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Thanks, scallywag:

 

Multivit link here - https://www.healthspan.co.uk/products/multivitality-70-plus

 

Blood levels tested 15 Sep. AOK, but GP prescribed Folic Acid 5mg again as drive and motivation decreased a few days after supply had finished 8 Sep.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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Oh, flu vaccine 22 Sept 2016.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thanks for posting the link to your multi. I'm inclined to think you're going through a wave. Your sig says that you've dealt with fatigue before. As the CNS (central nervous system) recovers, symptoms seem to show up in our weakest areas. For me it's sleep patterns and skin issues. For you it may be fatigue.

 

You've gone through a few neuro stresses in 4 weeks:

- flu vaccine

- decreasing omeprazole dose

- adding B12 (Would you include the mcg amount in your sig? Drops will be different dosage depending on the product)

- adding a multi-vitamin-mineral supplement.

 

Why did you add the B12? The multi?

 

If you're feeling the need to DO SOMETHING, I suggest stopping the multi.

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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Thanks for response s'wag:

 

As is the nature of the beast, am feeling a little better this afternoon.

 

B12 is 10 drops per day - BioCare =50ug/2000% NRV (Nutrient Reference Value).  I thought if Folic acid was low, B12 might be, too.  Other stuff I read persuaded me, too.

 

Maybe I'll hang in there a bit and drop the multivitamin later.

Thanks for your interest and thought!

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

You should ask your doctor the next time for both folic acid and b12 serum levels. It's possible the megadose of folic has thrown off your B12. If my eyes weren't telling me to get to bed, I might have done some research on folic acid - B12 balance.  It might be worth your time to consult the international library of google on that subject.

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

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


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

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OK - best regards.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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


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


Used to always be drinks like that with sugar in them and the snacks were biscuits (cookies with many of you, Rich Tea dunkers for Brits) containing 3 bad things - trans fats, sugar and salt.


Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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Lifetime bouts of sinusitis - often had to get antibiotics after waiting a couple of weeks without it shifting.

 

I know antibiotics will possibly be the cause of our total demise.  One of my GPs here says it is quite likely that eventually cancer will be curable, but, for example, people working outside who pick up an everyday small cut in the garden or the fields will die of untreatable infections.

 

Anyway, every time I get even the slightest cold, the secondary sinusitis infection knocks me back worse, usually for many weeks.

Many of you will be able to relate to this.  Grandchildren are good at specially selecting a nice new bug for you at nursery!  

Folks, what are your infallible treatments with stuff other than antibiotics?

 

Best wishes. 

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Been off Omeprazole PPI for a few days, now.  No rebound upset stomach so far.

First prescribed this drug in the 1980s.

Really had reflux issues for most of my life until this drug.  It was a miracle, BUT now poses problems for the elderly and those who have been on it for years.  Surgery in about 1985 helped a bit, but I suspect the valve at the top of my gullet has slackened off, as I read can happen.

 

Best to be off the PPIs as you cannot absorb B type vitamins without the acid in your stomach.

Indeed, to recap, my blood in summer showed a Folic Acid deficiency.  My mood has lifted since the folic was introduced by Dr, but I stopped it a few days ago and hope to get the B vitamins through daily food/leafy stuff intake.

 

Had a rotten 24 hours yesterday, though.  Everything goes aglay if you forget to include the Effexor (down to 150mg just now) in your daily medication.  Doh!

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

You must be happy and relieved to have the PPI med tapered and done with. Congratulations!

 

Being a wise penguin who has seen much of life, I hope you'll be waiting a while before starting to taper Effexor.

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

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


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

Link to comment

Thanks scallywag.

