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☼ MrAnxious: 3 months off Effexor XR (6 years on)


MrAnxious

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  • Administrator

That's very kind of you, MrA. I hope your improvement continues.

 

If you find help here, please pay it forward and help others.

 

Since you're taking 10 grains and it seems to be working, the usual practice is to stay at that dosage for about a month, to stabilize your nervous system. Then, reduce one grain (that would give you a dose of 9 grains) for a month. If you don't get any withdrawal symptoms, reduce one grain (a dose of 8 grains) for 3 weeks. If no symptoms from that, reduce one grain every 2 weeks until you're down to zero.

 

Yes, these drugs are that powerful and your nervous system can be that sensitive.

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

Great news, MrAnxious. I'm so glad you took the advice provided and that you have found some measure of relief. It may not all be hearts and roses going forward, but hopefully you shouldn't experience the severe withdrawal symptoms that you have suffered with this past month.

 

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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Great news, MrAnxious. I'm so glad you took the advice provided and that you have found some measure of relief. It may not all be hearts and roses going forward, but hopefully you shouldn't experience the severe withdrawal symptoms that you have suffered with this past month.

 

Karma

 

WoW, Well that didn't last , guys I really am so confused what to do now. The 10 beads although it helped me sleep at night and took away the anxiety, it really numbed me out. I was riding in the car to pick up my brother and was talking etc and then boom I just went silent, felt numb, did't care about anything or to engage in conversation, felt not myself, thinking the 10 beads took away some symptoms and just gave me others back(feeling I had when effexor stopped working.

 

So I went to the hosptial (emerg) did the whole psych intake with crisis member etc and then pychiatrist, talked to me for 5-10 mins and then prescribed me Zoloft 50mg. I stopped taking the 10 beads that I did for 2 days. I am 4 months off of taking Effexor today. I am soooooo confused at what to do. Okay, I can laugh sometimes, still having bad cognitive function but there is slight 1% improvement, I just have a overwhelming anxiety in the morning when I wake up, going to bed at the right time is very difficult. I still get these clicks in my head is what I call them if I don't take fish oil. Which I hadn't for a few days because I thought they were creating insomnia they aren't.

 

A part of me really wants to go on the Zoloft because I am so scaredddd, the anxiety in the morning upon waking makes me not want to do anything,but then it seems to ease about 30mins -1 hour later. The problem is I really believe in this site and the people on it, I really want to hope this is withdrawl and not a return of orginal symptoms which docs/psych's all try to say, as W/d is not noted for periods after a couple weeks.

 

When is my brain going to just switch over? They are not zaps but little clicks in my brain, I've always taken fish oil for the past 6 years while I was on effexor so I guessing that the clicks are really zaps but the fish oil over the years has made the zaps easier on me. It's like a click of the jaw when you yawn, but it goes on in my head.

 

 

Like now that I have stopped the 10 beads I am just gonna ride this out, I am screwed if I do and screwed if I don't it feels. So tired, So exhausted from this all. A part of me says no to the Zoloft, a part of me says take it and you will feel better, A part of me says struggle, wait it out, you will get back to who you are, but then a part of me says how long is that gonna take, with a possible job etc am I better going on for a year and then tapering off? or is this gonna do more damage in the long run. ALL ADVICE IS WELCOME PLEASE I NEED HELP TODAY> TRY ZOLOFT> I have job interviews which are very important and seems so hard to muster up the energy to be sharp and on my toes, when I do start a job I need to know I can complete it etc.

 

 

HELP is greatly appreciated, As I feel so alone in all this, parent's are scared. I am scared

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Martin, I think honestly, you've been given advice, and you keep not taking it, so probably there's not going to be any new advice. I mean, there are no new tricks, no easy answers. Believe me, we're not keeping some special easy answer or advice a secret.

 

Changing to a different AD might help relieve your withdrawal symptoms but it's also going to come with its own set of side effects and all the problems you had from being on an AD to begin with. There's no advantage to trying a different AD if the one you're in withdrawal from is Effexor; your best bet is to reinstate on a low dose of Effexor and then taper off gradually.

 

I don't think anyone is going to have some different advice from that.

