Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

☼ ChessieCat: so I'm not the only one (Pristiq / desvenlafaxine)


ChessieCat

Recommended Posts

  • Moderator Emeritus

I hope this settles soon. Deep breathing should definitely help.

 

X

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

Link to comment

Hoping these symptoms soon pass for you cc.

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Chessie, I've found this short recording very helpful for anxiety at times. (Someone posted it here on SA.)

 

http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/music/FirstAidPanicF.mp3   

If the link doesn't work, the site is http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/and the mp3 is called First Aid for Panic.

 

Sending you healing thoughts.  :wub:

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi bubble, NZ & SkyBlue,  Thanks for your thoughts.

 

SkyBlue, Thanks for the link.  Very thoughtful of you.  I think the someone may have been me!!!  ;)   I have it on my webpage:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)

 

UPDATE:  Well it's been 2 weeks on 47.5mg.  I definitely had some anxiety last weekend, which I think was made worse by a trip to see my daughter and grandson.  For 1 hour of the trip there I was supervising my other daughter who is a learner driver.  It was gentle rain so wasn't too bad but then on the drive home the first hour of the trip was in horrible conditions and was tiring and it took me a couple of days to recover.

 

I've noticed the last few days that I have been getting a bit "funny" in the ears.  It's very noticeable when I bend over. More of a nuisance than anything.  I thought at first that it was hayfever, especially since I have been outside except that I have the same thing today and I haven't been outside.  I'm keeping note of how it progresses throughout the day, because I am wondering if the capsules aren't seeing me through the 24 hours. :(  If I have to start splitting my dose it's a bit of a problem because I've had my capsules made up in 40s and 30s so I might have to halve them.  On a positive note, at least I don't have to calculate the dosage.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

 

SkyBlue, Thanks for the link.  Very thoughtful of you.  I think the someone may have been me!!!  ;)   I have it on my webpage:  First Aid for Panic (4 minutes)

 

 

 

Hi Chessie, that is hilarious! Great minds think alike.

 

P.S. Do you think the weirdness in ears might be your Eustachian tubes? Esp because they help us with things like balance. I've heard this can be a big thing in WD.

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

"that is hilarious! Great minds think alike."

 

and we both saw the funny side of it!!!

 

"Do you think the weirdness in ears might be your Eustachian tubes? Esp because they help us with things like balance. I've heard this can be a big thing in WD"

 

Alto mentioned somewhere (on this fantastic site!) that withdrawal symptoms seems to target our weakness.  I've always had a problem with my ears, which I had checked as an adult, fairly certain it was pre-ADs, and the specialist said that they were okay and to never get grommets.

 

Right from the start of my tapering my ears have been affected, sometimes more than others.  I suppose it is good in a way because it gives me a hint as to whether I am stabilised.

 

UPDATE:  Been holding on 47.5mg for 2 weeks.  Decided last night to go to 45mg this morning, regardless of the ear discomfort.  I've put on a lot of weight so I'm hoping that as my dose lowers it might start shifting a bit.  I'll see how things go before deciding how long to hold on this drop.  It will definitely be 2 weeks though.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Over the last couple of days I seem to be experiencing very mild brain zaps.  They are barely there but have been happening throughout the day and often enough for me to take note of them.  It seems to be in the top front half of my head and seems to involve my eyes.  Different from brain fog and the ear pressure.  I have had extreme brain zaps in the past when I've forgotten to take my tablet.  One time I forgot 2 days in a row, and just moving my eyes would bring it on and I would have to lie down with my eyes still until the drug started working.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Have the zaps improved at all?

 

2020: After 18+ years (entire adult life) on Paxil, a dangerous doctor-led "taper" in 2015, and four years tapering off the last 1 mg thanks to SA and the Brassmonkey slide, 

I AM COMPLETELY FREE OF PAXIL! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Forever.

 

2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. Making own liquid. 5-10% plus holds.

2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Current dose 47 mg. Hanging in, hanging on. Severe protracted PAWS, windows and waves. While I may not be doing "a lot" by outside standards, things are graaaaadually getting better

 

Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water; EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. (--> may need to be reminded of this.)

