Gardner off Pristiq

[Skyler]

Skyler

I save to email as I can't save to WORD right now.

Check out the program I sent you a PM about. It's a clip board extender and will allow you to save as you enter into anything you are working on, including the forum. I absolutely loathe losing info, so save to this program. Yeah, I still lose some, but a fraction of what I once did.

[Gardner]

Thanks Skyler

Husband trying to fix computer all nite so must use tablet.

Took just another 1/2 effexor at 10:00

Calm and no itching.

Will let you know how the night goes

I took the night Telus as Alto suggested.

Nite

[Skyler]

Thanks Skyler

Husband trying to fix computer all nite so must use tablet.

Took just another 1/2 effexor at 10:00

Calm and no itching.

Will let you know how the night goes

I took the night Telus as Alto suggested.

Nite

Gardner,

 

You are a sweetie. A most likeable sort. Hope your husband is good to. LOL, give him a hello for me?

 

Glad there is no itch. Hope your night was good.

 

Skyler

[Gardner]

Thanks Skyler

Husband trying to fix computer all nite so must use tablet.

Took just another 1/2 effexor at 10:00

Calm and no itching.

Will let you know how the night goes

I took the night as prilsoc as Alto suggested.

Nite

[Altostrata]

I'm sorry Gardner, I've lost track of what you're taking for Effexor. You keep on referring to 1/2 tablet and I don't know what that means.

 

As I understand it, you've been taking 25mg in the a.m. and 25mg in the p.m.

 

My suggestion was to take 25mg in the a.m. and 12.5mg in the p.m.

[Gardner]

You are correct Alto that was your suggestion.

Sorry I have to use tablet right now.

last night was the first night in 4 nights I slept through the night.

 

Will go to computer for details but to answer your question

I only took the 12.5 this am to see how I handled it. It am going to wait another hr and take the other 12.5.

 

Frankly I'm afraid I might be having an allergic reaction to this drug and I want to take it slow.

[Altostrata]

Yes, that is why I suggested reducing your total daily dosage to 37.5mg Effexor.

[Gardner]

I don't remember you ever suggesting that 37.5 be the total amount for the whole day.

 

That is the time released correct?

 

I guess based on your suggestion of being able to cut the 25 mg of effexor I would have more control.

 

I'll watch for your answer. You were right about the prilosec

:-)

[Altostrata]

Are you taking timed-release Effexor?

 

25mg plus 12.5mg = 37.5mg.

 

If you're not taking 37.5mg per day, how much are you taking?

[Gardner]

Are you taking timed-release Effexor?

 

25mg plus 12.5mg = 37.5mg.

 

If you're not taking 37.5mg per day, how much are you taking?

 

NO I am not taking time release.

 

I guess that is what I will be taking.

I just was doing it in 3 parts. I am worried about a reaction as I have been to ER with reactions before.

 

Not a good idea to do in 3 doses? I am tasking second dose now as its been 6 he's.

 

I was trying to see if ears stopped ringing by not taking 25 in am but it comes and goes and are ringing now after the morning 12.5.

 

Jim can't get to the computer problem I will try to delete the notices for you.

 

Let me know what you think. My personal pharmatist called this am and said 25 am 12.5 pm was OK or 3 doses at 12.5 OK to.

[Altostrata]

Yes, you can take it in 3 parts.

 

The ear ringing may be from the Pristiq withdrawal. When did it start?

 

It will take your nervous system time to adjust to all the changes in medication. That is why we urge people not to make big changes.

[Gardner]

Yes, you can take it in 3 parts.

 

The ear ringing may be from the Pristiq withdrawal. When did it start?

 

It will take your nervous system time to adjust to all the changes in medication. That is why we urge people not to make big changes.

 

Thanks ear ringing a couple of days ago off and on

[Skyler]

Thanks ear ringing a couple of days ago off and on

 

Tinnitus can be like that when it's flickering out, the windows and waves pattern. Tinnitus is my most prominent WD symptom, and there are a number of others here with it as well.. unfortunately you have lots of company!.. and it sounds like yours is on the run. Yes!

[Gardner]

Thanks Skyler for the link

I've been doing a lot of reading on here today

Just reinforces this is going to be a long haul that I have to be prepared to do

[peggy]

we don't have much choice do we?