 

If you ask for advice and then you turn it down, sooner or later people stop offering, is my experience. There are lots of people here who need help and nobody here is being paid to be here, so we tend to put our energy where it might do some good.

 

Sorry if I seem rude saying this, but I just want to be straight with you.

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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  • Administrator

The 10 beads are not immediately going to make you perfect.

 

When you go to the hospital, you can count on being prescribed a psychiatric drug or two or three regardless of withdrawal syndrome, which they don't have a clue about. You can keep on trying this drug merry-go-round if you like.

 

As Rhi said, you've got the best advice we can give. It's up to you what you want to do. No one can make this decision for you no matter how many times you post the question. (I merged your duplicate post from the Symptoms forum into this topic.)

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Mr Anxious,

 

I know the desperation you are feeling - that is anxiety talking. You must keep trying not to engage in the thoughts. I know it is hard, because i am right where you are at the moment too. I updosed a week ago and am still waiting for my w/d to resolve. Try not to reason with your thoughts - that is engaging with them - try to acknowledge them, name them and let them have their party in your brain without you.

 

If my morning anxiety went away in 30 mins to 60 mins then i would do a happy dance! - mine often stays ALL day. That said, yesterday was a little better and i am hoping today will be likewise. (it is just 7am where i am)

 

10 grains of effexor may not be enough - as someone has said you need to wait the 4 days and then reassess - you may need more than 10 to get stable - that should be your priority right now.

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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  • Administrator

Scroll up and look at my previous post - what makes you think that another AD will resolve your withdrawal symptoms or be any easier to taper off of? Were it me, I would give the Effexor a little more time and after 4 days if not enough relief to function then I would consider increasing the number of beads. I think that the fact that taking 10 beads provided any kind of relief tells you that you are dealing with Effexor withdrawal.

 

It is striking that a few days ago you were fighting the idea of taking just 10 pellets of Effexor XR and now you are considering taking 50 mg Zoloft. It would appear to me that giving the Effexor sufficient time would be a better path.

 

You are not going to feel instantly normal no matter what you do. The best you can hope for is feeling functional with progressive improvements in the first few days or even weeks. You need to stick with something long enough to enable yourself to become stable. Stable doesn't necessarily mean that you won't have any symptoms, but it does mean that the symptoms you do have will not be disruptive to your life.

 

Zoloft will come with its own side effects and challenges when you taper off of it - it is only slightly less difficult than Effexor to come off of. Remember that doctors are not taught to understand withdrawals. Since they don't understand withdrawals they don't know how to treat them. I doubt that taking Zoloft will make everything better.

 

Ok, so that is my 2 cents worth ...

 

Love and light,

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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Scroll up and look at my previous post - what makes you think that another AD will resolve your withdrawal symptoms or be any easier to taper off of? Were it me, I would give the Effexor a little more time and after 4 days if not enough relief to function then I would consider increasing the number of beads. I think that the fact that taking 10 beads provided any kind of relief tells you that you are dealing with Effexor withdrawal.

 

It is striking that a few days ago you were fighting the idea of taking just 10 pellets of Effexor XR and now you are considering taking 50 mg Zoloft. It would appear to me that giving the Effexor sufficient time would be a better path.

 

You are not going to feel instantly normal no matter what you do. The best you can hope for is feeling functional with progressive improvements in the first few days or even weeks. You need to stick with something long enough to enable yourself to become stable. Stable doesn't necessarily mean that you won't have any symptoms, but it does mean that the symptoms you do have will not be disruptive to your life.

 

Zoloft will come with its own side effects and challenges when you taper off of it - it is only slightly less difficult than Effexor to come off of. Remember that doctors are not taught to understand withdrawals. Since they don't understand withdrawals they don't know how to treat them. I doubt that taking Zoloft will make everything better.

 

Ok, so that is my 2 cents worth ...

