Jump to content
SurvivingAntidepressants.org is temporarily closed to new registrations until 1 April ×

RachelE: After 25 Years


RachelE

Recommended Posts

The way a lot of folks in the pro-psychiatry group talk you would think that coming off their drugs always happens like this.

 

"Consumer" wakes up on a bright sunny morning. After stretching and yawning she says, "Gee, I feel so great today I think I'll just stop taking my 'meds.'"

 

After 2 weeks this individual spends over $1,000,000 on trinkets, has numerous affairs, steals cars in order to have accidents, and tries to kill herself. Tut, tut.

 

That is not how it happened for me. It took me well over five years to screw up the courage to come off these drugs. I had always been frightened by the dire warnings about "terrible things that would happen" if I went off the brain drugs. I read over a dozen books and hundreds of blog posts on the subject. This would baffle so-called experts because they think we're all alike and only have one paradigm for withdrawal.

 

Thanks to a lot of online resources like MIA and BeyondMeds I learned what not to do in coming off psych drugs.

 

Despite my bogus Bipolar label I have already succeeded on going off Lamictal (cold-turkeyed 2 days after leaving hospital) and Abilify. The Abilify took 3 months to taper off of after 7 years. I have reason to believe it was causing frequent, painful fistulas. Glad I'm off! I have no mania either; according to the shrinks I should. Ha! In your face psychiatry!

 

Now for the "Biggy." Effexor. Ugh. Already overwhelmed by crazy-making withdrawal symptoms. Will describe the worst one in my next post Using a micro-taper over a period of fifteen months or more.

 

Slow and steady wins the race.~Aesop

Edited by scallywag
tags added

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment

Welcome Rachel.

So glad you are adding your voice to the community.

Are you able to do a drug sig.

What dose of effexor are you currently on.

Are you saying you have been on these drugs for 25 years.

Are these drug tapers (abilify)and non tapers (lamictal) you speak of recent? I'm worried cos wdl can be delayed.

 

Please expediate a drug signature, so mods can give you advice.

 

nz11

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi, Rachel. Welcome to SA from me, too.

 

Like you, I was labeled bipolar and took many toxic drugs for 30 years, but I managed to get off everything and have been drug free for almost 16 months. