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I am new to surviving antidepressants. Because my Internist did not authorize refill for Effexor xr 150mg for 7 days, I was forced into snir discontinuation syndrome. I did not know there was such a thing until then. I have since researched on line and have found out quite a bit. Did you know that brain zaps/brain shivers is discribed in Wikipedia? Anyway,. I got them plus a lot of other debilitating symptoms. I have since weaned myself off over a months period of time (probably too fast), and have now been without for 2 days. I am so irritable that I can hardly stand to be with myself. Plus I get cold very easily and feel like shivering, but don't. I also have a few brain zaps, but they aretolerable. I am determined to not take one more bead of Effexor xr, and would appreciate the support of anyone who is going through or has gone though Effexor xr withdrawal.

Edited by scallywag
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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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i know the feeling of not wanting to take another bead of effexor, but it would be better in the long run if you go back on and then taper off slowly.

The recommended rate is 10% every 3-6 weeks.

Effexor is hard to get off, i have been on for 13 years and trying to get off for about 4!!!

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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Welcome, EWforever.

 

I agree with peggy, it's better to be safe than sorry. Your withdrawal symptoms can get worse and last for a long time.

 

Those symptoms represent stress on your nervous system. Don't put your nervous system through that if you don't have to.

 

Do you have any capsules left? You might try taking, say, 10 beads a day and see if that alleviates the symptoms, then resume your taper from there.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Saw your post on Rob's thread - you need to reinstate now. There is no shame in reinstating and doing a sensible slow wean. No one is keeping score - you need to do what you need to do to function.

 

I had to up-dose when I was down to 18.75 mg Effexor ... and I'm really glad I did. The anxiety, doom thoughts and irrational fears where debilitating. So I ultimately up-dosed to 43.75 mg and held for about 9 weeks. I reduced about 8 weeks ago by 3.125 mg. The most important thing for me is feeling comfortable and being able to function in my life.

 

You describe being so irritable that you are mad at the dog for whining because you don't feel like throwing his toy and you want to throw the cat because he is meowing; you forgot about filling the sink for dishes and it overflowed - look at what you wrote! This isn't going to get better - you weaned too rapidly.

 

We can all relate to the anger you feel toward your doctor for putting you on this med, but denying the situation you are in is not helping you. Being stubborn about not going back on Effexor doesn't have any effect on your doctor ... it just puts you in a bad state.

 

Ok, we only say this because we care ...

 

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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I realize now, after I just went thru a short period of feeling worthless and studid, brought on by someones innocent comment, that I need to reinstate the Effexor xr. I have done so. There is no need to torture myself just because I want to prove I am stronger that it ; it being withdrawal. Thank you all. I may initially be a stubborn person and want to do it my way, but I do listen and take the advise of others that have been there.

PS: I still dislike those weird Emoticons to my right. They are not even good looking and bear no resemblance to human or animal. LOL!!!

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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  • Administrator

You can close the Emoticons panel by clicking on the little X in its upper right corner.

 

Good to hear you're reinstating.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I took 13 beads of Effexor XR at 10 am today and felt better by 6pm. My strange feelings of what is commonly called' "brain shivers" or "brain zaps"' in the

 

SSIR/SNIR discontinuation syndrome world, are gone. I do not feel so emotionally labile, and was able to have a nice dinner with my 94 y/o Mom at Black Angus

 

tonight. my brain fog has lifted for now. Guess I will have to stay on this drug for awhile longer, and taper more slowly in order to be able to function.

 

Take care all and good night. :P

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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Good to hear, EWF. Since taking the drug again made you feel better, this shows you were suffering withdrawal symptoms.