 

Love and light,

Karma

 

Thanks Karma for the Reply,

 

I am just looking for advice and taking it all in and recycling it and trying to figure out what the best route for myself is. I am thinking that maybe moving back into my parents house where I don't have to pay rent might be a better idea/route to take? It's scary I've been with my gf for about a year and 5 months and we have been living together for about a year, i find myself going through all this and being so frustrated at her messiness. I just find myself so lonely at my place, as she does work full-time. Then my money situation and not having a job , but interviews I have in this coming week. Everything is all over the place and I don't know the right decisions to make ? This w/d is hard enough and trying to sort all this out is just stressing me more. My dad did say that I could come back to the house, I always get worried what others are gonna say about me. Ahhhhhhh. I really do appreciate the advice from all of you in here, cause you have alot of great knowledge. I am not taking anything now and gonna ride it out. I just have to figure out what to do with this place, my gf, my parents live 10 mins away, just sometimes that can be a stressful environment. I feel dinnered no matter which route I choose...please respond, W/d and life situations are all very overwhelming and i'd just like to fix one thing at a time.

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

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  • Administrator

MrAnxious

 

You have to believe that these challenges will pass and you will think more clearly and be able to make good decisions.

 

I know it is hard right now. The good news is that you have options and you have emotional support.

 

I cannot tell you which choice to make. You might be able to try a very logical approach - take a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle of it. On the left write Pros and the right write Cons. Now create the list of pros and cons for staying with your girlfriend and then make another for moving back to your parents. Validate the pros and cons ... so if one of the cons is what your friends might say I think you have to give that very little weight - they don't know what you are going through and you really don't have to justify your actions to anyone ... I'm older than you so I can say that :rolleyes: . If one of the pros is that there will be little financial stress I think that you have to give that some weight - there is a lot to be said for reducing stress when dealing with AD withdrawals.

 

Put the lists away and focus on something else. Later, perhaps tomorrow, come back and take a look at your lists and see if one choice seems more appropriate right now. Ask yourself it you make one choice does it mean that you cannot change your mind and go with the other choice at later date. I don't think you are in an all or nothing situation, but maybe you are and then that has to play into your decision.

 

Hope something here is helpful. I know it is difficult. But given time, whether you take Effexor or not, this will pass. It will.

 

Sending you love and light Posted Image

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

Link to comment

MrAnxious

 

You have to believe that these challenges will pass and you will think more clearly and be able to make good decisions.

 

I know it is hard right now. The good news is that you have options and you have emotional support.

 

I cannot tell you which choice to make. You might be able to try a very logical approach - take a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle of it. On the left write Pros and the right write Cons. Now create the list of pros and cons for staying with your girlfriend and then make another for moving back to your parents. Validate the pros and cons ... so if one of the cons is what your friends might say I think you have to give that very little weight - they don't know what you are going through and you really don't have to justify your actions to anyone ... I'm older than you so I can say that :rolleyes: . If one of the pros is that there will be little financial stress I think that you have to give that some weight - there is a lot to be said for reducing stress when dealing with AD withdrawals.

 

Put the lists away and focus on something else. Later, perhaps tomorrow, come back and take a look at your lists and see if one choice seems more appropriate right now. Ask yourself it you make one choice does it mean that you cannot change your mind and go with the other choice at later date. I don't think you are in an all or nothing situation, but maybe you are and then that has to play into your decision.

 

Hope something here is helpful. I know it is difficult. But given time, whether you take Effexor or not, this will pass. It will.

 

Sending you love and light Posted Image

Karma

 

thank you alot karma, i hope you are feeling well, this anxiety is the worst in the day when im alone too much time to think. glad you are a part of this community cause u calm my nerves,

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

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Holy wow, So I have approached the 4 month mark since coming off 6 years of effexor and feel pretty damn proud of myself. I have visited hell and come back to tell my story about it. So update, tried the 10 beads after 2 days I felt really crappy and decided enough was enough and stopped doing that, it was definitely worth a try. Does everyone feel like they are their own researcher and scientist? cause I really do. I have learned so much during this whole process about anti depressants. Really wish I would have learned all this before the fact but hindsight is 20/20 right.

 

 

So I have been reading and writing out on the Dr. Burns "Feeling good" book for Cbt(Cognitive Behavior therapy),learning so much about my feelings and how to look at things differently. I am definitely feeling like this book is a plus and would recommend it to anyone struggling after the fact. This has been one heck of a journey and I am still alive to tell about it. One minute/hour I will be feeling good, the next crash(anxiety) insomnia at night.

 

So all in all I am seeing progress , just a very impatient person and would like my life back !

