Moderator Emeritus Skyler Posted October 9, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 9, 2013 Xanax info is already in my signature. Alex, I misunderstood your previous post.. So I have been tapering the 0.25mg which I believe is a low dose. I thought you had tapered down to 0.25 mgs from .5. I'm not sure what to advise... I'd go back to 1/2 of the Xanax tablet, see if it helps, and then learn to taper.. the problem is, there is just no way you can taper reliably without titrating. But as you are on .25 mgs, you may be able to updose to positive effect. And it would be easier to start your taper if your doses could be divided into .025 mgs 5 times a day. As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule. Requip - 3/16 ZERO Total time on 25 years. Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10) Total time on 25 years. Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section. "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin Link to comment
alex Posted October 11, 2013 Author Share Posted October 11, 2013 Dealing with awful premature ejaculation... I can get started (I'm 60) but I don't enjoy intercourse because I have to be trying to control the premature ejaculation.... Another beautiful gift from Effexor..... 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted October 13, 2013 Author Share Posted October 13, 2013 An "almost" symptom free day today. Just a light floating anxiety, to remind me I am in w/d. The most persistent symptoms:insomnia (broken sleep) an pssd BTW,i was able to have a short nap yesterday...something impossible a few months ago. It is getting SLOWLY better 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted October 14, 2013 Author Share Posted October 14, 2013 Another good day this Sunday. I hope my sleep improves also. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted October 14, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 14, 2013 Sounds good Alex, I'm glad you are starting to feel better again. 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
alex Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share Posted October 15, 2013 Third day in a row feeling quite well.... Very low anxiety and anhedonia...even able to enjoy and laugh with friends. Most persistent physical symptom is tinnitus and pssd(premature ejaculation) Most annoying and scary symptom: very broken sleep. Three days of a very clear window.... 14 and a half months Effexor free... 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
maryjo Posted October 15, 2013 Share Posted October 15, 2013 14 and half months Effexor free?? Congradulations .. I am new here, how long was your taper, and how long were you on the med? Venlafaxine 75mg/once a day. Starting to taper with bead counting on 10-13-13 working on 5 beads less each day. 11-10-13 minus 10 beads Have been on Effexor XR since (probably) 1998. Link to comment
alex Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share Posted October 15, 2013 Hello Maryjo;it was a very fast taper from 150mgs-0mgs in 3 months, after 4+ years on the drug. And I don't want to scare you but it has been the most terrifying experience of my life... Just a few months ago I thought I was gonna die. But, the good news is: 1) It dosen't have to be that way to you. 2) It does get better.I've said this before, first it was terrifying, then very difficult, and now it is difficult. I am in the waves and windows pattern, but getting SLOWLY better w/o any doubt. It takes time, attitude, lots of guts, and lots of faith... Are you on AD? I just saw your post; you can do it much better than me. I am glad you want to get off Effexor; it is a nasty drug indeed How long were you on the drug? Good luck, A. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share Posted October 15, 2013 Fourth day in a row feeling almost symptom free....big window??? Thank you Petu; it CAN be done 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Skyler Posted October 15, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 15, 2013 Fourth day in a row feeling almost symptom free....big window??? Thank you Petu; it CAN be done That's great Alex, Excellent. May there be many more! As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule. Requip - 3/16 ZERO Total time on 25 years. Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10) Total time on 25 years. Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section. "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin Link to comment
Lexy Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Alex I'm so glad for you. I love hearing good news! Do you meditate and do breathing exercises? Keep in touch as you have been to encourage the rest of us who are still Struggling. 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
alex Posted October 16, 2013 Author Share Posted October 16, 2013 Thank you Skiler and Lexy;I am strugggling also, but it has gotten better over time. I would say that there has been a substantial improvement in the last 3 months. Still in the waves and windows pattern but with an overall improvement in severity of symptoms. It takes time,faith and courage. Hugs, A. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted October 16, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 16, 2013 Fourth day in a row feeling almost symptom free....big window??? Thank you Petu; it CAN be done This is great news Alex. I guess this is windows and waves in action. A four day window must feel wonderful, and provide hope for many more to come. 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
alex Posted October 20, 2013 Author Share Posted October 20, 2013 After a quite good week, a hit a wave I'm afraid. It started last night, with an awful feeling of fear and anxiety, I was able to get into the "normal" broken sleep pattern, but today I've had that ugly symptom of dysphoria, a mixture of anxiety, depression and exhaustion... And then the negative thoughts appear...will this ever end?? I have big stressors in my life, and that doesn't help at all.... I have noticed though that the waves have gotten less powerful; or I am coping better... or maybe both; I don't know and I don't care. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus tezza Posted October 20, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 20, 2013 Alex, I'm sorry you've gotten hit with this wave. Try to remember that it will pass. The longer window is a very good sign. I do think stressors in life can cause waves, it seems they have with me. Physical illness seems to bring them on, as well. I hope the wave is short and that you feel very well soon! Hugs and healing! Love, Tezza http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1644-tezza-risperdal-withdrawal/ Seroquel and Mirtazipine Link to comment
alex Posted October 21, 2013 Author Share Posted October 21, 2013 Thank you Tezza for been there for me. Today has been one of the best days in months. As a matter of fact, waves are getting shorter and windows longer... After 1 year of helish suffering things are reversing: good days or moments are more than the bad ones. This has taken A LOT of patience, guts and attitude. And of course the support and wisdom of the forum and people like you. Lots of love to you, A. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus tezza Posted October 21, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 21, 2013 I'm glad you feel better! My windows are longer, too, and waves are shorter and milder. Hopefully, we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I believe we are! Love, T http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1644-tezza-risperdal-withdrawal/ Seroquel and Mirtazipine Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus tezza Posted October 22, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 22, 2013 Well, I really don't know if I'm having a good, long window with occasional, mild waves or it I'm much more stabilized (near norm) and feeling natural sadness, at times. It's hard to remember what 'usual life feelings' felt like. Either way, we are grateful when we feel better! http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1644-tezza-risperdal-withdrawal/ Seroquel and Mirtazipine Link to comment
alex Posted October 22, 2013 Author Share Posted October 22, 2013 Well, I really don't know if I'm having a good, long window with occasional, mild waves or it I'm much more stabilized (near norm) and feeling natural sadness, at times. It's hard to remember what 'usual life feelings' felt like. Either way, we are grateful when we feel better! At almost 15 months Effexor free, I am in the emotional rollercoaster;one day good, one day bad.... I know what you mean when you say it's hard to tell what is what regarding emotions. But yes, we must be grateful for the small or noticeable improvement. Hugs,A. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted October 22, 2013 Author Share Posted October 22, 2013 After a quite good Sunday at the sea shore, I've been struggling with depression-anxiety, yesterday and today...cruel condition this is... Doing what I think I must do though;try to eat well and healthy, doing some exercise, and keeping the faith that this too shall pass. Hugs to you all good and brave people, A. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Narcissus Posted October 22, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 22, 2013 Faith indeed. Hang in there friend, and more trips to the seashore couldn't hurt. 3 Years 150 mgs Effexor 2 month taper down to zero 3 terrible weeks at zero Back up to 75 mgs 2 months at 75 6 or so months back to regular dose of 150 - was able to restabilize fine. 3 month taper back to zero 1 HORRENDOUS week at zero 2 days back up to 37.5 3 days back up to 75 One week at 150 - unable to stabilize. Back down to 75 mgs At 75 mgs (half original dose) and suffering withdrawal symptoms since October 2012. "It is a radical cure for all pessimism to become ill, to remain ill for a good while, and then grow well for a still longer period." - Nietzsche Link to comment
alex Posted October 23, 2013 Author Share Posted October 23, 2013 Good to hear from you Narcissus! Well. I've had pretty good days, and that gives me hope; also the fact that even awful and scary, waves have gotten milder, no doubt. Now i'm dealing with dysphoria; awful mixture of depression-anxiety-dark thoughts... But I 've noticed that they are not paralysing as they used to be.Getting better? coping better? both? I don't know; truth is that I don't get to the horrible edge of panic anymore and, I have had VERY good days. I think we MUST cherish and remember those moments when we have them. How are you doing Narcissus?long time no see.... 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Lexy Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 I'm glad to hear you are improving. You have come a long way. I'm sure This will pass too. I'm currently suffering from headaches, they you go through this? 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