 

Keep consistent with the 13 beads each day at the same time for a month, and see if your symptoms go away completely.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hi Alto and all that are reading this,

 

I am glad I reinstated a small dose of Effexor xr and it was the right thing to do. But, I made the mistake of sharing my struggle with a friend/addiction

 

counselor when I thought I was off Effexor for good. In hopes of getting some additional "live" support, I told him I went back on a small dose d/t withdrawal

 

symptoms being more than I could handle. BAD IDEA!!! He said something to the effect that, "WHY DID YOU GO BACK ON A DRUG THAT YOU ARE ADDICTED TO after you have already gotten it out of your system?" Even though I got negative feedback from him, I still plan to taper more slowly and stay on my 13 beads for a month and then taper more. Maybe I am wrong, but I do not put antidepressants into the same class as heroin, soma, tramadol alcohol etc. It does not make me high, and I do not crave it. Ialso do not think I have heard of anyone getting a DUI because they were under the influence of an antidepressant. Bottom line is that I will not share with him any more, but instead will share my struggles on this website. I once heard in a AA meeting (Ex husband was a recovery alcoholic), that "nobody knows what it is like to be an ant except an ant". Well, nobody knows what it is like discontinuing an antidepresant except those who are going thru it

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

EWforever, how many beads in your effexor capsule?

The 75mg capsules i have have about 240 beads...I worked out that each bead has about 0.3mg effexor - so to reduce 3 mg i take out 10 beads. Your capsules must have a lot less beads than mine as 13 of my beads would only be 4mg...

 

I am glad you are going down more slowly - and your friend does not know anything about AD withdrawal!!!!

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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I think I counted 146 beads in my 150mg generic Effexor er. I know I tapered down rapidly and 13 beads are not very much, but so far it is working for me. But as someone said in this discussion, there is no shame in tapering up if I need too. What a journey this is and I never guessed it would be mine!!!

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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Hi Alto and all that are reading this,

 

I am glad I reinstated a small dose of Effexor xr and it was the right thing to do. But, I made the mistake of sharing my struggle with a friend/addiction

 

counselor when I thought I was off Effexor for good. In hopes of getting some additional "live" support, I told him I went back on a small dose d/t withdrawal

 

symptoms being more than I could handle. BAD IDEA!!! He said something to the effect that, "WHY DID YOU GO BACK ON A DRUG THAT YOU ARE ADDICTED TO after you have already gotten it out of your system?" Even though I got negative feedback from him, I still plan to taper more slowly and stay on my 13 beads for a month and then taper more. Maybe I am wrong, but I do not put antidepressants into the same class as heroin, soma, tramadol alcohol etc. It does not make me high, and I do not crave it. Ialso do not think I have heard of anyone getting a DUI because they were under the influence of an antidepressant. Bottom line is that I will not share with him any more, but instead will share my struggles on this website. I once heard in a AA meeting (Ex husband was a recovery alcoholic), that "nobody knows what it is like to be an ant except an ant". Well, nobody knows what it is like discontinuing an antidepresant except those who are going thru it

 

 

EW, hang with us, we'll support you! Posted Image You did the right thing and you know that you did (Yay for dinner with your 94 y/o mother) ... your counselor doesn't know about AD withdrawal - 'nuff said.

 

Alto has given you good advice and you can slowly taper off of this drug at a healthy rate that allows you to function.

 

Love and light,

Karma

2007 @ 375 mg Effexor - 11/29/2011 - 43.75 mg Effexor (regular) & .625 mg Xanax

200 mg Gabapentin 2/27/21 - 194.5 mg, 5/28/21 - 183 mg, 8/2/21 - 170 mg, 11/28/21 - 150 mg, 4/19/22 - 122 mg; 8//7/22 - 100 mg; 12/17 - 75mg; 8/17 - 45 mg; 10/16 40 mg
Xanax taper: 3/11/12 - 0.9375 mg, 3/25/12 - 0.875 mg, 4/6/12 - 0.8125 mg, 4/18/12 - 0.75 ; 10/16 40mg;

