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Thanks skeeter.  Thinking of you and your troubles and hoping you will soon be seeing better days.

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. 

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Mods, please.

 

Can you change my personal thread title to "My battle with Venlafaxine."  

 

Thanks in anticipation,

p

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. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Peng,

I went to fix your title, and someone beat me to it!  I am a bit slow these days.  Thank you for your kind comments to me, Peng. Much appreciated.  I hope things are leveling out with your last taper.  I want you to feel okay during the warmer months, if possible.

Be well!

Skeeter

Current meds: Lexapro 20mg, Valium 6.25mg
Current status: September 2018 forced to go down to 10mg of Valium/Diazepam from around 15mg, with the plan to have me totally of in 2 more months. I was not given a chance to give input at tapering at this speed, please go much, much slower. Luckily I found a new doctor, but was thrown off course by my rapid taper, as of 2/19 am down to 6.25mg, and am stable. Will update with dates of taper ASAP.
Read my history here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/12819-skeeters-journey/

   
I am NOT a doctor. My opinions are just that- MY opinions, based on my personal experiences and research, but your experience and reactions may differ greatly, we are all different! I maintain that a doctor educated in withdrawal is the best place to get info or to get the "go ahead" before changing your medications in any way!

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Thanks, Skeeter!

 

Bit of a spring drought here in much of Scotland, but as we get enough wind and water here, few complaints.

April was the driest month (of any name) here in our district in a record going back over 60 years, only 0.14 of an inch.

The first 6 days of May have been dry and brilliantly sunny, too.

 

Been busy decluttering house and garage.  As we all know, feeling like doing stuff when it is good weather helps us a bit.

On lowest Venlafaxine for 11 years (125mg).  Was on 225mg last year at this time.  impossible to believe there will not be a crash some day soon.  Fingers crossed.  We all know when we are going under though!

 

Thinking of you and hoping your worries and concerns are easing.

OX

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. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Peng,
You are such a sweet pal here. I so look forward to our little chats. I find it fascinating (honestly) to hear about the weather, as odd as it seems!

Here are some interesting facts that the weather has thrown our way the last 3 winters. First, let me give you "normal winter" for onr of our most northern states here, that lines up with Canada. Minnesota has shoreline on Lake Superior on the northeastern quarter.  I grew up in Illinois, about an hour from Chicago, which has shoreline with Lake Michigan (but only a small part of Illinois has coastline)  Now the state of Michigan gets something called "Lake effect show" all winter, because of the sheer size of the lake which bears its name, which is to its west, and as you may know, the jet stream runs west to east.  It is unbelievable that an inland body of water is huge enough to affect the weather so drastically.  Okay, back to a typical MN winter:  tons of snow, one year about 20 years ago, we had the famous Halloween Snowstorm, and about 2 meters of snow fell on October 31st. We usually (depending where in this state you live as the state is sort of a rectangle (and we are longer than wide), do not get any "real" snow until December, perhaps 2 good storms in December, plus several dustings, and usually always have a "White Christmas" as the song goes, maybe not snow ON Christmas, but white none the less.  Then we get slammed in January and February, and a couple of times in March.  The last 3 years, I have needed to be plowed exactly ONCE.  ONCE in 3 years.  Now this year, we were just lucky, we were literally missed by a few kilometers north or south (or less)   A normal winter brings at least 8 good plowings, and several small cleanups.  We have a total of several meters of snow each winter.  While I have enjoyed it, it scares me a bit that things have changed so fast.  I noticed the buds on the tress much earlier this year, but it could be me...  The temps have not been nearly as bad, either.  Our little princes, who just passed, was the only dog who goes out in the winter -she refused to learn to go on the pads (loved the outdoors), and it was not nearly as cold recently, either. 

 

I am happy that you are up and moving around and cleaning the garage.  Did you notice the latest taper did not seem as rough since you are able to get out and about over the cold weather?  it could be me, but you did not seem to mention the symptoms quite as much (could be wishful thinking on my part). Though you did mention that briefly. I am so happy that this is the lowest dose you have been on in so long (11 years!!!), that is something to celebrate, honestly!!!  I forgot what language you spoke in your area, and could not find "Good Job". I had it in my memory for so long as to what you spoke (not just "Scottish", but don't you have a language that is regional as well- Gaelic something?) but my recent stress has made me a bit forgetful, and it is hard to concentrate to go back and find where you told me, if you did!  I had good intention, though! LOL!

