Fitby50 Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 it's very unlikely that it will last for life...even those of us sick for many years as a result of withdrawal get better eventually. hang on...it's a heck of a ride, but in the end most of us come out way ahead of the game...it's a potent life-changer and we learn many things that generally keep us from taking much of anything for granted ever again... it will be better...and basically nothing is forever...everything changes. This too will pass... I like your quote....taking much of anything for granted every again...also not trusting anything the doc's say is ok to take. Only listen to one's own mind and body. Sept-1990 started my first AD Zoloft never got higher dose than 50mg Dec-1990 Quit Zoloft =Nov-1995 Back on Zoloft for Post-partum depression/anxiety early-1998 Quit Prozac to get pregnant =Feb-1999 Back on Prozac 20mg 10-1999 Prozac 30mg =12-1999 Prozac 20mg 7-2001 switch to Wellbutrin SR 100mg 8-2001 increase Wellbutrin SR 150mg 10-2001 adding back Prozac 20mg 5-2003 tapered off Prozac =7-2003 back on Prozac 20mg 8-2003 Add in Imipramine 25mg then to 50mg (given Xanax for bad panic episodes 9-2003 Imipramine 75 mg then to 100mg 1-2004 switch to Lexapro 10mg 8-2004 Lexapro 20mg, Imipramine 75mg 4-2006 Adding Wellbutrin 150mg then to 200mg 7-2006 switch Lexapro to Celexa 12-2007Celexa 40mg Wellbutirin 150mg 9-2009 switch back to Lexapro 20mg, WellbutrinXL 150mg 2-2010 stop Lexapro start Celexa 40mg 11-2010 switch Celexa to Cymbalta 60mg 3-2011 Cymbalta 60mg switch to Effexor 37.5 to 75mg 10-2012 thru 12-2012 taper Effexor 75mg to 37.5 and off. 5-2013 start generic Prozac 10mg to 20mg, Trazadone 25mg BEGIN THE TAPER(6-2013 Prozac 20mg to 10mg, Trazadone 25mg. 7-2013 liquid Prozac 7mg, Trazadone 25mg 8-2013 liquid Prozac 8mg, Trazadone 25mg9-2013 liquid Prozac 5mg, Trazadone 25mg10-31-2013 liquid Prozac 3.25mg, Trazadone 25mg=11-11-2013 liquid Prozac 3.0mg, Trazadone 25mg=12-4-2013 liquid Prozac 2.8mg, Trazadone 25mg=12-13-2013 liquid Prozac 2.5mg, Trazadone 25mg=1-5-2014 liquid Prozac 2.0mg, Trazadone 25mg=(CURRENT/06-01-2014 LAST dose liquid Prozac, Trazadone 25mg)((Aug. 13, 2014 reinstate .20mg of liquid Prozac for crippling anxiety, dread (still on same Trazadone...)supplements are probiotic, Vit. D3 and Fish Oil daily)Aug 19th reinstate 6.25mg Zoloft, Sept. 4th 25mg Zoloft.CURRENT(50mg Zoloft, 25mg Trazadone) Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted October 13, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 13, 2013 I see you're fairly new to the forum, Fitby. Would you please post a topic about yourself in the 'Introductions and updates' discussion? Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment
btdt Posted October 18, 2013 Share Posted October 18, 2013 (edited) As for the title of the thread Yes withdrawal is delayed. When I finally quit taking Effexor I did not feel too bad until between 6 and 7 wks off. At this point I went to bed with what I thought was the flu as it felt just like the flu however it did not go away. The next six months were mostly spent in bed symptoms changed from then on... currently 5+ years off E. Some people have reported getting hit with withdrawal a few months after to several months after quitting. We certainly need some research so you questions can be answered with certainty. Yea, I got hit like a ton of bricks the first time I went off Effexor cold turkey. Took 3 months for the withdrawal to begin. hi there john ive been on hold at 87mg this past five weeks I want to stabilise for a while.. Have been having thyroid problems so I want to start feeling good for a while before I start another reduction.. Last week I was getting that OSA(apnea) feeling you describe... at least I think that's what it was.. it was a feeling of everytime I must have been on the verge of falling asleep, I suddenly woke up with a jerk/body jumping,, but also with a weird feeling with my breathing.. it wasn't like I was gasping for air or anything, more a weird sound in my breathing/like a missed breath or someithing.. hard to explain it.. Plus I was having bad hot flashes and sweating.. However this week my sleep is better again, Im falling asleep easier and touch wood haven't had the breathing thing since.. I can also relate with the flutter heart feeling, its very strange, I haven't had the brain zaps but do get a crawling sensation across the left hand side of my head regularly.. take care make sure to keep us updated its good to read other peoples posts relating to coming off Effexor all the best Kx I dont think what you had was OSA. I sometimes wake out of a panic because i'm struggling to get a breath. Oddly enough, sleeping is never a problem for me. I fall asleep, and stay that was usually for 8 hours or more, Since I posted this question, I started dropping at 5% increments. I must be very sensitive, but after I drop, I start getting symptoms ranging from 3 weeks after to 1 week after. When this happens, I told the drop longer than 4 weeks; i'll wait 5 or 6 weeks till the next drop. My symptoms after each drop are different everytime too; sometimes its a "charged" feeling, others its fear (or dread), sometimes it's mixed with zaps occasionally and others with stomach issues. I don't want to go lower than 5% since this is already going to take me into 2014. I'm tapering from 75mg of XR, and they no longer make the tablet version of Effexor. Anything else I can do to really minimize the symptoms?I did not taper not really failed then went cold turkey off 150mg of effexor I do not recommend it. I had sever gastric issues and infections which required antibiotics. Tho you do not say which type of gastro upset you have there are two things that come to mind... diarrhea the cure for this is probiotics open the capsule mix with a small one size serving of apple sauce. I had an extreme case and used three capsules three times a day I would suggest starting with one. There is also a thread I was just reading that says probiotics can cause an issue with histamine