Alua Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 41 years old. Never before suffered anxiety and depression until I crashed into menopause overnight my world was turned upside down. Tested for every disease imaginable I was bedridden for months before the diagnosis months later of premature menopause. I was put on mirtazapine 30mg for about 8 months. It did nothing for my anxiety or depression. I reached crisis point and was switched to pristiq 50mg in February of this year. I was meant to have two weeks cross over but had such a bad reaction I stopped the mirtazapine after five days. I was seriously ill for two weeks later who knows if that was withdrawal or the pristiq. So I also started on hormone replacement same time as pristiq and was doing so well they told me to wean off the pristiq after being on it for just six weeks. I did two weeks at 50mg two weeks at 25mg and two weeks at 12.5 before stopping for ten days altogether before having to start again due to severe withdrawal. Pdoc says to get a week of 12.5 and a week of 6.25 and go off after two weeks! I saw you posted details of a podcast in Aussie rob purssey I contacted him and I'm 41 years old. Never before suffered anxiety and depression until I crashed into menopause overnight my world was turned upside down. Tested for every disease imaginable I was bedridden for months before the diagnosis months later of premature menopause. I was put on mirtazapine 30mg for about 8 months. It did nothing for my anxiety or depression. I reached crisis point and was switched to pristiq 50mg. I was meant to have two weeks cross over but had such a bad reaction I stopped the mirtazapine after five days. I was seriously ill for two weeks later who knows if that was withdrawal or the pristiq. So I also started on hormone replacement and was doing so well they told me to wean off the pristiq. I did two weeks at 25mg and two weeks at 12.5 before stopping for ten days altogether before having to start again due to severe withdrawal. Pdoc says to get a week of 12.5 and a week of 6.25 and go off after two weeks! I saw you posted details of a pdoc in Aussie rob purssey I contacted him and I'm yet to see him but he suggested not cutting pills and going back to 50mg pristiq and said next step will be 75mg of Effexor. So withdrawals I had both weaning and off were insomnia, sweating all day, nausea, diarrhoea, confusion, no short term memory, suicidal thoughts, periods of great sadness, urge to cry and just generally feeling agitated beyond belief as though my limbs were all filled with concrete. I'm shocked that I've only been on it three months and it's this bad. So is moving to Effexor a better way to wean off in every bodies experience. Thank you <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Iamfine Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Did the Pristiq make you feel better when you were on it? I used it for a few weeks and it was neutral for me, like taking a sugar pill. I had no trouble cross tapering off of it to another ad. As requested. In the last 3 years to the best of my recollection I first dropped the max dose of Lamictal. Yes I just stopped it was doing absolutely nothing. Then I dropped Lexapro, that was even easier I had been on and off that a dozen times before. There were at least 2 odd off label attempts at anxiety that I won’t be able to remember. Then there was sweet/evil Seroquel. That was the last to go it’s been around 16 months. Lithium, Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Celexa, Lamictal, Lexapro, Luvox, Viibryd, Brintellix, Pristiq, Zoloft, Seroquel, Zyprexa, Geodon, Abilify, Latuda, Ritalin, Adderall, Valium, Clonazepam, Alprazolam, Propanalol, Spravato Link to comment
Alua Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 Well I was starting to feel better at about five weeks and then spent six weeks withdrawing feeling a bit average. Hard to say as problems stem from menopause. Which as did you switch to? <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Iamfine Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 I switched back to Lexapro which has since been discontinued as well. As requested. In the last 3 years to the best of my recollection I first dropped the max dose of Lamictal. Yes I just stopped it was doing absolutely nothing. Then I dropped Lexapro, that was even easier I had been on and off that a dozen times before. There were at least 2 odd off label attempts at anxiety that I won’t be able to remember. Then there was sweet/evil Seroquel. That was the last to go it’s been around 16 months. Lithium, Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Celexa, Lamictal, Lexapro, Luvox, Viibryd, Brintellix, Pristiq, Zoloft, Seroquel, Zyprexa, Geodon, Abilify, Latuda, Ritalin, Adderall, Valium, Clonazepam, Alprazolam, Propanalol, Spravato Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted June 21, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 21, 2015 Hi Alua , welcome to the site. Please could you fill in your signature (meds., dosage and dates) as it will come up with each post and make it easier for people reading to understand your history. Are you currently taking pristiq 50mg? Good to have you here , Fresh btw , what state is Emerald in? 