 

I hope your goldfish are doing well!

Be well Peng & Mrs Peng!!

Current meds: Lexapro 20mg, Valium 6.25mg
Current status: September 2018 forced to go down to 10mg of Valium/Diazepam from around 15mg, with the plan to have me totally of in 2 more months. I was not given a chance to give input at tapering at this speed, please go much, much slower. Luckily I found a new doctor, but was thrown off course by my rapid taper, as of 2/19 am down to 6.25mg, and am stable. Will update with dates of taper ASAP.
Read my history here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/12819-skeeters-journey/

   
I am NOT a doctor. My opinions are just that- MY opinions, based on my personal experiences and research, but your experience and reactions may differ greatly, we are all different! I maintain that a doctor educated in withdrawal is the best place to get info or to get the "go ahead" before changing your medications in any way!

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  • 2 months later...

Because of my partial, but relatively short lived, great success with prescribed 5mg Folic Acid supplement a few months ago, I have done a lot of reading about that substance and the L-Methylfolate form. 

 

Periods of great fatigue and tiredness has been one of the most troublesome problems I have had for a few years

 

I thought I would give the methyl folate a try having read of keener, positive interest in it recently.  Also, several writers suggest it could be fine for genetic profiles of any type, not just 40%(?).

 

Been on it for five days, but yesterday and previous day felt really fatigued and a bit dizzy and with headache.

Had a good sleep last night of 7-8 hours only broken by need to get up for p (as is usually the case nowadays) and felt much better this morning but have skipped taking the 400mcg methyfolate by Jarrows.

 

Would be grateful for comments from informed folks on here.

 

Many thanks & love.

Edited by peng

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. 

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Anyone, please?

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. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

peng -- I wish I had an answer for you. All I can suggest is that you review the list of possible side effects of the supplements you're taking and run the supplements and medications through the interactions effects checking tool: Drugs-dot-com Drugs Interactions Checker.

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

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Good idea, s'wag.

Thank you.

Continuing to feel better so I will lay of the L-M'folate for now.

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. 

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  • 1 month later...

5 days ago - on 3rd September '17, reduced Effexor XL from 106.25 to 100mg (down by 6.25%). 

 

This was after holding for 6 weeks.  Taking it easy as we have moved house after 39 years.

Staying with family until our next house becomes available in October.

 

Feeling a bit rough many days.  I have increased Opti-Omega 3 to 3600mg/day today.  Will this help, folks?

Having headaches, aching/painful muscles, particularly when in bed and after sleep.  I have a cataract which may be getting worse - or maybe this devil's drug makes you believe this is so?

Of course, the evil potion can make us feel we have every ailment under the sun at times. 

Being at a nice round number of 100mg will encourage me to stick at that dose for a time.  

On the positive side, I have reduced from 225mg last summer.

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. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Great update.  And looking at it from the "other" end that you have managed to reduce by 125mg is really encouraging.

* 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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

congrats Peng, 125mg lighter is a major accomplishment :D happy to hear that you are going to stick at that dose for awhile, sounds like an excellent plan!!!

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

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Thanks CC and baroquep.  Words from others are encouraging and motivating!

xx

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. 

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  • 3 weeks later...

20th September 2017 100mg down to 93.75mg Effexor.  (-6.25%)

Feeling quite good 22-27th (today), inclusive.  Puzzling.

 

I notice my heart rate resting/sitting is a lot lower than it was last year: 55bpm at the moment. IIRC, usually it was 70-90bpm (resting) on the 150-225mg Effexor dose.

 

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. 

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  • 2 months later...

Blood tests last week.  I had asked for checks for inflammation.  Had root canal treatment done a few weeks ago.  Had to go back to dentist due tooth still sore under pressure.  He assures me from x-ray we looked at that no nerve remains in molar.  "Probably pressure on inflammation."

For years,  I often feel like I have the flu or similar for a few days, then one day it has gone.  Tends to repeat several times per year.

 

GP wants me to have another blood test repeated on Monday.

"Random sugar low" IIRC.  Not diabetic.

Depression minor for last few months.  I am now down to 75mg Effexor after being on 187.5 to 225mg for a lengthy period.  That is something!

Sleeping for 7 hours typically, too.  However, still feel under the weather a lot of the time and not feeling like going out often.  Snowing just now - minus 7C a few nights.

Fatigued, but been doing a few chores indoors and hobbies.  Could be much worse, of course.  

 

Any views, folks?

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. 

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On 7/23/2017 at 6:20 AM, peng said:

Because of my partial, but relatively short lived, great success with prescribed 5mg Folic Acid supplement a few months ago, I have done a lot of reading about that substance and the L-Methylfolate form. 

 

Periods of great fatigue and tiredness has been one of the most troublesome problems I have had for a few years

 

I thought I would give the methyl folate a try having read of keener, positive interest in it recently.  Also, several writers suggest it could be fine for genetic profiles of any type, not just 40%(?).

 

Been on it for five days, but yesterday and previous day felt really fatigued and a bit dizzy and with headache.

Had a good sleep last night of 7-8 hours only broken by need to get up for p (as is usually the case nowadays) and felt much better this morning but have skipped taking the 400mcg methyfolate by Jarrows.

 

Would be grateful for comments from informed folks on here.

 

Many thanks & love.

I took lmethylfolate 15 mg and it made me very hyper. That was another one of my experimental drugs. Looks like effexir has been your main drug too. 

 

2001 Remeron , Celexa, prozac a week on lithium. 

2014 went off effexor and trazadone in 3 weeks. 

2014 zoloft (hyper reaction) put on effexor 75 mg. Was stable until 2017 

2017  Trazadone 50 mg (June) Effexor to 113 mg (2 weeks) Effexor 150 mg for a month . Took 75 mg until November. . Lithium 10 days, Lamactil 10 day  aug-nov15 ativan

October : Prozac bridge to get off 75 mg of effexor Used 10 mg of prozac. Stopped prozac 3 wk 

Dec 6, 7 Upped trazadone from 50 to 100 mg Did it for 3 days Stopped it

Dec 7 , Dec 8 Took prozac again 0.1 , 0.1, 0.6 stopped it

Dec 11 and Dec 12 upped it to 100 again

Dec 15 , 16,17 went back to 50 mg of trazadone

December 18 Began 3 beads of effexor  Dec 25 began 5 beads of effexor take 10 mg of omneprazole daily

 

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  • 1 month later...

Hi peng I would like to wave the white flag and apologise if I got the wrong end of the stick ,I would like to take back my posts and wish you well .

Looking back I was wound like a spring and a tad defensive .

Take care and I wish you well . 

PB 

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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I should have more respect for someone on the devil venlafaxine ,maybe my super ego is just destroying everything around me in this process ,I need allies not making enemy's.  

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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Don't worry, powerback.  I could tell you must have been ultrasensitive.

Really, from the word go, on your arrival on the site, I could tell you were distressed and have only wanted to help.

 

Here's to our mutual defeat of the beast that is venlafaxine, whatever method we choose!

 

Best wishes,

peng. 

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. 

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  • 1 month later...

image.png.f190f99df3e8a8df4d9ea1ca59c50720.png

Effexor XR Dosage over period 1st January 2004 to 1st May 2006.

 

 

Just in case others may be interested, here is a graph of my Effexor dosage over the 29 month period 1st January 2004 until 1st May 2006.  I have kept fairly detailed data since I started Effexor in 2001 to date.

 

It includes the period when, without any sound guidance - as can be found here on survivingantidepressants.org - I went down to zero dosage, crashed badly, then had to go back up to 150mg.

 

Currently I am on 62.5mg, having tapered from 225.0mg, starting a couple of years ago.  Feeling no worse than when I pooped out at 225mg, but if I see any serious relapse, I will hold.