[Gardner]

DAY 18 Sunday

 

Alto, hope my account is still not bouncing. I just wasn't up to posting here yesterday or fight with the computer

 

Yesterday was a bad one.

Did other meds on list as we discussed. Forgot nite doses but no reflux.

 

Took 2-12.5 doses 6 hr's apart and at 11:30 pm took 6.5 for a total of 31 for the day. Was afraid to take more because of itching and some anxiety and am afraid I might be having a reaction to effexor.

 

I am anxious this am but could get right out of bed. Heart beating not as fast. I am anxious shakey and unfocused.

Just no ambition to do anything.

 

Since I am tapering so fast I'm just trying to let the days go and chalk it up to w/d and wait till Dr is back on Wed or call the Dr service or go to Er.

BUT MY PLAN TODAY

is to tough it out as all of you guys do daily

At least I have support here since I seem to be getting emails now. Who knows why

 

Love some encouragement :-)

[Altostrata]

The mail bouncing is not your fault, Gardner. It has to do with this site's hosting service.

 

Please be VERY consistent in your Effexor dosing. Irregular dosing affects your heartbeat and sleep. Your reduction to 37.5mg should take effect in a few days. If the problem is the Effexor, the itching should be diminished.

 

Are you taking timed-release Effexor?

 

25mg plus 12.5mg = 37.5mg.

 

If you're not taking 37.5mg per day, how much are you taking?

 

[Gardner]

The mail bouncing is not your fault, Gardner. It has to do with this site's hosting service.

 

Please be VERY consistent in your Effexor dosing. Irregular dosing affects your heartbeat and sleep. Your reduction to 37.5mg should take effect in a few days. If the problem is the Effexor, the itching should be diminished.

 

 

Thanks Alto

I'm so glad to know that it wasn't my fault.

Ae we still not getting alerts?

I just came on to change my computer and found you just posted this but didn't get email alert. I have been trying to enlarge the fonts so i can read easier. I highlighted and hit the sizes drop down but it didn't work.

 

I will be very consistent with the effexor 12.5 three times a day and will take nite pills as listed before esp prilosec. Only taking the synthroid, 1/2 capsule of prilosec, hydro, asacol in am.

So the itching will be DIMINISHED IN 3 DAYS or will be deminishing during these 3 days? You can tell I am concerned about possible reaction to it as I have said that I have been to ER with adverse reactions to most abx. I react to all but vancomycin and Z pack.

 

Thanks for understanding my concern on this matter. I have been monitoring my heart beats but can't do blood pressure as cuff won't reach around

my arm.

 

 

Thanks for this info. Guess if the emails alerts are down I will just keep checking the site.

Are there any other tips other than deep breathing and meditation and the nice site you have posted on this site ...that you have for me?

Don't know what I'd do without this site over this long holiday weekend. Hope you have a good day.

[mogfish]

The mail bouncing is not your fault, Gardner. It has to do with this site's hosting service.

 

Please be VERY consistent in your Effexor dosing. Irregular dosing affects your heartbeat and sleep. Your reduction to 37.5mg should take effect in a few days. If the problem is the Effexor, the itching should be diminished.

 

 

Alto, Could Gardners symptoms be due to a reaction to effexor? I reacted to effexor several years ago experiencing rapid heart rate, itching,sweats, anxiety and nausea and vomiting. These symptoms started about 7 to 10 days into commencement of the medication. I had to stop taking it because of these symptoms. If Gardner is having a reaction to effexor would it be better for her to continue on 37.5 mg or reduce the dose?

[Gardner]

 

The mail bouncing is not your fault, Gardner. It has to do with this site's hosting service.

 

Please be VERY consistent in your Effexor dosing. Irregular dosing affects your heartbeat and sleep. Your reduction to 37.5mg should take effect in a few days. If the problem is the Effexor, the itching should be diminished.

 

 

Alto, Could Gardners symptoms be due to a reaction to effexor? I reacted to effexor several years ago experiencing rapid heart rate, itching,sweats, anxiety and nausea and vomiting. These symptoms started about 7 to 10 days into commencement of the medication. I had to stop taking it because of these symptoms. If Gardner is having a reaction to effexor would it be better for her to continue on 37.5 mg or reduce the dose?

