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baroquep

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Nate, I won't lie, the switch from Pristiq to Effexor XR was pretty intense.  Though once my body/mind adjusted, withdrawal has been fairly tolerable except for a couple of rough spots after my tapers in January/February when I tried to shorten the holds.  My doctor switched me from 50mg Pristiq to 75 mg Effexor XR and from my experience, I can only assume that a switch from 50mg Pristiq to 100mg Effexor XR would have probably made it a lot easier.  

I have the Effexor XR compounded and chose this route, because Pristiq has a time-release coating and the pharmacist said I would have to either dose Pristiq twice a day to keep a steady stream of the drug in my system or she could add a time-release mechanism to the compounded Pristiq but she couldn't guarantee that it would work as intended.  Because I was worried about either a dose dump or having to take it twice a day, I decided it might be easier to switch to the Effexor XR.  I know that there are a few people on this site (ChessieCat for one) who have their Pristiq compounded and didn't seem to have any issues but we are all different.  

If I had to do it again, am not 100% sure, but may have just stuck to having the Pristiq (devil you know) compounded with a time-release mechanism and taken my chances.  It's anyone's guess whether doing that or switching to the Effexor XR would have been a better or worse approach as these drugs are so unpredictable.  What works well for one person, doesn't work well for another, so it's a crap shoot.  

All I can say is to go slow, no more than 10% at a time, Effexor (any version) and Pristiq are notoriously difficult to withdrawal from so be prepared for it to take you many years to get this drug out of your system safely.  In the long run, it really doesn't matter how long it takes, the most important thing, as far as I'm concerned, is to get it out of your system as gently and carefully as humanly possible and we are the only ones that can ultimately make that wise decision.  

Good luck in your journey, after everything that I have gone through so far, the benefits are most definitely worth it.  I feel a lot more engaged in life and hopeful that it can only get better as I slowly get this drug out of my system.  Best of luck! 
 

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal - happy to report that all is going well after this reduction ... knock on wood.  Seven days in and the only thing I have had to deal with so far is a metallic taste in my mouth which lasted for a few days.  Perhaps a 7% reduction per month is much gentler on my system than 10%.  Even though it will take me an additional two years to get this drug out of my system if I reduce at 7% per month, have made up my mind to continue at this reduced tapering rate.  While I know not to count my blessings just yet, am feeling super relieved that everything is going a lot better than expected.

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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Great news Baroquep!  Wish your taper continues to be "uneventful".  Cheers!

PAST

Gabapentin:  about 6 months in 2015, 300-900 mg, cold turkeyed Sept 2015 (at same time dc'd Klonopin)

Klonopin: June 2014- Sept 2015; 1mg tapered over 6 mths, dc'd at 0.25mg, withdrawal hellish (perhaps because of concurrent dc of gabapentin)

Mirtazepine: Jumped off at 2.4 mg. (stable in 8 months).

Seroquel:  June 14 - July 24, 2016, 25 mg alternate nights; smaller doses for shorter periods. Total use about 3 months 

Lamictal: March 19, 2018 - 1 mg; March 23 - 1.25 mg; April 6 - 2mg. Discontinued at 2 mgJuly 1, 2018 due to Steven Johnson Syndrome.

 

CURRENT

Supplements: Vit D, turmeric

Naturethroid: 65 mcg for hypothyroidism

Trazodone: Oct 2015 - June 2016; 75 mg tapered over 2 mths, intense w/d after 3 weeks. Reinstatement: 07/25/16 - 25 mg; updosed 08/03/16 - 50 mg;  10/01/16-  62mg; 03/24/17 dropped to 50 mg (stable in 2.5 months)

                           Current psych meds: Trazodone 50 mg

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal - having minor withdrawal symptoms today after returning to work from vacation, which I was kind of anticipating.  Have very minor pressure on my brain and started to feel the familiar wonky feelings.  It's a little disappointing to feel symptoms at day 10 after a reduction ... interesting to note that symptoms didn't appear until about an hour after dealing with a stressful situation at work though I did manage through without going into a panic.  Obviously the signals in the brain are challenged during stressful times which unfortunately can't be avoided.  Overall mood is good, still feeling optimistic, and hoping because symptoms are mild that they will resolve in a couple of days and not gain any momentum.            

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal - mild symptoms again today (temperature fluctuations, usual wonkiness).  This time not precipitated by anything stressful, so it must have been a coincidence that getting back to work was the cause.  Symptoms started just before lunchtime, like yesterday, and calmed down once I ate lunch.  Very similar pattern to when I first started tapering.  Guess it just took my brain a little longer to catch on that I reduced on the 20th as normally I'd start to feel wonky by day six rather than day 10.  I am leaning towards holding at this dose for at least six weeks rather than four just to be on the safe side ... don't want to aggravate the process seeing as it took me so long to stabilize after the reductions back in January/February.  You really can't go by the calendar, unfortunately, unless of course you like living on the edge.  Not for me, I'd much rather play it safe and try and comfortably sneak it out of my system as slowly as I can.  It used to feel like a bit of a challenge, that somehow I was going to be that someone that could be strong enough and clever enough to finish this taper as quickly as possible ... boy was I wrong.     

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal - no withdrawal symptoms at all today.  Relieved that symptoms petered out fairly quickly.  Am now undecided as to whether or not I will hold for six weeks, surprise, surprise.  Might try a 2.75 mg (approximately 7%) drop at the end of June and see how that goes.  I'll have to say that it was nice not to have to deal with withdrawal after such a nice long hold and almost forgot how crappy withdrawal can make you feel.  While symptoms were certainly bearable after this last taper, it still feels uncomfortable knowing that something unnatural is going on in the brain.  

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

"it was nice not to have to deal with withdrawal after such a nice long hold and almost forgot how crappy withdrawal can make you feel"

 

Yes, I know what you mean.  But the contrast can also help you to appreciate when you are feeling good and also reminds you that when you do get withdrawal symptoms that things can and will get better.

* 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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  • 2 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal - Have been feeling a little off emotionally and mentally over the last few days and have decided to hold at 40.25 for another month.  Interesting to experience being unsettled toward the end of a taper, so this is new.  Overall things are good but I think my CNS needs a little more time to process the last taper.  So true that it's best to throw out the calendar as this is most definitely not a linear process.       

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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Hello B,  glad to see things are manageable for you.  Holding longer seems like a good plan. 

 

In the past I have found that my WD sxs do not wane as I hold longer, instead I wake up one day and find all my sxs gone.

 

Wishing you well. 

PAST

Gabapentin:  about 6 months in 2015, 300-900 mg, cold turkeyed Sept 2015 (at same time dc'd Klonopin)

Klonopin: June 2014- Sept 2015; 1mg tapered over 6 mths, dc'd at 0.25mg, withdrawal hellish (perhaps because of concurrent dc of gabapentin)

Mirtazepine: Jumped off at 2.4 mg. (stable in 8 months).

Seroquel:  June 14 - July 24, 2016, 25 mg alternate nights; smaller doses for shorter periods. Total use about 3 months 

Lamictal: March 19, 2018 - 1 mg; March 23 - 1.25 mg; April 6 - 2mg. Discontinued at 2 mgJuly 1, 2018 due to Steven Johnson Syndrome.

 

CURRENT

Supplements: Vit D, turmeric

Naturethroid: 65 mcg for hypothyroidism

Trazodone: Oct 2015 - June 2016; 75 mg tapered over 2 mths, intense w/d after 3 weeks. Reinstatement: 07/25/16 - 25 mg; updosed 08/03/16 - 50 mg;  10/01/16-  62mg; 03/24/17 dropped to 50 mg (stable in 2.5 months)