Getting to zero would be ideal, but after 40 years of psychotropic drug prescriptions, I am not very optimistic.

Never mind, at least my system has not been poisoned by hundreds of milligrams of unneccesary venlafaxine had I followed our unwitting doctors' default mode of repeating prescriptions ad infinitum.

 

In my view, at almost 73 years of age, overall quality of life, perhaps with a compromise in the battle with the enemy, is more important than "getting down to zero", however satisfying that may seem.

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. 

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image.thumb.png.ab08fd37a3ea3a3553210c58595b20da.png

Here is graph of my Effexor dose since the crash of early 2006, until today in March 2018.

I dithered about a lot from 150.0 to 225mg through 187.5mg (sometimes day to day!) for a number of years.  This was innocent ignorance, before I learnt about the adverse effect of "playing ping pong with your brain" on this site!

 

Had a great window today.  Who knows what will follow, though.  Maybe it is just all the snow shifting to reveal grass, after the UKs worst week of snow for several years, or more likely the c7 hours sleep I am getting most nights.

Usual male ageing thing sometimes gets me up around 0300-0400 hours to pass water.  I feel like death warmed up then!

Just got to feel my way cautiously along this path of slow improvement.

Supplements I will be sticking at are Omega 3 caps, vitamin D3, magnesium Glycinate (75% RDA) and a Healthspan (UK) probiotic.

 

For those on Omeprazole, or another PPI, take heart, I have had success in cutting that drug out a while ago after taking 20 to 10mg for decades.  Has to be tapered off, too, though, and if I overindulged, I had gastric setbacks for 2 or 3 days.

I feel so lucky, too, to be able to enjoy 2 cups of tea and coffee (instant) each day without the problems others seem to get.  I can even take the odd alcoholic drink now and again, but hope never to take that for granted and then strike an iceberg in the booze.  Pride comes before a fall.

Best wishes and success to all. 

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. 

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  • Mentor

such great record keeping and useful information Peng, thanks for sharing it!!
 

yes, there is much to be said for quality of life!! 

you are so strong and patient to be able to do what you're doing. 

 

 

even us women need to answer "the call" in the middle of the night... not sure if it's aging or just me stupidly drinking too much liquids too close to bedtime, hahaha

 

so glad things are going well for you.  :)

 

 

  • 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 ;) 
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Thanks for the visit and the good words of wisdom, H2H!

 

Another big window today.  What's wrong with me?!! 

The past couple of days I have felt a bit manic, too, but in a good way.  Had fairly lengthy chats with two strangers in town yesterday.

Worrying me a bit - always looking for a trick being pulled by my emotions and this drug.

Any one else feel manic and chatty when in a window?  Well, maybe the compensating wave will be like a tsunami!

We are always in doubt having been downed too often by treachery of the chemicals and our own minds.  Yes?

 

Anyway, H2H, I know you are not a bad chemical compound, despite the abbreviation!

By the way, and you will have heard it before, the best way to prepare yourself for not having to get up in the night to the toilet is to refrain from drinking after about 8pm.

I have started using a smaller sized mug, too, recently, and that must have helped.  In the summer I will have to watch I dont underdo it with taking on water.

Had to get up at 0450 this morning, but had a couple of hours after, so not bad.

 

Heck, Peggy Lee and "Black Coffee" have just come on my random music player.  That lady is expressing in song what many of us on here must experience. 

 

Best wishes.

 

PS - The temperature in the summerhouse is 21C/70F.  It really is trying to be spring.  A week ago today it was like something out of "Fargo", here.

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. 

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  • 1 month later...

Ah, well, I guessed right.  The prescribed toxin that is effexor had a dirty trick up its sleeve.

I was at my scheduled date for next 4-weekly dose reduction yesterday (about -8.0%).

However, have been feeling in a bit of a wave for several days, so am holding at 57.5mg.

 

One reason for distress might be a painful shoulder/arm which is hindering me being able to work without pain.  It has got worse over last couple of weeks.  Some movements are so painful they make me yell out. 

My sleep is being disturbed, too, as I have to painfully turn over.