 

Just thought I would throw a update out there, if anyone want's to know about my progress

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

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  • Administrator

Take the 10 beads at the same time every day. Yes, we are each our own researcher.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Mr. A...

 

There is a short thread in another part of the forum that I thought may ring a bell in terms of your taper experience.. Link :)

Hugs to ya, ~S

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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Hi Mr. A,

 

You've received good guidance and, I agree, Karma always brings a sense of calm even in most stressful times. :-)

 

Regarding your living situation... might it be possible to spend a few days at your parents' home as a trial? That may help you decide.

 

B

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Well you are totally right, some days are better than others. I just hate that my mood can be light and relaxed one day and the next day it`s irritated and annoyed. I have learned many things such as rumination, exercise, sleep and talk therapy as to be big key players in fighting the withdrawl effects of the medication. It`s quite the process and is a battle. I just hope once the battle is over my life is not in ruins you know. I do value life and do love people and care etc. Just really hard when you are waiting for something that seems like it cannot potentially happen, regrowth of neurons etc, are they damaged permanently, I`ve heard the brain is resilient.

 

 

Just over 4 months off the drug, will always be taking the natural way now, I am think if I get the job in a couple days and start to work it will take my mind off everything else.

 

 

Cheers and hope to hear from all you in the future.

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

Link to comment

Welcome MrAnxious, we are all different and I couldn't help but pick up on you Insomnia dilemma, I couldn't sleep for 10 months until I started using the BT8. My nervous system was frayed, and is now finally starting to feel some balance again. It has been a slow journey but you might want to check out this link to our discussions on this device. I wish I had known about it 10 months ago, I think it could have really helped me not develop a PTSD disorder from the nightmare that I went through, along with all of the medical problems. I'm sure I still would have had to battle some of the medical issues, but I would have been able to cope so much better because I would have been sleeping. This device is not a cure all, it is controversial, but it sure has helped me to get up and over the hump without taking any more meds. Just wanted to share.

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2245-electrical-therapeutic-devices-for-mood-etc/page__p__22032__fromsearch__1#entry22032

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Okay I am about 4 months and 1 week off Effexor. I have tried everything by getting exercise everyday to sunlight, multivitamins/fish oil.

 

 

Symptoms

 

- Easy Anger,irritated easily,

 

- Mood changes by hour, Popping sound like Kernels or when you turn your neck and it clicks (in my brain).

 

- No happiness, Feeling duh ...the words are in my head but Can't put them together like i would liker Anxiety 100 time

 

- Major Anxiety , not wanting to be around people( Not like me)

 

- Insomnia , wake up every 30mins ,very broken sleep

 

Good symptoms

 

- I can laugh spontaneously

 

- Feeling of just general well being happen but disappear on a day to day basis

 

- Comfortable hanging out with family/gf

 

 

 

* Okay My question here is , Does this get better or am I just fully depressed? I do have alot on my plate right now with no job, interview in 2 days, bills/rent due next month no money really unless I get this job. So I do have alot of key stressors. I just want to know if this serotonin regenerates it's self eventually ? Does it take longer than 4 months? I know my body/brain has been through so much shock in the past few years.

 

I just want to know/ have comfort that this will EVENTUALLY get better, cause it's really hard to see right now.

 

I have hung out with my dad alot lately(great support) he says yah one min I get glimpses of you before medication and then you have these bouts of high anxiety and feelings of brain fog/duh. Does this get better. I do have an appointment with a new doctor (meet and greet) on September 4th. Just struggling to find out if I really am depressed or if it's withdrawl? I see progress and then I don't , it's wierd.

 

I hear alot about after 6 months and a year the feelings came rushing back, just feel like I have no serotonin and it's making me feeling emotionless. From what I have wrote here can I get multiple suggestions on what others may think. Already tried the grain thing and it just made me feel worse, So I am willing to stick this out, but I want my happy feeling back, I can't seem to smile often. And I am not going back on any antidepressants

 

 

Help please

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

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  • Moderator Emeritus

anxiety makes all those symptoms worse, and from your name we know you are anxious!