                           Current psych meds: Trazodone 50 mg

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Am so glad that I held for another month.  Over the last week, I've been getting gentle reminders that my CNS is still adjusting to the taper on May 20.  The metallic taste in my mouth still comes and goes and every once in a while it feels like I am about to fall into a bit of a panic and then it disappears as quickly as it came over me.  Had a wave of nausea hit me tonight that was reminiscent of a previous taper earlier this year.  All-in-all doing well despite everything and now feel like I've probably dodged a bullet had I reduced again this month.  Will be tapering at 5% (or less) of my current dose from here on in, I don't care if it takes me 10 years to get this crap out of my system.  Think I may have finally reached the stage of putting tapering in the background and getting on with the business of living ... my main focus right now is to sneak this drug out of my system with the least amount of disruption to my poor brain.    

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus
On 2017-06-23 at 7:16 PM, baroquep said:

...  Think I may have finally reached the stage of putting tapering in the background and getting on with the business of living ... my main focus right now is to sneak this drug out of my system with the least amount of disruption to my poor brain.    

 

This is where and how you want to be while tapering.  Awesome!

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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  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks Scallywag, it's been a long time coming.  Reduced to 38.24 today, 5% of my last dose.  Will hold at this dose for six to eight weeks to allow my CNS to catch up to the changes in my brain.  While I can handle the physical symptoms after a 10% reduction, the neuro-emotions are too challenging and I'd rather have a softer landing when my brain realizes that I've made a change.  Can't figure out how to update my signature since the site switched to a new format ... can someone let me know how I do that now?  thanks!

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

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

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


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

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks Scallywag, appreciate the help, will use that link next time I need to update my signature again and can't figure it out :)

Journal
Day six since the last taper and the only thing I really notice is that I am very quick to anger.  Small things are annoying the hell out of me for no particular reason.  Other than that, no other changes to speak of but knowing Effexor, doubt that this is going to last.  All I do know is that a 10% taper is too fast for my system and from past experience, it usually takes two months after a taper to feel normal again and by normal I mean my emotional state.  That is what I found so confusing initially, as I'd be able to handle the physical aspects of withdrawal but I wasn't paying attention to my emotional state.  For me anyway, the most important aspect of withdrawal is to be mindful of my emotional state as I've found that if I cut again before my brain has truly settled, the next cut will push me into utter chaos mentally.    

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I think emotional symptoms are harder to pick up on than physical ones.  It is so easy to put it down to other things.

 

My deaf cat is driving me nuts at the moment.  She is 18 and we lost our dog early last year.  Since then, when not asleep, she walks around meowing a lot and jumping up on things and making them fall down or off the cupboards.  Yesterday was really bad.  I got to the stage that I was shouting at her and shaking her (gently of course because I love her dearly and will miss when she goes).  I made a reduction a week ago and I feel sure that it is a combination of both.  And she may be worse because I'm am worse so a vicious cycle.  Usually I can just tune out from her but not yesterday.  And it could be that she feeling a bit off herself and this is her way of dealing with it or finding a solution.

 

Sorry, I didn't mean to carry on about that so much, but it does feel better telling someone about it, so thanks for listening. ;)

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal

Day 10 since since 5% reduction - symptoms: extremely tired at night though waking early the last couple of days, slightly down mood, still dealing with frustration/anger.  

 

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal

Day 12 and the only thing I notice is major irritability ... mood a lot better tonight though.  Fell asleep at 8pm last night until 6am so hopefully early morning waking has resolved.  

 

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal
Two weeks since reducing to 38.24mg and withdrawal symptoms so far are still relatively minor.  Had a few good clear days but feeling highly irritable today and noticing reoccurring negative thought patterns.  Good thing about tapering at a slower rate is that the thoughts are more easily distinguishable as withdrawal and not reality ... but I'm feeling so irritable, I don't give a sh*t that I"m aware of this positive change.  Still also feeling quite tired and a little down but imagine this is pretty normal in withdrawal.      

