Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

John: Effexor withdrawal on a delay?


John

Recommended Posts

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! 

Funny thing is is that I was never even close to this way before meds.

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

 

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! 

Funny thing is is that I was never even close to this way before meds.

 

So this could be generated from myself, and not the meds?  If it is, then I must of deveolped a disorder in my late 30s.  Is this typical?  I had no life events or circumstances that could of generated 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

I don't know ask Alto

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

I don't know ask Alto

How?

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

send her a private message 

top of the page click the envelope and go from there put her name in the address bar I am sorry I normally could figure this out maybe just not so hot right now... I am sure she can tell you easily 

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

top of page click the envelope then create new put her name in ask her anything you want... she will know.

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

I keep sending you a post and it will not work don't know why

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

sorry I guess they were just slow...

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
  • Moderator Emeritus

 

 

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! 

Funny thing is is that I was never even close to this way before meds.

 

So this could be generated from myself, and not the meds?  If it is, then I must of deveolped a disorder in my late 30s.  Is this typical?  I had no life events or circumstances that could of generated it.

 

 

Here's my take on this pattern of high morning cortisol/daytime anxiety issue.

 

In most people (normal people), cortisol is higher first thing in the morning.  In someone with a stable, healthy nervous system, this is just enough to get someone awake, out of bed and engaged in a morning routine.   But in someone who may be naturally very sensitive, or someone who becomes sensitive due to to extreme stress, medication withdrawal or some other factor which destabilized the nervous system, this 'natural' rise in morning cortisol may become too stimulating.

 

At first I thought that a destabilized nervous system somehow causes more cortisol to be released during the early hours, but now I'm not so sure, some people have had their level checked and they come back normal, or even low, so I'm now thinking that its a sensitivity factor, not a levels factor.  To me, that makes more sense because in withdrawal, a lot of people become hypersensitive to stimuli which previously didn't bother them, including changes in their own body chemistry.

 

I don't think the answer is to lower cortisol, but to allow the nervous system to heal, to let it find its way back to its natural factory setting so to speak.  If someone naturally has a factory setting which is more sensitive, then I guess that person needs to focus on creating a lifestyle which best suits their particular nature..... that would be me, and maybe MammaP too.

 

If you didn't have this pattern before medication, and now you do, then I think this is withdrawal related.  But this is just my theory, and others may have different ideas.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

Link to comment

thank you Petu some place in my brain I knew that... :) 

 

Could you give a critique on the aspin... a few posts back. I would like to know but don't have what it takes to join the dots just now.

 

I used advil and coffee to treat morning brain fog long ago... not sure how it may apply to this or if it does. I came to it by chance.

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

Excellent explanation of the cortisol sensitivity, Petu. We do see that some very mild strategies to lower cortisol, such as vitamin C, phosphatidyl serine, or aspirin tend to reduce the overcharged feeling.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

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?

 

No, it isn't typical in natural anxiety. As I said earlier, it's a classic withdrawal syndrome pattern. The psychologist was wrong. Dividing the dose of Effexor XR might help; the only way to find out is to try it.

 

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?

 

It may be that at some point, you went a little too fast, probably recently. You may wish to back up slightly in dosage or hold.

 

How frequently have you been reducing by 3%?

 

 

 

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?

 

So this could be generated from myself, and not the meds?  If it is, then I must of deveolped a disorder in my late 30s.  Is this typical?  I had no life events or circumstances that could of generated it.

 

You have a classic withdrawal symptom pattern. It is unlikely you developed an anxiety disorder. The symptoms are generated from a destabilized nervous system over-reacting to normal stimuli.

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

Excellent explanation of the cortisol sensitivity, Petu. We do see that some very mild strategies to lower cortisol, such as vitamin C, phosphatidyl serine, or aspirin tend to reduce the overcharged feeling.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

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?

 

No, it isn't typical in natural anxiety. As I said earlier, it's a classic withdrawal syndrome pattern. The psychologist was wrong. Dividing the dose of Effexor XR might help; the only way to find out is to try it.

 

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?

 

It may be that at some point, you went a little too fast, probably recently. You may wish to back up slightly in dosage or hold.

 

How frequently have you been reducing by 3%?

 

 

 

 

Ive been reducing 3% every 6 weeks.

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

Sounds like you might be very sensitive to dosage reductions. I would try a hold right now.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

Sounds like you might be very sensitive to dosage reductions. I would try a hold right now.

Thats exactly what i'm doing.  Last time I dropped was over 2 months ago, and these feelings didnt pop up until about 4 weeks after dropping.

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

You may wish to increase by a bead or two.

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

You may wish to increase by a bead or two.

I'll try that.  Thank you!

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

You may wish to increase by a bead or two.

One other thing i'd like to add if this would even mean anything; when I get these charged or "skittish" feelings, at around 4pm I get zaps, and a "woosy" feeling, along with the charged feelings.  I guess this is an indication that this is all withdrawal, since brain zaps dont typically appear in organic 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

 

You may wish to increase by a bead or two.

One other thing i'd like to add if this would even mean anything; when I get these charged or "skittish" feelings, at around 4pm I get zaps, and a "woosy" feeling, along with the charged feelings.  I guess this is an indication that this is all withdrawal, since brain zaps dont typically appear in organic disorders?

 

the only two places I have found brain zaps are on antidepressant withdrawal websites and illegal drug withdrawal websites... so I think it rather safe to assume zaps are only associated with withdrawal from drugs that affect the brain.  

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

"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?"

 

I did not see this I am not reading every post I guess.  

 

" I removed about 100 beads from the pill over the course of the year."

 

Here is the bit I would like to address.  

are you just taking beads out of each capsule assuming they all have the same amount of beads in them?  

Long ago it was established that each capsule does not have the same amount of beads in them... I do not recall where this started but because I had read it I took the challenge and counted a couple and it was true... so if your only taking beads out

Whatever your dose is I would suggest you not trust that every capsule has the same amount of drug in it....

you may not be getting the same dose all the time and with this drug that is important.... (I will tell you a story about that at the end)

 

There is a trick somebody started dumping the beads into a folded paper make a line of them in the fold ...measure the fold with a clear ruler... to get a basic amount your taking and do you % reduction from there... 

Left overs can be used to make a new dose.. put into empty gel caps they sell at the dollar store here in Canada. 

 

Be sure your drug has not been changed to a generic too as changing affects some of us.which ever your taking generic or brand name it is important not to get switched ... some of us think I for one have had a problem with this type of switch... 

 

Far into cold turkey I once counted the beads in a few 150mg capsules... to help somebody out... and in doing so wet my finger... the small amount of drug that was on my finger to mouth was enough to mess me up for awhile...took some doing to figure that out too so the amount you take of this drug is very important.  

 

I should not have don't a copy as it makes the typing so small I can barely see it... hope you can read 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

 vitamin C, phosphatidyl serine, or aspirin tend to reduce the overcharged feeling.

 

Is it safe to assume asprin and advil will both work for 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

Well asprin will, and if Advil has asprin, then yes.

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

 

Here is the bit I would like to address.  

are you just taking beads out of each capsule assuming they all have the same amount of beads in them?  

Long ago it was established that each capsule does not have the same amount of beads in them... I do not recall where this started but because I had read it I took the challenge and counted a couple and it was true... so if your only taking beads out

Whatever your dose is I would suggest you not trust that every capsule has the same amount of drug in it....

you may not be getting the same dose all the time and with this drug that is important.... (I will tell you a story about that at the end)

Yes a 75mg pill on average contains 254 beads, and im now up to 153.  So when I drop, I make sure all pills are 153 pellets, then remove 3% from there.