I believe from the physio that it is rotator cuff/impingement.  Also, the pain sometimes goes right down to the tips of my fingers.  Also, my longest (middle) finger clicks when I bend it.  This never happened to me anywhere else ever until now.

Could that be arthritis?  Blood test a few months ago ruled out rheumatoid arthritis IIRC.

One GP said of the painful arm when it first manifested itself,  "Oh, we can't do anything about that!"

Well I know he is full of c####, because as all we good people on here know, sound technical knowledge is not now exclusive to the professionals.  Injections and even surgery are avaiable, though they may not always work.

 

Any sympathetic views/comments would be welcome, folks. 

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. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Extreme fatigue much of last few days, despite only being on 56.3mg effexor, now.

Two years ago I was on 225mg and, interestingly, the fatigue is just as extreme at c25% of that dose!

 

Anyone else found that, too?

I can guess the answer, I suppose.

What a devil's potion these toxins are.

Never mind, let's move on.  Taking 75% less of the poison must be having some benefit to one's system.

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. 

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  • 3 weeks later...
On 4/24/2018 at 5:42 AM, peng said:

Extreme fatigue much of last few days, despite only being on 56.3mg effexor, now.

Two years ago I was on 225mg and, interestingly, the fatigue is just as extreme at c25% of that dose!

 

Anyone else found that, too?

I can guess the answer, I suppose.

What a devil's potion these toxins are.

Never mind, let's move on.  Taking 75% less of the poison must be having some benefit to one's system.

Yay for you for getting to 56.3! That is quite the accomplishment! Have you always done 10% cuts or did you find that you had to slow down and do 5%? Are you feeling better now than you did on 225mg?  How is your sleep?

6 years old- 23 years old Effexor XR 75-150mg 

March-May 2017  3-month taper of Effexor XR from 150mg down to 37.5 and then 0.  

After a week reinstated Effexor at 37.5 and quickly worked your way up to 150.

Mid-May increased to 187.5.

End of July to mid-October switched to 50-200mg Zoloft

Nov. to present  switched back to Effexor 75 mg

March 29, 2018 Increased Effexor dose to 150mg (original dose). 

May 12, 2018 Began a 10% AT LEAST monthly taper off of 150mg Effexor XR.

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Thanks for visit wildchild93.

I varied cuts mostly between about 5% - 10%.  NEVER MORE.   Whatever in that range could be done by cutting down the 12.5mg minitabs/halves or quarters of them.

Cannot say my mood is much better at the moment - it was good at 75mg down to about 57.5mg.

However, my sleep has been reasonable at between 7 to 8 hrs.  Some waking but going back to sleep before long.

Overall, I feel less side effects and am happier knowing I am only at a quarter of the 225mg.  The depression is manageable.  Virtually no anxiety for many years.

Appetite and weight stable (141-143lbs).

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. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Mood a bit low last two weeks.  Sleep fine. Fatigue. Physical nerve pain in neck and shoulders.  Physio seems to agree with my theory that high dose of effexor up to this year may have been masking pain.

There is a study that shows effexor is painkiller.

Been holding from scheduled reduction for almost 4 weeks.

Don't worry foks if you have to do that - I am on about my 3rd hold in a year or two.  Disappointing, but must have patience? 

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. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I agree Peng, I have heard that Effexor can help with pain, it is part of the reason I was placed on it way back when.  A hold is not a bad thing at all.  I agree, the patience can be hard to come by (am in that issue myself, am ready to taper, but need to go thru the stress of a Worker's Compensation court trial first, as I do not want to rock the ship before I testify on my own behalf!).  Many people must hold for up to even 6 months or more.  Was reading a thread today of a person who has had multiple holds of 6 months.  Some people hold to enjoy a season (warm weather), some just hold every so often so they do not get a head of themselves, other hold before a stressful time of year (the holidays, for example).  You are not i a race with anyone.  to me, whit is of primary importance if personal comfort.  Somehow people think a hold is a failure of some kind, I do not believe it is.  It allows your brain to catch up with the WD healing.

 

I am happy with the progress you have made.  please, if you want to, HOLD if any trouble arises or if you are tired of the taper.  You may feel better for it.  If you are doing well, then taper.  I know you like to be out and doing things in the warm weather, so if slowing down or holding will help you enjoy the season a bit more, feel free to lengthen the hold, and take a taper holiday, perhaps?  I know you will start again. It may help your fatigue if you take a taper holiday, but some find that they have to get fown to a low dose for that part to go, but it is hard work with all of the changes in your brain from the tapering.  I do hope you will try a longer than usual hold, to see if you have less fatigue, but this is only my thought, others may not share it for relief of fatigue, but relief of the stress of tapering for a while is actually a good thing for many.  It can be as long as you like, 4 weeks, 6 weeks 8 weeks more(?)... Do not let yourself fall into the trap of feeling guilty for giving your system a break, esp if your longest break has been a month at a time.  I am proud of your progress!

 

I hope your pain is tolerable.  One thing that is topical (but prescription) are Lidoderm patches (aka lidocaine patches).  They actually do a good job of knocking down even my nerve pain (neuropathy), which is notoriously hard to treat, plus the odd deep bone aches that are a hallmark of my condition,.I was surprised that it penetrated so well when i started using them. Never caused at skin issues, and can wear each patch for 12 hours. Each patch is about 5" x 8" or 127mm x 178mm, so a great size for covering a good patch of skin. One covers the entire back of my neck and then some, or my shoulder. What is really nice is that they can be cut after you open the outer envelope as there is covering over the adhesive (which is not too sticky, it does not hurt to pull off the skin).  Maybe ask your doctor?

Be Well!

Skeets

P.S. LOVE the graphs!!! Great job!

Edited by Skeeter
added PS, time period options for hold

Current meds: Lexapro 20mg, Valium 6.25mg
Current status: September 2018 forced to go down to 10mg of Valium/Diazepam from around 15mg, with the plan to have me totally of in 2 more months. I was not given a chance to give input at tapering at this speed, please go much, much slower. Luckily I found a new doctor, but was thrown off course by my rapid taper, as of 2/19 am down to 6.25mg, and am stable. Will update with dates of taper ASAP.
Read my history here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/12819-skeeters-journey/

   
I am NOT a doctor. My opinions are just that- MY opinions, based on my personal experiences and research, but your experience and reactions may differ greatly, we are all different! I maintain that a doctor educated in withdrawal is the best place to get info or to get the "go ahead" before changing your medications in any way!

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Skeeter, many thanks for your visit.  I know you have a lot of knowledge, so you are most welcome and I feel honoured when you write.

 

Yes - good to hear your emphatic confirmation that holding is best.  Though, it is always disappointing when you know you will not be "making the cut this month", as it were.

 

My shoulder pain - all the way down to thumb in one arm and making comfortable sleeping positions difficult to achieve - appears to be due to no. 6 vertebrae in the neck, physio says.  

My GP has asked for appointment for me with neurosurgery specialist, but waiting time is months here, unless private.

I have read that surgery is a bit risky as far as success is concerned, but it may not even be on the cards.

 

I also have regained that PITA - coccyx!  About 3 years ago I hit the ground after descending a child's playground slide.  Yes, I know - stupid old fool - but I was doing it to humour our granddaughter.  Have to learn not to be so up for a prank at this age.

 

I will investigate your tip about the lidocaine patches, Skeeter, nerve pain is not something I have had much in my 72 years, but plenty of other types!  Ranging from decades of gastric problems to sinusitis.

A good old Scottish retort to someone who is always complaining about some pain or other is "Tae hell, if it's no' yer erse it's yer elbow!"

My late grandmother (b.1897) and my late mother (b.1919) gave that one to me.  Possibly not the most sympathetic maternal phrase one would hope to hear, but certainly worth preserving. 

 

Love & best wishes, Skeets,

Peng

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. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Aw Shucks, Peng, you give me too much credit!!

 

I, from reading did not realize you actually had nerve pain, too!  You know what it feels like, and it is awful! The Lidoderm/lidocaine patches, if put on the area of the worst pain, may give you some relief, though.  Let me know if you try!  You CANNOT wallpaper yourself with them, I think 2 patches at a time is the max), but with pain all the way down your arm, it is truly awful to deal with.

 

I think I would have liked your grandmother, sounds like a tough bird! I love women that give such great quotable statements!  She was right, though.  When young, we do not know what it is to live with pain, (if healthy), and when older, we do not know how to live without it, and she captured that!

 

Do me a favor, once you gat a scan and a diagnosis, if I do not reply, please PM me (note members, please do not PM me with everything...lol!!) to look at your thread.  I have an interest in spinal issues because of the work i used to do (care for, and follow Work Comp claims and personal injuries) in medical offices in huge factories, and we had many, many back and neck injuries, some needed surgery, some did not.  Starting with PT is a must in my opinion, (good job!).  Note: if the doc offers a steroid shot, do not expect a whole lot, about 10 days of relief, but is a great diagnostic tool, if you lose your radiation of symptoms down your arm and the initial pain in the neck (if you have that, too), you at least know they have the right area, as a nerve can be impinged upon or pinched further from the spine. I NEVER thought steroid injections could cause lasting relief, until my other half had a very specific type that greatly decreased the swelling of the nerve itself at the nerve root for a very specific nerve root issue between C6-C7,  where he has a broad bulging of the disc pushing on the nerve root.  He has had 2 trans-foraminal steroid epidurals, and got relief after a month (we were warned it could take that long to work, we were skeptical, but it did), took pain down to a 2/10 from a 9/10 for about 12 weeks, the, 2nd one took only 10 days to work - &  lasted for 8 months+ (still going). I wonder if his  initial pain referral pattern is similar to yours, perhaps- his pain ran down the outside and back of his upper arm, his forearm  into his hand to a variety of fingers (it went from one side of the hand to the other, early on).

 

Sorry for being so emphatic about holds.  30 days for each step is good as a good general guide, and hopefully your body/emotional symotoms usually agree with this schedule.  However, healing is NOT linear (as much as we would all like it to be).  Luckily you are a person who seems to pay attention to your symptoms, and does not push it too much.  I wish everyone paid attention as you do. If your symptoms follow a pattern, can you share what they are, like, do you feel a cut right away, or does it take a few days, and them what symptoms come, and how long do they last?  Finally, how much time, on a good month, do you have where you return to your "Withdrawal Normal" status (where your symptoms have calmed to a tolerable level) before it is time for the next taper?  You have been doing this a long time, and I think sharing this could help others, if you do not mind sharing?  "A month in the life of Peng!"

 

OOF!  I have bruised my coccyx before, OUCH! Sounds like your legs forgot to catch you at the bottom.  Maybe you should start with kiddie slides and work your way back up...lol!  I really feel for you, that is one of those pains that is almost indescribable! I could not get comfortable in any position, hardly for weeks, and it was slow to heal!

Sorry for you pain, Peng!

Skeets

Edited by Skeeter
Rewrote to shorten a bit

Current meds: Lexapro 20mg, Valium 6.25mg
Current status: September 2018 forced to go down to 10mg of Valium/Diazepam from around 15mg, with the plan to have me totally of in 2 more months. I was not given a chance to give input at tapering at this speed, please go much, much slower. Luckily I found a new doctor, but was thrown off course by my rapid taper, as of 2/19 am down to 6.25mg, and am stable. Will update with dates of taper ASAP.
Read my history here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/12819-skeeters-journey/

   
I am NOT a doctor. My opinions are just that- MY opinions, based on my personal experiences and research, but your experience and reactions may differ greatly, we are all different! I maintain that a doctor educated in withdrawal is the best place to get info or to get the "go ahead" before changing your medications in any way!

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Had to reinstate with half a minitab (6.25mg) extra from 29th May.  So now back up to 62.5mg Effexor.

Will have to ride it out. 

Mrs p fell and broke her right shoulder a couple of weeks ago.  Life has been harder for both of us, but she is blessed with good spirits.  Trouble is, she is a martyr and farmer's daughter, so likes to soldier on as if nothing serious has happened to her!