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal
Just about three weeks since my last taper and other than irritability and occasional tiredness, I haven't noticed any other withdrawal symptoms at all.  I'm feeling more present mentally and emotionally than any other taper over the past 10 months.  Might have finally found my groove ... at least at this stage of the taper.  Am planning on reducing another 5% on the 15th of August which will be four weeks since my last reduction.  Have been reading up on occupancy rates and the drop from 38.24 to the next halfway point seems precipitous so I am prepared to reduce my taper to even less than 5% per month if I start to notice any withdrawal symptoms ramping up.  Have found that I have to be careful after two consecutive tapers to gauge whether I am going too fast.  Still fumbling for words on occasion but certainly not as bad as it used to be.  Am also feeling more social and engaged in life as the months go by and am hopeful that one day I will get off of these drugs for good.    

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal

Had a couple of days of darkness over the last week and then poof, a really good day yesterday and back to another lowish day today.  Talked to my pharmacist tonight as I've been second guessing myself and feeling a little apprehensive about doing a full 5% decrease this month.  Decided to do a 2% reduction this month which will bring me to 50% of my original dose and see how things progress.  Could also be that I'm being overly cautious because in the past, the second or third consecutive cuts seemed to always push me too close to the edge and I'm not looking to go back there.  All in all, of all the reductions to date, the reduction of 5% on July 17th has been the easiest to manage, no physical withdrawal symptoms at all though have had emotional ups and downs but very manageable.  The main difference from previous reductions is that I am much more aware emotionally that withdrawal symptoms can be managed whereas in the past the withdrawal symptoms were managing me. 

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I found that being bitten a couple of times has now made me super cautious.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal

Certainly glad that I didn't make a 5% reduction this month as withdrawal symptoms have already shown up and I'm only at day 3.  Have a feeling that I need to do a longer hold in-between decreases as I have a sneaking suspicion these symptoms may be from my taper back in July and not my recent decrease ... it's too soon and the reduction on August 15th was so small (2%).  

 

Looking back, when I decreased in May, the withdrawal didn't show up until very late in the taper and was the reason I held for another month, so this is a pattern that I can't ignore.    The symptoms are minor but clearly recognizable as withdrawal with the usual weirded-out spacey feeling that I always get when the symptoms first appear.  Hopefully this will fade into the background but will hold for at least another six weeks to make sure the symptoms are settled.   

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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Looks like you got this tapering down to an art!  Good for you.  Am impressed with your patience to minimize your symptoms.  Cheers!

PAST

Gabapentin:  about 6 months in 2015, 300-900 mg, cold turkeyed Sept 2015 (at same time dc'd Klonopin)

Klonopin: June 2014- Sept 2015; 1mg tapered over 6 mths, dc'd at 0.25mg, withdrawal hellish (perhaps because of concurrent dc of gabapentin)

Mirtazepine: Jumped off at 2.4 mg. (stable in 8 months).

Seroquel:  June 14 - July 24, 2016, 25 mg alternate nights; smaller doses for shorter periods. Total use about 3 months 

Lamictal: March 19, 2018 - 1 mg; March 23 - 1.25 mg; April 6 - 2mg. Discontinued at 2 mgJuly 1, 2018 due to Steven Johnson Syndrome.

 

CURRENT

Supplements: Vit D, turmeric

Naturethroid: 65 mcg for hypothyroidism

Trazodone: Oct 2015 - June 2016; 75 mg tapered over 2 mths, intense w/d after 3 weeks. Reinstatement: 07/25/16 - 25 mg; updosed 08/03/16 - 50 mg;  10/01/16-  62mg; 03/24/17 dropped to 50 mg (stable in 2.5 months)

                           Current psych meds: Trazodone 50 mg

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Congrats on becoming a mod!

PAST

Gabapentin:  about 6 months in 2015, 300-900 mg, cold turkeyed Sept 2015 (at same time dc'd Klonopin)

Klonopin: June 2014- Sept 2015; 1mg tapered over 6 mths, dc'd at 0.25mg, withdrawal hellish (perhaps because of concurrent dc of gabapentin)

Mirtazepine: Jumped off at 2.4 mg. (stable in 8 months).