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

Good to know thought the change in your withdrawal may have been atrvbuted differing bead counts of the capsule and you withdrawal only from the base amount which can differ carry on...:) 

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

One thing I never mentioned on here was that when I was in the beginnings of cold turkey withdrawals 3 years ago, I wasnt sure what this all was, so I bought a heavy metals hair test kit.  The results came back all normal, except for selenium.  It was off the chart!  I verified this with my doctor, who measured the levels in my blood and urine, and they were high also.  I take many vitamins, but none contained selenium except for a multivitamin which has 100 mcg per capsule, and I was taking 2 capsules.  I did cut it down to 1 capsule, and never followed up on the levels.  Again later on, I increased it to 2 capsules again.  Now recently, I just bought the same test kit as 3 years ago, and am waiting for it to be delivered.  I'm very interested in seeing what the levels are this time, and am wondering if selenium toxicity has anything to do with any of this.  I've read that symptoms are skin rashes, dermatitis (which I have), nervousness (which I definatley have, neurological damage, and peripheral neuropathy - where one of the symptoms are numb/tingly hands and feet, which all of a sudden acquired recently.  My eyelid also twitches constantly.   I again cut down the multi to 1 capsule. I'm also one of those lucky 3% of people whose cholesterol increases on Effexor, so who knows if this drug makes me retain selenium.   Lets see the results....

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

Interesting. I might change multivitamins.

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

One thing I never mentioned on here was that when I was in the beginnings of cold turkey withdrawals 3 years ago, I wasnt sure what this all was, so I bought a heavy metals hair test kit.  The results came back all normal, except for selenium.  It was off the chart!  I verified this with my doctor, who measured the levels in my blood and urine, and they were high also.  I take many vitamins, but none contained selenium except for a multivitamin which has 100 mcg per capsule, and I was taking 2 capsules.  I did cut it down to 1 capsule, and never followed up on the levels.  Again later on, I increased it to 2 capsules again.  Now recently, I just bought the same test kit as 3 years ago, and am waiting for it to be delivered.  I'm very interested in seeing what the levels are this time, and am wondering if selenium toxicity has anything to do with any of this.  I've read that symptoms are skin rashes, dermatitis (which I have), nervousness (which I definatley have, neurological damage, and peripheral neuropathy - where one of the symptoms are numb/tingly hands and feet, which all of a sudden acquired recently.  My eyelid also twitches constantly.   I again cut down the multi to 1 capsule. I'm also one of those lucky 3% of people whose cholesterol increases on Effexor, so who knows if this drug makes me retain selenium.   Lets see the results....

I too tried vitamins in the beginning I don't take any just now and have not for a long time... 

At first my digestion was so back they were not getting broken down ... trust me they weren't.

So I switched to a chewable thought that would help... found after a few days of them... I did not feel well so stopped them and have not taken any since.  Sometimes I think I should but try to get what I can from food ...make soup as I don't trust my body even now to be able to digest all the raw foods it needs... when I am not too lazy to make it from scratch... I avoid msg like the plague in store bought stocks .. so have to make my own it is time consuming ...or I am just lazy I do try tho.

I find msg messes hard with me.  

I am curious about the test you get how do you do this?  I am wondering if it is something only done in the states or if the cost is high ...all depends on income too..which I don't have. 

I know my Vit D is low but my doc only tested that because I broke my foot they don't really test much here... I had high cholesterol was high on E... by the time I was off it I had a fatty liver which sucks worse still is for a time I took lipator to treat it... that is a big mistake check this site if you want to learn about those drugs...spacedoc.com 

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

 

One thing I never mentioned on here was that when I was in the beginnings of cold turkey withdrawals 3 years ago, I wasnt sure what this all was, so I bought a heavy metals hair test kit.  The results came back all normal, except for selenium.  It was off the chart!  I verified this with my doctor, who measured the levels in my blood and urine, and they were high also.  I take many vitamins, but none contained selenium except for a multivitamin which has 100 mcg per capsule, and I was taking 2 capsules.  I did cut it down to 1 capsule, and never followed up on the levels.  Again later on, I increased it to 2 capsules again.  Now recently, I just bought the same test kit as 3 years ago, and am waiting for it to be delivered.  I'm very interested in seeing what the levels are this time, and am wondering if selenium toxicity has anything to do with any of this.  I've read that symptoms are skin rashes, dermatitis (which I have), nervousness (which I definatley have, neurological damage, and peripheral neuropathy - where one of the symptoms are numb/tingly hands and feet, which all of a sudden acquired recently.  My eyelid also twitches constantly.   I again cut down the multi to 1 capsule. I'm also one of those lucky 3% of people whose cholesterol increases on Effexor, so who knows if this drug makes me retain selenium.   Lets see the results....

