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freeaway: adrenaline rush and withdrawal?


freeaway

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It was very hard even with this 10% reduction so might even start 5% after the hold. 

 

Thank you, it's all thanks to this website. Who knows where I'll be if I never found you guys. 

 

Btw, I've been getting pristiq compounded into capsule from pharmacy. 

 

 

 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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How does the pharmacy extend the effect of the desvenlafaxine powder in the capsule?

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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According to the pharmacist she said they add the extended formula into to capsule. 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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Extended formula they add works as extended release. 

@Altostrata Do you think it's not correct? Maybe my capsule is not being released properly? 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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  • Administrator

What time of day do you take your dose? Do you feel a ramp up in symptoms at any particular times of day?

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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I take it 6PM everyday.

Usually I start to feel anxious around 4pm and then after I take my med it gets little better.

I feel high intense fear/panic sensation for a brief moment and it disappears. This happens randomly.

According to Dr.Shipko, he said my panic sensations of adrenaline rush is not a real panic attacks.

He said it is related to my WD/ adverse effect of AD. 

 

I'm not sure what it was but I have stopped taking my B-complex and my vitamins.

My nervousness and anxiety stopped and I sleep fine. My insomnia has subsided and I am able to sleep fine and good.

I've found research studies and people reporting the negative effects of B complex and sleep disturbance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

@Shep @Altostrata

 

Quick question, so I have stayed on dosage 32.4mg in May and continued 32.4 mg even June to give myself a break which I haven't had almost year.

I kept decreasing until now.

What I wanted to know was should my symptoms get better by now or is it too early to say?

I take my med exactly at 6pm but right around the time or like 7pm I get this unexplainable intense brain pressure and body jitterness. I used thought it was a panic attacks but it was WD.

 

Also I see that a week before my period I definitely get these mood issues.

I have researched on this site and saw that lot of people suffer from same issue. I'm 39 and I don't think it's menopause but it is something I never had before.

 

Thank you for reading my long question. ❤

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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23 minutes ago, freeaway said:

I take my med exactly at 6pm but right around the time or like 7pm I get this unexplainable intense brain pressure and body jitterness.

 

When did this start?

 

Many women find their drug-related symptoms intensify at times in their menstrual cycle.

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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It started like few months ago.

But I just noticed the pattern. 

I have checked my calendar and I realize I was feeling pretty normal or less anxious and a week before my period I started feel my pms much stronger. I thought it was just wd but it was a monthy cycle.

I could be pmdd but it's not that severe as theh describe. Only because i can function and still do my daily responsibilities but I feel miserable for few days with sadness and nervousness plus insomnia.

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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  • Administrator
1 hour ago, freeaway said:

I take my med exactly at 6pm but right around the time or like 7pm I get this unexplainable intense brain pressure and body jitterness.

 

I'm confused. Is this a symptom pattern that emerges with your monthly cycle, or is it daily?

 

What are the "mood issues"? If this is related to your cycle, you'll have to join a group specifically to manage menstruation-related symptoms.

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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Starting week before my cycle and during my period my mood will get worst. Like depression or anxiety.

 

BTW I forgot to ask, every night I'm anxious about sleep and I have insomnia where my mind won't go to sleep I have urges to constantly empty my bladder.

 

Is this one of wd? 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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I actually found my answer to my own question.

I am at worst at night with anxiety right when I need to go to bed from insomnia plus my wd issues thinking that my organ system is all damaged and fearing it making it worst to sleep.

 

I need to learn to accept anxiety and fear which seems difficult to do but this is the right way to retrain my brain and make it through so I'm going to work on that.

 

I'm tagging this video for some of you who suffers from over active bladder which is not related to medical condition it could be your anxiety can be contributing it.

 

 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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  • Administrator
On 6/25/2021 at 7:11 AM, freeaway said:

I need to learn to accept anxiety and fear which seems difficult to do but this is the right way to retrain my brain and make it through so I'm going to work on that.

