jen84 Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 I am still taking the Effexor an hr later than Wellbutrin, and I'm not sure why but for the most part the anxiety seems to have subsided. Yesterday I felt fairly good, and so far today is good too. Perhaps the 7th was a one off? You are right mammap, I should wait until I'm moved to cut again. I do feel like I've stabilized though, so that's good, minus two days ago, but those are going to happen. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted May 9, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 9, 2015 Glad you're feeling better Jen, hopefully it will continue for you while you get moved. I hope it goes ok for you. **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
jen84 Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 im having a rough few days. My asleep is not very good, I have bags under my eyes, I feel awful, I'm exhausted and tired and just want to be better already. I'm staying at my bf's for the long weekend with my cat so I can avoid being near my landlords. They've shut off my internet for real this time. I don't understand how people can be so ignorant. So I can't even listen to guided meditations to fall asleep now. This is my pity party, all are welcome! -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
jen84 Posted May 25, 2015 Author Share Posted May 25, 2015 I'm all moved in to my place! What a pleasant change. The past few weeks were a bit stressful, so I'm relieved to be out of that place. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
btdt Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 So happy things have turned around for you Jen congratulations on the new place enjoy your relaxation tonight 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 Petunia Posted May 25, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 25, 2015 Hi Jen, I'm replying to your PM here in your thread. I think what MammaP suggested here his a good idea: Hi Jen, I'm not surprised you are feeling emotional, you're going through a stressful time, and the fall out with your landlord has upset you. It takes me ages to get over that kind of thing even without withdrawal. I wouldn't think about cutting another bead until you are moved and settled, stress makes withdrawal worse and you can do without that. Are you taking the largest beads or just a mix? Hold for a while until you have settled and had a chance to get over the recent stress. Someone mentioned earlier in my thread that Wellbutrin can act as a stimulant. I've also heard that it is easier to get off of than Effexor. I am wondering if I should start cutting Wellbutrin and stay at the current dose of Effexor for a bit longer? I'll make my way over to the Wellbutrin page soon, but just wondering if any one has comments or thoughts on this? Do I need to see a Dr to cut it or can I get a pill splitter and do it at home? Yes, it was me who mentioned this, confirmed by Alto below Yes, Wellbutrin tends to be stimulating and often causes anxiety as a side effect. ....... Tips for tapering off Wellbutrin, IR, SR, XR, XL (bupropion) You seem to be having windows and waves and this indicates that you are not stable and shouldn't be tapering anything at the moment. You mentioned that changing the time you take your doses hasn't made any difference. Effexor can be difficult to taper and the wellbutrin could be adding to your anxiety. Perhaps give yourself a few weeks to settle down from recent stress to see if your symptoms settle. When you are feeling more stable again, maybe hold where you are at 4 beads of effexor and start tapering wellbutrin, you may find that as the dose gets lower, your anxiety decreases. 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
Moderator Emeritus mammaP Posted May 25, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 25, 2015 Thats great news Jen, enjoy your new home . **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
jen84 Posted May 28, 2015 Author Share Posted May 28, 2015 Had a fairly decent day, felt happy, but then was asked why I never laugh anymore! I don't laugh when I'm in the dumps and apparently I don't laugh on good days... I thought I was handling everything better than I actually am, but people are noticing. I've had to talk to coworkers and tell them what's going on. I didn't think this was affecting my work life as much as it is. I just hope they have as much patience as the ppl in my personal life. This gets exhausting and I often wonder if it's worth the anxiety to come off the drugs. I hope my personality will come back soon -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
btdt Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 It is I sure difficult I can't say as I did not do it... I sometimes wonder too but I have no choice other than to leave effexor behind it is called tolerance... Like a bf that is working but you know is not good for you.. who is going to given in first for me it was effexor ... effexor dumped me. I can't be sure it will happen to you if it did you may be able to go to another drug I tried that but it did not work.. there is one common thing these drugs are affecting your body and your brain even if you can't see what is going on they are... for me I see it better now in hind site and after 18 years on them... I feel they have affected many things in my body but I won't scare you with my list. Still it is your choice and if you are going to make you choices based on what other people think of your life or how you laugh or don't laugh believe me they will be no where to be seen when your messed up .. stick to what you want for you as they are really just back ground noise.. this is your life .. yours to live. They sure would not fool with their well being or heath based on what you said about them laughing... Maybe you laughed more last year when you effexor dose was higher .. I don't know but it sure is some food for thought ... http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/9153-change-your-brain-change-your-life/ this is a bunch of videos with other options on treating depression.. maybe you would like to take a look and yes I am making an assumption that you went on E for depression... peace 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
