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powerback: tapering no 2


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Hi all I'm on day 3 of tapering off venlafaxine XL 37.5, only 2 beads out at a time,I will get a scales soon because It will only get harder the more I have to count out the beads .I am  going to take it extremely slowly  this time.I did a taper in march 2016 and it lasted till the june and i didn't go beyond 5 beads out each day before going back to 37,5.

 

Its been a very tough time , I have extreme anxiety,extreme iratibillaty ,intrusive thoughts,. to name a few.

 

What I have learned since that time is to have compassion for ones self and b very patient when doing the taper .

 

My advice to everyone is don't ever believe u cant get through it .our nervous system and soul take time to heal

 

Over the last 3 years I have learned and practice mindfulness ,it is amazing.

 

It has helped me to calm down during a couple of flights to the UK when starting to panic.

 

Today I had a bad anxiety attack but I was able to snap out of the attack fairly quickly because I have been practicing it and I recommend   always getting out for a walk in the sun if u can and clear your mind.

 

Please always keep your mind open to new ways to heal.We all now its hard but don't ever let anyone break your spirit.

 

Total respect to everyone .

Edited by scallywag
white space + tags

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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Welcome Powerback,

 

So glad to hear you are planning a slow taper.  It really does make a huge difference.  I am tapering effexor (brand-name venlafaxine) I tell people that it's hard, but with the right information it can be done. 

 

We recommend a gentle taper, reducing by no more than 10% of your current dose each month.  This allows your brain time to adjust as you go, and lessens any withdrawal.  It is safer than reducing by 2 beads at a time, because eventually that 2 beads will put you over the 10% recommendation.  Tips for tapering Venlafaxine.  The scales are a good idea as it's more accurate to weigh what stays in the capsule, rather than what is taken out (due to capsules varying in weight/number of beads). 

 

Many people find Fish oil and Magnesium useful during withdrawal.   

 

Keep it Simple; Keep it Slow; Keep it Stable

 

It sounds like you have some good methods to deal with things, but if you ever need more this is a great thread:  Non-Drug Techniques to cope with emotional symptoms.

 

Please put your withdrawal history in your signature – all drugs/dates/dosages etc - so we can see your situation easily whenever you post, and help you more accurately.  Thanks.

 

Have a read of those and then you can come back to this thread to discuss things further.  This will be your journal to record your tapering and healing progress, and to ask questions. 

 

Welcome to SA,

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 karen thanks for reply and the info.My memory not great with withdrawal so keep meaning  to get my exact drug history from my doctor.

I have learned loads since last taper so this time nice and slow.

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey powerback - welcome to SA!

 

Do I understand that you are reducing beads on a daily basis?

 

This sounds too fast, still!

 

We have found that - in order to reduce symptoms and be successful in getting off the drugs - that 10% of prior dose - wait a month - is the best method.

 

As you go, sometimes you find you can speed it up, but also - you may have to slow it down.  If you are having symptoms, it is a sign that you are going too fast.  The goal is to sneak the drug out without your nervous system knowing about it, like playing Jenga.  Once your nervous system knows, the tower collapses, and it's hard to put that genie back in the bottle.  (sorry, mixed metaphors!)

 

Additionally, as you get closer to the lower ends of the dose, it is vitally important to slow down.  Your docs may say, "oh, that's a very low dose, just drop off!" but we have learned that the lower ends of the dose occupy the receptors at a higher percentage, so that change in the dose makes a bigger difference.  Here's a more scientific explanation than I could ever give:  The importance of tapering on plasma concentration

 

That's terrific that you've got a mindfulness toolkit!  You have done it like I recommend - if you do a regular practice, then the tools are available for you when you are in distress.  (trying to learn the tools while you are in distress is next to impossible!).  I love the daily sun-walk, too, but here in Australia, that's awfully hot sometimes, but I need it for my sleep cycles, too.

 

so - you will fully understand when I say what I always say:

 

I hope you see the sun today!

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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Hi Jancarol

Thanks so much as I read your reply the pit of my stomach has dropped, the whole time I'm doing it wrong, I c how 2 beads is too much,it should b weekly or monthly. The old me would of went mad and my destructive inner critic would of tore myself apart for making that mistake .I've learned to control the critic once I became aware of it.