 

Brilliant, @freeaway I suggest rather than looking at it as anxiety and fear, think of it as ambiguity about the future. Things can go either way. But that's life, acceptance of this will be a relief for you. You cannot control the future, anchor in the present.

 

Lots of people need to hear this, if you want to suggest it to others in their Introductions topics. Helping other people reinforces our sense of self-care.

 

A gyn suggested stop drinking liquids after 9 p.m. to reduce nighttime peeing.

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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  • 5 weeks later...

@Altostrata @Shep @brassmonkey @ChessieCat

 

Hi there, I know all of you are super busy answering all these question but here I am adding another.

I'm sorry to bug you all, but I needed some advice on what to do or what would you do?

I now am on second month of holding on to my 32.4mg Pristiq and I was hoping that this was supposed to help me feel better compare to when I was tapering down. But, my PMS time period was the same, if anything I had some crazy sudden urge or anxiety and hot flashes this time.

I wonder if Pristiq is really doing more harm than good to my body.

 

What I wanted to ask, I was recommended by the doctor who helped many patients taper off their meds by using the supplement below. I am not thinking of taking them on daily basis but thinking if I should use it at least during my PMS when every is lot harder. 

 

I know no one has the right answer but was curios of your opinion since and your knowledge. 

 

Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you! 

 

 

 

  • Supports healthy serotonin production
  • Promotes relaxation and helps moderate occasional stress
  • Made with hypoallergenic, vegan ingredients

SeroPlus promotes enhanced serotonin production to support relaxation and moderate occasional stress. SeroPlus also helps promote positive mood, which helps maintain healthy eating behavior.

 

GF-GIG.png Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, www.gluten.org

Gluten_Free.png Gluten FreeNon_GMO_2021.png GMO FreeVegan_2021.png VeganVegetarian_2021.png Vegetarian

 

SeroPlus

Supplement Facts

 
  • Amount Per Serving
 
  • Two (size 00) vegetarian capsules contain:
  • Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)100 mg
  • Niacin (as niacinamide)20 mg
  • Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal 5' phosphate) (activated B6)6.7 mg
  • Folate (as Metafolin®, L-5-MTHF)833 mcg DFE (L-5-MTHF 500 mcg)
  • Magnesium (as di-magnesium malate)100 mg
  • Zinc (as zinc picolinate)10 mg
  • 5-Hydroxytryptophan100 mg
  • Inositol (as myo-inositol)500 mg
  • Taurine (free-form)200 mg
  • Other ingredients: vegetarian capsule (cellulose, water)
  • Metafolin® is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
  • Not to be taken by pregnant or lactating women. If you have any health condition or are taking any medication, particularly psychiatric medications, consult your health professional before use. Do not use concurrently with antidepressants.
  • 2 capsules, 1-2 times daily, between meals or with low protein foods.

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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I see this on https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308332#causes

 

The exact cause of PMDD and PMS remains unclear.

It is suggested that PMDD stems from the brain’s abnormal response to a woman’s fluctuation of normal hormones during the menstrual cycle. This, in turn, could lead to a deficiency in the neurotransmitter serotonin.

 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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  • Moderator

I would stay away from the SeroPlus. Almost every ingredient in it is on our "do not take list".

 

The object of an extended hold is not to "feel good" but rather to stabilize at a constant level of whatever your are feeling, usually pretty blah but with no big ups or downs.

 

I see that you are doing a 10% a month taper. This is our recommended baseline taper, and may be too fast for you. I would highly recommend switching to a standard Brassmonkey Slide. It will still give a total reduction of 10% but over 6 weeks. It will also lower your symptom load with each reduction.

 

Being a male I've never experienced PMS. However, from working on this site I have seem many examples of ladies having much more trouble with their WD symptoms during that time. It appears to be a fairly "normal" part of the ADWD experience. Taking the supplement at just that time may help, but I think in the long run it would cause more problems. Most of the ingredients directly interfere with ADWD and if used too much need to be tapered in their own right.

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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@brassmonkey Ah my big apologies for dragging you into this women stuff... 😜

 

You are absolutely right, I was worried for not feeling great and happy. And thank you for your answer and information again. 