"You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." - Baylissa

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Yes, the "zaps" feeling disappeared after a couple of days.  Thank you for asking.  From 4 Oct I started taking my 40mg capsule whole but breaking open the 2 x 2.5mg capsules so I would get an immediate dose.

 

I feel like I've had a breakthrough this week.  I've gone from not caring about any of the things that need doing around the house and only doing the absolute minimum, to noticing that things needed doing but not wanting to do them, to wanting to do things but not being able to, and now I'm actually doing some of them.

 

I'm also starting to feel more creative and wanting to be creative, however because the house is in such a mess at the moment, there are things that need to be done before I can get back to doing the creative things that have been on hold.  But what is good about that is it gives me an incentive to tidy up and clean so I can do them.  The 2 projects I have in the wings at the moment are a town play mat for my grandson, which I started a couple of years ago, and a patchwork quilt which I want to make.  I've got all of the materials for both projects but have a lot of cutting out to do for them.

 

It's a relief and a really good feeling.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Hi ChessieC!

 

You mentioned in your signature that you had serotonin toxicity in 2015. Did serotonin toxicity made you anhedonic? And more if it did it affect the way you love your closest people? Have you gotten the ability to feel love strongly back since then? I ask this because I believe i had some level of serotonin toxicity about an year ago and it made me anhedonic and I'm desperate if i cannot ever love my child again...

 

I hope you very fast healing!

Citalopram 40mg from 2003-2015

Jan 2015 started tapering first dropped to 35mgFeb 30mg, March 25mgApril 20mg, May 17,5mg, June 15mgJuly 12,5mg, Aug 12,5mg,

Sep 0mg for 5 days because of stomac flu and after I raised to 7,5mg. All the symptoms of acute WD shaking, diarrhea, vomiting, barely could walk ect. Still didn't realize that it wasn't only stomac flu but I was also going through WD.

Oct 2,5mg and crashed again badly and quickly raised to 4mg. It was then when I knew my symptoms were due to WD.

Then in November after a month holding on 4mg raised to 5mg due to muscle weakness and had a VERY BAD reaction to reinstatement: akathisia(lasted for one or two weeks), insomnia, anhedonia... Drop quicly back to 4mg, Dec 3mg

Jan 2016 2,6mg( in the middle of Jan after I had been on 2,6mg for a week I tried to updose to 2,8mg and immediately had bad reaction to it: akathisia for a day, andehonia got worse. The next day dropped back to 2,6mg), Feb 2,4mg( a new symptom PGAD lasted 24/7 for 2 months after that on and off), March 2,4mg, April 2,3mg, May 2,2mg, June 2,1mg, July 2,0mg( Pgad almost nonexisting, sleeping pretty good, still some anhedonia but there has been a lot of gradual progress), Aug 1,97mg-1,89mg, Sep 1,88mg-1,49mg, Oct 1,48mg- 1,70mg,

Nov 0,65mg- current dose 0,5mg

 

Link to comment

Hey Chessie.

 

I feel like I've had a breakthrough this week.  I've gone from not caring about any of the things that need doing around the house and only doing the absolute minimum, to noticing that things needed doing but not wanting to do them, to wanting to do things but not being able to, and now I'm actually doing some of them.

 

 I can so relate to this !   It's amazing how everything can change as one's perspective shifts and recalibrates in proportion to the withdrawal . Sounds like a lovely window. I hope it keeps up. :)

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
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi RFTS, I must admit that I am having difficulties remembering how I was feeling during last year and the year before (2014 & 2015).  I can remember the physical symptoms but not the mental symptoms.  I don't think it was until I started reducing my dose that I realised that I was starting to feel different from how I had been.

 

Hi Ali, Yes!  I've actually managed to do some vacuuming this morning.  Just a bit here and there but it's a start after not having done so for (ugh) at least 4 months (my face is screwing up as I type that :blush:).  It's only me, and the cat, who have to put up with it.  My kitchen floor looks so much better, although I am fairly certain that I did sweep and wash it a couple of months ago.  And what is good is that once you do a bit and it makes you feel a bit better then it makes you want to do more.  I'm thinking that it's not just getting lower on my dose, but also with the warmer weather.  I don't think I could have moved during winter anyway because of how many clothes I had on!