Yes doing the 10% per 4 weeks tapering of the Effexor.  Done 225 down to 150mg so far this summer/autumn, with no serious crashes.  Fingers crossed.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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have you looked into the whole MTHFR thing? it can cause issues with folic acid. 

in 2002- 0,5 tablet cipramil for half a year, ended it uneventfully. in 2006 - citalopram for half a year, ended in horrific state, ditched the drugs CT. 2007-2008 not feeling well but drug free. in 2008 prozac 20mg + quetiapine 25mg. 2009 tried to stop, ended up in hole after couple of months, started zoloft. 2009-2011 zoloft 50mg. went to 25mg in 2011 summer, it resulted in half a year horrible suffering. reinstated, changed drugs, nothing happened. by 2012 beginning suddenly felt great and CT meds. after 4 months came suddenly most horrible human suffering that's possible. was started on prozac and questiapine. started tapering slowly, GFCF diet and Hardy Nutritionals vitamins in 2013 summer. 

current medications: 1) fluoxetine and quetiapine since Aug 2012; 2) Daily Essential Nutrients by Hardy Nutritionals 7 capsules / since May 2013 + omega3; 3) Gluten-free-casein-free diet since june 2013

Started withdrawing slowly since april 2013. Mostly around 10% cuts. 

April'13 - March'14: fluoxetine 40mg -> 19,5mg; quetiapine 50mg -> 40mg
April'14-March'15: fluoxetine 19,5mg -> 14,4mg; quetiapine 40mg -> 22mg

April'15-March'16: fluoxetine 14,4mg -> 7,4mg; quetiapine 22mg -> 15mg

April'16-March'17: fluoxetine 7,4mg -> 5,0mg; quetiapine 15mg -> 7,25mg

April'17-March'18: fluoxetine 5,0mg -> 4,0mg; quetiapine 7,25mg -> 0 (as of 1st Feb 2018)!!!!

April´18-March´19: fluoxetine 4,0mg - > 2,3mg. Jumped off fluoxetine 1,4mg due to pregnancy in July 2019. Oct 2019 severe withdrawal syndrome started.

Took mistakenly a complex for hormonal support that included pregnenolone dec2019-april2020. Stopped it april 2020 and immediately severe akathisia started. Have had life threatening akathisia since, 100% disabled, suicidal, very hard to hold on. 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Thanks rapunzel2.  Yes read about it, but concluded not an issue.  Cant remember why now!

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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Well it happened. 

 

After decreasing dose of Venlafaxine at 10% per 4 weeks rate or less, for the last 4.5 months, without problem, my latest cut, I have put on hold for last 7 days.

 

Bad dreams, restless sleep, fatigue, irritability.  Definitely know I am not ready for jump down at the moment.  I suppose knowing that is something.

 

Maybe one of those "waves"?  

 

PS - Major success, though, has been getting off PPI Omeprazole for last 23 days, except for one cap taken when indigestion, bloatedness, discomfort bothered me for a couple of days.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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Peng.  That is wise . Well done for recognizing that.

Also for not taking the PPI.   Do you take or have you thought of taking Probiotics ?  Digestive enzymes ?

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

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Thanks AliG. 

 

Took a thing called yakult for maybe a year.  Nice little drink but never felt any difference.  I was on the 10mg PPI per day anyway.

 

Seems to be a confusing horde of these digestive supplements on the market.  Any recommendation would save a lot of time in research, trial and error!

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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Peng. I'll try and get back to you on that but in the meantime here's a link with some discussion on the subject : hopefully it will help. :)

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1229-probiotics-and-gut-health/

 

Ali

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

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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  • Mentor

Well done, Peng.           I am just researching the MTHFR thing.           I have two of the mutations, so folic acid, is a NO NO for me, I need a different type of folate, and some proper B12.

 

Your observations that folic acid has worked for you, is great.    To me, that indicates you do not have problems with your methylation  of ordinary (ie synthetic) folic acid. And unlikely to have the two mutations that I have.    I am only learning this, myself.      In my experience, this makes sense, why I dutifully took synthetic folic acid supplements, and had two heart problem children in my five children.  Also explains the autism in my grandkids. 

 

Best wishes, seems you are doing everything right.  Well done.        How awful it is eh?  to realise our only problems are probably just a lack of a nutrient, or two.           

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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Thanks AliG and ang, for your interest.

 

Ang, your point about our problems possibly being a lack of a nutrient or two is something that crossed my mind after my blood tests showed a lack of folic acid earlier this year.