Seroquel:  June 14 - July 24, 2016, 25 mg alternate nights; smaller doses for shorter periods. Total use about 3 months 

Lamictal: March 19, 2018 - 1 mg; March 23 - 1.25 mg; April 6 - 2mg. Discontinued at 2 mgJuly 1, 2018 due to Steven Johnson Syndrome.

 

CURRENT

Supplements: Vit D, turmeric

Naturethroid: 65 mcg for hypothyroidism

Trazodone: Oct 2015 - June 2016; 75 mg tapered over 2 mths, intense w/d after 3 weeks. Reinstatement: 07/25/16 - 25 mg; updosed 08/03/16 - 50 mg;  10/01/16-  62mg; 03/24/17 dropped to 50 mg (stable in 2.5 months)

                           Current psych meds: Trazodone 50 mg

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal

Feeling out of sorts the last few days, had what felt like the beginning of that weirded-out feeling which caught me off guard and then it disappeared just as quickly as it started.  The beast Effexor has sent me a gentle reminder that a longer hold might be a good idea before my next decrease.    

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal

Still feeling out of sorts, blurry vision, tiredness, irritability and frustration, lack of motivation and just a general sense of not feeling well.  Am going to hold for another month to see if I can start feeling a little more joy.  I've often glossed over my moods in the past and I've ended up running into trouble and need to reclaim joy before I make another reduction.   

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello baroquep,

 

I've been enjoying all the wisdom you gained through your difficult times and all the support you are giving to people going through the same horrors.

 

I'm sorry you have been hit with symptoms but glad that you have turned that into learning: longer holds and smaller cuts. I can't see it from your signature how long you have been on the drugs overall. I like  to see that information because it gives me a kind of idea whether people will have to taper slower and such things. Many people find 10 % per month too much especially given the delayed onset of WD symptoms you have experienced yourself. I should rather not talk about myself because I can only tolerate 2 % cuts atm (but so hope this will increase one day)...

 

For me reducing by 50 % in one year is quite a lot (especially if coming after years on the drug) so I'm really glad to see you are holding. My husband is also tapering Effexor and he is doing it very, very slowly. He started from 37.5 mg and after almost 4 years is now taking 7 (only 1/5th). But he is completely symptom free, works full time and although he doesn't say it himself I see how much better he is doing overall. I don't think everybody needs to go that slow but he is very scared of the drug.

 

I copied your post about not rushing one's taper and taking as much as we need into the Best of SA. I have also realised that quality of life is what matter and also reducing the drug load (except that I'm 40 and was trying to come off drugs to get pregnant and at the back of my mind and against all odds there is that idea that I might somehow miraculously still come off before it gets completely and finally too late...)

 

I love this goal of reclaiming joy before the next reduction. Give yourself plenty of time. You have done so much in the last year and grown so much through the process.

 

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

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

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

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

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

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

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks for dropping in Bubble, I appreciate your thoughts and insight.  Good to hear that your husband is taking his time, it is worth the time one invests to be symptom free and nice that you are able to witness the progress he is making.  To me, that progress represents a blossoming of our true nature that has been artificially repressed by this mind-numbing drug.  When I'm feeling well, I sense that it is happening for me as well.  Will update my signature, as yes, I agree, the amount of time that a person has been on these drugs plays a big part in how carefully they'll need to taper so I will add that information to my signature.  Today is the first day that I've actually felt like the full extent of my last decrease has resolved.  Might even be a good idea to hold for a while longer and enjoy the symptom free life for a while before starting the cycle all over again.  Had a really nice day with my granddaughter and didn't feel exhausted afterwards like I have been feeling for quite a while.  