 

UPDATE:

 

Dropped to 42.5mg this morning.  And guess what?!?  My ears are uncomfortable again this afternoon.  :(   Not too bad but I hope it doesn't get any worse.

 

Just checked my taper time line and it was 11 September that I started dropping from 50mg.  So that is 7.5mg after 1 month.  No.  Too much too quickly.  I've decided I will go and take another 1mg.  Just not worth it.  So my dose is 43.5mg.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Changed my mind.  After taking a 1mg capsule I decided that I should stay on 45mg for longer so took another 1mg plus split open another and took half so I can take my usual capsule combo tomorrow.  At least it's all been on day 1 so shouldn't cause an issue.  I did split all extra capsules.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Oh how I wish a knew about a slow taper after stopping in less than 2 months and not knowing what was going on with me . Wow you one brave cat

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

"Wow you one brave cat"

 

Not brave, just very fortunate (and thankful) to have found SA and being given the information and support I needed about 2.5 weeks after dropping my dose by 1/2.

 

BTW the ear pressure/pain cleared not long after taking the additional 2.5mg.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

UPDATE:  Just want to record this here for my personal record.  Had a busy 4 day weekend (14, 15, 16 & 17 Oct) doing things around the house (mowed, washed, vacuumed, changed loungeroom light).  Thought I had paced myself carefully.  However the last couple of days (18, 19 Oct) I have been very tired and have had to have a sleep both afternoons.

 

On Monday (17 Oct) I commenced Headspace meditation online (one year subscription gifted by work), and have done the first 3 x 10 minute lessons for the last 3 mornings.

 

Not sure what has knocked me about.  I suppose it doesn't matter what caused it, I just need to accept that this is how I am for the time being.  At least my house is a bit cleaner and tidier than it was.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator

Even with the careful pacing it can all catch up with you that way. I found that after a couple of days for recovery I was able to do it all again.  Pushing that way is a good way to retrain the mind and body who's in charge.  The mind and body will fight back but if we keep pushing we can move that rock a little further uphill over time.  Being able to do so is a sure sign of an improvement in WDnormal. Plus it's nice to have the house cleaned up.  I can't wait for the workmen to be done so we can reclaim those two rooms.  Right now we are confined to a chair and couch surrounded by packing boxes in the living room.

 

The meditation course sounds interesting, let us know how it goes.

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
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks Brass.  What you said it very encouraging.  After having naps on the last 2 days and still sleeping well at night, it will be interesting to see how I go today.  Actually, I've just remembered that I was a bit manic/excitable on Tuesday (18) morning which in the past has been linked to being tired.  Thankfully I did pace myself otherwise I probably would have been wiped out for 2 weeks instead of a couple of days!

 

"Right now we are confined to a chair and couch surrounded by packing boxes in the living room." - It will be worth it!!!

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

UPDATE:  Decided to drop to 42.5mg last Friday (21 Oct) even though I was still feeling tired.  Had a restful 3 days.  Today has been day 4 and I've been feeling fine.  I went on a picnic lunch with my BFF girlfriend and was able to sit outside in the sun (with sun cream on) and not sweat like would normally have done.  It makes a nice change.

 

My planned drop to 42.5mg was 6 Nov so I'm a bit ahead of schedule.  Next drop will be to 41mg so I can still open 1mg capsule.  I have marked it on my calendar that I will not drop before 4 Nov so I don't get confused.  The days are slipping away so quickly.  I think that means that I'm living life more than I was.

 

Today is the first day I've done anything really physical since my 4 day weekend of doing things around the house a week ago.  Just a nice gentle stroll around a nature park.  Had a really lovely time.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Happy to read this CC!  Best wishes for more good stuff.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks Peng.  It was fantastic having the window of wanting to do things around the house.  It surprised me when I felt a bit wiped out but probably not too surprising.  After Brass's post, I made sure I looked after myself and didn't try and push myself or get too down about it, because I knew what it was.  However, having experienced it I am looking forward to another one, hopefully before what I got done needs doing from scratch again.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Chessie,

 

that's the thing though on doing stuff around the house...........it always needs repeating.  Take dishes, laundry, cleaning the floors and toilets............  So mundane if you ask me...........so I try.........to just do it, cleaning and such when I am in a particular room or area...........rather than make a big production day out of it all.........and risking exhaustion.  Maybe that's not what you meant above.  The "starting from scratch" statement.    I just want to make changes though and time gets scarce for that........re-dos and all that in rooms, get rid of some stuff.