Fortunately, daughter and son in law (and granddaughter!) help and brighten things up. So could be a lot worse.

One of my molars broke yesterday, too.  Got an appointment tomorrow with dentist, and it is not painful.

Been reading up about nerve pain from my C6-7 cervical discs, Skeets.  Description fits my symptoms and seems very common, so that is always good to know (a tiny bit!)

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. 

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Hi Peng

 

My thoughts are with you and I am sending you encouragement. You will get through this and you will feel better. Someone  once said to me, " Slow wins the race,  just like the Tortoise and the Hare

 

http://www.storyit.com/Classics/Stories/tortoisehare.htm

 

Daisy

 

 

Effexor XL 2009-2012. CT 150mg Effexor XR  2012, Effexor XR  75mg  2012  then rapid taper to 0, Reinstated Effexor XR 13mg then updosed to 20mg, Tapered to 18mg Effexor XR 4/9/12, Off Effexor XL ?Reinstated  Effexor XL 150 mgs  August  2012, Crashed in November 2012, Prozac 40 mgs 2012 to Feb 2018, Buspar 60  mgs 2012-stopped 2015, Remeron 7.5 mgs as needed for sleep-stopped Feb 2017, Prozac 50 mgs Feb 2018 to March 2018, Lexapro 5 mgs March 18 2018 to May 17th 2018, Lexapro 2.5 mgs  May 18th to May 26th 2018, Prozac 10 mgs May 15th 2018, Prozac 5 mgs May 19th 2018 to current day May 28th 2018,  Xanax 0.25 mgs to 0.5 mgs daily for over 15 years. Increased Xanax to 1.5 mgs Sept 2012, Tapered Xanax to 0 mgs  May 2013.Reinstated Xanax Feb 2017 at 0.125 mgs as needed, Gradual increase of Xanax to 1.5 mgs daily till May 22nd 2018, Xanax 1.25 mgs daily. Holding

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Please tell Mrs. Peng that we are hoping she heals quickly!  I am glad you read about radicular symptoms Peng (now you have a new word to look up:D), it is a good idea to know a bit about what is going on!  Love that about you!

Current meds: Lexapro 20mg, Valium 6.25mg
Current status: September 2018 forced to go down to 10mg of Valium/Diazepam from around 15mg, with the plan to have me totally of in 2 more months. I was not given a chance to give input at tapering at this speed, please go much, much slower. Luckily I found a new doctor, but was thrown off course by my rapid taper, as of 2/19 am down to 6.25mg, and am stable. Will update with dates of taper ASAP.
Read my history here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/12819-skeeters-journey/

   
I am NOT a doctor. My opinions are just that- MY opinions, based on my personal experiences and research, but your experience and reactions may differ greatly, we are all different! I maintain that a doctor educated in withdrawal is the best place to get info or to get the "go ahead" before changing your medications in any way!

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Congratulations and many thanks for this excellent thread based on your considerable experience, esteemed brassmonkey!

 

Just read your paras on reinstatement/updosing and have a question which perhaps you may be kind enough consider.

 

I am about 2 years into a taper from c225mg Effexor XR.  Had to updose by 6.25mg (just over 10%) last week due to some problems making me feel low. 

Feeling better last couple of days. 

How long do you think I should monitor my "state" before resuming my taper, say by 5%?  (I tend to stick to 5-10% rate - never more.)

 

Best regards,

peng (b 1945)

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. 

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  • Moderator

Feeling better after a few days is a good sign that the up dose is working, but it will need some time to settle in, so I'd be waiting at least a month before considering any other changes.

 

Any change in medication, up dose, taper, manufacturer, tablet/liquid, time of day for a few examples are all considered as "dose change events". They are then handled in the same manner as a taper. Change the dose and hold until stable, but hold a least a minimum of four weeks.  Depending on the medication it takes from four days to two weeks just for the blood serum level to stabilize, until that happens there is no way for a persons symptoms to start to stabilize. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the persons sensitivity to changes in the drug (which can change with every dose change) it can take a few weeks to many months to stabilize from an up dose.

 

 

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

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