 

Thanks for sharing your experience mogfish. Appreciate your concern. Mine seem to start on maybe the 12th day I think. Thank God today has been better.

 

Took the second 12.5 6 hr's after am.

Time will tell. I don't take anything for granted anymore.

I did take separately a acedemediphen and 2.5 Valium.

Judy

[Gardner]

DAY 19 Monday

 

Yesterday was a better day in total.

 

Itching around dinner but was better at bed time.

Took 12.5 am 12.5 at 2:00 and 6.5 at 11:00.

Only woke up once and back to sleep.

 

Used the bathroom at 6:00 and back to sleep till 8:00 And anxiety hit but didn't stay in bed so that's 2 days of getting right up.

 

Resting pulse rate is 92. So I'm guessing that the hyper/anxiety is to be expected as my w/d has been so rapid. It calmed down yesterday after I took morning 12.5 dose.

 

Alto I would sure appreciate your input if you have the time. Wonder too why itching only at nite? I would think that was a good sign.

 

Hope to hear from some of you out there please. Your comments so appreciated.

[tezza]

Gardner,

 

You need to STICK to a dosing schedule. You've been changing it about and that is very confusing to your nervous system.

 

Choose whatever dosing schedule you need to be on (per advice Alto has given you) and stay at that dose and schedule for as long as it takes for your nervous system to settle down.

 

The way you keep changing your dose is only going to cause more problems. Your nervous system doesn't know what to expect and is responding accordingly.

 

Take the same dose at the same time every day.

 

The itching could be an allergic reaction to just about anything. There's really no way to determine if its from the medicine or not. It's possible, but it's also possible it could be from the detergent you are using.

 

An allergy can just show up one day even with things you haven't been allergic to before.

 

Wishing you well

[tezza]

I'm not saying you need to change anything you are doing, just saying give yourself some time and you will eventually adjust. I know it's difficult because we want to FIX things.

 

Be patient and be gentle with yourself. It just doesn't happen overnight.

 

I really do hope you feel relief soon!

[Gardner]

Thanks Tezza

 

 

I am sticking to my schedule like Alto said.

Your email was encouraging. Now have headache on top of head like I did when starting drug.

 

Will use a ice pack and hope not to use Advil as I can take 1 a day but have not been taking for fibro or bone pain...as don't want to put drugs in system right now.

 

thanks again for your encouragement.

[tezza]

You are very welcome, Gardner. If I got better, and I did, you can too! Try not to worry about it too much. I know that's not easy but try to do something to rest your mind from the whole WD thing.

 

Maybe you could get a little indoor plant box and start some seeds to set out later. I know you must really miss gardening.

 

Hugs

[Altostrata]

It's a good sign your itching has diminished.

 

Took 12.5 am 12.5 at 2:00 and 6.5 at 11:00.

I thought you were going to stay at 12.5mg, 12.5mg, and 12.5mg for a bit?

 

Gardner, it's important you stay at ONE DOSAGE PATTERN for about 4 days at least. PICK ONE AND STAY AT IT.

 

mogfish -- yes, I think Gardner may be having an adverse reaction to Effexor. My suggestions are to find the minimum dosage that will assist the Pristiq withdrawal symptoms and cause the least reactions.

[Gardner]

You are very welcome, Gardner. If I got better, and I did, you can too! Try not to worry about it too much. I know that's not easy but try to do something to rest your mind from the whole WD thing.

 

Maybe you could get a little indoor plant box and start some seeds to set out later. I know you must really miss gardening.

 

Hugs

 

Thanks Tezza

GREAT IDEA. Before the w/d got a tall indoor plant stand and added 3 plants. For Christmas I got a herb kit so I'm ready to go. Must not let this consume me. !!! Right., your success inspires me to conque this too. :-)

[Gardner]

It's a good sign your itching has diminished.

 

Took 12.5 am 12.5 at 2:00 and 6.5 at 11:00.

I thought you were going to stay at 12.5mg, 12.5mg, and 12.5mg for a bit?

 

Gardner, it's important you stay at ONE DOSAGE PATTERN for about 4 days at least. PICK ONE AND STAY AT IT.