 

luckily winter's coming here and more dark and hard to see the cobwebs anymore........ :)

 

I had to take a break as well from the physical exercise thing, which btw, is often my best meditative time.  Hopefully back to it this week.  It sure helps with any body aches subsequent to decreases for me.

 

anyway........keep up the good work.

 

best,

 

mmt

 

oh, I like the lighter grey font color sometimes..........well, most times.........as it is easier on the eyes against the white white background.  I saw where you darkened it on some posts of mine........maybe it's the opposite for you??

Late 2023- gone to emeritus status, inactive, don't @ me, I can check who I've posted on, and I'm not really here like I used to be......thanks.

Started with psycho meds/psychiatric care circa 1988.  In retrospect, and on contemplation, situational overwhelm.

Rounding up to 30 years of medications(30 medication trials, poly-pharmacy maximum was 3 at one time).

5/28/2015-off Adderal salts 2.5mg. (I had been on that since hospital 10/2014)

12/2015---just holding, holding, holding, with trileptal/oxcarb at 75 mg. 1/2 tab at hs.  My last psycho med ever!  Tapered @ 10% every 4 weeks, sometimes 2 weeks to

2016 Dec 16 medication free!!

Longer signature post here, with current supplements.

Herb and alcohol free since 5/15/2016.  And.....I quit smoking 11/2021. Lapsed.  Redo of quit smoking 9/28/2022.  Can you say Hallelujah?(took me long enough)💜

None of my posts are intended as medical advice.  Please discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical provider.  My success story:  Blue skies ahead, clear sailing

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Well I've been a member here for a year now.  And it has flown.  Thought I would do a graph of my taper.  It's amazing how it seems clearer when it's visual.  Well to me anyway.  I'm pleased to see that on the whole I've managed to be fairly consistent after my first minor hiccups.

 

I've also remembered recently that a few months after my dose was increased to 100mg, I had what I thought was tetanus/lock jaw.  Over about 2 weeks it got worse and to the point where if I opened my mouth too wide, I had to literally push my lower jaw back up.  It was more of an issue on the right side.  It did go by itself so I never went to the doctor about it.

 

This is my graph as at 14th July 2017:   Updated graph:

 

666331064_TaperApr2019.png.aa4fe62848a1e20b2d0642bb7fe09275.png

 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
Updated graph

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Nice one, CC.

Yes, graphs are always better than mere text for this sort of thing.  I am biased of course, I did hundreds of 'em at work.

 

(If that is an excel type graph, on the original, you can possibly give more space to the graph itself by eliminating the term "Column B" - right click the term in its text box and delete.)

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

Link to comment
  • Mentor

just stopping by to say  hi and to thank you again for your help with my 'stuffs' lol

 

I like your graph!

 

glad to see you had a good window. hope you have many more!

 

  • pysch med history: 1974 @ age 18 to Oct 2017 (approx 43 yrs total) 
  •  Drug list: stelazine, haldol, elavil, lithium, zoloft, celexa, lexapro(doses as high as 40mgs), klonopin, ambien, seroquel(high doses), depakote, zyprexa, lamictal- plus brief trials of dozens of other psych meds over the years
  • started lexapro 2002, dose varied from 20mgs to 40mgs. First attempt to get off it was 2007- WD symptoms were mistaken for "relapse". 
  •  2013 too fast taper down to 5mg but WD forced me back to 20mgs
  •  June of 2105, tapered again too rapidly to 2.5mgs by Dec 2015. Found SA, held at 2.5 mgs til May 2016 when I foolishly "jumped off". felt ok until  Sept, then acute WD hit!!  reinstated at 0.3mgs in Oct. 2106
  • Tapered off to zero by  Oct. 2017 Doing very well. 
  • Nov. 2018 feel 95% healed, age 63 
  • Jan. 2020 feel 100% healed, peaceful and content
  • Dec 2023 Loving life! ❤️ with all it's ups and downs ;) 
Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Great progress!  It feels good to see the picture, no?  And also to know that you made it. ;)

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks for stopping by "guys".  Thanks for the tip about getting rid of the label.  I've done that now!  Yep of course I'm hoping for more windows.  And pics are great!

