BoHoJo Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Hi Everyone, I'm new here. I've been looking around reading posts and am amazed at the courage of you all. I have been taking AD's for 11 years ( cipramil for mild depression, leading to Zoloft (4 yrs) and after two horrendous pregnancies where constant vomiting all day, daily for months lead to a cold turkey effect I was prescribed efexor and have been on that for 3 years . I forgot my meds for two days just recently and went into WD inc hypoglycemia which prompted me to research what the correlation between blood sugar and AD's and I found 'withdrawal syndrome'. I have never heard of this in all my years of 'professional advice' and the relief I feel knowing that the WD I experienced during my pregnancies was not my 'usual' state of mind but common WD symptoms, is life changing. My husband and I are still getting our heads around it all. I am currently seeing a counselor and will insist on a tapering program if not with her then with this wonderful community of brave people and my loved ones. All your stories of experiences are inspiring to say the least and I commend all of you for your courage to continue fighting the fight of valuing yourselves and your quality of life. Having unknowingly gone through two cold turkey experiences I have my own reference point of how terrifying the process can be, I wish all of you love and good health and thanks for sharing and inspiring me to take back control. BoHoJo 2002 Cipramil 20mg no negative side effects after a couple of days, diagnosed with mild depression 2003 up to 50mg. 2004/5 cant remember why I changed but started Zoloft 50 to 100 mg?> March 2008 first pregnancy, hyperemesis caused WD due to inability to digest capsule fine again after birth - almost instantly. Sept 2010 - baby #2, same again yet more severe, changed to Effexor during pregnancy 50 or 75mg to start then up to 150 after initial side effects had worn off. I have been up to 200mg and am back to 150mg for over 18 months. I know It is not recommeneded to take it during pregnancy however it was dire and something needed to be done for us to make it through to the birth. Link to comment
mattinsmom Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 I don't know much of anything but wanted you welcome you. Current: Lorazapam: 2mg: 4/9/15: 2mg - 1.5mg: already sick/nothing noticed. No changes in sleep noted after illness. Lamictal: 7/27/13 - 8/6/13: 400mg - 500mg(dr order) mouth sores, headache, cognitive/balance, heart palp...8/7/13 - 8/23/13: 500mg - 400mg; symptoms↓...10/10/13: 350mg; fever/flu-like <2-weeks...12/30/13: 325mg; fever/flu-like symptoms <1-week...2/10/17: 300mg; no significant changes noted. Discontinued: Omeprazole: 09/2103 40mg...5/1/14: 20mg... 8/21/14 = 0 Wellbutrin: 11/22/13: 300mg – 225mg...12/6/13 delayed reaction- mood swings, weight↓, heart palp/chest pain, alerting...12/14/13: 187mg; physical symptoms↓, neuro emotions ↑, weight stable...12/20/13: 225mg; physical symptoms return, emotions stable <1-week, weight↓...4/21/14: 187mg; weight↑...5/17/14 (neurologist ordered discontinue asap):168mg; headache, mood swings, ↑weight, sleep flux...5/24/14: 150mg; headache, mood swings, ↓cognitive/balance...6/2/14: 112mg; see above, weight stable, <3-weeks... 6/28/14: 100mg; moody...7/25/14: 87.5mg; family troubles... 8/4/14: 75mg; headaches; moody... 8/9/14: 50mg headaches... 8/12/14: 37.5mg; 8/17/14: 25mg...8/26/14 = 0 Hydroxyzine; 10mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. Mood changes/rage Buspirone: 7.5mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. No changes. Link to comment
BoHoJo Posted December 12, 2013 Author Share Posted December 12, 2013 Thanks mattinsmom, I haven't started my taper yet but reading everyone's story to see what options I feel comfortable with to put a plan together. Still feeling relieved that I am not the person I thought I was during my pregnancies, I am sure that will be slowly replaced with fear as I get nearer to my first taper. Thanks for replying- nice to have someone by my side. You have just validated my reason for joining this community and have made my day BoHoJo 2002 Cipramil 20mg no negative side effects after a couple of days, diagnosed with mild depression 2003 up to 50mg. 2004/5 cant remember why I changed but started Zoloft 50 to 100 mg?> March 2008 first pregnancy, hyperemesis caused WD due to inability to digest capsule fine again after birth - almost instantly. Sept 2010 - baby #2, same again yet more severe, changed to Effexor during pregnancy 50 or 75mg to start then up to 150 after initial side effects had worn off. I have been up to 200mg and am back to 150mg for over 18 months. I know It is not recommeneded to take it during pregnancy however it was dire and something needed to be done for us to make it through to the birth. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted December 12, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 12, 2013 Hi BohoJo, welcome to SA. We recommend a very slow taper of no more than 10% of the current dose. it takes a long time this way but with little or no discomfort and withdrawal symptoms. Most doctors and therapists advise a taper that it far too fast, withdrawal kicks in and is treated as a return of symptoms. Then it is back to the full dose, or even increased dose and the merry go round begins! I would make preparations before you start, buy a good digital micro scale so you can weigh the beads. I have been tapering effexor by counting beads but believe me, it would be a scale if I had to do it again! It costs a bit for a good one but it would be worth every penny if you can afford it. Take a look at the tapering topics, you will find a wealth of intormation there, including how to taper effexor and the best ways to get the right dose. I am so glad you found us before tapering, most of us arrived here in withdrawal! Let us know when you start and how you get along during your taper, even when it is going well, it's good for everyone to see a successful taper. **I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge. Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem) 1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat 2002 effexor. Tapered March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads. Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013 Restarted taper Nov 2013 OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015 Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014 Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg July 2017 30mg. May 15 2018 25mg Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33 Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 12, 2013 Administrator Share Posted December 12, 2013 Welcome, Bohojo. See this topic about tapering Effexor http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/272-tips-for-tapering-off-effexor-and-effexor-xr-venlafaxine/ 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
mattinsmom Posted December 13, 2013 Share Posted December 13, 2013 Thanks mattinsmom,I haven't started my taper yet but reading everyone's story to see what options I feel comfortable with to put a plan together.Still feeling relieved that I am not the person I thought I was during my pregnancies, I am sure that will be slowly replaced with fear as I get nearer to my first taper.Thanks for replying- nice to have someone by my side. You have just validated my reason for joining this community and have made my day Current: Lorazapam: 2mg: 4/9/15: 2mg - 1.5mg: already sick/nothing noticed. No changes in sleep noted after illness. Lamictal: 7/27/13 - 8/6/13: 400mg - 500mg(dr order) mouth sores, headache, cognitive/balance, heart palp...8/7/13 - 8/23/13: 500mg - 400mg; symptoms↓...10/10/13: 350mg; fever/flu-like <2-weeks...12/30/13: 325mg; fever/flu-like symptoms <1-week...2/10/17: 300mg; no significant changes noted. Discontinued: Omeprazole: 09/2103 40mg...5/1/14: 20mg... 8/21/14 = 0 Wellbutrin: 11/22/13: 300mg – 225mg...12/6/13 delayed reaction- mood swings, weight↓, heart palp/chest pain, alerting...12/14/13: 187mg; physical symptoms↓, neuro emotions ↑, weight stable...12/20/13: 225mg; physical symptoms return, emotions stable <1-week, weight↓...4/21/14: 187mg; weight↑...5/17/14 (neurologist ordered discontinue asap):168mg; headache, mood swings, ↑weight, sleep flux...5/24/14: 150mg; headache, mood swings, ↓cognitive/balance...6/2/14: 112mg; see above, weight stable, <3-weeks... 6/28/14: 100mg; moody...7/25/14: 87.5mg; family troubles... 8/4/14: 75mg; headaches; moody... 8/9/14: 50mg headaches... 8/12/14: 37.5mg; 8/17/14: 25mg...8/26/14 = 0 Hydroxyzine; 10mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. Mood changes/rage Buspirone: 7.5mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. No changes. Link to comment
mattinsmom Posted December 13, 2013 Share Posted December 13, 2013 I'm happy that you connected here. I'm just paying it forward. Someone welcomed me and I finally felt like I could breathe. I'm sure you will find amazing support here. I have. Current: Lorazapam: 2mg: 4/9/15: 2mg - 1.5mg: already sick/nothing noticed. No changes in sleep noted after illness. Lamictal: 7/27/13 - 8/6/13: 400mg - 500mg(dr order) mouth sores, headache, cognitive/balance, heart palp...8/7/13 - 8/23/13: 500mg - 400mg; symptoms↓...10/10/13: 350mg; fever/flu-like <2-weeks...12/30/13: 325mg; fever/flu-like symptoms <1-week...2/10/17: 300mg; no significant changes noted. Discontinued: Omeprazole: 09/2103 40mg...5/1/14: 20mg... 8/21/14 = 0 Wellbutrin: 11/22/13: 300mg – 225mg...12/6/13 delayed reaction- mood swings, weight↓, heart palp/chest pain, alerting...12/14/13: 187mg; physical symptoms↓, neuro emotions ↑, weight stable...12/20/13: 225mg; physical symptoms return, emotions stable <1-week, weight↓...4/21/14: 187mg; weight↑...5/17/14 (neurologist ordered discontinue asap):168mg; headache, mood swings, ↑weight, sleep flux...5/24/14: 150mg; headache, mood swings, ↓cognitive/balance...6/2/14: 112mg; see above, weight stable, <3-weeks... 