 

My cognitive functioning has been terrible, I could cry with the  symptoms I've been putting up,  I'm going back to 37.5 asap.

 

I've had to cut down on work because of it and its nearly wrecked me.

 

Its perfectly clear now :o .

 

2 months ago I left a job I was on because I couldn't take the noise, its the most distressed I've ever been and my doctor said Zyprexa and thank god I knew enough to say no and I've  had loads of rest over Christmas.

 

thank u so much

Edited by scallywag
added lines at paragraph breaks

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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Ok back track from 12.18pm today.note to self dont post when extremely confused. Thanks withdrawal :angry:  

2 beads out  from about 60 in the capsule is small taper ye.

 

Anyhow as I said I have to get a scales and do it properly. Thanks for everyone's help.

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi all I've been wondering for weeks now if going cold turkey off 37.5 venlafaxine is something to consider,don't think reinstate any use for me .

The past few months have been unbelievable at times ,paranoid ,horrendous anxiety ,irritable,strong depression,panic attacks,2 weeks ago I left a job because of panic and performance anxiety it was horrible feeling having to tell supervisor ,who was great totally understud why.

From reading posts here I realise I'm in the strong symptoms category , apologies if I offend anyone I realise we all going through tough time.

I am loosing my patients,nearly 18 months of this something will give .
I need to say that I'm lucky I have great support and have great coping mechanisms ,when i need peace I go to the hills were I live and walk and it's great, amazing for me.

I have started to look at my diet even further and I believe it's the key to alot of the answers.
Dr John Bergman on u tube ,I'm inspired how he criticise doctors please check out .Take him with a pinch of salt to begin with .
Thanks all just thought I would put it out there.

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

powerback -- I've moved your post from a new intro topic you started to your introduction topic (this one) so that all your information, questions and answers are in one place.

 

Cold-turkey off Effexor (venlafaxine) from 37.5 mg is absolutely not advised by anyone informed about how Effexor works.

 

Do not just stop taking Effexor. Your symptoms will almost certainly be made much worse, hard as that is to imagine right now.

 

Question: What dose of Effexor are you taking now?

 

Making changes to improve your nourishment is almost always a good idea. For me, it's been important to make sure that I get sufficient dense protein, i.e. eggs, meat, poultry and fish. Omega 3 fatty acids and magnesium have been helpful for me as well.

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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Hi scallywag ,thanks for your prompt reply .

I am on 37.5 and I appreciate your advice ,I wont b going cold turkey its just so frustrating but I'm doing fine and  have amazing support .

I even had 2 windows in the last week :) .

 

ye my diet is great the last few months and hope to get it even better .I plan to get a proper juicer and flood the body with nutrients.

 

I'm coming up on 2 years off alcohol and for me best thing ever. Very proud.

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi all has anyone got advice or experience about a total change of drug to alleviate symptoms ,currently on 37.5 venlafaxine .

 

Its going on  1.5 years at least ,I'm not freaking out but its going on so long ile admit its getting to annoy me deeply .

The frustration of the cognitive functioning is great.

 

 Enjoying listen to music as I type this so not all is lost :D 

THANKS

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi,

 

I moved your post to your Intro/Update topic because it is about your own situation and keeps your history in one place.

 

It is generally better to stick with the drug you are on.  If you swap your drug you may end up with withdrawal symptoms from the original drug and start up/side effects from the new drug.  You won't be able to work out what is causing any issues.

 

I am tapering Pristiq (a similar drug to Effexor) and have found that as my dose lowered my memory and thinking processes improved.  However I do have times when these are worse than at other times.

 

I notice from your signature that you took Xanax for several days in November last year.  This may be contributing to the issue/s.

* 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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Hi cheesiecat i agree with u on evertyhing u say,its just geting so tireing ,the last few months the fatigue in my brain is masssive ,i can actually feel my eyelids wanting to close,the funny thing is ive got the ability and want to go out exerciseing every day, so using my mindfulness to not allow me to catastrophize is a major help and a must.

The feelling of my brain being wrapped  in cotton wool with headaches is uncomfortable and never ending the last month .

As I write this the sun is coming out and ile b off for walk soon, I'm also eating well and have great support but dam its tough .