I am waiting for a response as to what this is... so maybe you will want to search that before you try probiotics... the laco bif... type not the yeast type of probiotics... Acid refulx was the other major issue I had when I quit... and some of the drugs they gave me to treat this cause extreme depression... be away of this and look up every drug they give you... if the acid reflux is bad you will need. it ... don't lay down sleep sitting up. pariet was the non depressive acid stopping drug for me. Acid slowing drugs are proton pump inhibitors and all of them reduce the acid in the stomach which can lead to an inability to break down Vit B12 as you need Acid to get the B12 from your food. Just so you know... one thing always seem to lead to something else. If you can get by without the ppi it is best. Recurring lung infections may be a sign you have an acid problem and need a ppi as the acid gets into your lungs when you lay down to sleep. Tums work... so does baking soda to control acid if it is not too bad. Don't eat acid foods... best idea... but often not enough in my case at least. You must of read my mind; heartburn is another symptom I failed to mention. Which drugs cause extreme depression? It was a h2 histamine drugs will go get the bottle so I don't steer you wrong....Famotidine. but this is what wiki has to say. In general, proton pump inhibitors are well tolerated, and the incidence of short-term adverse effects is relatively low. The range and occurrence of adverse effects are similar for all of the PPIs, though they have been reported more frequently with omeprazole. This may be due to its longer availability and, hence, clinical experience. Common adverse effects include: headache (in 5.5% of users in clinical trials%5B16%5D),nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and dizziness.%5B17%5D Because the body uses gastric acid to release vitamin B12 from food particles, decreased vitamin B12 absorption may occur with long-term use of PPIs, and may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.%5B17%5D%5B18%5D Prospective studies and reviews demonstrate reduced B12 levels that are within the normal range, suggesting that the risk of deficiency may be clinically insignificant %5B19%5D %5B20%5D%5B21%5D %5B22%5D Older patients are though at risk of developing B12 deficiency with PPI usage. %5B23%5D %5B24%5D%5B25%5D Infrequent adverse effects include rash, itch, flatulence, constipation, anxiety, and depression. In rare cases, PPI use may cause ‘idiosyncratic’ reactions, such as erythema multiforme, pancreatitis, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, thrombocytopenia and acute interstitial nephritis.%5B26%5D %5B27%5D %5B28%5D %5B29%5D %5B30%5D It was reported on case of hyperprolactinaemia as a rare adverse effect of PPI.%5B31%5D Gastric acid suppression, using H2-receptor antagonists and PPIs, is associated with an increased risk of community-acquired pneumonia.%5B32%5D Acid suppression may result in insufficient elimination of pathogenic organisms. Therefore, patients at higher risk of pneumonia are suggested to be prescribed proton pump inhibitors only at lower doses and only when necessary.%5B33%5D A meta analysis found no increased risk of hospitalisation for community-acquired pneumonia with PPI usage %5B34%5D On 8 February 2012, the US-FDA issued a safety announcement on PPIs, based on the review report from the Adverse Event Reporting System. This review report suggested an increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea with PPI use.%5B35%5D The safety announcement reported that PPIs have been shown to raise risk of Clostridium difficile infection by 1.7 times with once-daily use and 2.4 times with more-than-once-daily use.%5B36%5D%5B37%5D The risk can be minimized by judicious short-term prescriptions.%5B38%5D PPIs have been linked with increased skin aging.%5B39%5D PPI's can cause Transmucosal gastric leak. This can happen within days of first taking the drug. %5B40%5D %5B41%5D %5B42%5D PPI use may be associated with occurrence of myopathies, including the serious reaction rhabdomyolysis. %5B43%5D more here if you want to read it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton-pump_inhibitor If it were not for the fact that I had reactions to psych drug previous to taking this drug I would never have guessed I was having a reaction but due to my long term experience at this point I clued in quickly. Sudden changes to suicidal thoughts are usually a drug reaction. However I could not convince my family doctor of this I did not go in prepared either. Another doctor was easily convinced and switched the drug to pariet. I am not advocating it either as I don't advocate any drug and I no longer take it. I have had two times I took this sort of drug. Long ago before I quit effexor I tried another ppi neither of the above don't know the name now had a severe reaction went off and onto pariet. I stopped the pariet when I stopped the effexor. Tums helped as did baking soda in water. Eating basically nothing due to withdrawal helped too I am sure. Last Dec I had a car accident. After the accident a wk or more I went to emg with a lump in my neck and abdominal pain. I was given the famotidine then later the dose was increased due to constant white bubbles coming up in my throat... choking me. About a wk after the increase came the sudden suicidal thoughts I went oh oh something is up... looked up the drug sure enough there it was... depression as a side effect. Once off the drug the problems ended and has not come back period end of story. I have tried apple cider vinegar in water seemed to help... and baking soda in water. Tums of course the old stand by. Sleeping sitting up helped a lot sounds odd but helps. Lots of drugs can cause depression I started a list after that experience... it is here. http://www.topix.com/forum/drug/effexor/TEAAED9Q0U8FQB3QO/p2 Edited February 13, 2014 by Altostrata fixed text WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