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Alua Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 Hey fresh. Yes am back on 50mg pristiq about four days now. Seemed that when I was cutting tablets it was making me sick. Okay gotta figure this signature thing <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Alua Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 Emerald in queensland <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted June 21, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 21, 2015 You've been given poor advice about tapering off in a few weeks , and have suffered for it. The recommendation for tapering on this site is to decrease by no more than 10% at a time , and to sit at each level for around 4 weeks minimum. This gives your brain a chance to adjust to each level on the way down. See "Why Taper by 10% of My Dose" here http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1024-why-taper-by-10-of-my-dosage/ You'll want to wait a good month after this recent hiccup before tapering anything. I'm tapering directly from pristiq by using digital scales to measure doses , and it's been going very well. Try reading this thread in the tapering section about tapering pristiq - it discusses switching to effexor. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/876-tips-for-tapering-off-pristiq-desvenlafaxine/ I preferred the option of "the devil you know" rather than complicating it by switching. Instructions for doing your signature are here if you need them. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/ 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Alua Posted June 21, 2015 Author Share Posted June 21, 2015 I tend to be a better the devil you know person. But found when cutting pills I was sick all the time and around lunchtime every day would get a migraine. So you are literally cutting pills or crushing them and reducing ten percent a month? Messy business. I think I'm too lazy and would probably get a compounding pharmacy to do my dirty work. I'm on my phone an signatures don't show so sorry for probably asking the obvious. I read the threads already. Not many success stories on people getting off pristiq. Glad your doing well that's encouraging <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted June 21, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 21, 2015 I use a pill-cutter and tweezers , and the scale. One 50mg tablet weighs 380 grams (approx). So my first decrease was to 45mg (10%) and I removed 10% of 380grams , i.e. 38grams , and my dose was 342grams. I've had more control over when to decrease this way - not on a pre-determined schedule , but more in tune with my body. I've been waiting longer than a month between cuts , as much as two months. In Australia the cost of compounding is quite high , get a quote from your pharmacist. I suspect the reason you got migraines every day isn't because you were cutting the pills , but because you were cutting your dose by 50% , as you were told. You don't need to make any rush decisions - it's only been 4 days since you reinstated , so you have lots of time to explore your options. Tip: if you click FOLLOW at the top right , you'll receive an email each time someone posts here. 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Alua Posted June 23, 2015 Author Share Posted June 23, 2015 Fresh who is this luicre? Spelling doctor? Do they do Skype? How much to see them? Worth it? Thanks. After reading this site I'm now realising a lot of my weird symptoms since starting pristiq could in fact be down to mirtazapine withdrawal given I did a five day taper then jumped off after being on for 8 months. <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted June 23, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 23, 2015 Dr Lucire is our Aussie expert Alua , see her page here http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6383-dr-yolande-lucire-adverse-reactions-to-psychiatric-drugs/ Yes , she skypes. And she will bulk-bill you. Read other peoples' reviews on this site - she's been my life-saver so I'm biased (lol). Did the headaches start when you dropped from 50mg to 25mg (when you started having to cut the pills)? How are you finding it being back on 50mg? 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Alua Posted June 23, 2015 Author Share Posted June 23, 2015 Headaches started after it went back on after ten days off altogether and when I jumped from a quarter to a half! Feeling much better on 50. So this expert is pretty knowledgeable I may well contact her for some advice. <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Alua Posted June 23, 2015 Author Share Posted June 23, 2015 So I read up am I right in thinking withdrawal not her speciality? Is there anybody in Australia who is expert in withdrawal. I know rob purssey is listed but has anybody on here actually seen him. Thank you <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted June 23, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 23, 2015 Ardyes saw Rob Purssey , you could PM him (he doesn't come on the site much , but will receive a pm). The other Australian experts in withdrawal are known as Dalsaan , Petunia and JanCarol , moderators on this site. 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted June 24, 2015 Administrator Share Posted June 24, 2015 Welcome, Alua. Experts in tapering are far and few. Dr. Purssey and Dr. Lucire are the best we have. I would be surprised if anyone has a better technique for going off Pristiq than the ones we describe in Tips for tapering off Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). Nobody has any miracle solutions. If you cannot titrate Pristiq sufficiently, as Fresh does with her tweezers and scale, substituting Effexor for Pristiq is a plausible way to go off. By the way, 25mg Pristiq tablets are available now. If you got your prescription filled with 25mg tablets (take 2 per day) rather than 50mg, you could cut one of the 25mg into quarters and taper by 6.25mg at a time. Your first reduction would be one 25mg tablet plus 3/4 of a 25mg tablet, or 43.75mg. This is also described in Tips for tapering off Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) 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