1/16 0.6875 mg; at some point 0.625 mg
Effexor taper: 1/29/12 - 40.625 mg, 4/29/12 - 39.875 mg, 5/11/12 - Switched to liquid Effexor, 5/25/12 - 38 mg, 7/6/12 - 35 mg, 8/17/12 - 32 mg, 9/14/12 - 30 mg, 10/19/12 - 28 mg, 11/9/12 - 26 mg, 11/30/12 - 24 mg, 01/14/13 - 22 mg. 02/25/13 - 20.8 mg, 03/18/13 - 19.2 mg, 4/15/13 - 17.6 mg, 8/10/13 - 16.4 mg, 9/7/13 - 15.2 mg, 10/19/13 - 14 mg, 1/15/14 - 13.2 mg, 3/1/2014 - 12.6 mg, 5/4/14 - 12 mg, 8/1/14 - 11.4 mg, 8/29/14 - 10.8 mg; 10/14/14 - 10.2 mg; 12/15/14 - 10 mg, 1/11/15 - 9.5 mg, 2/8/15 - 9 mg, 3/21/15 - 8.5 mg, 5/1/15 - 8 mg, 6/9/15 - 7.5 mg, 7/8/15 - 7 mg, 8/22/15 - 6.5 mg, 10/4/15 - 6 mg; 1/1/16 - 5.6 mg; 2/6/16 - 5.2 mg; 4/9 - 4.8 mg; 7/7 4.5 mg; 10/7 4.25 mg; 11/4 4.0 mg; 11/25 3.8 mg; 4/24 3.6 mg; 5/27 3.4 mg; 7/8 3.2 mg ... 10/18 2.8 mg; 1/18 2.6 mg; 4/7 2.4 mg; 5/26 2.15mg; 8/18 1.85 mg; 10/7 1.7 mg; 12/1 1.45 mg; 3/2 1.2 mg; 5/4 0.90 mg; 6/1 0.80 mg; 6/22 0.65 mg; 08/03 0.50 mg, 08/10 0.45 mg, 10/05 0.325 mg, 11/23 0.2 mg, 12/14 0.15 mg, 12/21 0.125 mg, 02/28 0.03125 mg, 2/15 0.015625 mg, 2/29/20 0.00 mg - OFF Effexor


I am not a medical professional - this is not medical advice. My suggestions are based on personal experience, reading, observation and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers

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  • Administrator

EWF, If 13 beads doesn't quell the withdrawal symptoms, you can add more.

 

The addiction counselor you spoke to has confused physical dependence with addiction. This is a common error. He was incorrect to berate you in this situation.

 

Thanks for breaking up your posts. What would help more is if you added the extra spaces after paragraphs or long sentences -- they read like blank verse now. Sort of confusing.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Alto,

 

You are so right. My counselor friend is confusing addiction with withdrawal. But he is only going by what he has had learned. I am too vulnerable right now to educate him otherwise. Maybe someday when I have better ego strength, I will sit down with him and discuss it.

 

I am still learning my computer and how to type on it, then edit what I have typed. Please bear with me as I fine tune my skills

 

 

Karma and all others "ants"

 

I have no words of wisdom to offer you or anyone else at this point in my journey. But what I do have to offer is a big thank you, and the sharing of my successes and failures that I have, and will experience.

 

Good night and sweet dreams

Pam

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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You are so right. My counselor friend is confusing addiction with withdrawal. But he is only going by what he has had learned. I am too vulnerable right now to educate him otherwise. Maybe someday when I have better ego strength, I will sit down with him and discuss it.

 

EW,

Your statement 'too vulnerable to educate him now' is great insight and self-preservation. I've been whalloped by comments and criticisms by MDs I know who are uninformed about w/d (but think they know). These comments seem to carry an extra punch when delivered by someone who I count on for support.

 

OTOH, perhaps when the time is right, your friend may be open to learning about a dependence that is yet to be addressed.

Just an FYI/beware -- there is a 'prominent' rapid detox MD in Orange County. I'm not aware of him doing AD detox, but I wouldn't be surprised. I'm learning that OC is one of the areas to hide from media attention of LA.

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Hi all :)

 

This is starting my 4th day on 13 beads of Effexor xr. My particular generic Effexor xr has 146 beads in each capsule. I tried to go from 6 beads to no beads. NOT A GOOD THING!! Within 2 days, I had irrational, angery thoughts and extreme irritability. The "brain shivers" and the shock like feelings in my face, or sometimes limbs, were not much fun either. Anyway, I was advised to go back to at least 10 beads. I went to 13 beads, and within 8 hours I NO LONGER WAS IRRITABLE OR ANGRY, and the "brain shivers" etc went away.