My type of medication is so difficult due to fast half life and I was hoping for some kind of help.

I will try the 6 weeks taper from now on and see if I can do better.

 

I really appreciate your input on this!

 

HUGS!

 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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  • Moderator

With the short half life have you considered splitting your dose during the day?

 

No problem about the "woman stuff". It is all part of the "Female Mysteries" that a man can never experience but can strive to understand. I think it is quite important for a fully rounded man to embrace his feminine qualities as a part of that understanding.

 

There is more information on the Brassmonkey Slide here:

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/17671-the-brassmonkey-slide-method-of-micro-tapering/

 

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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  • Administrator

It may be that you are undergoing hormonal upset at times in your menstrual cycle not related to the drug.

 

What method are you using to reduce Pristiq? It may be best to make reductions in beginning of your menstrual month, with the hope they'll settle down by the pre-menstrual time.

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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@brassmonkey wish my husband could say at least half of things you said about women. Very impressed with your comment. Clap clap 👏

 

I'm not sure how it will work if I have to take it twice a day. 

So according to the pharmacist I was told even though they add extended release formula it only does 80% time release instead of 100% commercial pristiq. Which explains why I start to feel highly anxious and irritable hour to 2 hours before my med.

 

@Altostrata 

I never had such bad pms... I'm 39 and I'm not sure if I'm menopausal already but I might need a blood test to see if anything has changed.

 

I will work out the time of reduction to avoid the cycle issue truly hoping that this cycle gets better as I lower the dosage. 

 

BTW as I lower the dosage shouldn't my body / brain become less dependent on the drug and symptoms should be getting better? 

 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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Wow I can't believe you guys had the calculation all set up. You guys are so amazing! I'm speechless 🙊 

 

@brassmonkey tell me if this looks right? 

I might ask the pharmacist to make the dosage according to your calculator and try it.

 

 

Screenshot_20210726-192557_Chrome.jpg

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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  • Moderator

That looks right. You may have to get a new prescription every time you make a dose change, but talk it over and see how helpful they are.

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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I am in need of finding the proper psychiatrist in NY who can work with me. My current doctor pretty much do the dosage based on what I ask him. 

I just read the book Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal: A Guide for Prescribers, Therapists, Patients and their Families 

by Peter R. Breggin MD (Author) 
It seems like you need to work with the doctor and therapist through this process.
Makes me feel like I'm in trouble for now working with psychiatrist.
 
Also crazy fact while I was trying to find a place and this place called https://www.alternativetomeds.com/
famous I guess help people come off. And when I called and ask about the price its 65K!!!!! for 60 days.
That's only 2 months!!! Even if I had the money I won't use them of course knowing that getting someone off only 60 days just shows they have no idea what they are doing as "doctors".
 
I'm in a dilemma what do I do? Should I be teaming with a psychiatrist? 
 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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  • Administrator
On 7/26/2021 at 4:15 PM, freeaway said:

So according to the pharmacist I was told even though they add extended release formula it only does 80% time release instead of 100% commercial pristiq. Which explains why I start to feel highly anxious and irritable hour to 2 hours before my med.

 

Correct, these fillers that the compounding pharmacy adds do not quite extend crushed desvenlafaxine as much as intact tablets, and you may be metabolizing the drug faster than average, as this can vary from individual to individual. You may wish to get your prescription filled with 2 doses a day, with a smaller amount in the evening, e.g. 3/4 in the a.m., 1/4 in the p.m.

 

A substitution of part of the dose with Effexor XR beads is also possible, as the drugs are closely related. If you gradually convert to Effexor XR, you may find reducing by counting beads to be smoother and more convenient, as the extended-release effect is in the coating on each bead.

 

Many women here say their withdrawal symptoms get worse during their menstrual periods.

 

On 7/26/2021 at 4:15 PM, freeaway said:

BTW as I lower the dosage shouldn't my body / brain become less dependent on the drug and symptoms should be getting better? 