THANKS a lot for your help.

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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PB. I agree with CC. Changing drugs doesn't necessarily alleviate symptoms - it usually just changes them from one form of side effects/ symptoms to another all the while continuing to destabilize the CNS.

 

Is it possible to update your signature as it is unclear.  eg. .11/11/2016 Zyprexa 2.5mg NEVER TOOK THEM.

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

powerback, I've moved your post/question to your introduction topic so that all your information, questions and answers are in one place.
 
Important topics about supplements.
Don't waste your money on these supplements .

As you may infer from the thread title, we think these supplements are infinitely more helpful for the person selling them than for the person paying for and taking them.

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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powerback, I've moved your post/question to your introduction topic so that all your information, questions and answers are in one place.

 

Important topics about supplements.

Don't waste your money on these supplements .

As you may infer from the thread title, we think these supplements are infinitely more helpful for the person selling them than for the person paying for and taking them.

 

thanks scallywag ,we have to be so careful in our desperation to get better.

Maybe ile just stick to the juicing for now ,juicer I bought was in the top end  price catergory

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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over the years I have watched a lot of posts on supplements and many things I could not take years ago I can take now many things I take no I never heard of years ago...

 

others too who could not tolerate supplements early on can take them after some time has passed... just a note on what I have observed... 

 

epsom salt baths or foot soaks have always been one thing I could count on... some people can't do the baths but can do foot soaks... 

 

supposedly they help to detox the body some say be adding magnesium but I later read there was another reason they help just can't recall what it is.. they have always helped me but not so hot for my skin always...start with this if you want to try something other than juicing... 

 

adding some seeds to the diet helped me too... grind them. 

peace

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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Now there are new ways of sorting this out you can see my thread to see where I am heading with this in more detail I just put it there today... Genetic testing can show how your body works and if you have methylation issues and if you do what you should take to treat it... Amy Yasko is the person who is the engien behind this one up and she is not so interested in helping people like us but autistic people have been her focus... and it is working for some.... 

 

NO I have not done it yet because I got sick and too stupid to sort it out... but I want to.. I am thinking I may buy her book I have not decided as my brain does not always work well enough to read it could be a waste of money... 

 

From what I read before I got sick last time this method is helping some people does it help in wd... I do not know. 

peace

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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Hi all

I just want to check in with anyone that is struggling at the moment ,today has been a pretty great day for me in a long while.I got out for a great walk/jog in the great weather . My symptoms gave me a break ,I had huge energy today but was mindful of doing to much but it was a great day and very welcomed.

Its so funny because the minute I'm in this window I'm full of making plans but I need to be so mindful and  take great care of myself.

So anyone in a bad wave and going through a rough period ,trust me it does let up.

Take care

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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Nice to read your positive post, Thanks for sharing.

200 Zoloft; 10 mg Zyprexa; 4 mg valium as of May 2021;  Valium taper: July 16: 3.5 valium; July 30: 3 mg (paused valium taper); Aug. 23: 2.5 mg
Zyprexa: July 26: 8.75 mg; Aug. 9: 7.5 mg; Aug. 30: 7.1 mg

-------
Dec 1, 2016. 10 mg zyprexa for 1.5 month. Started taper mid-Jan. 2017. Cut 1.25 mg every 2 weeks; smaller cuts 2.5 mg down. Stopped at .6 mg. May 7, 2017: zyprexa free. 
Zoloft: Dec1, 2016, 200 mg. Started taper: Jun12, 2017: 197.5 mg; Jun19,:195 mg; July 2:185mg; July 9,:180 mg; July16,: 175; July 23: 170; July 30: 165; Aug6: 160; Aug13: 155; Aug. 20: 150; Aug.27: 146 mg; Sept3: 145 mg; Sept10:143 mg; Sept17:140 mg....Nov5: 122 mg...Dec3:112.5 mg; Jan14, 2018: 95 mg...Jan28: 90 mg; Feb21:80 mg; Mar11: 75 mg; May2:70 mg; May15: 68 mg; May28: 65 mg; Jun9: 62 mg;Jun25: 60 mg:July22: 55 mg; Aug25: 45 mg. Aug28: 50 mg...Oct 28: 38 mg; Dec.4: 30 mg; Jan8,2019: 25mg; Feb6: 23.5 mg; Apr1:17.5mg; May1:1 mg; May 5: 18;  May 18:15mg; June 16:12.5mg; Sept 10:11 mg; Sept.16:10 mg; Oct. 1: 9mg; Nov. 27: 8mg; Dec.5: 7mg; Jan.1,2020, 6 mg; Feb1: 5 mg; May 1: 2.5 mg; Jn 1: 2 mg; Jy 1: 1.5 mg