 

when i have had depression before effexor, i was pretty much depressed all the time - sometimes worse, but i never had those windows of feeling good - so, my 'hunch' would be that it's withdrawal, but obviously i can't tell you.

 

either way, it's not going to clear up overnight - either way, it will gradually lift. so your choices are to reinstate, stabilise and then do a controlled gradual reduction or to perservere

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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I am so sorry you have to go through this. I am relatively new to this support group and have found that everybody is so welcoming and helpful. I know for me one of my major symptoms when I first came off of Zoloft was an Anxiety level I had never experienced before and I had a lot of depersonalization; I couldn’t even tolerate being around my husband or kids. Now these symptoms are not as severe and do not come as often as they once did. I think it is a good sign that you can find moments where you can laugh. Sorry I do not have answers for you. I am still trying to figure all this out as well. I am thinking of you and hope you begin to see some improvements soon.

Prozac(situational depression) 1993 discontinued sometime in 1994 without WD problems

Paxil from 2003 until 2004 for anxiety/panic attacks

25mg of Zoloft from March 2012. started tappering in April and took my last one on May 13, 2012

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Hi Mr Anxious,

 

I am very new to all this but just wanted to give you my impression it might help?

 

You might have tappered to fast? Sounds like your body has hightened anxiety due to withdrawal on top of being stressed with needing to find work.

 

Heightened anxiety, insomnia, restlessnes etc its hell and it feels like it wont end, I experienced it 3 mths after I tappered too fast and ended back on. If I could go back the only thing I would change is not going back on 75mg. I didn't have this site to turn to and didn't know, someone with more knowlege will come along. Hang in there. Its hard we know!

 

Caro

1995 Post Natal Dep - Zoloft ?dose (as well as 5mg valium and sleeping tablet) Quit after a couple of months.

1998 PND - Effexor-xr 150mg. Tried reducing but failed due to heightened anxiety. Quit cold turkey when pregnant with 3rd child.

2003 PND again on Effexor-xr 150mg. Numerous times tried to wean.

2006 75mg.

2010 Weaned off too fast as per dr recom 75mg every 2nd day etc. was Effexor-xr free for 3 months. Reinstated 75mg

1/6/12 = 72 mg

2/7/12 = 69 mg

16/7/12 = 67.5 mg

1/8/12 = 60 mg

19/8;12 = 52.5 mg

4/9/12 = 45mg

2/10/12 = 37.5 mg

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  • Administrator

MrA, no matter how many times you ask the same question, even in different forums, the answer will be the same.

 

It's likely you tapered too fast. If you don't want to try reinstating at a low dose, you'll have to cope with withdrawal symptoms until they go away. No one can tell how long this will take.

 

The broken sleep pattern is a dead giveaway of withdrawal symptoms.

 

If you want to call your withdrawal symptoms a relapse of depression and get medicated again, go ahead, try it.

 

If you don't mind, I'm getting tired of answering the same question over and over, so I'm not going to do it any more.

 

If you continue to open new topics with the same question, I'll keep on merging them with this one. So don't. Instead, re-read this topic.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thanks everyone for the reply, it's never easy going through this and having next to none support. All I am trying to do is reassure myself that everything is going to be alright and that it is withdrawl.

 

I am just trying to figure out if this is withdrawl or actual depression and it helps having others opinions. Appreciate it, I don't think people can ask too many questions when they are in this state of despair. I really don't want to re instate when I have went through hell and back coming off this stuff, I am quite proud of myself.

 

Just have to figure out ways to cope when I am going through these waves of symptoms, some days better than the other.

 

 

Sorry Alto , just looking for support other than my intro topic which doesn't seem to get alot of replies after awhile and I thought symptoms would be a good spot to put my topic, not looking to cause problems, just get as much support and information that I can. My intention is not too anger anybody in here? Just have support and telling me it's going to be alright... :(

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

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  • Moderator Emeritus

The trouble with seeking reassurance when you are anxious is that it doesn't work. I know that because i have done it too. My doctor doesn't give me any reassurance when i ask for it - instead he says that this is the nature of anxiety - the key is to not give the thoughts credibility - let them be there, but don't believe them. Now, i know only too well how hard that is.

 

But, back to your problem - is it depression or withdrawal? It doesn't matter much really what the cause of your current suffering is - you have to decide how much is too much to bear. Your symptoms suggest your nervous system is unstable and not happy - my feeling is you want to try and stabilise it as quickly as possible, which is why it has been suggested you try taking a small amount of Effexor to bring about that stability. There is no issue about whether or not you are proud in staying off Effexor for 4 months- These drugs cause disruption at the synaptic level in your brain - you need to try and restore that disruption as painlessly as possible - you don't want to enter into a prolonged (perhaps several years) of withdrawal just to be able to say that you stayed off Effexor!!!

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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Thanks for the reply Peggy,

 

 

So I have been 4 months off , and I don't get a new doctor until sept 4th? Should I go to a walk in clinic tommorow and be like I was on Effexor and need to go back on it but don't want a heavy dose? Is it classified as a Narcotic ? Cause they don't prescribe those. Like I was on 150mg and it pooped out atleast 2 years ago but was so addictive i kept taking it. Really can't imagine going back on it as I was addicted to smoking and pot. My life was ruined by this stuff in the end. But I do want to stabilize and not suffer for years.

 

How much of a dose would be appropriate and for how long? 37.5mg ?The few grains did nothing but mummified me,mad sypmtoms worse.But why would 37.5 even make me stable if 150 never did?Confused.My bottle says Effexor Sr when I thought it was Xr. What's the difference here? I am seriously considering going back on it for a bit, but if it was wearing off on me , then wouldn't I just be putting myself through hell again? I am semi- stable right now, just having bouts of anxiety and mood/depression feelings, i don't want to kill myself or anything. I am 29 years old and 2 months from 30 , just want this bad cycle to stop. This is so confusing. Look forward to your reply

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

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  • Moderator Emeritus

it is not classified as a narcotic.

 

37.5mg may be enough to quell your withdrawal symptoms, but it will probably still take a good 6 weeks to stabilise you..you can't take a couple of days and then think -its not working, or i feel worse - you will probably get the start up side effects again as you have been off a while

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Mr. A.. Your default position is to fall back on docs local to you whenever you feel anxious, then run their opinions by us because their advice does not run true. Perhaps you will feel more confident of our input when you have independent corroboration. As it stands, you are making us responsible for assuaging your general anxiety, and this is your battle (you were very anxious before starting to withdraw, before going on ADs?). We cannot do this effectively for you.

 

Do some reading to educate yourself. My recommendation would be to start with some of the links on the Facebook page for Do No Harm. They are to sites/info shared by members of the the medical establishment who are highly skeptical about psychotropics.

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

MrA, no matter how many times you ask the same question, even in different forums, the answer will be the same.

 

It's likely you tapered too fast. If you don't want to try reinstating at a low dose, you'll have to cope with withdrawal symptoms until they go away. No one can tell how long this will take.

 

The broken sleep pattern is a dead giveaway of withdrawal symptoms.

 

If you want to call your withdrawal symptoms a relapse of depression and get medicated again, go ahead, try it.

 

If you don't mind, I'm getting tired of answering the same question over and over, so I'm not going to do it any more.

 

If you continue to open new topics with the same question, I'll keep on merging them with this one. So don't. Instead, re-read this topic.

 

Ditto.

 

The constant need to keep trying for new answers is part of the "help me, make it go away, do something, anything" panic that is typical of all kinds of psych med withdrawal.

 

THERE AREN'T GOING TO BE ANY NEW ANSWERS. If there was a different answer, we'd be shouting it from the rooftops.

 

Try to accept that and allow your panic to just happen; there are no answers that are going to make you feel better or make it go away.

 

Your erratic emotions and sensations are caused by withdrawal and by the constant changing of meds and dosages.

 

These feelings and symptoms won't go away until things have time to settle down and heal.

 

Further changes will not improve them. Only time will help at this point.

 

A small reinstatement of Effexor, a few beads a day, may help support the process of settling down, and make it a bit faster and smoother.

 

It still won't be an overnight "fix."

 

Your best bet is the 10 beads once a day same time every day until you stabilize, which will take many weeks or a few months.

 

If you keep going on and off the 10 beads a day, however, it will make things worse. It will only help if you do it consistently and routinely.