 

My first collapse of health was in 1977 after 12 years of shift-work in a fairly hectic, but relished job (aviation forecaster).  

 

However, the shift patterns should not be touched with a barge pole!  In retrospect, my mind and body clearly did not like them.

 

Very irregular, and latterly, 12-hour days and nights in the pattern DN-DN--. (Not including travelling.  A young woman I worked with was killed when her car crashed into a tree after, a 13-hour night shift.)

 

I was immediately put on Ativan in 1977 and have been on head drugs since then with a few times off them.  I always had chronic indigestion, and sleep patterns were extremely irregular.  As a typical Scot (of that era), I was not keen on vegetables, either.  Maybe a timely blood test all those years ago would have meant I could have avoided being put on tranx and ADs to make me better.  Will never know now. 

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Peng,

It was nice to meet you.  Now that I have read your thread here, I respect  you even more!  You have done a fabulous job of tapering, my friend!

 

It looks like you have been tapering at a nice steady pace for a while now, and recent symptoms made you slow a bit.  A friendly tip... Some people take a break for a short while a couple of times a year (some more, some less) to a year to let the body get used to these changes. Effexor can be a pistol to come off of, esp at the lower doses, so I do urge you to think about taking a tapering break every so often, and as you have learned, listening to what your body says is SO important!  A trend I have seen, and makes sense to me seems to be to take a hold in Dec through Christmas and New Year's, then re-evaluating at that time to see how you feel.  Christmas tends to be a bit The holidays can be stressful for some, a lot of activities to attend, so it is not a bad time to do an extra hold.  Totally up to you, I am just offering the idea, if you are interested, esp since you ran into symptoms fairly recently.  Many feel rejuvenated after an extra hold, and find that tapering seems easier after that.

 

I find you job very impressive, aviation weather is SO important.  My best friend was a helicopter paramedic for 10 years, so he depended on people like you for his life, quite literally.  I totally appreciate the position you held so proudly!!  I am sorry the shift work got to you.  I spent many years doing Ambulance and ER work, and all of that is shift work, but luckily, I was able to pick the night shift.  I was born to work the night shift, and even now keep a night schedule.  I spent 5 years working the day shift most recently, and it about killed me, as I do NOT do mornings well at all!! 5 days a week about killed me, but money talks!

 

Cheers!

Skeeter

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

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

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Thanks for that reinforcing advice Skeeter.  Agreed! definitely going to hold for a while.  When you have been bitten, you become more cautious.

 

Power to your elbow in your mission to help others on here.  I hope it proves therapeutic for all including yourself.  Any stuff that stops us ruminating must be helpful, we need to believe.

 

Yes, Christmas/New Year is a period for many like us on SA to "survive through".  I remember endless years feeling so low and depressed it was a huge effort to get out of bed early in the morning to see the children opening their presents and all that associated joy. It really pained me, but all is now in the past 25-40 years ago.  

 

It is also our darkest time of the year, as far as natural light goes, and with our maritime climate it can be so dreary for weeks on end.  I look forward to around mid-February when the sun is noticeably higher and the day length greater.

Past ages saw Valentine's Day as a date to look forward to.  Those watchers of the natural world (they had to be!) noticed that it was the time when birdsong became more evident and the birds could be seen gathering nesting material.  Sad though it may be, I have watched for the events for years now.  

 

Yes, I am an evening person, too.  My wife always starts glazing over at 21:30 hours!  Ever since I knew her.  A farmer's daughter who knows hard work, her dad used to say goodnight at 21:00 so he could get up at 05:00 to milk the cows.

 

Warm regards.

peng

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Peng,

A fellow that speaks in what we refer to as military time... LOVE IT!

 

I am great at stopping ruminations.  Feel free to pipe up any time you start to worry.  We are here for a reason, and I ill keep an eye on you for sure. 

 

I do not find it embarrassing to look for the birds near Valentines Day!  You are doing what generations before you have done.  I WISH Valentines day meant that here, but we have a couple more months beyond that to wait in north central US...lol!  April is when we really see things change.  I am always peeking out the window to see if the buds are on the trees yet!