jen84 Posted May 28, 2015 Author Share Posted May 28, 2015 Thanks for the videos, I'll watch em as soon as I get a chance... Anything that can help me help my brain is well worth my time. Yes, I was diagnosed with depression, back in high school. I don't think it was actual depression though, more like a lack of self esteem and unsure of who I was. This led to years of alcohol and drug use. It's been years since stopping both, and I definitely have my self esteem back. In general, I don't feel depressed, not like I used to anyways. I think it's more the anxiety that I don't know how to handle very well. I shouldn't be basing my happiness level on what other people say, if I have a good day, I have a good day. It's just hard to hear that I come across as upset when I'm not. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
westcoast Posted May 30, 2015 Share Posted May 30, 2015 If it were me, based on experience with both drugs, I'd taper the Effexor first. When I got off Effexor, I belonged in a hospital. (CT off 150, I think.) Wellbutrin is very similar to amphetamine, and is sometimes used for ADHD. It can be calming in other words. Some people swear by the full-on stimulants for opiod withdrawal fwiw. WC 2009: Cancer hospital said I had adjustment disorder because I thought they were doing it wrong. Their headshrinker prescribed Effexor, and my life set on a new course. I didn't know what was ahead, like a passenger on Disneyland's Matterhorn, smiling and waving as it climbs...clink, clink, clink. 2010: Post surgical accidental Effexor discontinuation by nurses, masked by intravenous Dilaudid. (The car is balanced at the top of the track.) I get home, pop a Vicodin, and ... Whooosh...down, down, down, down, down...goes the trajectory of my life, up goes my mood and tendency to think everything is a good idea.2012: After the bipolar jig was up, now a walking bag of unrelated symptoms, I went crazy on Daytrana (the Ritalin skin patch by Noven), because ADHD was a perfect fit for a bag of unrelated symptoms. I was prescribed Effexor for the nervousness of it, and things got neurological. An EEG showed enough activity to warrant an epilepsy diagnosis rather than non-epileptic ("psychogenic") seizures. 2013-2014: Quit everything and got worse. I probably went through DAWS: dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome. I drank to not feel, but I felt a lot: dread, fear, regret, grief: an utter sense of total loss of everything worth breathing about, for almost two years. I was not suicidal but I wanted to be dead, at least dead to the experience of my own brain and body. 2015: I began to recover after adding virgin coconut oil and organic grass-fed fed butter to a cup of instant coffee in the morning. I did it hoping for mental acuity and better memory. After ten days of that, I was much better, mood-wise. Approximately neutral. And, I experienced drowsiness. I could sleep. Not exactly happy, I did 30 days on Wellbutrin, because it had done me no harm in the past. I don't have the DAWS mood or state of mind. It never feel like doing anything if it means standing up. In fact, I don't especially like moving. I'm a brain with a beanbag body. Link to comment
btdt Posted May 30, 2015 Share Posted May 30, 2015 I have never taken Welly so can't really comment I can't imagine the effect of having them both... why did you end up on both these drugs? 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
jen84 Posted May 31, 2015 Author Share Posted May 31, 2015 When I was put on effexor, the dr's didnt think it was giving me the full effect, they suggested to add wellbutrin as they are supposedly a good mix together. And so here I am now. This month is going to be a hard one as well... My bf and I broke up. We were dating for just under 6 months. Not a long relationship, but long enough that strong feelings were formed and I fell in love. We both decided it wasnt working, we lack the communication skills, and the intimacy just wasnt there anymore. Of course, my emotions and anxiety didnt help any. There were lots of factors that went into the decision, and we both felt it wasnt working, it was not just a one sided break up. I am feeling quite relieved actually, sad, but relieved. I have to go for dinner tonight with my mom, my sister and her husband... my now ex was supposed to come as well, so that should be fun explaining that one. Anyways, onward and upward, im glad im in a wave right now. I have time to focus on me now, and not worry about if I am happy for him, but happy for me. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
btdt Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Odd he would add Welly I think it odd wonder if a mod would? Sorry or happy about the bf ... I can't decide if you can't either way you both want a break then you should have it... wishing you peace B 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
jen84 Posted June 5, 2015 Author Share Posted June 5, 2015 Feeling pretty good the past few days. The bf and I are working thru things. Work is going great, the rain has stopped and I'm drying out, the new place is very nice and comfortable... So no complaints from me. Life is grand! -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
btdt Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 wonderful Jen glad to hear it 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
jen84 Posted June 8, 2015 Author Share Posted June 8, 2015 The anxiety is creeping it's way back in. It was nice not having it for the last week. I hope this window doesn't last too long. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
jen84 Posted June 10, 2015 Author Share Posted June 10, 2015 I'm doing pretty good lately, had a rough day on Sunday with lots of anxiety, but I seem to have bounced back. I will see how the next two weeks go, and consider dropping to 3 soon. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted June 17, 2015 Administrator Share Posted June 17, 2015 Good to hear, jen. Please let us know how you're doing. 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
jen84 Posted June 17, 2015 Author Share Posted June 17, 2015 I'm still doing great. Minor anxiety, but I don't think I'll stabilize any more than I have. I will be going on vacation for 4 days at the end of the month, so I will drop to 3 beads next Wednesday, if all is still going well. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