 

If you have had adverse effects while taking the drug since 2018, those would probably decrease with a decrease in dosage. If you get new or increased symptoms while tapering, those probably are withdrawal symptoms. Has your taper been uneventful up to now?

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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Hiii @Altostrata!

 

Thank you for replying. 

 

Yes, I did consider maybe switching to Effexor XR but scared as hell about the adverse effect or anything worst. 

 

Well panic attack like adrenaline rush has subsided for sure ever since I started decreasing. Before I used to get these crazy attacks middle of night too and day time.  It all did get better so I guess it is the medication Pristiq which was throwing my body off.  And yes, my PMS did get worst when it comes to mood. 

These medication is so unpredictable. Would you have switched if you were me? I know that is a silly question but I'm afraid to make any decision since that's how I got into this hell hole of taking such medication to begin with.

 

I just saw video on youtube that effexor XR can induce anxiety and panic which is ironic since it's been given for those reason. 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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Also, it may sound stupid but what is considered normal or okay withdrawal? 

I don't know if what I am feeling is consider normal or am I suffering form this?  

If I'm feel anxious most of the time is that just normal part of withdrawal? 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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  • Administrator

Yes, we know the SNRIs can cause activation. Also true with SSRIs.

 

If you're getting withdrawal symptoms as the compounded desvenlafaxine wears off, there's an opening for you to take a small "rescue dose" of Effexor XR in the evening. This would enable you to gradually convert to Effexor XR, with larger daily doses of Effexor XR and gradually smaller compounded doses of desvenlafaxine.

 

Otherwise, you might split the desvenlafaxine dose, which would require you to get 2 different compounded prescriptions filled per month.

 

Pristiq is difficult to taper for the very reason you've found -- when split or crushed, desvenlafaxine has an inconveniently short half-life and might have to be dosed twice a day. Effexor XR has the extended half-life for nearly the same drug.

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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So Effexor XR is same as pristiq but Effoxor XR dosage can be altered easier than pristiq? 

 

I'm still bit confused about half life stuff here. Effexor XR also has extended release just like pristiq no? 

 

Sorry for such dumb question 😔

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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22 hours ago, freeaway said:

So Effexor XR is same as pristiq but Effoxor XR dosage can be altered easier than pristiq? 

 

I'm still bit confused about half life stuff here. Effexor XR also has extended release just like pristiq no? 

 

Sorry for such dumb question 😔

 

 

Yes, venlafaxine is closely related to desvenlafaxine -- Pristiq. People often can switch them easily.

 

The beads are easier to taper than compounded Pristiq, as explained above. When you break or crush Pristiq, it tends to become immediate-release. The beads are XR.

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

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@Altostrata thank you again, if they are pretty much the same I will be just able to drop pristiq and use Effoxor XR?

I'm afraid to ask the doctor since they are going to use the "by the book" method and make a mistake.

The the bridging has to be gradual and slowly as well?

 

I'm on Pristiq 32.4mg now so how do I make the transition safely?

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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As I explained earlier, since you seem to be getting interdose withdrawal from compounded Pristiq, you can start the conversion to Effexor XR by adding in perhaps 2mg (to start) in the evening. 

 

That will enable you to gauge its effect. Then you can start to replace Pristiq in the earlier part of the day, perhaps 10mg at a time.

 

You will need a way to measure the Effexor XR beads. Using a scale to weigh and measure doses probably would be the best way, or you can have them put into capsules by the compounding pharmacy (another prescription for compounding).

 

To begin, you will need an additional prescription for 37.5mg Effexor XR. Your doctor probably will be thrilled by the idea you plan to switch to a conventional dose type.

 

You'd probably want to compound Pristiq for 2-3 months while you make this change, with the Pristiq part getting smaller and the Effexor XR part getting larger until it's all Effexor XR.

 

But first, you need to see how you react to 2mg Effexor XR beads.

 

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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Please be aware that Pristiq is stronger than Effexor.  There is no definitive conversion rate.  The equivalency could be:  50mg Pristiq = 100mg (or a bit less) to 150mg Effexor.  