btdt Posted October 18, 2013 Share Posted October 18, 2013 Today is the first day ever I felt like I did 3 years ago when I went cold turkey from 75mg to 0. I went cold turkey 3 year ago in June, come September, felt fear, sweating, doom, etc. I reinstated the full amount in that December, and wasnt until May or June I started feeling better eventually turning to normal about a year and a half ago. I began tapering at that point 10%, seeing that was too much went to 5% and now 3%. I'm down to 41mg, and last week began having panic attacks, but they would go away quickly. Now today out of nowhere I feel like I did 3 years ago in September. Anyone have any insights or advice? Sorry to see this so late hope you don't need it now that the problem has passed. I don't know what you life is like but having a took kit ready for times like these is a good idea. Being prepared is the way to go. I take to my bed... I really do. I go to my room and play relaxation videos or lay in the dark and wait for my body to readjust. It depends on what you mean by "I feel like I did 3 years ago" When I first quit I could only lay in bed... and sometimes it hits again so back to bed I go it is never as severe as it was in the beginning. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
John Posted October 18, 2013 Author Share Posted October 18, 2013 Today is the first day ever I felt like I did 3 years ago when I went cold turkey from 75mg to 0. I went cold turkey 3 year ago in June, come September, felt fear, sweating, doom, etc. I reinstated the full amount in that December, and wasnt until May or June I started feeling better eventually turning to normal about a year and a half ago. I began tapering at that point 10%, seeing that was too much went to 5% and now 3%. I'm down to 41mg, and last week began having panic attacks, but they would go away quickly. Now today out of nowhere I feel like I did 3 years ago in September. Anyone have any insights or advice? Sorry to see this so late hope you don't need it now that the problem has passed. I don't know what you life is like but having a took kit ready for times like these is a good idea. Being prepared is the way to go. I take to my bed... I really do. I go to my room and play relaxation videos or lay in the dark and wait for my body to readjust. It depends on what you mean by "I feel like I did 3 years ago" When I first quit I could only lay in bed... and sometimes it hits again so back to bed I go it is never as severe as it was in the beginning. Thanks btdt, yea, for the most part it passed. I meant by 3 years ago meaning that this is the first time I felt this bad since I went cold turkey 3 years ago. It's likea switch after its over; the day after Ieven forgot what it felt like the day before. Very odd. I was never diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or any other mental issue for that matter. I was prescribed these pills because my heart rate was going fast while my general MD was checking my pressure. This has to be withdrawal, right? Cant be a mental disorder on my part, can it? On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
btdt Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 Thanks btdt, yea, for the most part it passed. I meant by 3 years ago meaning that this is the first time I felt this bad since I went cold turkey 3 years ago. It's likea switch after its over; the day after Ieven forgot what it felt like the day before. Very odd. I was never diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or any other mental issue for that matter. I was prescribed these pills because my heart rate was going fast while my general MD was checking my pressure. This has to be withdrawal, right? Cant be a mental disorder on my part, can it? I understood what you meant. I have had that before too. I was wondering if you had taken something maybe a new drug an antibiotic or antihistamine cold pill anything like that? If it is not a pill how about some food... I have reacted badly to different foods supplements and of course pills and they can cause that rebound feeling like going to hell in a hand basket.. fast. Sometiems it takes a repeat perfomance to figure out what the culprit is. I was put on the first antidepressant for pain no prior psych issue but sure had a host of psych issues since think these drug cause all manner of disease inside a person. Usually if you stop what started it time will cure it. Sometimes I have not identified the triggering issue right away it could take a repeat performance to figure it out. I was put on the first antidepressant for leg pain but sure had a host of psych issues after being on them for years and being in withdrawal. I am sure anyone in withdrawal could get a number of diagnosis' if they were to seek them I perfer not to. Stay far from shrinks these days. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
John Posted October 24, 2013 Author Share Posted October 24, 2013 If you read my post from last week, you'll see that all of a sudden, after 4 weeks or so after the last taper, I suffered more than I did in the last year or so, and it lasted about 4 or 5 days. Yesterday and today i'm back to my usual self! Like a switch. No anxiety. Is this how this tapering works? Very odd. I also would like to know if this is how it is in regular anxiety disorders. On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted October 24, 2013 Administrator Share Posted October 24, 2013 John, I moved your post here as it seemed like an update on your progress. What you've experienced is your nervous system stabilizing. This may come in fits and starts, see http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/82-the-windows-and-waves-pattern-of-recovery/ This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
Lexy Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Glad to hear that John. My anxiety is returning. I was diagnosed with GAD/ptsd. My anxiety comes and goes too. I Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg. Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45 Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89 Link to comment
John Posted October 25, 2013 Author Share Posted October 25, 2013 John, I moved your post here as it seemed like an update on your progress.What you've experienced is your nervous system stabilizing. This may come in fits and starts, see http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/82-the-windows-and-waves-pattern-of-recovery/ The funny thing is that the "anxiety" isn't about irrational worrying or OCD or social. It's just a feeling of being overcharged for no reason. I went to a psycologist, and he didn't seem to be able to make heads or tails of it all. I had to ask him what I was diagnosed with, and he said anxiety NOS. On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
btdt Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 If you read my post from last week, you'll see that all of a sudden, after 4 weeks or so after the last taper, I suffered more than I did in the last year or so, and it lasted about 4 or 5 days. Yesterday and today i'm back to my usual self! Like a switch. No anxiety. Is this how this tapering works? Very odd. I also would like to know if this is how it is in regular anxiety disorders. I don't know how we would know if this is how a person never medicated would experience anxiety as where would we ever find such a person. All I know is before I took these drugs I have never experienced anxiety as the over the top can't function sort. I had been nervous giving speeches but I always did it.. nervous starting a new job or new school or maybe it was more excitement than nervous... but never debilitated till I took antidepressants... Now I could write a book on not only anxiety but depression withdrawal... suffering. I for one had no psych issues and not psych diagnosis before I was put on an antidepressant for nerve pain which btw I still have to this day. Seems it would be easier to drug me than to fix the back problem I had and have. So from where I sit these drugs cause the anxiety and even after I finally quit taking them it did not go back to normal not yet anyway... I was drugged a long time and I have been off the wrong way a long time. Just my five cents. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
Lexy Posted October 26, 2013 Share Posted October 26, 2013 That's exactly how it's been for me! Before I started meds I would be able to go on about my daily routine. I had anxiety attacks but they would not last too long. My anxiety came from worrying about the attacks; when the next one would strike. Once on the meds it was extreme anxiety 24/7. I could not leave the house. Once I cut My dose the high anxiety left and I was able to leave the house again (except for when the withdrawals set in the following day). On withdrawal anxiety It comes and goes. I agree with the feeling of being overcharged. I know we will overcome all this but it's just so frustrating to hear how doctors are handing out these meds like candy. Started Effexor August 2012 Sept'12-150mg=extreme anxiety Oct'12 cut half-75mg severe wds Feb 2013 68.5mg. Mar'13- 65mg. Apr'13-59mg. May'13-57mg. June '13-52mg Aug'13 49.75mg. Sep'13-48.75. Nov'13-47mg Dec'13-45..5mg May 2014 42mg. Jun'14 40mg (depressive mood started). Aug'14 -40mg/ started brintellix 2.5mg Oct '14 -39 Nov'14 36.89 Dec'14 34.45 Jan 2015- 31 Feb'15 29mg. Mar'15 26.72. Apr'15 24.48. May'15 22.31mg. Jun'15 20.30mg Aug'15-18.89. Oct'15 16.96. Nov/16- 16.10. Dec/15- 15mg Jan 2016-14.22. May'16 11.45. Aug'16-9.60. Sep/16- 8.88mg. Oct/16- 8.39mg. Nov/16- 8.13. Dec/16- 7.89 Link to comment
btdt Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 You might wish to decrease by perhaps one or 2 pellets at a time. It will be slow, but you'll get there. Do you think its possible just a few pellets can make all the difference? John I have not read all the posts here but I have a story for you I will try to keep it short as you may be unwell. After I quit effexor and had been off long enough to feel somewhat stable will guess 2 years off. I counted the beads in a 150 mg pill to help somebody else online figure out their taper... From licking my finger to separate the pills... I had a reaction... I really did could not figure out what messed me up... for a few days... and many here maybe all will say this is unlikely doesn't matter it is the truth. Yes I am sure a couple beads pellets whatever you call them can make a big difference. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
btdt Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 little utube video for the effexor fans... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRPB_AvuyKU The way an anxiety attack is described if you read what people say about them here and other places I never had anything like that till after I had an adverse reaction to prozac and kept getting more and more dx and more and more drugs. I too think this is your system trying to find a balance... back and forth it goes up and down can't make plans as you can never predict what state you will be in..not a nice way to live. for anyone... WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
btdt Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 How are you doing John? WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
John Posted November 8, 2013 Author Share Posted November 8, 2013 How are you doing John? I'm doing ok; I stopped reducing until I stabilize more. I still get random attacks, although theyre never fullblown panic attacks. It's a feeling that somethings wrong, and that a panic attack is about to happen, but never really does. I goes away after anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. A lot of times it happens while driving on the highway. Today I was perfectly fine in traffic, and all of a sudden my heart skipped about 3 times, and that scared the hell out of me then normal panic set in due to the worry of a heart attack, making it all the more worse. So it's mostly this type of anxiety. When I first went cold turkey, I had a horrified feeling for no reason, and it lasted and was consistent for over 2 years. It mostly went away, but returns for a day or so every few months. On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