 

mogfish -- yes, I think Gardner may be having an adverse reaction to Effexor. My suggestions are to find the minimum dosage that will assist the Pristiq withdrawal symptoms and cause the least reactions.

 

Thanks both of you. I agree with remaining on the same schedule.

I was trying to stay with a exact schedule. At nite, when the itching started, I decides to cut the dose to 6.5 to see if it would help and it seemed to. So that dose above is 2 days. Not sure why I have such a headache today maybe the drastic temp change or w/d.

Going to TRY to stop obsessing about this.

 

Thanks for the support on possible effexor reaction. That is what is causing the anxiety and with Dr off, he is the only one in office who knows how drug sensitive I am.

[Gardner]

DAY 20 TUESDAY

 

Embarrassed to even post. I think looking over notes I am on day 3 of 31 mgs in 3 doses.

 

Was praying that today anxiety would be better and it's not. Feel so hyper. I have keep dosing consistent. Don't know if I should go to unknown Dr to get blood pressure checked.

What can they suggest if I am having intolerance to effexor?

Ideas? I am trying not of obsess I really am

[Skyler]

DAY 20 TUESDAY

 

Embarrassed to even post. I think looking over notes I am on day 3 of 31 mgs in 3 doses.

 

Was praying that today anxiety would be better and it's not. Feel so hyper. I have keep dosing consistent. Don't know if I should go to unknown Dr to get blood pressure checked.

What can they suggest if I am having intolerance to effexor?

Ideas? I am trying not of obsess I really am

Gardner, I know you are concerned about a possible allergy to effexor, but you need be mindful the clock starts all over, with even more symptoms for good measure, every time you drop the dose. So while your journal may go back 3 weeks, your internal clock goes back 3 days. Please follow Alto's advice without any embellishments. If you are considering an additional change, run it by her first.

 

PS For the record, it's better to round the decimal points up.

[Gardner]

 

DAY 20 TUESDAY

 

Embarrassed to even post. I think looking over notes I am on day 3 of 31 mgs in 3 doses.

 

Was praying that today anxiety would be better and it's not. Feel so hyper. I have keep dosing consistent. Don't know if I should go to unknown Dr to get blood pressure checked.

What can they suggest if I am having intolerance to effexor?

Ideas? I am trying not of obsess I really am

Gardner, I know you are concerned about a possible allergy

 

your internal clock goes back 3 days.

 

For the record, it's better to round up for the decimal points. Please follow Alto's advice without any embellishments. If you are considering an additional change, run it by her first.

 

12.5.

12.5

6.5.

 

What do you mean ..embellishments ? Not sure what you mean ?

I am sticking with this dose and not change as per Alto

Will run all by her.

Just hate the racing heart.

Thanks for answering

[Skyler]

For the record, it's better to round up for the decimal points. Please follow Alto's advice without any embellishments. If you are considering an additional change, run it by her first.

Embellishment.. just a turn of phrase.. another way of saying make any changes, which you have already decided not to do. Way to gooo!!

 

I'm not an expert on effexor WD, but maybe your racing heart is due to WD?

[Gardner]

I guess there isn't anything to do for this but tough it out.

 

alto said changes in dose would cause the heartbeat issues and sleep changes. Nite sleep is OK but try to sleep during day and hyperness interferes.

 

Thanks Skyler

[Barbarannamated]

Gardner,

 

The racing heart, anxiety and feeling hyper are all very common withdrawal symptoms. My heart raced at 90-100bpm for the first few months during and after taper. It raced for a few hours after waking. I stayed in hyper mode all day and slept about 4 hours per night, waking at 4am.

 

After approximately 5 months off, i fell into hypo mode. Everything slowed down: heart rate, blood pressure, energy, MOOD. I think (HOPE) i am finally seeing some light. It's dim, but i think i can see it, at almost 2 years after my last dose. It's been very difficult.

 

Hang in there. It's critical to stay consistent in your dosing to minimize symptoms and long term withdrawal like mine.

 

B

[Gardner]

Thanks for your words of encouragement

It helps to hear your story!

[Gardner]

Does anyone relate to getting more hyper around dinner time and then it seem to pass once the sun goes down? Odd, I know.:-)