Alua Posted June 24, 2015 Author Share Posted June 24, 2015 thanks alto. im going to see dr purssey. he is adamant in his email that pristiq and Effexor are the same and has suggested a reduction to 75mg which he said is 37.5 of pristiq. I guess he knows more than me. do you happen to know I the 25 is available in Australia? if not an international site where I could supply a prescription? thank you so much <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted June 24, 2015 Administrator Share Posted June 24, 2015 You might Google to see if 25mg Pristiq is available to you. Please read Tips for tapering off Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) rather than relying on a doctor to make decisions for you. 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
Alua Posted June 24, 2015 Author Share Posted June 24, 2015 Hi unfortunately it's not available in Australia as yet and I can't find an international site offering the 25 either darn it. I tried cutting the pills and it made me feel sick so I think my best option is switching to the Effexor or having the pristiq compounded with time release at a lower dose. I know now that I reduced too quick previously. <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted June 24, 2015 Administrator Share Posted June 24, 2015 If you read Tips for tapering off Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), you will see you cannot get it compounded with time-release. 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
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted June 26, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 26, 2015 It's good to hear that you're feeling better on 50mg. After this hiccup probably best to stay at that dose for at least 4 weeks before tapering. If your headaches started when you went from 0mg to 1/4 tablet (12.5mg)...and then to 25mg . . . "Headaches started after it went back on after ten days off altogether and when I jumped from a quarter to a half! Feeling much better on 50" It sounds to me like it was big increases that triggered the headaches/feeling sick. It might be worth your time , when you do start tapering , trying to make the dose yourself and see how you go. You'll save yourself a few hundred dollars a month in compounding costs if you can do it. 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Alua Posted June 28, 2015 Author Share Posted June 28, 2015 Hey fresh I for in touch with dr luicre. She will bulk bill me too as I'm a stay at home mum. Is she good? X thanks <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus Fresh Posted June 29, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 29, 2015 She's lovely Alua. Read what others have to say here http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6383-dr-yolande-lucire-adverse-reactions-to-psychiatric-drugs/ 1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg 2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months. July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months. Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg. October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive. March 2016 , 21mg Link to comment
Alua Posted July 10, 2015 Author Share Posted July 10, 2015 I'm currently on 37.5mg. I was on nothing for ten days and slowly kept edging up but felt horrific at 50 so dropped back to three quarters of a pill about 13 days ago. I was fine until two days ago when I got an almighty shocker of a headache and today I had a sad patch midday with awful thoughts, granted this is not unusual for me since being on ads. Today I also feel very tired. I received my compounded pristiq today and they have added a slow release additive of around 8 to 12 hours. I have been splitting my dose as in half pill in morning and a quarter at 3pm. I plan on taking it all in the morning from now on in and see how I go. I now have scales to weigh the added on powder to my compounded pills. I will hold at this 37.5 for a month and then readdress. Does this sound like pretty typical withdrawal effects? Thanks all. <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 10, 2015 Administrator Share Posted July 10, 2015 If I were you, I would still split the doses, morning and afternoon. The slow-release additive is not going to help that much. Yes, those sound like drug adverse effects. 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