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Hi, I'm by no means out of the woods but we have to grasp the breaks our symptoms give us and put them in the memory bank for the future

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi,I just want to update my situation on the fact I am 16 days into 2 beads of venlafaxine out of my capsule and I already have a lot of negative affects  ,one of the hardest ones to cope with the last few days is a simple comment

​can make me feel terrible and I ruminate all day over it and my self critic  goes into overdrive.

But I will say today I had a positive way to deal with the emotions ,I used mindfulness and did loads of positive thinking about ,this is withdrawal and not your proper thinking .

 

All this tires me out , so I obviously  need to reinstate the 2 beads ?.[answering my own question :) ]

 

I wonder would a liquid form of this capsule  be better suited if I have symptoms taking only 2 beads out .

 

Its been a rough few days that all of u can relate to, and I take so much positivity  from your stories to power me through the tough times like  now .

Thanks

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

Hi im desperate to get some traction on a taper .im on venlafaxine XL 37.5 .a micro taper isnt even working [2 beads out for 16 days ] .I've read I cant make a liquid form of what I'm on so what the hell do I do ?.is it possible to just go on to a normal venlafaxine and taper that .

 

This whole time  I've been kidding myself saying this is a wave but I've never even got off the drug .so it isn't withdrawal in the common sense .  

 

The stress my body has been under for so long now has resulted in it attacking its self ,my nerves are shot, my immune system is shot so i am absolutely desperate .

has anyone ever switched from venlafaxine too dosulepin.

any input would be greatly appreciated .

respect to everyone

PB 

 

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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I am going to back track a bit to supplements... some have helped me a couple I take daily now and have not missed taking in a very long time. 

 

Vit B1 for me I need it...learned the hard way I started eating bran post bran sticks long ago and switched to the round pebble like type only to find they did not work when I compared the boxes the sticks had more B1... so I started taking B1

 

I was always reading about the benefits of B6 yet when I tried it I got so depressed I could not lift my head... I looked up a B6 reaction and found I was not the only one some people can't break down B6 and need to take B5 I found taking it helped with repeating songs in my head ... or anything repeating in my mind seemed to be eased.

 

Magnesium I tried to take this long ago and could only tolerate a tiny amount greated into a glass of water and sipped a trick Alto came up with years ago... it helped some but was not consistent. I can now take natural calm magnesium... I could not take it in the early days... and may have just figured out why... the mag calm I tried long ago was a sample and it had flavouring and sweetener .. the one I take now has neither.  I have since learned I am one of the lucky people who is sensitive to chemicals.

 

When my brain was last working and I was digging into my genetics I found further reasons suggesting I would need extra B1 and not to be taking B6 I can't tell you now as all that is completely lost to me...but I did read it... just can't tell you the why behind it.

 

I took fish oil in the early days and after a time my hair and skin became oily... I did not feel well on it.. so I stopped.

 

For a long time I ate my vitamins in food Bran cereal I took with me all the time... I found eating tuna when I was out helped bring me back to my senses and started buying taurine... it helped with the "had too much coffee " feeling but I never took an entire pill ... it was open the capsule take a bit.

 

Recently I like glycine but have not idea if this is good for wd or not... I take vit c&e ... and a lot of things that are suppose to help with detoxing chemicals... 

 

do they work 

the jury is out 

 

Hope to give you something to think about if nothing else. 

 

Start low go slow... anything that works for one person may cause a reaction in the next person... this we know to be a fact. 

 

ps

If you can find a good osteopath and can afford it a visit may be worth the money. 

 

wishing you peace

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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  • Moderator Emeritus

How many beads are in your capsule PB?  They can vary. I had 75mg capsules and they had 400 beads, some have beads that are 1mg. 