 

I've been taking magnesium citrate for several weeks now.  Had previously taken chelate.  I'm fairly certain that the citrate is working much better and I don't seem to be getting stiff leg muscles like I had been.  Interestingly I tried fish oil and after a few days I developed a back weakness, below my waist.  It felt familiar and I recalled that I had it when I was taking fish oil and chelate late last year.  I had thought it was the magnesium causing it but now think it may have been the fish oil.  So I've stayed on the magnesium citrate and stopped the fish oil and I'm feeling okay again.  Would like to know it if is the fish oil, but not willing to test the theory, at least not at the moment.

 

Today I have been getting dizzy spells.  I thought it may have been that my blood pressure was too low after reducing my AD but staying on the same BP med dose.  However I have checked it twice during the afternoon and it's in normal range.  After reading the topic about dizziness, I recalled that I felt weird and unstable when I got on and off the train last Thursday.  I just couldn't seem to adjust to the motion of the train.  However, today is the first day I've noticed it again.  It's happened when I have got up from a chair, but also when walking, my eyes just don't seem to be able to focus.  I hope it doesn't last too long.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

I was doing a search on muscle aches and weakness and found your posts. 

 

I have been quite beside myself when these problems got really bad, especially in my legs, then started in my shoulder, knees and hips!  It is very frightening, to say the least and when it goes on for months on end, you begin to worry that is will never change!  It is encouraging to read all the other posts I found that it sounds to be very common. 

 

The last 2 days I feel like I might be improving, so hoping that is the case as this gives me some hope. 

 

At the same time I had incredible fatigue - more than the usual tiredness and lethargy and that too was frightening.  It was good to read you couldn't vacuum or do your floors as well!  I've also had a bit more energy the last few days, which is a relief and encouraging also.

1995-2007      20mg Aropax/Paxil for pain.  Years of up and down doses

2008                Endep, Lexapro and then Esipram (hell!) CT (oh dear!)

2009                20mg Aropax.  Tried skipping doses for a year (more hell!)

                        2010                10mg.  10% taper.  Lasted 4 months. Crashed again

2011                5% taper. 9mg-7mg (hell got even worse!)

2012                2.5% taper.  6.6mg – 5.6mg (worser still & unbearable)

2013                5% taper.  Big mistake.  5.5mg – 4.6mg  (even worserer)

2014                2.5% taper.  4.9mg – 4.5mg;    2015 2.5% taper 4.4 - 4.0mg

2016                2.5% taper.  3.9mg  Feb 3.8   Mar 3.7  May 3.6   Jul 3.5

2017                2.5% taper.  Jan 3.4;   Mar 3.35;  Apr 3.3; Oct 3; Dec 2.9;

2018                2.5% taper. Jan 2.8; Mar 2.7; Mar: 2.75; Jun 2.7; Aug 2.6; Oct 2.5; Nov 2.4; Dec 2.3

2019                Jan 2.2; Feb 2.1;

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi grandmaD, thanks for dropping by.

 

UPDATE:  Very pleased to report that I am have now been on 37.5mg for the last week and have not had any issues.  I did have 1 week on 38.5mg prior to that.  When I started on the 37.5mg I started including 1 x 5mg capsule which were compounded 1 year ago.  I have been told that the efficacy of them cannot be guaranteed after 6 months, but it would seem that they are still usable.

 

I continue to open 1 capsule (2.5mg or 1mg) when I take them so that I get a fairly quick top up of drug.

 

Mentally I have noticed a big improvement and in mid November I started learning Hebrew.  I have been extremely amazed and thankful about how much I have been able to learn as well as enjoying it.  I'm still struggling with doing physical things.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Great new ChessieCat, good to hear that your recent reduction is going well and that you are noticing a big improvement after eliminating 12.5 mg, gives the rest of us hope!!!  All the best, BarouqeP. 