btdt Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 How are you doing John? I'm doing ok; I stopped reducing until I stabilize more. I still get random attacks, although theyre never fullblown panic attacks. It's a feeling that somethings wrong, and that a panic attack is about to happen, but never really does. I goes away after anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. A lot of times it happens while driving on the highway. Today I was perfectly fine in traffic, and all of a sudden my heart skipped about 3 times, and that scared the hell out of me then normal panic set in due to the worry of a heart attack, making it all the more worse. So it's mostly this type of anxiety. When I first went cold turkey, I had a horrified feeling for no reason, and it lasted and was consistent for over 2 years. It mostly went away, but returns for a day or so every few months. All in good time I guess. How come you don't have you history posted it is hard to figure out where you at without it. I know it sounds odd but I almost feel like I know something of a person or can guess based on what their drug history looks like ...now that I have said that I wonder if that is what doctors do with us too ...only in a very different way... they can't do it the way I mean unless they too have been there. I am waiting for some doctor to show up here or on one of the other sites going thru withdrawal... but I never have seen one... I am thinking they get better and different care than we do... there has to be some doctors in the pat 30 years who has been on these drugs and went thru withdrawal... has to be we need the inside scoop on how they over come this... two tier health care indeed... grin.. I do wonder tho I have not clue just yakking... WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted November 9, 2013 Administrator Share Posted November 9, 2013 We get health professionals coming here; they're get the same negligent care regarding tapering as others do. 1 This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
btdt Posted November 10, 2013 Share Posted November 10, 2013 We get health professionals coming here; they're get the same negligent care regarding tapering as others do. Really do they have any ideas on how to get themselves and possibly us better....any wisdom at all to share? WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
John Posted December 1, 2013 Author Share Posted December 1, 2013 These past weeks have been trying. Before this, I made some real headway, and months would go by where i'd be fine, like before I ever started taking these blasted pills. In total I've been taking Effexor XR for about 10 years. Anyway, what I noticed 3 years ago when I went cold turkey was that at about 8pm is when all the morning and daytime anxiety started to diminish. Especially after I began to recover during the second taper around that time in the night was when many times i'd feel perfectly fine. Anxiety and panic happens almost like clockwork; when i'm going through a bad spell, it begins when I wake, and starts to wane at about 8pm. Given this all brings a question. I take the pill at about 430-5pm, and it wont be for 24 hours later until 430-5pm until I take it again. I do know that after taking Effexor, it takes about 1-1.5 hrs to get into my system. Is it possible that I feel better at around 8pm because I took the pill, and that it's almost like a "drug addict" who needs their fix? If so, would splitting the dose in 2 taking half in the morning and half that night fix the morning/day anxiety? I do know that when the non-timed release Effexor was available, you had to take it in the morning and at night. On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 1, 2013 Administrator Share Posted December 1, 2013 Anxiety and panic happens almost like clockwork; when i'm going through a bad spell, it begins when I wake, and starts to wane at about 8pm. This is a very common pattern in withdrawal syndrome, even in people who've been off the drugs completely for a long time. I have no idea whether taking a divided dose of Effexor XR will help or hurt. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
John Posted December 1, 2013 Author Share Posted December 1, 2013 Anxiety and panic happens almost like clockwork; when i'm going through a bad spell, it begins when I wake, and starts to wane at about 8pm. This is a very common pattern in withdrawal syndrome, even in people who've been off the drugs completely for a long time. I have no idea whether taking a divided dose of Effexor XR will help or hurt. This isnt typical in natural anxiety, is it? On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
btdt Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 These past weeks have been trying. Before this, I made some real headway, and months would go by where i'd be fine, like before I ever started taking these blasted pills. In total I've been taking Effexor XR for about 10 years. Anyway, what I noticed 3 years ago when I went cold turkey was that at about 8pm is when all the morning and daytime anxiety started to diminish. Especially after I began to recover during the second taper around that time in the night was when many times i'd feel perfectly fine. Anxiety and panic happens almost like clockwork; when i'm going through a bad spell, it begins when I wake, and starts to wane at about 8pm. Given this all brings a question. I take the pill at about 430-5pm, and it wont be for 24 hours later until 430-5pm until I take it again. I do know that after taking Effexor, it takes about 1-1.5 hrs to get into my system. Is it possible that I feel better at around 8pm because I took the pill, and that it's almost like a "drug addict" who needs their fix? If so, would splitting the dose in 2 taking half in the morning and half that night fix the morning/day anxiety? I do know that when the non-timed release Effexor was available, you had to take it in the morning and at night. check withdrawal sites for cortistol ... guess I spelled it wrong grr can't spell either. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