Alua Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 An update from me. Will fill out my signature later as I'm on my phone and cannot access it. I went from 50mg to 37.5 which was three quarters of a pill and I stayed at this for about three weeks. I was taking half in the am and quarter about 3 pm. I sat at this for a few weeks. Slightly irritated, jaw tightness, achy head, random nights of insomnia, a few days of sadness and a bit teary, weird dreams, feeling detached, slightly panicky, nausea at times, diarrhea. All manageable. Then I switched to compounded 30mg dosing once a day in the morning. Compounded tablets have a slow release additive and have found no problems with this dosing once a day. Stayed at this for six weeks. Many of the same symptoms reasonably tolerable just annoying. The last two weeks of that six I felt good every day. So after six weeks have dropped to 25mg and been at that for just over two weeks. Symptoms so far less severe than previous drops. I will sit at this for at least six weeks. I got my pristiq compounded in 10mg and 5mg so I am doing slightly more than the ten percent but suspect as I get down further will have Them compounded in 1 mg and do it very slowly. So I am half way there and doing okay. In no rush and feel better than I did when taking the 50mg. I keep a daily symptoms diary to measure accurately how I am feeling and overall everything is improving. I know there is a long way to go but I know this drug is damaging me and I have a Strong desire to be free of it. <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted September 13, 2015 Administrator Share Posted September 13, 2015 Good to hear. Now that you're in the last quarter, please do reduce at the 10% rate. The last leg can be the most difficult. 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
Alua Posted September 23, 2015 Author Share Posted September 23, 2015 I only consider myself half way. Since restarting the most I was on is 50. I took 100 for a little bit early on but was ill. Part of the reason for tapering at 5mg is that I have to get the pristiq compounded. I'm coming up to four weeks since my last reduction. I've had mild symptoms: bad dreams but that's happened since I started the drugs, slight tension in head and jaw, candy popping sensation in head which I have also had since starting the drugs, ears ringing which they did from menopause anyway, just feeling slightly on edge or sad. I will be holding this cut for six weeks at least. Before with larger cuts I had similar symptoms but more intensity and some extra ones such as nausea, diarrhoea, intense itching. As I lower the drug I feel more like myself. Even on 50mg my memory was so shocking I would wake up in the morning and could not remember what I had done the night before. I also had not motivation. I am now doin my housework, back at the gym five days a week and generally taking pride in myself and my house which I did before drugs. I still struggle to understand how these drugs are so readily prescribes and how severely damaging they are. <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Alua Posted October 12, 2015 Author Share Posted October 12, 2015 Now at 20mg for around 2 weeks. Current symptoms are: one eye floater or black spot in right eye, candy popping sounds in head, ringing in ears, annoyed at times, early morning wakings. So the only new symptoms is the floater which is a bit annoying. Having more pristiq compounded to slow down my reduction as I am now past the half way mark. <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Alua Posted October 14, 2015 Author Share Posted October 14, 2015 So should I be concerned about this black floater in my vision? Is it common in withdrawal or should I go and get my eyes checked. My eyes kind of feel strained a bit like I'm cross eyes at times! My feeling is it's just withdrawal since I had a yuky day yesterday. Thanks <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
mogfish Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Hi Hi Al u a. I have a floater in my eye that developed about 3 years ago. I saw an an opthamologist about it and he said all was OK was just age related. They are quite common in your late 30 ' s and above. Might still be worthwhile being checked out though just to be sure. I never really had the eye strain that you are describing. Hope today is a better day xo have been on and off antidepressants for 16 years since becoming pregnant with my now 15 year old daughter.Was put on effexor several years ago and experienced horrible side effects(shakes, vomiting, sweats, chills) about a week into commencing them.Stopped effexor cold turkey and commenced on cipramil which I stayed on a low dose for many years until I weaned myself off.A few years ago I was advised to go back on antidepressants and put on Pristiq. Started on 50 mg but experienced insomnia and irritability so halved the dose to 25mg which I tolerated well but didn't do a lot to help with the "depression" so eventually increased dose to 50mg which I was on for about 3 years I felt I was ready to come off the antidepressants so began to wean off them.The method I have used was to cut the tablets up. At first I took a half in the morning then a quarter late in the afternoon. I would often end up with a big half and a little half when cutting the pills up so I would take the big halves for a about 2 months then swap to the little halves therefore giving me a smallish dose reduction. I held on each reduction for about 6 to eight weeks and sometimes longer depending on how I was feeling. To try to simply summarise my dosing method………. *Big half in morning quarter in early evening (around 4pm) *Small half in morning and quarter in evening *Small half in morning then 1/8 in evening *big half in morning and evening dose dropped *small half in morning *big quarter in morning *small quarter in morning *Big eighth in morning *small eighth in morning * a nibble of the already tiny tablet ) This method has proved to be successful for me thus far and as of June 2014 I am more than 2 months completely Pristiq free Link to comment