Current Prescription Drugs for Hypothyroidism:  Synthroid 100mcg / Cytomel 5mcg (15 years Pristiq/Effexor)

Tapering Schedule
September 15, 2016 - switched from Pristiq 50mg to Effexor XR 75mg; November 10, 2016 - reduced to 67.5 Effexor XR
December 9, 2016 - reduced 60.75
January 5, 2017 - reduced 54.67
January 30, 2017 - reduced to 49.0
February 20, 2017 - reduced to 44.0 
May 20, 2017 - reduced to 40.25 (holding for additional month due to late onset of withdrawal symptoms after this taper)
July 17, 2017 - reduced to 38.24
August 15, 2017 - reduced to 37.5 (50% of my original dose)

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

November 12, 2017 - reduced to 33.8
December 15, 2017 - up-dose to 35.6
December 28, 2017 - up-dose to 37.5

Link to comment
  • 4 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Well so much for me saying slowly but surely.  I've tried to go down a bit too quickly and have developed mild ear pain and jaw ache on the 2nd day so have had to updose by 1mg.  I'm still amazed that this has been a recurrent sign when I drop too soon.

 

My reason for trying to go a bit quicker is my limited supply of 30mg capsules.  When I get my Pristiq compounded I have to get a minimum quantity of 100 made up of each dose.  On a couple of positive notes.  When I get my next batch compounded I'll try and allow for being able to combine different doses to make up extra 20mgs if needed.  It's also proved that I still need to go a at steady and slow pace with at least 3-4 week holds.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I've often thought that taper packs should come in doses like currency denominations, 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. Of course making sure one has enough of each is the trick.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

Chessie.  It always amazes me how difficult this all is even when you know what you are doing. 

 

You're doing great !  At least you have a few " sure signs "  where you know if you have gone too fast .

 

I hope it all goes well from hereon in.

 

Ali

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
  • 4 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Detailed Pristiq dosing history:

 

50mg mid 2012

100mg beg 2014


17 Oct 2015:                   50 mg         (head fog)

1&2 Nov:                       100 mg         (4 hrs "with it")

3 Nov:                             75 mg

30 Dec:                        67.5 mg

1 Jan 2016:                     70 mg         (ear pain)

21 Jan:                         67.5 mg

4 Feb:                              65 mg

19 Feb:                         62.5 mg

3 Mar:                              60 mg

12 Mar:                         57.5 mg

13 Mar:                            60 mg        (ear pain)

24 Mar:                         57.5 mg

21 Apr:                            55 mg

19 May:                        52.5 mg

16 Jun:                            50 mg         tablet

11 Sep:                        47.5 mg         all caps (5mg old)

25 Sep:                           45 mg         (40+2x2.5)

4 Oct:                              45 mg         (open 2x2.5)

21 Oct:                         42.5 mg         (open 2.5)

9 Nov:                             41 mg         (open 1)

25 Nov:                        38.5 mg         (open 2.5)

2 Dec:                          37.5 mg         (5mg old, open 2.5)

26 Dec:                           35 mg         (5mg old open)

6 Jan:                           32.5 mg         (2.5mg open)

7 Jan:                           33.5 mg         (2.5mg open)

15 Jan:                         32.5 mg         (2.5mg open)

20 Jan:                            31 mg         (1mg open)

 

post-5985-0-89181700-1485729649_thumb.jpg

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Love the graph, Chessie!

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks Scally.

 

I'm actually very proud of, and thankful for, my taper and seeing it in a picture is extremely satisfying.  And I am really excited to be on less than 2/3 of my original dose.  After the first few months of itching to get tapering, the time has gone really quickly which really helps.  In fact there was one time I held for an extra week because the time flew past.  If you look carefully you can see about 4 tiny dips.  The last one is hardly visible.  These are when I tried to drop and then had to increase a tiny bit.

 

About a week ago I stopped taking my magnesium and noticed that my anxiety came back.  It was only just there but I noticed that I was just a little on edge.  I've restarted it and have noticed a difference and believe that it is helping.

 

Because I am working 3 days, I make a drop on the day after so I have a few days to settle before going back to work.  I've noticed a big difference in my enthusiasm for things and my ability to comprehend (this varies and some days it's harder than others).  It's not all rosy though.  I'm still having a hard time getting things done around the house.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

Link to comment

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy