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Effeffexor: Where do I begin


Effeffexor

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I know only a bit- I know I need to taper and have read the articles on how to taper. I know I need to supplement somehow.
Exactly where do I begin? I need a plan.
Do probiotics and supplements come first before tapering?
I'm scared.
I have been on these drugs since I was 13. I am 39...
Main issue right now is I have absolutely no memory. By that I mean to the point where I try to conduct business with people and apparently I already have been there...
I'm ok as far as depression but I'm scared of the taper.

Edited by scallywag
tags added

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi, Effeffexor.

 

Welcome to the forum. I'm glad you found us for tapering advice and support. 

 

Memory problems are very common with these drugs, but they will resolve. 

 

Have you been on Effexor and Concerta since you were 13 or have you had a lot of drugs and drug changes along the way? 

 

Before you start your taper, please read over this thread: 

 

Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first?

 

Do you take both medications in the morning? It's best to come off the most "stimulating" drug first. Since you're already using Zzzquil, I'm guessing that insomnia is a problem for you. So coming off the most activating drug first will minimize that.

 

There are only a couple of supplements that we recommend, as many people find supplements ramp up symptoms and interfere with the taper process. The two that many people do find helpful are fish oil and magnesium. It's best to add only one in at a time and at a small dose:

 

King of supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker

 

There are many non-drug coping skills that can help along the way:

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

As soon as you get a chance to read over the "Taking mult psch drugs" thread, please let us know more about how each drug makes you feel so we can help you set up a taper strategy.

 

Since there isn't a tapering thread specific to Concerta, this link on the 10% reduction will get you started. We can answer questions as you go along:

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage? 

 

And this thread is on coming off Effexor XR:

 

Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

 

I know you're scared of the taper, but these threads will help you understand what to expect. You can do this. Just go slowly and learn as many of the non-drug coping skills as you can along the way.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome? 

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

This is your thread to update your symptoms and ask plenty of questions. I'm glad you're here for support.

 

 

 

 

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Hmm well my Effexor is the extended release generic tablets. Should I have it switched to a different form of Effexor or a different type of antidepressant?

All I know is regular SSRIs do not help me at all and SNRIs do. Apparently when you get below a certain dose of Effexor it acts as an SSRI instead of an SNRI and I start getting ... snippy would be a nice way of putting it. How can I keep an SNRI effect in play when tapering?

I do have a pill cutter but I think I'm not supposed to since it's an extended release.

It sure would be much easier in liquid..

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

HI Effeffexor and welcome from me too,

 

Scallyway asked you:  Have you been on Effexor and Concerta since you were 13 or have you had a lot of drugs and drug changes along the way?

 

Would you please respond to this question?  Having details of your drug taking history will help us to offer suggestions based on your individual situation.  Thank you.

 

You said:  "and I start getting ... snippy would be a nice way of putting it"

 

So have you been at a lower dose previously?  If you have, when did you do this?  Please give us more information about how you lowered your dose.  How did you taper, what dose drops did you do and how long were you on each dose?  What was the lowest dose you got to?  What did you do after that, ie did you go back up on your dose and how much did you take then?  I'm sorry for asking a lot of questions but the answers give us a more thorough picture of your history and help us to help you.

 

The idea of doing SA's recommended 10% or less taper of the previous dose with a 3 to 4 week hold is to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.  It is a harm reduction method which is the best way known to get off these drugs with minimal withdrawal symptoms so that we can live as normal a life as possible.  Many members, once their dose gets lower, start to feel improvement.  This has happened to me.  I found that I started to feel more like my old self and started to find pleasure in things and am now able to laugh, whereas before I felt numb and just didn't have the mental energy to even laugh internally.

 

These helped me to understand SA's recommendations and have also helped me to keep tapering slowly and patiently:

 

Brain Remodelling (Rhi's Description of Brain Healing)


Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

* 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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My apologies. Yes- since 13. I have tried a few other types but was always put back on Effexor. The only time I tried to taper I made it to under 50 mg - I think it was 25 but can't recall. My doc gave me 150, then 75 then 50 then 25. I think I had to switch to a different type though. I have really major problems remembering!! it is to the point that I will take a pill ( or feed the dog, etc) and within 5 min I simply cannot remember if I have done so. I sincerely hope this is from the medications.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi again,

 

Thanks for providing additional information.  The dose drops that you have listed are big jumps down and it's no wonder that you got snippy or snappy or whatever you really call it!

 

If you have been on your current dose for 6 months or more then you should be okay to start tapering.  If your taper was within the last 6 months it will be helpful if you can remember, or find out, roughly when that was because it is better to start your taper from a place of stability.

 

It is understandable that you are scared of tapering after having experienced a bad taper from receiving bad advice.  If we know we are going to get burned we don't stick our hand back in the fire.  Well at least most people don't!  Having the knowledge, support and guidance here at SA will help you and you can journal your progress here in your Intro/Update topic.

 

Because you are having memory issues, it might be a good idea to work out some sort of system whereby you keep a record that you have taken your dose/s.  Missing a day, doubling your dose or taking an incorrect dose may all cause problems.  It is important to take the same dose daily at roughly the same time.  Your brain needs all the stability it can get.

 

These topics contain some helpful tips:

 

What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?


How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?

* 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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Effeffexor,

Another good supplement to have in your back pocket if you struggle with any insomnia during withdrawal is melatonin. Here they recommend that less is more. At health food stores they often sell them as 10 or 5 mg pills. Some people have found them as low as 1 mg and then cut that into quarters with a pill cutter. I could only find it as low as 2 mg so I cut mine into 1/8 ths. The recommended amount here is .25 mg - that is why we cut up the pills. Melatonin will only help you fall asleep - it does not help with early morning waking. But if you find you are having trouble falling asleep it is definitely worth a go. I don't take it every night, just for say 3-5 nights after a couple nights of not falling asleep when I want to. Some people find it wears off that is why some of us only take it for some nights once in a while. It is good for re-setting your sleep cycle if you find you have gotten out of wack with your sleeping schedule. They recommend here to take it at night fall. I take it about an hour before I want to sleep and that seems to work. Best of luck to you on your tapering journey.

Medicine History

June 2011 I was put on 10 mg Olanzapine. I stayed on that for 7 months then went down to 5 mg for 3 months and then went down to 2.5mg and slowly went down to less than .3 every few days. I have tried to come off 4 times, each time getting down to less than .3 before having to go back on at 5mg or 2.5mg. I would cut by 50% each taper. From Jan 2015 to June 2015 I reduced from about 5mg to .3 mg. This last time I went on 2.5 mg last June 2015 until July 2, 2016. July 3, 2016 I went down to 1.25mg - withdrawal hit. Up dosed to liquid 2 mg July 23, 2016.

Medicine Current

2 mg Olanzapine as of July 23, 2016

Supplements

Omega 3 1000mg, Vitamin E 400 UI, Vitamin C 1000 mg Time Released, 200 mg Magnesium Bisglycinate, Multi Probiotic, .25 mg melatonin for 3-5 days as needed

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I have an appointment tomorrow. The only thing I can think of is to ask for regular Effexor and not the XR. I think if I switch to anything else first then it wouldn't be an SNRI and the sudden change in norepherine levels might be bad. Is this right? Should I ask for capsules or tablets?

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Effexor only hits the norepinephrine receptors above 150 mg, so your dose is in the range. This effect is true for both the XR and the original IR (immediate release) versions.  Beyond 150 mg, both the serotonin and norepinephrine systems are affected.

 

Reducing dose slowly will minimize the risk of a CNS (central nervous system) response, i.e. symptoms, to the reduction of the drug's norepinephrine and serotonin effects.

 

Regarding the formulation, in my opinion it's really a choice about the method of tapering: If you want to

  • count beads, get capsules.
  • make a liquid, get tablets.

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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But I read this?

Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) has the flexibility of being an SSRI at lower doses (75 mg/day), affecting the reuptake of serotonin, and an SNRI at higher doses (150-225 mg/day). It also very weakly blocks the reuptake of dopamine at very high doses (above 350 mg/day). Idk the net always has conflicting info. Either way hopefully it doesn't do a whole lot at my dose.

Thanks for the recommendation! I did want to do liquid so that helps knowing. So at 10% reduction, I go down 15mg so it would be 150 down to 135mg? So I take a 100mg and.. 1/2 plus a 1/4 of a 50? I hope that's ok.

It's hard knowing I can't take 5HTP or anything while I taper! I don't want to cry publicly!!! I'm scared.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Your combination of a 100 mg tablet and partial tablets works; you'll be getting a dose of 137.5 mg.  The reduction doesn't have to be exactly 10%; it's better to err on the side of lower than 10 than higher than that.  ;)

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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Ok so she ended up giving me 75s. I hate math. So i figured out if I cut a tablet in half, (Yay there is a line but boo my pill cutter from Walgreens is a POC) and then again in half and take a big half and a little half that equals a deduction of 18.75. I really did have this figured out in my head... I already took this. >.< Ok I can do this. (Did i mention i hate math?) So I have taken 75-18.75 = 56.25

Usually I would take 150mg so I took that minus 56.25 that I just took. That equals 93.75 left that I would usually take for the day. 150x.10=15. 93.75-15=78.75. Omg see? What the heck am I doing?? Someone please help me. Im too stupid to be undertaking this.

How can I have more than 75 left to take after a reduction? How can I measure this? (Self hate talk ensues.)

I'm so scared of doing this.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

If you want to make a liquid, you'll need to switch to twice a day dosing and to immediate release. Making those changes safely may take 6-8 weeks. Please read the first post in the topic on effexor.
Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

Using 75 mg tablets to achieve a 10% reduction from 150 mg:
 
½ of 75 mg = 37.5 mg
¼ of 75 mg = 18.75 mg
 
1 tablet + ½ tablet + ¼ tablet = 75 + 37.5 + 18.75 = 131.25 mg
 
That's 18.75 mg less than 150 mg, or 12.5%.  That's probably okay at this dosage level. Please be sure to take the dose(s) at the same time(s) every day and take notes on paper of any symptoms.  Your symptoms are the best only guide about whether this works for you.

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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Thank you SO much. Just knowing you are here helps. I promise I will keep a journal. Should I start supplementing with anything at this point or wait till later? Whatever you think I will do.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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Over here in the UK, we have a 37.5mg Effexor capsule (Venlablue) by BLUEFISH pharmaceuticals.  Swedish IIRC.

 

Each cap can be opened and inside are 3 hard pills (like sweeteners) that are 12.5mg each.  (3 of them = 37.5mg).

 

They have made my last few reductions over the last 3 months a lot easier.

 

Maybe you can get them in Wizard/Dorothy County?  Hope so.

 

Best wishes from Scotland.

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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Over here in the UK, we have a 37.5mg Effexor capsule (Venlablue) by BLUEFISH pharmaceuticals.  Swedish IIRC.

 

Each cap can be opened and inside are 3 hard pills (like sweeteners) that are 12.5mg each.  (3 of them = 37.5mg).

 

They have made my last few reductions over the last 3 months a lot easier.

 

Maybe you can get them in Wizard/Dorothy County?  Hope so.

 

Best wishes from Scotland.

Hahahahah Wizard/Dorothy county. :D I loved Wizard of Oz. It does pretty much look like that here.

Hmm well we can get capsules but there are tons of tiny beads and not the same sizes. I can ask if they can order from that brand name.. doesn't hurt to try. :) Thanks!

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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I feel weirdly good. Like maybe how getting high feels? I feel... like I'm floating or on a rollercoaster but my arms feel heavy. I think I remember this happening last time.. followed by feeling horrible a day or two later. I think I'll cherish this brief time.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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Just a tiny note to say im ok. Still going good.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello,

 

Just wanting to welcome you here and encourage you that you can get through this.  It can seem impossible sometimes, and awful, but it's amazing how we still manage to keep putting one foot in front of the other. 

 

You could make a note of those times where it goes well, to remind you later when it feels harder.  I'm tapering effexor too, and one of the things I do when in a wave is to fall into thinking it will always be bad.  But the opposite is true - eventually I get a window again. 

 

Welcome to s/a,

Karen

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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Hi! thanks for your note! I will do that. We can do this!!

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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Just an update. The euphoria sadly abated and has been gone for a while now. Then I got sad for a bit there. Now Im just ho hum. I think im kinda numb. I seem to be unable to sleep much though. Anyway just thought Id let you know Im still here. Idk when to taper more.. but I think ill stay here for a bit to make sure those dreadful zaps don't get me. Okies toodles.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Good idea to let things settle a bit longer - it really does help.  Remember that it's best to wait at least 4 weeks between drops, and since your drop was bigger than 10%, you may want to wait longer.  Slow and steady wins the race.  It can take time, but you'll feel a lot of relief when you start to feel a bit more settled.

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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I'm confused. I used to take Effexor XR once a day. Now that I'm not on extended release, it says to take it 2-3 times a day. Does that include night? If not, why not? Don't our brains naturally release serotonin at night? Help me understand? Thanks

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Effexor has a half-life of 4 hours. That means that 12 hours after you take the original Effexor (immediate release version, or IR) there is about 12% of the medication in your system.  If a person was to take only one dose per day, 24 hours after the previous dose, there would be less than 2% of the medication.  This short half-life and 1x/day dosing risks intense symptoms between doses.

 

The XR version was developed for the convenience of those taking Effexor -- whey would no longer have to take it twice per day. Extended release (XR) has coating that delays absorption of part of the dose.  From the first post of the Tips for tapering off Effexor:

 

 

Extended-release (Effexor XR) capsules: Open and count out beads
Effexor XR is available in 37.5mg, 75mg, and 150mg capsules. Prescription information, including package insert, available from Pfizer at http://www.pfizerpro...s-dosing-safety
 
The capsules are filled with tiny beads. It is the coating on the beads that extends release of the drug. From Pfizer http://labeling.pfiz...ing.aspx?id=100

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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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi. Just a lil update to say I'm doing okay at 112.5. Ive been taking 37.5mg 3xs a day for a while now. My body seems to do better at low doses spread out very evenly and consistently taken at the same time vs bigger doses-- esp since I am no longer taking half my daily dose right before bed. I've been at this dose for roughly 10-13 days.. somewhere in there but Im just not ready to lower it yet. My body is taking quite some time to adjust. Not that I'm having a particularly hard time at all doing this. Its just a ... uneasy sensation I guess? I can't really explain it but Im able to sense when it is good to lower the dose and I do not think Im there yet. 

I do think perhaps eating better and taking some vitamins or something might help my brain recover? Anyway, just thought I'd check in. Toodles.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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Hi, you sound as if your judgement is good, Effeffexor.  Being cautious rather than impatient.  This is one of the things encouraged most of all on this website.

I only came on here just before you.  I am on 162.5mg Effexor XL, due to go down to a round 150mg this week. 

 

For daily supplements, I have added Manuka honey a few days ago.  It is expensive (genuine stuff from New Zealand), but what price do you put on better health when you are miserable on this medication?

It is a treat to look forward to.  For the first time in my life (I am 71) I am not eating "ordinary table sugar" - a spoonful of Manuka in one's tea or coffee, with a handful of cashew nuts to chew is something I look forward to now.

Used to always be drinks like that with sugar in them and the snacks were biscuits (cookies with you?) containing 3 bad things - trans fats, sugar and salt.

 

Good luck!

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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Still here.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

How are things going for you, E?

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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  • 2 weeks later...

Sucks. It's hard right now. Trying to hang on.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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My dosing times have been off. I keep sleeping till 1 am and then waking up at all times of the day and then the cycle of taking medication is off. I'm not ok right now. Really sad.. very testy. Ughhh

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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Altostrata.. i need help. I was doing great tapering but this.. cutting a pill in half and then half again and then half again.. well.. its just never a clean cut even with a pill cutter. They shatter. I've tried liquid but its so horrifyingly gross even in a sweet drink that I cannot bear it. How can I get a more even dosage? Helpppp

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

You may find it better if you buy a scale and weigh the dose and put in into a capsule to take.

 

using-a-digital-scale-to-measure-doses

* 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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  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

In the Brain Fog topic you wrote

 

Hi. I have been on high doses of antidepressants since 13 or 14 years of age. I am 39. My memory has been getting steadily worse. The last couple of years especially have been frightening for me.

 

I know stress can cause memory loss but could this be a side effect?

 

If so, will my memories come back?

 

Daily it makes life frustrating but honestly the worst part is not being able to remember life at school, years of my marriage, etc.

 

Tell me the memories are still there? If it does come back, how long does it take?

 

The memory issues you are experiencing will likely improve with time as your CNS (central nervous system) restores itself to your current level of Effexor.

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
  • 2 months later...

I'm still here! ???????? I'm probably the slowest taperer ever lol. At least it's steady. I promise I'll get there. Just a note to remind you that you guys saved me. You helped me so much and I don't know what I would have done without you. Know that just because someone doesn't write doesn't mean they didn't read your post- and listen. Thank you. Thank you. New question I'll post in another section.

Began tapering on 9/22/16 from 150mg EffexorXR

Freedom on 05/10/17
I'm finding life again after YEARS of meds that made me out of it and gaming addiction that took me from real life.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

You don't need to promise us anything about what your final dose is or how long it takes you to get there. Steady and slow gets lots of cheers from us!

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

That's great!  We love to hear of someone just plodding along, keeping it all steady.  Well done you :).  Thanks for popping in to update.

2010  Fluoxetine 20mg.  2011  Escitalopram 20mg.  2013 Tapered badly and destabilised CNS.  Effexor 150mg. 

2015 Begin using info at SurvivingAntidepressants.  Cut 10% - bad w/d 2 months, held 1 month. 

Micro-tapering: four weekly 0.4% cuts, hold 4 weeks (struggling with symptoms).

8 month hold.

2017 Micro-tapering: four weekly 1% cuts, hold 4 weeks (symptoms almost non-existent).

2020 Still micro-tapering. Just over 2/3 of the way off effexor. Minimal symptoms, - and sleeping well.
Supplements: Fish oil, vitamin C, iron, oat-straw tea, nettle tea.

2023 Now on 7 micro-beads of Effexor. Minimal symptoms but much more time needed between drops.

 'The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.'  Dr Gabor Mate.

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