I too tried vitamins in the beginning I don't take any just now and have not for a long time... 

At first my digestion was so back they were not getting broken down ... trust me they weren't.

So I switched to a chewable thought that would help... found after a few days of them... I did not feel well so stopped them and have not taken any since.  Sometimes I think I should but try to get what I can from food ...make soup as I don't trust my body even now to be able to digest all the raw foods it needs... when I am not too lazy to make it from scratch... I avoid msg like the plague in store bought stocks .. so have to make my own it is time consuming ...or I am just lazy I do try tho.

I find msg messes hard with me.  

I am curious about the test you get how do you do this?  I am wondering if it is something only done in the states or if the cost is high ...all depends on income too..which I don't have. 

I know my Vit D is low but my doc only tested that because I broke my foot they don't really test much here... I had high cholesterol was high on E... by the time I was off it I had a fatty liver which sucks worse still is for a time I took lipator to treat it... that is a big mistake check this site if you want to learn about those drugs...spacedoc.com 

 

I bought the test kits from testcountry.com.  The toxic metal hair kit costs $114.00, and the cortisol saliva kit costs $145.00 USD.  The cortisol kit measures cortisol 4 times during the day.  High cholesterol is a known side effect from Effexor in about 3% of the people taking it, and i'm one of them as well.

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

I had it too was put on lipitor for it I quit liptor the same day I quit E... found that spacedoc.com when I was looking for a family member some guy a doctor who worked for Nasa was put on lipitor and got very ill with all his connection ect he found out the truth about the effects of those type of drugs think there are three in that drug group my family member tried all three then told her doc to forget it she was not taking any more as she could not think and had pain when she took them.  Those test would be interesting to get done but I have not worked in several years and resources are depleted at this point I exist on family kindness at least in part... I am glad you have been able to keep money enough to help you health that is too expensive for me to try. peace to you...

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
  • 3 weeks later...

One thing I noticed about this "new' anxiety for the last 3 years is that usually 2 hours upon waking my low mood and anxiety begins, and by about 830pm, it almost completely disappears.  I never have a hard time sleeping, nor staying asleep.  This brings me to believe there's something hormonal, or chemical thats raising or lowering by 830pm.  Any ideas?

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

It's the cortisol and melatonin cycles. Please use search on this site to find out more.

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

It's the cortisol and melatonin cycles. Please use search on this site to find out more.

I did, but theres can't seem to see if it may be caused by high cortisol or low.  I took an all day saliva cortisol test and am waiting for results.  Isn't melatonin for sleeping?  I have no problem with that.

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

As explained in detail in many topics, cortisol goes up in the early morning and down in the late afternoon. Melatonin goes up by nightfall and down by early morning.

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

As explained in detail in many topics, cortisol goes up in the early morning and down in the late afternoon. Melatonin goes up by nightfall and down by early morning.

So if that's the normal scenario, why do I have this anxiety, and others don't?

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

If you read the topics in the Introductions forum, and other topics in the Symptoms forum, you will find many, if not most, people with withdrawal problems have a similar pattern to yours.

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
  • 4 weeks later...

Since November, I havent been feeling good after a 3-4 month window of feeling good.  I have this all day & night long fear and dread for no reason.  I always felt better after 830pm or so, but it seems for the first time now its lasting beyond that well into the nightime.  Last time I tapered was in September when I started not feeling right, so I held until I stabilized, but I never did.  Last taper was only 3% (about 4 pellets).  Should I move back up those 4 pellets?  Would it make me feel any better?  I know 3 years ago when I went cold turkey, 3 months after I reinstated the full 75mg and didnt start feeling better until about 4 months later.  I tried holy basil, Serine, Vitamin C to lower cortisol, but it all did nothing, and im not even sure now if it is my high cortisol levels making me feel this way.  I even had a limited symptom panic attack, which I havent had in a long long time.