 

You do have a true ad wonderful farmers daughter.  Am glad you are so compatible!  Do you find yourself excited to watch the grandchildren open gifts, or is it still a low time for you?  I do know this is a hard time, esp tapering, but wondering if any of the changes have been good as of yet.

 

I do want to know when you see the birds, as I know it means that my time is coming soon!

 

No ruminating- that is an order until after New Years!  Wish it were that easy!

 

Be well!

Skeeter

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

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

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God, so fatigued this morning.


 


Just read a blog, though, after googling.  I was thinking of making an appointment with doctor after several months, but have decided to hang in and give things some time.  Heck, sometimes you do better without consulting the doctors.  They seem to have a lot to learn.


 


 


In other cases, people notice that when they pursue antidepressant withdrawal, one of the symptoms is fatigue. In many cases, the withdrawal is so prolonged, lasting for months (as opposed to “days” like most doctors suggest), that people believe they have developed “chronic fatigue syndrome.” Based on the relatively vague diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, a doctor may end up throwing another medication onto your existing cocktail – which may end up impeding the recovery of your natural, homeostatic energy levels over the long-term."


 


 


http://mentalhealthd...tigue-syndrome/


 


Apart from reference to "chemical imbalance" theory, I found a lot of stuff in here that seemed reasonable.


Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Peng,

It is very true, it can be a huge issue.  However, new symptoms of great severity should be checked out- at least ask for a lab appointment and have your blood run.  Here, some docs will do that without having to see you at all, a phone call to the clinic will suffice..  Want to make sure your iron isn't low or you are not developing thyroid issues, etc.  Just ask the doc to run anything that could cause fast-onset severe fatigue (if that is the case).  You are unique here.  We do not have many people with such time earned wisdom here that I am aware of who speak up like you do!  You will not find anyone here rolling their eyes at the wisdom you share!  I have heard fatigue mentioned, but I want you to be well enough to around here to tell me about music, and my mistakes in music history! If this lasts one or two days, maybe no issue, but if it starts to pester you more than that, please promise me you will at least go in to have your blood drawn?  I am no doctor, but I do want to ensure you health.  I do NOT think you are frail by ANY means, but if this is not the normal fatigue you have had from withdrawal, it could be worth the trip.

 

Feel better!

Skeeter

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

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

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Thanks for that, Skeeter.  As is the nature of the beast, I felt a lot better in the afternoon.  I even did some clearing up of leaf fall and twigs.

 

If I have to confess all, I believe I stayed in bed dozing far too long yesterday morning.  This is one of the snags of not having a mission to get up for in retirement.

 

Still stalled at 150mg Effexor (I have dropped 33% since summer, from 225mg).  Worth hanging on to the fact as an achievement, as is the almost complete cessation of the PPI (Omeprazole) after decades on it.

 

I am thinking of buying a less expensive form of honey instead of manuka.  Tastes nice in tea and coffee every day, now that I am off cane sugar for the 1st time in my life, but notice no significant improvement in wellness for the very high £££££££££££$! 

I guess WD symptoms are so overwhelming, your body cannot always feel any benefits from what must be micro changes to your diet, really.  Scottish and English honey are on sale, too, of course.

 

Can enjoy Christmas and other events like birthdays now, more than I did for decades.  I just try and see the events through a child's eyes (our granddaughter 3yrs).

 

Wishing peace for all those who find things hard at this time of year.  It is easy to feel excluded, but remember, you are not alone, there are many of us able to relate to what you may be going through, and have come out the other side nearly in one piece!

XOX

Peng

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Peng,

So glad that the feeling only lasted a little while!  If it is a one time thing, like I tried t convey, not a big deal, but if you find this happening often, you may choose to make sure it is not some secondary issue coming on.  Does not hurt to have your blood tests run every so often at any rate.  Sounds like you are pretty healthy other than withdrawal, if I remember correctly.  This withdrawal does throw our system off in so many ways, doesn't it!