 

You could get instant release tablets that can be made into a liquid for tapering, but would need to be in split doses to avoid getting the dose in one big hit. 

 

You could updose by removing just 1 bead for now while we look at ways around this. 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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How many beads are in your capsule PB?  They can vary. I had 75mg capsules and they had 400 beads, some have beads that are 1mg. 

 

You could get instant release tablets that can be made into a liquid for tapering, but would need to be in split doses to avoid getting the dose in one big hit. 

 

You could updose by removing just 1 bead for now while we look at ways around this. 

 

hi mammaP ,theres about 130 beads give or take ,I don't think I'm dealing with withdrawal in the common sense .I eat pretty well ,I juice ,eat loads of veg and fruit ,I don't smoke or drink .I get terrible headaches and have very bad brain fog and concentration issues ,the last month has got very bad ,I believe the drug is poisoning me .because my concentration so bad I struggle to see what food is setting me off or affecting me .

I have started Epsom salt baths the last few weeks ,could my brain be so badly affected from this   .

respect

PB

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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I am going to back track a bit to supplements... some have helped me a couple I take daily now and have not missed taking in a very long time. 

 

Vit B1 for me I need it...learned the hard way I started eating bran post bran sticks long ago and switched to the round pebble like type only to find they did not work when I compared the boxes the sticks had more B1... so I started taking B1

 

I was always reading about the benefits of B6 yet when I tried it I got so depressed I could not lift my head... I looked up a B6 reaction and found I was not the only one some people can't break down B6 and need to take B5 I found taking it helped with repeating songs in my head ... or anything repeating in my mind seemed to be eased.

 

Magnesium I tried to take this long ago and could only tolerate a tiny amount greated into a glass of water and sipped a trick Alto came up with years ago... it helped some but was not consistent. I can now take natural calm magnesium... I could not take it in the early days... and may have just figured out why... the mag calm I tried long ago was a sample and it had flavouring and sweetener .. the one I take now has neither.  I have since learned I am one of the lucky people who is sensitive to chemicals.

 

When my brain was last working and I was digging into my genetics I found further reasons suggesting I would need extra B1 and not to be taking B6 I can't tell you now as all that is completely lost to me...but I did read it... just can't tell you the why behind it.

 

I took fish oil in the early days and after a time my hair and skin became oily... I did not feel well on it.. so I stopped.

 

For a long time I ate my vitamins in food Bran cereal I took with me all the time... I found eating tuna when I was out helped bring me back to my senses and started buying taurine... it helped with the "had too much coffee " feeling but I never took an entire pill ... it was open the capsule take a bit.

 

Recently I like glycine but have not idea if this is good for wd or not... I take vit c&e ... and a lot of things that are suppose to help with detoxing chemicals... 

 

do they work 

the jury is out 

 

Hope to give you something to think about if nothing else. 

 

Start low go slow... anything that works for one person may cause a reaction in the next person... this we know to be a fact. 

 

ps

If you can find a good osteopath and can afford it a visit may be worth the money. 

 

wishing you peace

 

Hi btdt thanks for your help and kind words .I cant really work out what affects me in one way or the other.i eat no processed foods ,no alcohol for couple of years  i,don't smoke .I should keep an eye on what I eat and put in my system much more ,I read all the time on here bout people knowing what they eat or supplements that set them off.i just cant pin anything down for myself .

I'm still taking the tablet so it  has a terrible hold over me ,if I wasn't taking the meds I could at least feel like my system is trying to regroup and heal .

it will never break my spirit though

respect .

PB 

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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This is going to come from what I have learned from having multiple chemical sensitivities.  As it feels all the time like what you say.. brain fog well I will just copy it as I am not so hot at typing..

 

".I get terrible headaches and have very bad brain fog and concentration issues ,the last month has got very bad ,I believe the drug is poisoning me "

 

That is how I felt too like I was being poisoned... and then I was taken off and then tried to go back on when a drug switch did not work.. and nothing would stay in my body all pills most came back up as quickly as they went in.  I think some of these drugs if not toxic do deplete our bodies of things we need... I just made a post to your other thread from Grace E Jackson a doctor I respect in knowing her business look her up she is no shrinking violet and I believe she knows her stuff... paid her dues too. 