 

 

Today I woke up from a dream that left me feeling anxious and fearful. Instead of letting the feelings past, or going thru my check list of ""everything is okay", I instead reached into my bedside table and took a Xanax 0.5mg and a 25mg benadryl. I was afraid the withdrawal symptoms were going to starting. As fellow sufferers know....THEY CAN BE DEBILITATING!! Anyway, when I finally got out of my bed... which was before the Xanax/benadryl had taken effect....I realized that, indeed, I WAS OKAY. I did not need the Xanax/benadryl after all. But the fear of the withdrawal symptoms starting was very real.

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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  • Administrator

Hi, EWF. I moved your update to your Intro topic. It's for updates, too.

 

Please don't try to reduce from even 13 beads for a month, at least, maybe 2 or 3. Let your nervous system stabilize. (You may find you need a bit more than 13 beads. No harm in that.)

 

You are very, very lucky that such a small amount eliminates your withdrawal symptoms. Don't push your luck!!!

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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My day started with allowing a 10 y/o to hurt my feelings. I can not shake the FEEL BAD. I have tried telling myself to "stop it!!!"....not working. Went for a couple of walks, played with the dog, came to this site a couple of times, etc....not working. I keep having imaginary conversations in my head about what I will say in retaliation to hurt her. How dumb is that!!!

 

What I WILL do is nothing. It would be inappropriate. My feeling this way is probably d/t withdrawal. But understanding is not helping to stop the negative thought process.

 

Any suggestions on how I can stop this downward spiral?

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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  • Administrator

EWF, I merged your new topic with your existing topic. Only one topic to a customer in the Intro forum.

 

You might try changing the channel. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is supposed to be particularly good for intrusive thoughts.

 

Lucky you, you have a dog. Why not tell your troubles to your furry friend? Sometimes just getting it out takes the charge out of some of these thoughts, or writing them down in a journal.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Alto

 

Thank you

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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My day started with allowing a 10 y/o to hurt my feelings. I can not shake the FEEL BAD. I have tried telling myself to "stop it!!!"....not working. Went for a couple of walks, played with the dog, came to this site a couple of times, etc....not working. I keep having imaginary conversations in my head about what I will say in retaliation to hurt her. How dumb is that!!!

 

What I WILL do is nothing. It would be inappropriate. My feeling this way is probably d/t withdrawal. But understanding is not helping to stop the negative thought process.

 

Any suggestions on how I can stop this downward spiral?

 

Im very familiar with those conversations and im still having one with a b***ch MD I communicated with last week who is a bigshot in the disability field but knows NADA about dangers of antidepressants but of course wouldnt dare admit it - in this case I feel some 'education' is appropriate -

Perhaps writing a 'mean letter' to girl would help get your feelings out in a way that won't hurt anyone and may help you access underlying feelings/trigger - I find that when I react to things strongly it has to do with something I've buried along the way -

Pristiq tapered over 8 months ending Spring 2011 after 18 years of polydrugging that began w/Zoloft for fatigue/general malaise (not mood). CURRENT: 1mg Klonopin qhs (SSRI bruxism), 75mg trazodone qhs, various hormonesLitigation for 11 years for Work-related injury, settled 2004. Involuntary medical retirement in 2001 (age 39). 2012 - brain MRI showing diffuse, chronic cerebrovascular damage/demyelination possibly vasculitis/cerebritis. Dx w/autoimmune polyendocrine failure.<p>2013 - Dx w/CNS Sjogren's Lupus (FANA antibodies first appeared in 1997 but missed by doc).

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Thanks Barbara for answering and sharing your own experiences I managed to resolve the issue with the 10 y/o girl by ACTUALLY talking with her. I shared that she had hurt my feelings, adding that even though I am a grown up..( sometimes debatable).. I can be hurt by something she does or says. I kept it light and related it in a way that was non threatening. We ended our conversation on a positive note. It was a good experience for both of us. I can only hope I may have taught her a lesson on resolving issues without attacking the other person.

 

I know what some of my underlying issues are. I spent many years in therapy exploring them. They do not just go away. I have tried to learned how to manage them. But it is not easy. Certain things trigger a negative thought process. Only being in the 1st month of my W/D, I am highly sensitive and react to the triggers in an exaggerated way.

 

Enough of this psycho-babble!!!

 

Love and peace

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

Amen to that sister!

I had a very interesting trigger this week that sent me on an emotional spin.

W/D certainly exaggerates irritations and emotional sensitivities

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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Peggy,

 

Sounds like a rough one. I hope you are feeling better and more centered.

 

You were the first person to welcome me to this site. Thank you so much for that. It was good to be acknowledged.

 

Love and peace to you

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

thank you EWforever..yes, I recovered quickly. I am learning to be happy about triggers, because each time they happen i am learning to nip them closer to the bud! My aim is that i will recognise them BEFORE they trigger.

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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Hi EWforever. Congrats on being able to sit down with the girl and have that conversation. I am coming off of Pristiq, very slowly, but also have some anger moments. I find myself getting angry and/or impatient with my children. I am learning to recognize that I am getting frustrated and I try to just take a very deep breath and remember they're just kids....most times kids don't have a "filter" and can say things that hurt your feelings. They don't mean to hurt you, they're just being kids. Hang in there. You're doing great and on the road to a happier, healthier you! Best wishes!

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I am coming off of Pristiq, very slowly, but also have some anger moments. I find myself getting angry and/or impatient with my children.

 

Kudos to both of you. I can't imagine doing this with children, accurate trigger identification of not.. wow. Good Job.

 

Bonza,

Schuyler

As always, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! A proud supporter of the 10% (or slower) rule.

 

Requip - 3/16 ZERO  Total time on 25 years.

 

Lyrica: 8/15 ZERO Total time on 7 or 8 yrs.

BENZO FREE 10/13 (started tapering 7/10)  Total time on 25 years.

 

Read my intro thread here, and check the about me section.  "No matter how cynical you get, it's almost impossible to keep up." Lily Tomlin

 

 

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Hello,

 

It is day 11 on aprox 13 mg of Effexor XR. I do have ringing in my ears that comes and goes. Last night I had 3 or 4 minor "brain

shivers" with eye movement. But thank goodness the horrible irritability is gone for now. I have had some anxiety, but no episodes of

long lasting depression.

 

I have been trying to keep myself out of stressful situations....keeping things simple. But reality dictates I need to earn money to pay the bills. With working comes stress and unpredictability. I am considering adding another tool to help me cope with W/D and LIFE.

I read in someone's post (Elizabeth I think), about Emotions Anonymous. I found a meeting near me and may attend. I have not really liked group support meetings that much before. But maybe this one will be okay. IN the past, group meetings have brought out self doubt and a feeling of being "less than". But this is the PRESENT, and that is where I want to live.

 

Anyway, I too am grateful for this web site. It has a lot to offer in many different areas.

 

Peace and Love to all

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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  • Administrator

EWF, 13 beads may not be enough. You might go up to 20 beads and see if those withdrawal symptoms disappear. Better to be safe than sorry.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Alto,

 

Thank you for your suggestion. I did go up to 20mg of Effexor xr last night. What I notice are more symptoms.

 

#1) Burning sensation in scalp

 

#2) Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension

 

#3) Feel alittle restless/anxious for no reason

 

#4) Still have ringing in my ears...have had on and off for a few years. May not be medication related.