John Posted December 2, 2013 Author Share Posted December 2, 2013 check withdrawal sites for cortistol ... guess I spelled it wrong grr can't spell either.So you're saying that its high in the morning and afternoon and lower at night. On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
btdt Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 I think it is suppose to be high at a certain time of day there is a natural rythm... sorry can't think.. will look WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
btdt Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol_awakening_response Shortly after awakening, a sharp 38–75% (average 50%) increase occurs in the blood level of cortisol in about 77%[1] of healthy adults, and it occurs in people of all ages.[2]The average level of salivary cortisol upon waking is roughly 15 nmol/l; 30 minutes later it may be 23 nmol/l, though there are wide variations.[1] The cortisol awakening response reaches a maximum approximately 30 minutes after awakening though it may still be heightened by 34% an hour after waking.[1] The pattern of this response to waking is relatively stable for any individual.[1][3] Twin studies show its pattern is largely genetically determined since there is a heritability of 0.40 for the mean cortisol increase after awakening and 0.48 for the area under the cortisol rise curve.[4] Normally, the highest cortisol secretion happens in the second half of the night with peak cortisol production occurring in the early morning. Following this, cortisol levels decline throughout the day with lowest levels during the first half of the night.[5] Cortisol awakening response is independent of this circadian variation in HPA axis activity; it is superimposed upon the daily rhythm of HPA axis activity; and it seems to be linked specifically to the event of awakening.[6] more at the link of course. Cortisol awakening response provides an easy measure of the reactivity capacity of the HPA axis.[7] WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
John Posted December 2, 2013 Author Share Posted December 2, 2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol_awakening_response Shortly after awakening, a sharp 38–75% (average 50%) increase occurs in the blood level of cortisol in about 77%[1] of healthy adults, and it occurs in people of all ages.[2]The average level of salivary cortisol upon waking is roughly 15 nmol/l; 30 minutes later it may be 23 nmol/l, though there are wide variations.[1] The cortisol awakening response reaches a maximum approximately 30 minutes after awakening though it may still be heightened by 34% an hour after waking.[1] The pattern of this response to waking is relatively stable for any individual.[1][3] Twin studies show its pattern is largely genetically determined since there is a heritability of 0.40 for the mean cortisol increase after awakening and 0.48 for the area under the cortisol rise curve.[4] Normally, the highest cortisol secretion happens in the second half of the night with peak cortisol production occurring in the early morning. Following this, cortisol levels decline throughout the day with lowest levels during the first half of the night.[5] Cortisol awakening response is independent of this circadian variation in HPA axis activity; it is superimposed upon the daily rhythm of HPA axis activity; and it seems to be linked specifically to the event of awakening.[6] more at the link of course. Cortisol awakening response provides an easy measure of the reactivity capacity of the HPA axis.[7] Ok, so cortisol increases then decreases which might explain my pattern. But why doesnt it effect normal people and does to me? On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
btdt Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 copied from the link Sleep factors[edit] Waking up earlier in the morning increases the response.[8] Shift work: nurses working on morning shifts with very early awakening (between 4:00–5:30 a.m.) had a greater and prolonged cortisol awakening response than those on the late day shift (between 6:00–9:00 a.m.) or the night shift (between 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.).[9] However another study found this attributed this greater respose to increased stress and impaired sleep quality before an early work shift.[10] Naps: students taking a nap of one to two hours in the early evening hours (between 6:45–8:30 p.m.) had no cortisol awakening response, suggesting cortisol awakening response only occurs after night sleep.[9] Waking up in the light: cortisol awakening response is larger when people wake up in light rather than darkness.[11][12] Noise: there is no cortisol rise after nights with traffic-like low-frequency noise.[13] Alarm clock vs. spontaneous waking: there is no difference on days when people woke up spontaneously or used the alarm clock.[1] Aspirin has been found to reduce the response probably through an action upon ACTH.[14] this is interesting to me.. Noise: there is no cortisol rise after nights with traffic-like low-frequency noise so is this Aspirin has been found to reduce the response probably through an action upon ACTH I have one doctor who has been trying hard to get me to take low dose asprin for a a few years now it makes me feel weird... and causes a humming in one side of my head... like the there is pop in half my head it fizzes like that. So I don't take it. he made me promise to keep trying every once in awhile but I haven't who wants pop in their head... I did find when white noise to be a God send... love love love love it... the ocean sounds online have brought me out of hell more than once. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
btdt Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol_awakening_response Shortly after awakening, a sharp 38–75% (average 50%) increase occurs in the blood level of cortisol in about 77%[1] of healthy adults, and it occurs in people of all ages.[2]The average level of salivary cortisol upon waking is roughly 15 nmol/l; 30 minutes later it may be 23 nmol/l, though there are wide variations.[1] The cortisol awakening response reaches a maximum approximately 30 minutes after awakening though it may still be heightened by 34% an hour after waking.[1] The pattern of this response to waking is relatively stable for any individual.[1][3] Twin studies show its pattern is largely genetically determined since there is a heritability of 0.40 for the mean cortisol increase after awakening and 0.48 for the area under the cortisol rise curve.[4] Normally, the highest cortisol secretion happens in the second half of the night with peak cortisol production occurring in the early morning. Following this, cortisol levels decline throughout the day with lowest levels during the first half of the night.[5] Cortisol awakening response is independent of this circadian variation in HPA axis activity; it is superimposed upon the daily rhythm of HPA axis activity; and it seems to be linked specifically to the event of awakening.[6] more at the link of course. Cortisol awakening response provides an easy measure of the reactivity capacity of the HPA axis.[7] Ok, so cortisol increases then decreases which might explain my pattern. But why doesnt it effect normal people and does to me? it does affect normal people and you are normal people btw ...normal people dealing with an abnormal drug reaction... it just affects us differently because of the withdrawal affects of the drug our bodies are trying to heal this... WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
John Posted December 2, 2013 Author Share Posted December 2, 2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol_awakening_response Shortly after awakening, a sharp 38–75% (average 50%) increase occurs in the blood level of cortisol in about 77%[1] of healthy adults, and it occurs in people of all ages.[2]The average level of salivary cortisol upon waking is roughly 15 nmol/l; 30 minutes later it may be 23 nmol/l, though there are wide variations.[1] The cortisol awakening response reaches a maximum approximately 30 minutes after awakening though it may still be heightened by 34% an hour after waking.[1] The pattern of this response to waking is relatively stable for any individual.[1][3] Twin studies show its pattern is largely genetically determined since there is a heritability of 0.40 for the mean cortisol increase after awakening and 0.48 for the area under the cortisol rise curve.[4] Normally, the highest cortisol secretion happens in the second half of the night with peak cortisol production occurring in the early morning. Following this, cortisol levels decline throughout the day with lowest levels during the first half of the night.[5] Cortisol awakening response is independent of this circadian variation in HPA axis activity; it is superimposed upon the daily rhythm of HPA axis activity; and it seems to be linked specifically to the event of awakening.[6] more at the link of course. Cortisol awakening response provides an easy measure of the reactivity capacity of the HPA axis.[7] Ok, so cortisol increases then decreases which might explain my pattern. But why doesnt it effect normal people and does to me? it does affect normal people and you are normal people btw ...normal people dealing with an abnormal drug reaction... it just affects us differently because of the withdrawal affects of the drug our bodies are trying to heal this... So theoretically if you can lower your cortisol, you can lower your anxiety. On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
btdt Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 Here are some interesting links if you have a mind to read... which I would generally do but feel faint of brain just now.. Aspirin increases the human hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis ... www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8393884 by GI Hockings - 1993 - Cited by 18 - Related articles Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. We studied the effects of oral aspirin on the plasma ACTH and cortisol ... The influence of aspirin on exercise-induced changes in ... www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12665982 by J Przybyłowski - 2003 - Cited by 5 - Related articles Feb 1, 2003 - The influence of aspirin on exercise-induced changes in adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol and aldosterone (ALD) concentrations. Aspirin prevents and partially reverses adrenocorticotropic hormone ... www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17954371 by Y Zhang - 2007 - Cited by 9 - Related articles METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with saline, ACTH (0.2 mg/kg/d subcutaneously) or Dex (10 mug/rat/d subcutaneously). Aspirin (100 ... Aspirin Inhibits Vasopressin-Induced Hypothalamic - The Journal of ... jcem.endojournals.org/content/82/3/812.full.pdf by EJ Nye - 1997 - Cited by 35 - Related articles relevant dose of aspirin on ACTH and cortisol responses to exogenous AVP. ..... toACTH secreta- gogues and specific intracellular pathways involved in signal. Aspirin and Exercise – Functional Performance Systems (FPS) www.functionalps.com/blog/2011/11/03/aspirin-and-exercise/ Nov 3, 2011 - Hematocrit, lactate concentration and concentrations of ACTH, ....Conclusions: Aspirin does not appear to affect exercise performance in CHF. ACTH test - The Laminitis Site www.thelaminitissite.org/a.html Jump to Aspirin - Aspirin is often recommended as a treatment for horses with laminitis ... (NB use of medications that affect blood clotting, e.g. aspirin, can ... Aspirin prevents and partially reverses adrenocorticotropic hormone ... www.researchgate.net/.../5892099_Aspirin_prevents_and_partially_reverse... The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of aspirin, a potent antioxidant, on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and dexamethasone ... Adrenocorticotropin Hormone (ACTH) including Cortisol - Antranik.org antranik.org › Science › Physiology May 13, 2012 - So this is a hormone that affects the adrenal cortex! ... The NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen) are not as powerful because they stop the release of ... Patent US2927884 - Treatment of ketosis with acth and aspirin ... www.google.com/patents/US2927884 by TOFK wrrir Acrn recent cortisone and ACTH treatments may be emtcd es Patent TREATMENT OF ....in insulin action. and directly affect carbohydraterliberation' and metabolism. [PDF] Effect of aspirin on hypothalamic - Neuropsicologiaonline neuropsicologiaonline.files.wordpress.com/.../effect-of-aspirin-on-hypot... sub-acute aspirin on the neuroendocrine and neuropsycho- ... istration of aspirinreduces the adrenocorticotropic hormone. (ACTH) and ..... J Affect. Disord 93:105–115. Venn HR, Watson S, Young AH (2005) Facial expression perception:. WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
btdt Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 check number 9 above lol a new patent... WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
btdt Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 COX-2 inhibitor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COX-2_inhibitor The existing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) differ in their relative specificities for COX-2 and COX-1; while aspirin and ibuprofen inhibit COX-2 ... I was actually looking for this " action of aspirin on the human HPA axis is probably mediated via inhibition of cyclooxygenase" to see if advil did the same thing... my doctor told me he specifically wanted me to take asprin I told him I took advil. that asprin reacted on me... For a lot of withdrawal time I took one advil every single day the lowest dose it comes in... and a cup of coffee... I know coffee is usually a bad thing but for me advil and coffee were what I needed to be most human... so I did... for a couple of years at least... this was not the first year the first year I could not drink coffee at all... I am not saying it is going to help I don't understand the science and to understand would have to do a crash course I am simply not up to... but you could do it if you have a mind too... WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG Had a car accident in 85 Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89 Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above. One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking. As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/ There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in Link to comment
John Posted December 2, 2013 Author Share Posted December 2, 2013 Now i'm completely bewildered. About 2 months ago, after enjoying a mostly anxiety free YEAR, I began having some old symptoms. This past year i've been steadily tapering 3%, until 2 months ago. I figured i'd hold for a while, and when symptoms subsided, continue on. Problem is, it just kept getting WORSE. Now this past week it's gotten to a point where I pretty much feel like I did 3 years ago 2 months after I went cold turkey! True, it's not as severe as it was then, but never had these feelings in a long time. Last year when I started tapering I started at 75mg, and am now up to about 43mg. On average, I removed about 100 beads from the pill over the course of the year. Did I get to some kind of turning point where i'm going to have to hold off for a few months or even increase the dose back up? Did this happen to anyone else here lately? On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
John Posted December 2, 2013 Author Share Posted December 2, 2013 Anxiety and panic happens almost like clockwork; when i'm going through a bad spell, it begins when I wake, and starts to wane at about 8pm. This is a very common pattern in withdrawal syndrome, even in people who've been off the drugs completely for a long time. I have no idea whether taking a divided dose of Effexor XR will help or hurt. Alto, this pattern is common in withdrawal, but is it for people with natural anxiety? Also, you said that it is even in people who've been off the drugs completely for a long time, but does it eventually subside in those people? On Venlafaxine XR 75mg > 20 years, because a general MD decided to try these new "calming pills" taken from his sample closet because my pulse was a little high since I get nervous going to the doctor. June 2010 - Cold turkey September 2010 - Sudden onset of EXTREME anxiety, constant terror and fear that got marginally better at night. I had no idea what or why this was; had no idea it was the quitting of Effexor. December 2010 - reinstated 75mgs Effexor XR, felt no better months later January 2011 - Began 5% taper every month 2012 - Anxiety began improving by had many windows and waves January 2014 - Fell back into sudden onset of same anxiety, fear as in 2010; realized I was tapering too quickly. I was not allowing withdrawal effects to dissipate before another taper. Began 2% taper every 6 to 8 months 2016 - Fear, anxiety began to wane 2017, 18 & 19 - Constant Fear & anxiety stopped, just occasional minor bouts that lasted 3 days or so December 2020 - Now at ~31mgs Effexor XR, 5mgs Crestor November 2022 - Added 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride topical. Used for a year. Got systemic side effects. Quit 11/19/2023. Also intermittently used 10 to 20mgs propanolol for adrenaline surges/pvcs. Stopped them also on 11/19/2023. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted December 2, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 2, 2013 Hi John, this is pretty much my pattern too and always has been,, even before meds. Evenings were always better and still are. No idea why, but I am at my best around midnight! If the stores here were open 24 hours that is probably when I would be shopping! **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible Link to comment
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