 

So this is what I have learned about toxins... as I am told I have this chemical sensitivity... there are antioxidents we need to keep our bodies in good repair and fight back against toxic crap and to take it out of our bodies... 

 

I was just reading more about this tonight as I always am seeking the answer to get well... 

http://articles.mercola.com/antioxidants.aspx

 

We need these and if your not getting enough in food maybe your digestion is still off it could be taking some supplements could help... 

headache has been an ongoing issue for me and found cq10 with flax seed oil helped... I was taking the cq10 for a long time and nit was not great then I went to the phoenix rising site and looked at what another person was taking and I was taking only a third of her dose I upped my dose and things have improved since then...

 

it is not just the CQ10... there is a lot of things I take I just don't know what would be great for you I will list some that may help... I don't take vitamin A but I do juice carrots and something green every day include half a lemon (juice and garlic) 

selenium 3 a day

molybedum 

B1 B5 pantothenic acid... NAC .. PQQ with Bcopa ALA vit E vit C Glycine... a bit of taurine every now and then... glutathione... 

 

here is another link that could be helpful to you..

https://doctordoni.com/pdfs/Dr-Doni-Wilson_Oxidative-Stress-Prevention-and-Treatment-Package.pdf

 

I know your really early in... and I don't know how good any of this would be for you... but what I think is likely safe are vit C... B1 CQ10... a liver specialist told me to take Vit E to help my liver... so that may help.  

 

Again I am not a taper person and running this by a taper person may be a good idea or read all this information at the links and leave the rest... 

 

There is nobody exactly like you and nothing we can say that will be perfect.. it all will always come back to what you decide and what you choose. Just as it should be... because whatever the fallout you are the one who will gain or suffer... keep that in mind no matter what you try and be kind and gentle to yourself.  

 

However we got where we are no longer matters we are here and what we do now it what is important. 

 

non supplement things for head aches as that is how I spent much of my wd.. with a head ache... 

cold pack on the back of your neck another one for wherever it hurts most eyes temples... ect mix in a heating pad if other places start to freeze due to the normally low body temp I have had.... 

 

Vit B one is cheap as dirt... I take 100mg 3x a day... I have not idea why this helps with brain fog but it tends to

if you want a food alternative Bran... for breakfast if your not eating well any small amount helps I have taken a tablespoon with milk of course... for me it was medicine till I sorted out it was the B1 I needed..

 

I have not clue how to get CQ10 other than in supplement form... when I upped my dose to 3x  a day my movement disorder seemed to calm down some so I can type ... not sure it was just that as the gloves are off and I am no longer careful with supplements but am the supplement queen eat them candy... I am trying to see as nothing can be worse then where I have already been... not one supplement for certain... and I want to walk and type and talk.... so I try... 

 

Not sure if this is helping but it is sure making me tired... so I will leave it there for now... my idea is perhaps the drugs are feeling toxic now because they are and why not prevent some of the damage they can do by taking anti oxidents... if you can... I could go and look up if effexor causes oxidative stress but I don't really have to... cause stress does and this is stressful.

 

peace

 

ps did I say glycine...

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2779-glycine-for-sleep/page-2

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

Link to comment

Absolutely​ brilliant​ btdt your a star ,I'm just back from a nice walk in the sun and getting rid of some anxiety before an appointment later , thanks for the information I will read up on it all .

It's time to get deadly serious ,I'm years putting up with misery .

Respect to you

PB

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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I was reading somewhere and they said they had "tolerance withdrawal " everything points to this for me ,I can't up dose because it's been 2 years since I was double my dose , anyhow I will just keep at it ,but I am so desperate to get traction ,

Respect

PB

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

Link to comment

HI everyone has anyone had any relief changing Effexor/venlafaxine for a different drug ,I am beyond desperate at this stage I don't even get peace asleep with nightmares .

I totally respect this is a tapering site but this seems to be impossible the 2 times I tried .I've said already I now  have stopped lying to myself that I'm actually in withdrawal .my symptoms are at the highest scale possible for way too long .