alex Posted October 24, 2013 Author Share Posted October 24, 2013 I'm currently suffering from headaches, they you go through this? Hello Lexy; no, fortunatelly no headaches. Very bad emotional rollercoaster though. Hanging on. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted October 24, 2013 Author Share Posted October 24, 2013 Really bad nasty wave;deep fear, anxiety, depression...Very bad sleep.barely hanging on. I don't know what is going to happen to me.This is terrible. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted October 24, 2013 Author Share Posted October 24, 2013 Really bad nasty wave;deep fear, anxiety, depression, dark thoughts ...Very bad sleep.barely hanging on. I don't know what is going to happen to me.This is terrible. I'm sorry 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted October 24, 2013 Author Share Posted October 24, 2013 I don't know what I'm doing with the computer, sorry. I am feeling bad. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Narcissus Posted October 24, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 24, 2013 I think we MUST cherish and remember those moments when we have them. The cherishing I can do, it's the remembering that seems to be the most difficult thing. Really bad nasty wave;deep fear, anxiety, depression...Very bad sleep.barely hanging on. I don't know what is going to happen to me.This is terrible. I'm sorry, Alex. It will pass, and then you'll be where you were before, looking back over the progress you've made. Hang tight! 3 Years 150 mgs Effexor 2 month taper down to zero 3 terrible weeks at zero Back up to 75 mgs 2 months at 75 6 or so months back to regular dose of 150 - was able to restabilize fine. 3 month taper back to zero 1 HORRENDOUS week at zero 2 days back up to 37.5 3 days back up to 75 One week at 150 - unable to stabilize. Back down to 75 mgs At 75 mgs (half original dose) and suffering withdrawal symptoms since October 2012. "It is a radical cure for all pessimism to become ill, to remain ill for a good while, and then grow well for a still longer period." - Nietzsche Link to comment
Member cymbaltawithdrawal5600 Posted October 24, 2013 Member Share Posted October 24, 2013 Hi Alex, I'm sorry you are feeling bad, I'm having one of those days too. We both know things will change, they always do. Hang in there sweetie! What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878 July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site. Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted October 25, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 25, 2013 Third day in a row feeling quite well.... Very low anxiety and anhedonia...even able to enjoy and laugh with friends. Ten days ago you were in a nice window and it will return, so hang on Alex, this one will pass too. How is the Xanax taper going? Have you made a cut lately? 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
alex Posted October 25, 2013 Author Share Posted October 25, 2013 Thank you, Narcissus, CW, and Petu; I am having one of the worst waves in months. Really really scary;it is hard to believe it is not a relapse.But I've had very good days, and big depression is NOT like this. My personal life is really difficult maybe that is triggering the symptoms. Very very dysphoric: depression, anxiety, dreadful feelings...I really don't know how I make it through the day I am on the edge of a full blown panic attack. I thought this was over... OMG! this is awful. Thank you my good friends 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus tezza Posted October 25, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted October 25, 2013 Yes, hang on, "This, too, shall pass". {{{HUGS}}} http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1644-tezza-risperdal-withdrawal/ Seroquel and Mirtazipine Link to comment
alex Posted October 25, 2013 Author Share Posted October 25, 2013 Thank you all for your support;I'm feeling better today after a fairly "good" night. The thing that worries me is that this process is very draining and consuming for body and mind, and I'm not a kid anymore;I 'll be 60 next November 7th I just hope I have the strenght to pull out and live whatever is left for me in a more decent way. My love and gratitude to you all, A. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
Lexy Posted October 26, 2013 Share Posted October 26, 2013 I'm so glad for you. Hopefully you won't have to go through this again but if you do go back and read your good day's post. That is why we should all post our good and bad days. 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
alex Posted October 26, 2013 Author Share Posted October 26, 2013 Thank you Lexy;all this suffering is worth it, if we get free from the d*mn drug. I have seen what these drugs do in the long run;I don`t want to be in that position, believe me. Hugs, A. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
alex Posted October 27, 2013 Author Share Posted October 27, 2013 This week has been bad;strong waves of dysphoria:depression, anxiety, neuro fear, exhaustion... I thought the awful dysphoria was gone; it is not. Very sad and hopeless for my condition. But what can I do?? not much but hang on... I'm very tired. I have this weird obsessive-like thoughts about death, if I read about it, or watch it on tv, or somebody talks to me about someone who died...I get this horrible feeling of fear-doom. This is hellish experience. There are moments when I feel I'm getting worse;relapse? But I don't want to die. 4 years aprox. on 150mgs.Effexor for situational major depression.No AD before.Tapered 150-0mgs in 3 months. Tapered Quetiapine,Xanax in the last 18 months.NO med of any kind anymore.First 3 months off acute w/dProtracted w/d ever since.Symptoms:Anxiety,anhedonia,insomnia,tinnitus,PSSD 04/13/2014 Awful Relapse.Recovered fairly fast. 3 years and 4 months off. waves and windows.Very much recovered. November 2015,health issue.Setback. Link to comment
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