 

I am thrilled to hear that you are getting some pleasure with your grandchildren for Christmas..  My memories with my grandfather are priceless to me. You still have time to make good memories with your kids too, even though they are grown, now that you can experience some joy again.

 

Do what you have to with the honey/sugar situation.  I would not buy that other sweetener myself if it cost that much! Oy! Some people feel it more than others when they remove sugar from their diet.  Caffeine seems to really bother many people wo are withdrawing from a med. I am trying to remember without reading above, don't you drink tea (many Americans are coffee drinkers, a beverage I cannot stand).

 

Have a good day!!

S.

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

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

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  • 2 months later...

Just an update about the "not so big, I am".

 

An appalling cold virus has been sweeping our small nations.  (Easterly winds - I blame "them" over there!)

I have had the worst "cold virus" in my life.  Maybe Her Maj. had the same thing at Christmas?

 

Granddaughter, wife and daughter had it first - I thought I was going to get away with it.  Nope.

 

Started 3 January 2017 with chest infection and rasping, productive cough.  (Rare for me).  (By the way, head zap students may be interested to know that when I had the fever, etc they were coming at me in salvos of up to 5 at a time!)

Spread upwards into sinuses (my perpetual weak spot) 4 weeks later.  GP took my temperature and said "You must feel like you've been run over by a bus."  She was correct, fever, and every joint aching - even my finger joints.

Not in favour of taking antibiotics at the drop of a hat, but I had to get a course of 500mg amoxythingin.

 

After completion of course?  Absolutely no improvement in phlegm/sinus pain, whatsoever, but fever and other aches and pains had improved.

 

Antibiotics have a habit of not helping sinusitus - not enough blood flow in the sinus lining to carry the drug, I read.

 

Have been doing the US nasal irrigation thing with NeilMed.  Sometimes twice 3 times a day.  Little change after nearly 3 weeks.  Disgusting blood tinted green phlegm now merely yellow and looser now, though.

 

Daughter got me an appointment with natural/herbal healing specialist in town today.

 

She (the practitioner) is holistic in outlook.  Personally, I believe in that as a plus point, eh, guys?

 

Will report back.

 

Curiously, although, I have been stuck on 150mg Effx. since I stalled the slow reduction, I have felt mentally stronger, despite being ill with the virus.

Body and mind are unfathomable sometimes.

If I had not had the virus, I could have seen myself dropping to 137.5mg dose by removing one of the 12.5mg minitablets in the 37.5 capsules we get here.

 

PS

Been off the PPI Omeprazole for 3 months except for a couple of days a few weeks ago.  Am taking a probiotic capsule now, as suggested, could be the answer for the idigestion/gastric discomfort?

 

Overall, 2 steps forward and 2 back, such is life.

 

A sunny Valentine's day with noticeably lighter mornings, the demise of the easterlies from Europe and Russia for now, the reintroduction of the softer, but brisk Atlantic westerlies,

temperatures getting up to 10C (50F) or more later this week.  I feel the primeval optimism coming on.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Peng,

Have missed you!

I am glad that you are flushing your sinuses, and think that the change in color is good, as gross as that is. At least you are getting that crapola out of there! 

 

I am scared of the Neti pot or any sinus drainage system.  I thought you might get a great laugh out of that.  My anatomy knowledge is very stong, especially in the skull, as when I took A&P I & II, the anatomy was so interesting, but I have this fear of the water going in and getting stuck...lol.  I am truly terrified, and can laugh about it talking, but I have tried to do it twice, and thought I was going to drown, so I had to stop.  Luckily I get the flu about once every 8 years, and do not get colds either.  It was after crying at funerals that my sinuses KILL me, but cannot get past the fear.  I know it is impossible to drown, that I can breathe through my mouth, but still...

 

Glad to hear about the amount of time off of the PPI!  Understand having to take it s a rescue, but better than every day.

 

Are you starting to enjoy your time?  I know you were looking forward for seeing Christmas through the eyes of your granddaughter, I hope yo did find something to enjoy.