 

from researching I know believe I have borderline personality disorder because of these drugs ,its getting impossible and I'm really scared  .

its simply not fair to live with such torture ,I apologise for triggers ,my spirit is so strong and its a bonus I'm stubborn :D .I don't think everything is just the drug ,but what is a symptom  and what is past dramas and anger resurfacing I cant distinguish .

because of my living arrangements I cant even get proper rest if my mind leaves me alone ,so I have to spend every waking hour trying to fix this .

even stabilizing for know would be great .

total respect to everyone's soul on this site .

PB    

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I am sorry that I didn't reply sooner PB, I am on holiday and haven't had a chance to get on the computer. 

 

Did you try removing just one bead? Are you feeling any better at all? 

 

It would be best to keep notes on paper, when you tale your doses and when the symptoms get worse or better. 

I bought an appointments diary from the stationers. It has a page for each day and is divided up into times for appointmants that are perfect for logging activities and symptoms. You can then look back and see of a pettern emerges. 

 

You could ask your pharmacy if they can get effexor liquid. It is available in Scotland, so may be available in Ireland. I lived in Scotland and asked the pharmacist who wrote down the name and dose for the doctor, who didn't know there was a liquid. If not then try and get the immediate release tablets so that you can make a liquid. I and many others have tried to switch to prozac with disastrous results. We find that it is better to taper the original drug if at all possible, because switching, or bridging can cause instability that tales an age to recover from. Some people still go into full blown withdrawal and have suide effects from the new drug. 

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Enjoy your holiday, MammaP!

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of Feb. 22: 7.6mg

Taper is 90% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, anti-candida, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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I am sorry that I didn't reply sooner PB, I am on holiday and haven't had a chance to get on the computer. 

 

Did you try removing just one bead? Are you feeling any better at all? 

 

It would be best to keep notes on paper, when you tale your doses and when the symptoms get worse or better. 

I bought an appointments diary from the stationers. It has a page for each day and is divided up into times for appointmants that are perfect for logging activities and symptoms. You can then look back and see of a pettern emerges. 

 

You could ask your pharmacy if they can get effexor liquid. It is available in Scotland, so may be available in Ireland. I lived in Scotland and asked the pharmacist who wrote down the name and dose for the doctor, who didn't know there was a liquid. If not then try and get the immediate release tablets so that you can make a liquid. I and many others have tried to switch to prozac with disastrous results. We find that it is better to taper the original drug if at all possible, because switching, or bridging can cause instability that tales an age to recover from. Some people still go into full blown withdrawal and have suide effects from the new drug. 

 

hi mamma ,thanks for the reply ,to be honest I cant believe I've put up with the misery so long and quality of my life [not feeling sorry for myself just not denying the reality anymore  ] .

on a scale its fairly bad ,terrible noise sensitivity, extreme anxiety /panic. Constant tension head aches ,extreme brain fog ,normal tasks very difficult ,very moody and  so on u get the drift . 

I am very easily startled ,so my nervous system is in  bad shape from stress .

ile ask pharmacist .

respect PB  

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

Link to comment

I am sorry that I didn't reply sooner PB, I am on holiday and haven't had a chance to get on the computer. 

 

Did you try removing just one bead? Are you feeling any better at all? 

 

It would be best to keep notes on paper, when you tale your doses and when the symptoms get worse or better. 

I bought an appointments diary from the stationers. It has a page for each day and is divided up into times for appointmants that are perfect for logging activities and symptoms. You can then look back and see of a pettern emerges. 

 

You could ask your pharmacy if they can get effexor liquid. It is available in Scotland, so may be available in Ireland. I lived in Scotland and asked the pharmacist who wrote down the name and dose for the doctor, who didn't know there was a liquid. If not then try and get the immediate release tablets so that you can make a liquid. I and many others have tried to switch to prozac with disastrous results. We find that it is better to taper the original drug if at all possible, because switching, or bridging can cause instability that tales an age to recover from. Some people still go into full blown withdrawal and have suide effects from the new drug. 

 

hi mammaP  when u say original dose .do u mean the 75mg I was on 2 years ago ?

respect PB

Alcohol free since February 2015 

1MG diazepam

4.5MG PROZAC.

 

 

 

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PB. What dose are you on now? It is unclear. You should understand that if it is ambiguous ( drug signature) then it is harder to get good advice. 

 

I would make it more simple to understand.  :)   

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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