 

Once you stabilize you can taper slowly off the 10 beads and it should go well with you if you do it slowly.

 

Alternatively, you can just stay off, and ride out the withdrawal for however long it takes.

 

Or you can choose to go back on meds, in which case you'll be back where you started and eventually back to wanting to quit. Going back on meds won't stabilize you overnight. It is still going to take weeks or months to be fully stable.

 

Going on and off meds, or up and down on doses, will only make things worse.

 

What you're experiencing is withdrawal, not depression.

 

The answers have already been given to you. Just re-read until you can hear them.

Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. 

Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010.  Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea.

 

Feb 15 2010:  300 mg Neurontin  200 Lamictal   10 Celexa      0.65 Xanax   and 5 mg Ambien 

Feb 10 2014:   62 Lamictal    1.1 Celexa         0.135 Xanax    1.8 Valium

Feb 10 2015:   50 Lamictal      0.875 Celexa    0.11 Xanax      1.5 Valium

Feb 15 2016:   47.5 Lamictal   0.75 Celexa      0.0875 Xanax    1.42 Valium    

2/12/20             12                       0.045               0.007                   1 

May 2021            7                       0.01                  0.0037                1

Feb 2022            6                      0!!!                     0.00167               0.98                2.5 mg Ambien

Oct 2022       4.5 mg Lamictal    (off Celexa, off Xanax)   0.95 Valium    Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet 

 

I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.

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Thanks everyone, I learn something more each time I post, and I want to look back at them as journals to see what was done right and what was done wrong. A faster taper definitely got me, I know this. I do realize that time is going to be the only thing that heals me. I know this.

 

Just wondering if I go back on 10 grains and stick it out, won't this prolong the withdraw I just put myself through? How do I expect to regenerate my brain synapse etc, when I just keep throwing this chemical back in? Curious

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Just wondering if I go back on 10 grains and stick it out, won't this prolong the withdraw I just put myself through? How do I expect to regenerate my brain synapse etc, when I just keep throwing this chemical back in? Curious

 

Mr. A.. Asked and answered several times over. I fail to see how you are learning anything when you make new posts or review older replies. Rewording the same question does not change the answer and I'm starting to wonder if you are baiting us. Go back and reread Alto's responses to you.

 

Please forgive me if I am blunt, but continuously asking the same question is tedious at best, not to mention disrespectful to members of this forum. I will not answer further of your posts pending a new line of inquiry. Sincere best wishes on your journey..

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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I am Sorry, I am trying here. I have read all the post and agree Alto that I am seeking the same answers from the support you have giving me , I apologize. Being this scared and worried all day and everyday and having no one to turn to or talk to is living hell.

 

I don't mean to cause any problems and appreciate all the support you all have given to me in my time of grieving from this medication that has turned me into somebody I don't even know.

 

So once again this is the only place that I will post in and my apologies , never did I intended to bother anyone , seeking help, support, encouragement and love through this journey,

 

 

 

Thanks,

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

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Mr. Anxious,

 

I tapered too fast and found this group too late to reinstate. I would LOVE to be in your position right now, with the opportunity to reinstate and do it right.

 

Please trust the advice you are being given by very qualified and experienced people.

 

B

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Just wondering if I go back on 10 grains and stick it out, won't this prolong the withdraw I just put myself through? How do I expect to regenerate my brain synapse etc, when I just keep throwing this chemical back in? Curious

 

Mr. A.. Asked and answered several times over. I fail to see how you are learning anything when you make new posts or review older replies. Rewording the same question does not change the answer and I'm starting to wonder if you are baiting us. Go back and reread Alto's responses to you.

 

Please forgive me if I am blunt, but continuously asking the same question is tedious at best, not to mention disrespectful to members of this forum. I will not answer further of your posts pending a new line of inquiry. Sincere best wishes on your journey..

 

I am not trying to bait anyone, trying to find all answers to my questions. Some people have been very helpful, nor am I trying to re- word anything. I welcome support and have re-read my posts many times. I guess when you are suffering the way I am, you start going sideways in a way, and I like hearing from many people which provide different answers and then can put it all together to get a final review. I don't just listen to the first person that tells me something, I believe in strength and knowledge in numbers before I go forth with any action.