Moderator brassmonkey Posted October 14, 2015 Moderator Share Posted October 14, 2015 Hi Alua-- Is it large and opaque black and just suddenly appeared? or is it small blackish flakes just floating around? Floaters are quite common in WD along with eye strain, but big, black and opaque could be signs of something going on and needs to get checked out. 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Sept 2011 started 10% every 6 weeks taper (2.5% every week for 4 weeks then hold for 2 additional weeks), currently at 7.9mg. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. Since I wrote this I have continued to decrease my dose by 10% every 6 weeks (2.5% every week for 4 weeks and then hold for an additional 2 weeks). I added in an extra 6 week hold when I hit 10mg to let things settle out even more. When I hit 3mgpw it became hard to split the drop into 4 parts so I switched to dropping 1mgpw (pill weight) every week for 3 weeks and then holding for another 3 weeks. The 3 + 3 schedule turned out to be too harsh so I cut back to dropping 1mgpw every 4 weeks which is working better. Final Dose 0.016mg. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017 "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Stephen Hawking Link to comment
Alua Posted October 14, 2015 Author Share Posted October 14, 2015 Thanks for replying folks. Got it about 2.5 weeks ago. It appeared suddenly well anyway that's when I noticed it. It's small like a black dot with a small tail off it like a tiny sperm lol. I am also going through menopause so could be related to that although my eyes have felt weird since starting these antidepressants. I have made an appointment to see an ophthalmologist today. <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Alua Posted October 15, 2015 Author Share Posted October 15, 2015 Well had my eyes checked and as I suspected they are perfect. I said have you heard of floaters in antidepressant withdrawal. He said no but said that people's eyes are affected by antidepressants and sometimes lens prescriptions need to be changed as a result as they relax the eyes. He said they are common and normal he has them himself. I still believe the drugs are the cause. <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Alua Posted November 19, 2015 Author Share Posted November 19, 2015 Now five months into Pristiq taper. Some days are easier than others. Just had a window of 7 days then wammo this morning awake 3 am feeling panicky with lots of intrusive thoughts. Current constant symptoms are feeling weird (felt this t full dose anyway it might be depersonalisation), popping/sparking sensation in the back of my neck like a crackle, ears ringing, eye floater, twitching. there are lots of others which come and go such as jaw tightness, head tension, sensitivity to light and heat, anger. generally overall im improving not getting worse. at times I feel almost normal and its beautiful, I long to feel that way always. im feeling some appropriate emotions returning which is nice. I have two young kids and want to be the best mum I can be and some days its hard. the worst symptom for me is the intrusive and ruminating thoughts. I feel crazy and guilty for thinking such awful things even though I know its the drug withdrawal. this site has told me more about whats been going on with me than any doctor ever could, it has been a godsend. <p>Various benzos 4 months for insomnia prior to Effexor 37.5mg may 2014 for two weeks, Mirtazapine 30mg june 2014 - feb 2015.Pristiq 50 mg Feb 2015. six weeks later attempted coming off with a six week taper. ten days off and it got ugly. Tapering now using compounded pristiq with slow release agent. 37.5 mg 3 weeks, 30 mg 6 weeks, 25mg 4.5 weeks, 20mg for 6 weeks, 17.5 mgs 7 weeks, 20 mg 8 weeks, 19 mg 3 weeks, 18 mg 3 weeks, 17 mg 3 weeks, 16 mg 3 weeks, 15mg 2 weeks, 14mg 2 weeks, 13 mgs 2 weeks, 12 mgs 6 weeks, 11mg 3 weeks, 10.5mg 2 weeks, 10 mg 3.5 weeks. 9mg 4 weeks. Jumped at 8mg currently 16 months free Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus KarenB Posted November 19, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted November 19, 2015 Hi Alua, Just had a quick scan through your thread - it's lovely to see how things have improved for you. Sounds like you are getting some of yourself back - and I know how vital that feels when you have kids too. So happy for you. Keep going - the good stuff will start to stick around for longer. Hugs, KarenB 2010 Fluoxetine 20mg. 2011 Escitalopram 20mg. 2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS. Effexor 150mg. 2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants. Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms). 8 month hold. 2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent). 2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well. Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea. 2023 December - Now on 5 micro-beads Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops. Symptoms begin to increase. 2024 April - Updosed to 6 microbeads - immediate increase in symptoms for 4 days. Decreased to 5 microbeads. 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.' Dr Gabor Mate. Link to comment
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