btdt Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 I did not taper so I don't know much about it but I think it makes you feel not so hot why not cut yourself some slack and just enjoy your holiday... taper when you get home... if that is how it is working. Again I may well be over ruled by people who know expect it.. and it is just a thought .. I know if I were ok mostly and had a chance at a going away I would not risk wrecking it with a cut.. cause life is important.. very important to live that is the real point of tapering.. so have some fun too. peace 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
jen84 Posted June 22, 2015 Author Share Posted June 22, 2015 im having a rough day today. I feel so alone and lonely. I feel like I'm in a cloud, just floating by, only existing, not really living. I know this is only temporary, but it's an awful feeling. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
Purplestars22 Posted June 22, 2015 Share Posted June 22, 2015 Jen84, sorry that you had a bad day hope it passes quickly, I totally relate.That is awesome that you will be going on vacation, have a blast. Celexa 20mg 2008-2012 for Social Anxiety Failed attempt to stop reinstated 1 year taper skipping doses Celexa free 12/2013 1/2014-5/2014 took 5 htp every other day Failed Reinstatement 5mg of Celexa on 12/2014 for 5 days only Link to comment
AliG Posted June 22, 2015 Share Posted June 22, 2015 Sorry you're having a rough day, Jen. Maybe tomorrow will be better. "In a cloud, floating by" . I can relate. Hopefully it's temporary. Enjoy your "Vacay". Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014 Psych Drug - free since May 2014 . Link to comment
jen84 Posted June 22, 2015 Author Share Posted June 22, 2015 Feeling much better today. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
jen84 Posted July 1, 2015 Author Share Posted July 1, 2015 I'm back from my trip, and I decreased to 3 beads today. I have a bit of a headache, not sure if it's from the decrease or just too much sun. The weekend was good, the first two days were wonderful, spent the days in the lake with my niece and nephew and family. The last two days were tough. I think it was just too much for me. My sister and I can only stand each other for a few days, so by the third day we were on each others nerves. Anyways, I'm back home now, sunburns and all, and looking forward to getting back to work. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
btdt Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 Glad you had some time away and hope your drop is ok things seem to be moving along well for you. I know what you mean about time away good to go good to get home too.. I am more a home person these days. Thanks for the update. peace 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
jen84 Posted July 2, 2015 Author Share Posted July 2, 2015 Doing ok, I remember my last few drops and I had a two week stretch before I felt any symptoms. This is not the case now. I'm getting a floating feeling, which I had before dropping, but it seems to be more intense. I'm super emotional and the anxiety flares up out of nowhere. As I'm writing this, I realize these are similar issues I was having before my decrease, they're just a bit more intense now. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
jen84 Posted July 10, 2015 Author Share Posted July 10, 2015 It's been a while since I've been on here. Things are going good, not experiencing any w/d yet, but I'm waiting for it. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
jen84 Posted July 12, 2015 Author Share Posted July 12, 2015 I think the w/d process is starting. I had a terrible sleep last night, tossed and turned for hours. I know some ppl can't sleep at all or get very minimal sleep, so I won't complain too much... I think it's just part of my wd process. I had had minor anxiety creeping in the past couple days, nothing too major yet. I really hope it doesn't get worse than this, but I highly doubt it. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
jen84 Posted July 16, 2015 Author Share Posted July 16, 2015 Just over two weeks and Still doing good, no major withdrawal issues. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
jen84 Posted July 24, 2015 Author Share Posted July 24, 2015 I've been quite busy lately, and I think that has helped me cope better with this last drop. Im doing ok, i can feel some anxiety hanging around, but I've experienced worse. If all continues going well, how long do I need to give this before making another drop? -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
jen84 Posted August 3, 2015 Author Share Posted August 3, 2015 It has been just over one month since my drop to 3 beads, have not really noticed any kind of withdrawal issues. How long should I stay at 3 before decreasing again? -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted August 3, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted August 3, 2015 We generally recommend 3 - 4 weeks, but it depends on symptoms. If you are still experiencing windows and waves of symptoms, then its best to wait. But you are symptom free, so I would think you are ready for another decrease now, or you could give it another week to be on the safe side. Most people find that as the dose gets lower, they need to slow down. But let the way you are feeling be your guide. 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
jen84 Posted August 3, 2015 Author Share Posted August 3, 2015 Thank you Petu, I appreciate your input. I will give it one more week and then make a cut. It's very odd to not be feeling any withdrawal... Odd in a good way though. -jan14 2016- off effexor!!- wellbutrin:Jan 25/17;Start to split 100mg in half -Feb 12/17;100-50mg -Apr 30/17;50-30mg liquid. -June 6/ 17;30-20mg -July6/17;updose to 26mg -Oct 18/17;13 to 12mg -Nov 24/17;12 to 11mg -Feb 21/18;22 to 20mg -Apr 2/18;20 to 18mg -Apr 30/18;18 to 16mg -May 22/18;16 to 14mg -June 18/18;14 to 12.4mg -July 15 /18;12.4 to 11.6mg -Nov5/18;11.2 to 10mg -Dec14/18;10 to 10.4mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 3, 2015 Administrator Share Posted August 3, 2015 Hurray, jen! You're almost at the end, don't rush it. Take it slow and easy 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
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