 

I am going to go back on 10 grains for a month and fight this and then 9 the next month and 8 the next month down to 1 month. It doesn't help not having a doctor right now and I get a new one in sept 4th.

 

 

Appreciate all your help and support, I read these posts to my parents and they agree that I am just scared and we all act differently when scared, So I apologize to you , I am not here to upset you , if that was the case I wouldn't be in here. So sorry , I am a devout christian and love everybody for who they are. So I apologize if I upset you by asking questions that are great concern to me.

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

Link to comment

Mr. Anxious,

 

I tapered too fast and found this group too late to reinstate. I would LOVE to be in your position right now, with the opportunity to reinstate and do it right.

 

Please trust the advice you are being given by very qualified and experienced people.

 

B

 

Barb what would you recommend 4 months out? for reinstatment, I am asking your advice?

2007-2012started Effexor xr 225mg -150mg- Varied2months of Taper,(March 22/2012 Off Med/in W/D)Currently No medicationMarch 22/2012- August 16/2012 - Totally Off Effexor( Rough Rough time) Reinstatement for a week(didn't work)****** New Doctor******* Very nice/helpful and in touch.Tried Zoloft- No successAUGUST 17/2012- STARTED 37.5 EFFEXOR FOR ONE WEEK - NOT GOOD < STOPPED.Started Buspar Oct 11th 2012----10 mg for the first 7 days and then 15mg a day---- Taking a new route----Racing thoughts - Gone.Oct 9th ( Done Zoloft,wellbutrin week project trial to feel better) - OFFICIALLY OFF ANTI DEPRESSANT !Oct 26 - Raised Buspar to 20mg a day- Tolerating wellJan 2nd 2013-

Reduce Buspar until full off march 20th 2015 Off all medication !

Tried natural supplements to no avail

Gluten/sugar free since december 2013

Link to comment

 

Mr. Anxious,

 

I tapered too fast and found this group too late to reinstate. I would LOVE to be in your position right now, with the opportunity to reinstate and do it right.

 

Please trust the advice you are being given by very qualified and experienced people.

 

B

 

Barb what would you recommend 4 months out? for reinstatment, I am asking your advice?

 

Honestly, at 4 months out, I would have been incredibly fortunate to find this group. I may not have realized it at that time as im still amazed by the knowledge here.

 

I would trust the advice of Alto and the admins. They have years of personal experience and helping others. I understand it's hard to trust right now, but this is a critical time to do just that.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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  • Moderator Emeritus

 

I would trust the advice of Alto and the admins. They have years of personal experience and helping others. I understand it's hard to trust right now, but this is a critical time to do just that.

 

Sigh.. hokay Mr. A. Guess it's 'just' your anxiety talking. Thing is, Alto taught us what we know, and there is noone here who will disagree with her on nuts and bolts tapering stuff. I think you took the 10 beads way back, maybe just for one day, then way overestimated the immediate effect.

 

So here goes again.. I fully endorse Alto. I've been on several forums over the last 3 years, and she is by far the best I've come across.. hands down. You exceedingly fortunate to have her advice.

 

fyi.. this is not a substitute for a journal and we are all struggling for finite amounts of time to ventilate our concerns. Both Rhi and Alto put much effort into responses and are deserving of our respect.

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi mr. A,

 

I understand your anxiety. I've been freaking out this afternoon, too. It's part of WD I'm sure. I feel like I've upset others as well and that was the last thing I'd ever want to do. Like you, I love everyone. I trust Alto and Rhi and appreciate everything they do to help us. When we are in the WDs it's so confusing sometimes.

 

I'm willing to take advice from Rhi or Alto because they are both very wise about how to do this the right way. Right now my mind is scrambled and I'm trying hard to get a grip.

 

After reading what Rhi posted to you, I think I can understand better what she was trying to say to me ( I hope so, at least). I think she was telling me to be still where I am and give it time until I become stable. I have already reinstated a med at the dosage I was advised, so now, I must wait for stabilization. I didn't know if I was needing to up dose or not, but after I read her post to you, I think she was telling me to stay put and try to become stable.

 

I really do understand your confusion, so just know you are not alone. Rest assured, they do know what they are talking about. {{hugs}}

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