Journal

First signs that the effects of the last decrease are finally settling.  Not exhausted by 3:00 pm with a deep desire for a few hours of sleep.  Hurt my wrist and back lifting weights while daydreaming and I've paid for it dearly.  Have been going to physiotherapy, getting a weekly massage as well as using a topical pain reliever without much relief and finally caved yesterday and had the doctor prescribe Naproxen.  Was extremely nervous about starting a pain reliever/anti-inflammatory as I was worried that it would upset my CNS.  Am relieved (and so is my back) that I haven't had any reaction to it at all.  First day in over a month that I haven't had chronic pain from this injury.  The only thing I did notice today when driving home from my son's was blurry vision which I know is a side-effect from the Effexor.  Other than that, feeling like I've turned a corner and hopefully a little joy is around the corner.       

 

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Reduced to 35.6mg today after a two month hold.  Am reminded today how extraordinarily angry I am about being stuck in this situation.  It would have been one thing if antidepressants actually helped but they never did ... to end up physically and physiologically dependant on a drug that never provided a clear benefit is maddening.  Guess I need to turn that around in my mind and just remind myself to be thankful ... that it could be a lot worse ... but for today I am angry and annoyed at the pharmaceutical companies for hiding the truth.

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus
7 hours ago, baroquep said:

Guess I need to turn that around in my mind and just remind myself to be thankful ... that it could be a lot worse

 

Yes, and because of what we have learned we are now very wary of any drugs which are/will be suggested.  Many seniors end up on lots of drugs and I imagine that in a lot of cases drugs would be added because of side effects/interactions from the initial drugs.  Thanks to SA we are much wiser now ...

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal

Three days later and I am already feeling the familiar withdrawal symptoms.  Am a little surprised that they showed up so soon ... actually started feeling a little strange last night and told myself it was because I was tired and didn't give it a second thought.  Started getting a sore throat this morning which quickly disappeared, brain fog, diarrhea and then the familiar weirded-out, uneasiness crept in until I ate lunch and then everything calmed back down again.  Had temperature fluctuations on the subway home from work as well so I guess my CNS is trying to figure out what is going on and make the necessary adjustments.  At least the symptoms are at a manageable level but a little troubling that they showed up so soon after a reduction.  Was even toying with the idea of reducing 5% every three weeks just to see if I could tolerate going a little faster now that I'm reducing 5% instead of 10% but am not feeling very confident about attempting that now.

Edited by baroquep

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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  • Moderator Emeritus

I can empathise with how frustrating it is.  I did a 1mg reduction and held for 3 weeks and then another 1mg reduction and I've now held for 2 of my planned 3 weeks.  The other day I was so irritable but I'm not sure if it's situational, with the cat meowing and jumping up, or if it's withdrawal.  It may even be a bit of both.

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

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

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

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

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Journal

Not a good day today.  Woke up at least six times last night having to go to the washroom, so lack of a good night's sleep probably didn't help to start off the day.  This morning, almost as soon as I got to work, I went into a emotional spiral and even though I was aware of what was happening, and happening because of withdrawal, it was extremely difficult to get my mind from spiralling further into that abyss ... took me about an hour to calm myself down enough to try and concentrate on work.  Experiencing this extreme emotion tends to leave me feeling rattled, but am thankful that I am cognizant of what is going on in the moment as previously I wasn't able to distinguish between real and neuro-emotions/thoughts.  Still it leaves me feeling battle scarred from the effort it takes to NOT feel like I'm about to lose my mind.  Eyesight was blurry most of the day too and had to really focus and concentrate on what I was working on.  Left everything in draft today and will recheck it in the morning just to make sure.  Also had temperature fluctuations all day.  Stopped by the pharmacy on the way home tonight to let the pharmacist know that I am staying on this dose for the full month and not the three weeks I was originally thinking I might try.  Sarcasm aside ... at least that weirded-out feeling from yesterday is gone :blink:

Edited by baroquep

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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Baroquep, 

 

I am sorry you were having such a bad day yesterday, I do sympathize with you on those crazy withdrawal emotions, they can be so exasperating and brutal sometimes. One day everything is great and the next you are down the rabbit hole again. It is easy to fall down that hole, so I am really proud as well as inspired of your strength and courage not to let yourself go down there, even when in the throws of withdrawal. 

