexor for 3 days. Reinstated on the third day, then stabilized(It took 3 months to stabilize)

2019 June - I switched from Effexor instant release to Extended Release 37.5 for better tapering. I tapered to 50% in 4 weeks before reinstating my dosage back to 37.5(due to withdrawls). I waited 2 months to stabilize but never did at 37.5

2019 September - continued to taper in to 25% on extended release

2019 October - continued to taper to half of the beads(18.75mg)... WIthdrawls were so bad I tried switching back to the instant release at the same dosage(18.75mg)

2019 November 28th - Discontinued effexor at 18.75 without anymore tapering.

 

2020 January - Just can't sleep, have constipation, low libido and still lack of full emotion

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Good for you, you're getting exercise. Keep at it, it will eventually help.

 

Maybe in the last 17 pages you missed it where we said recovery was slow, frustrating, and you need to be patient while you take care of yourself?

 

Please re-read your topic rather than complaining yet again that you don't like your withdrawal symptoms. We know you don't like them. Enough is enough, this is very annoying.

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

Hello Rozon1

 

I am responding to a PM you sent me. My general comments are that this is a very difficult and lengthy process. We have good days (or partial days) and not good days - and nights for that matter. Over a period of time - the good periods become longer and the poor periods grow shorter. Similarly for the acuteness of the WD symptoms.

 

In a nutshell about myself - I have been in prolonged withdrawal since 12/2018 since a veritable CT of duloxetine. Even though I took my last dose recently - I am still experiencing WD symptoms. Whle I don't want to have any self-fulfilling prophecies here, I expect they will continue (for months) and eventually resolve. That being said, like you, I went to MDs for evaluation and treatment of selected physical symptoms. Test results came back negative so I chalked them up to WD and they come and gone. 

 

The symptoms have been horrible but I was determined to stay the course. When you see how this drug affects you - and all the stories of people on SA - then you want off these drugs. It will take you time to get better.

 

It looks like you are gradually seeing improvement in many areas. That is really positive and a sign of progress.

 

To help with digestion - 1. Drink plenty of water. 8 glasses is the recommendation. Write down throughout the day if you have to. 2. Eat a lot of fiber. Bran buds and berries for breakfast (for example). Sprinkle flax seed on cereal, salads, etc. Search online for veggies and fruits that are highest in fiber and target those. Some foods are very binding. Sugar is tops on this list. Dairy is close behind. 3. Exercise, exer cise, exercise. A benefit of this is that physical exercise makes you tired and this will help you sleep.

 

To aid sleep - you might do a brain dump at the end of the day - or keep a worry book. Write down things you are worried about, things you have to do, etc. Then you close the book and tell yourself they are all written down and forget about it. 

 

Have positive expectations. Things will gradually improve as you are seeing.  I'm glad you're on the path to recovery.  Particularly the 3 hours prior to bed time you should have positive thoughts ONLY. During sleep the brain remembers what you think about the 3 hours prior to sleep.

 

 

Edited by Giulietta
Clarification
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