 

I do not know about holistic practitioners.  Here in the US they are called naturopathic doctors and despite having very small patient contact hours, none of them with truly ill or emergent patients EVER, (they see what we call the "worried well"),  they still treat them, After the school part here, then MD's go through YEARS of patient contact before they can think of going out on their own.  In the US, the nd can go open a practice the day they graduate the schooling portion.  Yikes!  That part scares me.  Hopefully this person will help you, and you will to see if just time takes care of the problem (in other words a self limiting illness), or if she give you a treatment that helps you.  Please write back like you intend, I would live to hear!!  Always willing to learn!

 

You can let me know if you do not like me dropping in. I do not mind!

 

Sealbh math

(is that right?)

Skeeter

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

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

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  • 1 month later...

I am coming to the conclusion that following my "folate level fine" result after my blood test last week, after having been instructed to give up the 5mg folic acid supplement weeks before that, the fatigue is caused by, 


(i) slow withdrawal from Venlafaxine, (225mg last summer, down to 137.5mg yesterday.), or


(ii) taking venlafaxine for last 15 years, or


(iii) moderate depression


 


or a mix of two or more of the above.


 


Extensive reading on the Internet, including on SA, and my own personal experience of the last few years has led me to that conclusion.


I am not surrendering, and believe that an acceptance of this situation and some determination will have a positive effect.


I have been unable to exercise on the rowing machine for months, but I am determined to get going again asap.


 


Just my own personal views at this time, but I have researched a lot and the only solution my GP can offer is to see their ME specialist.


 


Finally, I have had the worst cold/flu virus for over 50 years, now lasting 11 weeks, with blocked and infected frontal sinuses.  Amoxycillin then another more powerful antibiotic eased it a little last week, but the coloured stuff has returned.


Seeing my GP today.  Maybe an ENT specialist will be next.  Of course, it is not rocket science to conclude that such an infection will impair one's strength and result in fatigue, too.


 


PS - On the positive side, I have an almost 100% record of staying off PPI Omeprazole for last 4 months now.


 


Best wishes, peng.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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GP has prescribed third set of antibiotics for sinusitis.  Clarithromycin 500mg.  No ENT specialist yet.

 

A lot of sinusitis about here just now, it seems.  The 2 acquaintences I met in the High St, said their other halves had the thing.

We have had a mild winter.  A jolly old saying is "green winters mean full graveyards."   Oh bringer of great joy.  No antibiotics then, you just boiled the last old hen, chewed a lemon and prayed like fury, yeah?

 

Last lot of antibiotics I had was strong enought to kill syphylis, apparently.  Found that amusing.

I seem to recall having this Clarithingy for dental abcess couple of years ago.  Hope it can kill sinus baddies, but not me.

 

Cold winds are set to go, glad to say.  A large anticyclone over us should give some spring sunshine and a dry week.

Should lift our spirits here.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Peng,

I am not disappointed at all. We all have to do what is best for us. I do hope that this sinus infection will go with this latest antibiotic. Are you planning to hold at your current dose of Effexor, as your signature says? If you do not get any relief soon, you can try a small updose to see if you get any relief. I hope holding will be enough.

 

I do hope you will check in with us, as your wisdom is sound, esp with our younger, more wild members wo do not realize how precious our bodies are- we only get one!

 

Sounds as if it will be nice enough to take walks outside, if you like to do that. I hope you find some exercise you can do that does make you happy.

 

Have you had your folic acid retested? Isn't that what got you taking it in the first place? Let me know if I am wrong. Just wondering if you verified that it was now normal is all.

 

Hope to see you around!!

Skeeter

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

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

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Yes, skeeter, folic blood test came up OK.  Off tablets of it prior to that as instructed.  Could be that I am getting enough folic from the bullet fruit/veg juice my wife makes each day, after being off PPI for many weeks now.  I do not like many green things but juiced with pear, etc. I can drink plenty spinach now.

 

I have been down to 137.5mg effexor from 150mg for a couple of days now. Had to hold for several months.

Feeling good - been outside doing a few bits in the garden. Up to 63F/17C and sun all of today & yesterday!