 

On a another note; I too experience the temperature fluctuations and I have found that cucumber water, especially iced cucumber water really does help keep me cool when my temperature rises, and a keeping a small sweater with me helps me when my body begins to cool down rapidly again. I also found that there are special makeup setting sprays that come with a "cooling" factor. Not only do they help me stay cool but also keep my makeup intact when I have sweating spells. 

 

Best wishes. 

Edited by Peonies
Spelling & Grammar

Cymbalta, Zoloft, Effexor: All during the past two years. When I was prescribed them, I would either take one pill a day for 2 days and the stop usage all together.

Pristiq: Taken for 2/3 weeks around April 2017. unknown dosage.  Discontinued cold turkey. 

Xanax: All thought 2017 here and there for panic attacks only. 

Focalin 10 mg: Taken on May 1st, 2017, discontinued after 3 days of usage. Cold Turkey.

Hospitalized May 13th, 2017.

Trazodone 10 mg: First doses around May 14th, 2017, The doses were taken sporadically for sleep along side Xanax and Triazolam. Stopped these cold turkey

Xanax & Triazolam: unknown dosage, used for sleep whenever I needed. Stopped usage cold turkey.

Paxil 40 mg: First dose around May 14th, 2017. Then I began having side effects so I found this website and began taper. 

September: Started Taper, dropped to 27 mg. Paxil

Beginning of October: Dropped to 24 mg. Paxil

October 12th 2017 & Current Dose: Dropped down to 21 mg Paxil. 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks Peonies, yes, it's been a bit of a challenging week for sure, thanks for the tips.

Journal

Almost a week since I made the last reduction and am still dealing with withdrawal symptoms.  They are not quite as intense, but still very noticeable.  Temperature fluctuations and blurry vision pretty much on and off throughout the day.  Also a bit of agitation but not as bad as it usually is.  Started feeling that weirded-out, anxious feeling mid-morning yesterday but it resolved once I ate lunch.  Don't know if it's that I'm waking up from the antidepressant haze or just not able to control my annoyance as well but am finding that where I once would get mad and stay silent, I am now vocalizing what I am annoyed about ... and while that can certainly be viewed as a good thing, I also don't want it to become a liability.  

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

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

October 15, 2017 - reduced to 35.6

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

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Hello Baroquep,

 

Sorry that this last drop is not going smoothly.  I can certainly identify with being vocal about annoyances.  Lately I am very short with people when things don't go my way, and it really is against my character.  But I know it's WD.  Unfortunately I have a long way to go with tapering and I can't imagine being like this for several years ...sigh.  

 

I think you've got it right ... just keep holding until everything sorts itself out.  Hope you get some stability soon.

PAST

Gabapentin:  about 6 months in 2015, 300-900 mg, cold turkeyed Sept 2015 (at same time dc'd Klonopin)

Klonopin: June 2014- Sept 2015; 1mg tapered over 6 mths, dc'd at 0.25mg, withdrawal hellish (perhaps because of concurrent dc of gabapentin)

Mirtazepine: Jumped off at 2.4 mg. (stable in 8 months).

Seroquel:  June 14 - July 24, 2016, 25 mg alternate nights; smaller doses for shorter periods. Total use about 3 months 

Lamictal: March 19, 2018 - 1 mg; March 23 - 1.25 mg; April 6 - 2mg. Discontinued at 2 mgJuly 1, 2018 due to Steven Johnson Syndrome.

 

CURRENT

Supplements: Vit D, turmeric

Naturethroid: 65 mcg for hypothyroidism

Trazodone: Oct 2015 - June 2016; 75 mg tapered over 2 mths, intense w/d after 3 weeks. Reinstatement: 07/25/16 - 25 mg; updosed 08/03/16 - 50 mg;  10/01/16-  62mg; 03/24/17 dropped to 50 mg (stable in 2.5 months)

                           Current psych meds: Trazodone 50 mg

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