 

 

I will continue with the 20mg instead of 13mg and reevaluate in a few days

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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Hi EWforever. Congrats on getting this far. You're doing great! I wanted to suggest that a few days inbetween lowering doses may not be enough time for your body to adjust. I have been giving myself a week, even up to two weeks for my body to adjust to a lower dose before lowering again. I know, it really sucks that this takes so long, but remember...your health and stability are much more important than rushing things. I also wanted to suggest this book to you that I once read. It was given to me by a wonderful psychologist that I was seeing about four years ago. It is called Angry All the Time by Ronald T. Potter-Efron. I'm not much on reading at all, but I did find this book extremely helpful, and it really opened my eyes to alot of things in my life that I thought I had no control over, but I really did. It is a very straightforward, no bull book. It helps you recognize your trigger symptoms and ways to cope with different situations. It certainly couldn't hurt anyone to read it. Though you may not have anger problems, anxiety can be stemmed from many different things, including anger. I know this is a little off subject, but I wanted to take the time to throw that out there for anyone who might need it or be interested. Best wishes.

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I want to document that the ringing in my ears has gone since up dosing to 20 mg of Effexor XR. I am very happy it is gone!!! It sure was annoying. I still have some burning sensation of my scalp. And while I am complaining, my left leg hurts..you know, those lovely sharp, shooting nerve pains. Advil has not helped very much. Standing does, but that gets old real fast. I am very close to taking a 25mg of Tramodol. Right now I just want to be out of pain regardless of possible adverse reaction.

 

I have an appt with my PCP in April. I can not decide whether to fill her in about the withdrawal symptoms or not. I do not really want it in my medical records. Though they are confidential, they do follow you around. But on the other hand, I think it is important for her to know. She may have other patients on the same drug. If she knew more about W/D hell, it would help others in the future.

 

As a rule,I am not a complainer. If anything, I tend to minimize. My response to passing a kidney stone was to drive to the liquior store at 2AM and buy cigs. I think I scared the clerk!!! I could not stand up straight and was white as a sheet.

I was living with my parents at the time. I remember sitting on the floor by my Mom's bed, wanting to wake her up. But I was afaid to...she may not have believed I was in so much pain.

 

I have had personal growth since then, but still may find it difficult to tell my MD how miserable the 7 days cold turkey were.

 

Thanks for listening to me babble on.

.

Love and Peace to all

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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Thank you HatePrisiq for your encouraging words and the book suggestion. I will check if the local bookstore carries it. I often wish we were born with a set of rules to get the most out of life. But we were not. We had to learn...and what we learned was not always the best way. So we relearn better ways and books are useful tools.

 

Thanks again

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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  • Administrator

EWF, have you tried fish oil? It may help with some of those symptoms.

 

Also magnesium, it helps relax muscles.

 

Acupuncture can be very effective for pain, also -- without the danger of drug side effects exacerbating your withdrawal symptoms.

 

Try not to take tramadol, it has wide-ranging effects http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/792-warnings-from-tramal-and-stupid-doctors/page__view__findpost__p__6868

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Alto,

 

I take both Krill oil for Omega 3 and Magnesium. I also eat sardines and salmon. I have found some relief from deep tissue massage and chiro, but relief is temporary. I have thought about accupunture but have no point of reference to evaluate if they are good at what they do.

 

If anyone knows of a good acupunturist in OC that does not cost a fortune, please let me know.

 

Thank you,

EW

 

I know Tramodol effects S&N and is not recommended while on SNRI. But I did take 1 25mg last night. I was so uncomfortable. They are my last resort if stretching, advil, warm bath etc do not work.

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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I am going to label this post SETTING LIMITS

 

I am not sure I am posting in the right place, but here I go anyway. I have to complete X amount of education units every 2 years. I decided it would be best to set the timer for 60 minutes of study/testing...then stop. I did not want to overdue it as am in stabilizing phase of W/D from Effexor XR.

 

My past history is to complete the entire course in one sitting, which can take a whole day. I feel I made a better choice...thus set myself up for success vs failure. If I had tried to do my usual, I probably would have become over stimulated and fatigued. That could have started an internal conversation on how inadequate and stupid I am.

 

I completed my allotted 60 minutes plus about 20 more minutes...I HAD to complete that chapter's test!!:rolleyes:

I ended my session satisfied that I had achieved my goal plus a little more.

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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