6/28/14: 100mg; moody...7/25/14: 87.5mg; family troubles... 8/4/14: 75mg; headaches; moody... 8/9/14: 50mg headaches... 8/12/14: 37.5mg; 8/17/14: 25mg...8/26/14 = 0 Hydroxyzine; 10mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. Mood changes/rage Buspirone: 7.5mg: 5/20/15 *prn 4/5 times then dc'd. No changes. Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted December 13, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 13, 2013 Hi BoHoJo! If you read my sig line and my posts, you will see that I was on a variety of psych meds for almost 20 years, including many episodes of withdrawal (because I was always skipping doses and/or trying to quit, not realizing that what was happening was WD, thinking it was "my underlying disease", and going back on meds). I wound up in the hospital at one point, and at one point was "diagnosed" bipolar (I'm about as bipolar as I'm a fish.) I've been tapering a long time, but I've gotten myself back so much, I don't regret a minute of it. I feel like I'm getting exactly what I had hoped for, and more. No "underlying disease" at all, as it turns out. I am so grateful that I was forced (by the financial necessity of needing to be stable enough to work) to taper very slowly. I do get a little bumpy during bouts of WD but they always go away with holding. I've reached such low doses now on most of my meds that the effects of the meds aren't causing me much trouble at all, which makes it easier to be patient with the slowness of the taper. I'm telling you all this to assure you: it can be done, absolutely. I love it that you say "take back control" because that's exactly what it feels like to me, and it's so, so gratifying! I was so out of control and dysfunctional during the years on the drugs, that at one point friends were encouraging me to go on disability. And I was disabled, absolutely. I barely survived. But not any more. I'm not just adequate, I'm actually competent again! Every day I'm grateful just for the simple stupid fact of being able to work day in and day out at a job that pays my bills. In my experience, people who've been on meds for many years do generally need to taper much more slowly than they expected to. But if you're willing to do that, you can heal your brain and get yourself back. It's so worth it! Welcome to the forum. Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion. Link to comment
BoHoJo Posted December 13, 2013 Author Share Posted December 13, 2013 Thank you mammaP, Rhi, mattinsmom, and alto, I couldn't be happier to have found you through SA and I hope you are all well. I am currently quitting cigarettes and cutting the sugar intake down slowly and I am wondering if anyone could advise me on other good practices to look at, supplements or foods, healing techniques or tips that have been helpful. My kids are now 3 & 5 and I'm concerned about the effect this may have on them if I get rage - which I do. If Anyone can point me in the direction of some useful blogs I would really appreciate it . Cheers again for the support guys, love and good health BoHoJo BoHoJo 2002 Cipramil 20mg no negative side effects after a couple of days, diagnosed with mild depression 2003 up to 50mg. 2004/5 cant remember why I changed but started Zoloft 50 to 100 mg?> March 2008 first pregnancy, hyperemesis caused WD due to inability to digest capsule fine again after birth - almost instantly. Sept 2010 - baby #2, same again yet more severe, changed to Effexor during pregnancy 50 or 75mg to start then up to 150 after initial side effects had worn off. I have been up to 200mg and am back to 150mg for over 18 months. I know It is not recommeneded to take it during pregnancy however it was dire and something needed to be done for us to make it through to the birth. Link to comment
Nikki Posted December 13, 2013 Share Posted December 13, 2013 Welcome...you sound like a lovely lady. You will get alot of help here. Can't offer advise with the effexor wd I have never been on it. Alot of others have... Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/ Paxil 1997-2004 Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries Lexapro 40mgs Lexapro taper (2years) Imipramine Imipramine and Celexa Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each 45mgs. Serzone 50mgs. Imipramine Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted December 13, 2013 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted December 13, 2013 Hi BoHoJo, Welcome to SA, as others have mentioned, you will find a lot of ongoing support here. If Anyone can point me in the direction of some useful blogs I would really appreciate it . This one is particularly good, with new content every day. Lots of supportive ideas and links for becoming and remaining medication free. http://beyondmeds.com/ Petu. 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
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