 

Best wishes to you!

peng

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I am waking at 4 or 5 in the morning just now despite having thick bedroom curtains.  Anxiety sets in, but, clearly, I am not in as serious a way as it can be.

 

Based on my 40 years of ups and downs with these medications, I will be taking this as a signal that I am heading for slightly worsening depression if the symptoms persist.

Probably will steady at the 137.5mg Venlafaxine for as long as it takes.  This is the lowest dose of that stuff I have been on for 11 years, I note.

Dropped from 150mg two weeks ago.

 

Sinusitis seems to have gone - after 3 lots of progressively stronger antibiotics! - I hate that I had to take them, but I had this flu/cold bug/sinusitis for 3 months.  Immune system must be shot, but the virus has been particularly infamous here. 

 

Been able to do some work and pastimes - outdoors and in - and have to be thankful for feeling stronger.

 

Seeing GP in a couple of days.  Follow up to blood tests for extreme fatigue symptoms I have had a lot.

 

I believe cholesterol is a bit high.  Strange, I have a very healthy diet I am told - have always hated animal fat.

 

I am 5'6" and weigh 139lbs.  Anyone able to comment on that?

15 years of Venlafaxine would make a good suspect.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hope you continue to do well after the recent decrease and that your symptoms wane.

 

You are lucky to live in the UK. There was a large historical study on NHS data that found the only people who benefited from statin (a cholesterol-lowering medication) were men who had previously experienced cardiac arrest.  There is another study (not UK) looking at cholesterol levels in people over 70 or 75 that found a positive correlation between higher cholesterol and longer life -- that's right, slightly higher cholesterol ~ longer life. The theory that consuming animal fat increases serum cholesterol is under significant challenge, and oddly enough medical professionals were resistant to that idea when it was proposed in the 1960s. Some researches have and are investigating refined carbohydrates (products with flour and sugar) as likely suspects.

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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Hey, thanks for that, s'wag!  Saves one time, when others have looked into things.

 

Yes I was told statins have side effects and refused them the last time.  Heck, side effects!  Enough from venlafakscream to keep me almost permanently uncomfortable, thanks.

Born 1945. 

1999 - First Effexor/Venlafaxine

2016 Withdrawal research. Effexor.  13Jul - 212.5mg;  6Aug - 200.0mg;  24Aug - 187.5mg;  13Sep - 175.0mg;  3Oct - 162.5mg;  26Oct - 150mg 

2017  9Jan - 150.00mg;  23Mar - 137.50mg;  24Apr - 125.00mg;  31May - 112.50mg holding;  3Sep - 100.00mg;  20Sep - 93.75mg;  20Oct - 87.5mg;  12Nov - 81.25mg;  13 Dec - 75.00mg

2018  18Jan - 69.1mg; 16Feb - 62.5mg; 16March - 57.5mg (-8%); 22Apr - 56.3mg(-2%); CRASHED - Updose 29May - 62.5mg; Updose - 1Jul - 75.0mg. Updose - 2Aug - 87.5mg. Updose - 27Aug - 100.0mg. Updose - 11Oct 112.5mg. Updose - 6Nov 125.00mg

2019 Updoses 19 Jan - 150.0mg. 1April - 162.5mg. 24 April - Feeling better - doing tasks, getting outside.  7 May - usual depression questionnaire gives "probably no depression" result.

Supps/Vits  Omega 3;  Chelated Magnesium;  Prebiotics/Probiotics, Vit D3. 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Peng,

Hopefully the warmer temperatures and time outside will help counter any anxiety or depression. Waking up a daylight could those be cortisol surges, happen near dawn? You poor dear, you are very thin. You could easily be a super model! I suppose there is a calling for male models there! Make sure to enjoy those better temps, and get a little sun, too, but not too much! Remember the sunscreen. Hopefully the effects from the drop will not be too bad. I am sure you know the pattern well. I hope your mood lifted for a while before you dove right into tapering again, I do not wish you to feel unwell.

 

Behave yourself!

Skeeter

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

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

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