 

If you go to each of these topics and do a search (after going to the topic click in the search bar and select topic then type in the search word and click the magnifying glass) for the opposite drug you might be able to find the discussion about the conversion.

 

Tips for tapering off venlafaxine (Effexor)

 

Tips for tapering off desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

 

There are some members who have done a cross over.  One member is baroquep.  There are a few others but I cannot remember who they are.  You might be able to find them in the above topics and then you could visit their introduction topic for more information.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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@Altostrata @ChessieCat @brassmonkey I can't thank you all enough for contributing your time and knowledge again. 

 

I guess it's on my end to see how every thing plays out.

But if there is no definitive conversion rate between Pristiq and Effexor XR this could turn out bit risky. 

 

Thank you all again from bottom of my heart.

*** HUGS ***

 

God bless and stay safe during this pandemic. 🙏 

 

P.S. So I just read  baroquep history and I think I'll stick with Pristiq and not change anything I'll just stick with one toxic med. 

 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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On 7/28/2021 at 1:39 PM, freeaway said:

Well panic attack like adrenaline rush has subsided for sure ever since I started decreasing. Before I used to get these crazy attacks middle of night too and day time.  It all did get better so I guess it is the medication Pristiq which was throwing my body off.

 

This indicates the Pristiq dosage you were taking was too high for you.

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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Yes, I do agree. Because I did start to get better with panic attacks and I do get anxiety attacks but not severe full blown ones and only during my PMS.

 

One strange thing I can't seem to figure out is this morning cortisol I feel all day until like 2 to 3pm at work and around 5pm I start my usual WD sytomps peaking until I take my meds again. 

 

I read on the forum that lot of things could contribute to this uncomfortable thing but not one good method to help. I did try taking 100mg magnesium but didn't do much. And I do live in a highly stressed life here NYC. It seems inevitable that I will suffer from this. 

 

 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Hi there @Altostrata @Shep @brassmonkey @ChessieCat! How is everyone doing? 

 

Well one good thing that I want to share, for the first time ever since tapering down Pristiq I actually didn't suffer with severe  PMS!  Which made me realize that it was definitely medication WD that caused me to have horrible PMS berceuse I have been holding 32.4 mg for about 3 months. So it shows how medication  WD plays a huge toll on my nervous system and mood.

I might need to hold for next month due to my mother just being diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer and she will need surgery to remove her both breast and so I think it won't be a good idea to trying to decrease my medication during this process.

I'm pretty sure I am not the only one dealing with such life struggle while coming off the medication but life feels hard.

 

I take my 32.4 mg at 6PM everyday and I thought holding it for 3 months will resolve my issue of WD 

that I feel around 4 to 5pm until I take the medication at 6pm but it doesn't.

It's because Pristiq is compounded and it doesn't work 24 hours like it supposed to be.

Some days I get lucky not feeling such strong WD before 6pm but most days I feel it.

 

Do I just let this be and suffer it through or

 

1) I know maybe I should try to switch to Effexor or even Prozac but that is not an option.

Although maybe I should take small dosage of Effexor around 4pm?

 

2) Pristiq is only lasting 80% so should I ask the compounding pharmacy to make 20% of my whatever dosage I'm taking and take it 4pm?  

EX: Currently taking 32.4mg so adding 20% of 32.4mg = 6.48mg  

Us this method as I lower the dosage as well.

 

Any advice is greatly greatly greatlyyyy~~~~  appreciated

Thank you loves!

 

 

 

- 2007 Celexa 20mg - 2012 Celexa increased to 40mg - 2017 Celexa decreased to 20mg - 2018 (April) Switched to Pristiq 50mg - 2018 (September) Increased to 100mg of Pristiq

- 2020 July Decreased Pristiq to 75mg - 2020 September 50mg - 2020 December 5th, 50mg - 2020 December 6th, 25mg - 2021 January increased to Pristiq 50mg 

- 2021 February 12, 45mg - 2021 March 14, 40 mg - 2021 April 13, 36 mg - 2021 May 13,  32.4 mg / HOLD Due to family sickness / June 22, 29.16 mg

 

 

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