Im also getting new symptoms such as low tension headaches, my pulse rate at timew is about 100bpm, and pressure is a little high as well.  I used to fall asleep on the couch all the time for the last 3 years, but now I stay awake till I go to bed, although I still (for now) sleep through the night.  I also see some scars that arent healing the greatest or fastest.  I had full bloodwork done, and am awaiting results.  Also sometimes I get hypoglycemic episodes and when I test my blood, sugar is normal.  Yet when I eat something in 10 minutes I feel better.  Makes no sense.  Vision is also blurred at times, although I never needed glasses, but I am 41 so dont know if the eyes are starting to go.

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

Every psychologist, psychiatrist, MDs, friends, and the majority of websites I encountered agree on one thing; that I need to up the dose again, or switch meds!

 

Last week I went to my Dr to show him the very high cortisol levels, and my high manganese levels and to get a blood test, and told him recently i've been having problems again with "anxiety", and he totally dismissed me, and said that its all psychological, and I need to reup the dosage or switch meds.

 

For the first time in my life, my blood pressure is elevated, and my pulse rate was 100bpm. He said "of course your cortisol is high; you have an anxiety disorder." To humor me, he gave me a referral to an endocrinologist and a sleep dr since I told him that i've been told that I stop breathing when I sleep.

 

But lately i've been wondering if this is the truth. These SSRIs have been around since the 80s; how in the world are there no studies, no evidence and no acknowledgements that they create protracted withdrawals, or cause all the symptoms that everyone on here is saying?

 

I find it hard to believe that after all this time there is none if WDs are true. How could I of gone cold turkey 3 years ago, then 2 months later started getting withdrawals? Then 2 months after that, I retinstated, and for 4 months felt the same, THEN started getting better?

 

How after a year of that I started tapering this time less than 10%, actually 5%, then 3% that I felt almost all better, and when I reached 40mg in September starting feeling bad, then held, and continued to get worse and worse to a point where I almost was 3 years ago?

 

Since September I stood at the same amount, and this past week im a basket case. The other day I had a limited symptom panic attack, and now have constant fear and dread, with no reason whatsoever.

 

I was given these ADs over 10 years ago from a general MD who noticed my pulse rate was high. When he told me, I said it was because I get a little nervous when I go to the dr. He told me he had just the thing for me and came back with a handful of samples of Effexor.

 

I never had the issues I have now before or even during the Effexor until 2 months after I stopped it over 10 years later cold turkey.

Could it be that this was going to be my fate whether or not I took these pills and went cold turkey?

 

When I first cold turkeyed, I saw a psychologist and he said I had this a long time coming, and yet when I asked what he diagnosed me with, he said almost unsure "anxiety NOS".

 

Could it be that when I went CT, my original disorder came back? And could it be that when I reinstated it took 4 months to start to feel better because the Effexor was working on my disorder? And could it be that i'm now now doing well because I so far cut my dosage in half, and it's not strong enough to treat me?

 

I'm not trying to sound hopeless or negative, I'm just trying to be realistic. I don't want any false hope, and am not sure what the truth is, and what I should do.

 

At the same time, I don't understand what these feelings are exactly; they're not ruminations, worry, OCD, panic disorder, depression, GAD, yet I feel extremely tense, inner rumblings, fear, and dread. What makes it even more confusing, it's timed to start about 2 hrs after I get up, and to end about 830pm at night. Now is that what any form of anxiety does? Do anxiety disorders begin at 38 while you're looking in the mirror out of nowhere?

 

I never had a traumatic event as a child, have no money problems, a good family, and am even getting married in April to a wonderful woman. We just bought a beautiful house, and even fixed it up to our liking!

 

If you start taking ADs before you get a disorder, can the disorder emerge while you're on them and be hidden until you stop them?

I'm looking for answers, yet I do understand that no one really has any answers, since even physicians do not. At the same time, I see that benzodiazapine withdrawal wasnt recognized for about 30 yrs till fairly recently.

 

So tell me; does my story sound like a withdrawal case, or am I just another statistic of the millions of people with anxiety disorder?

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

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy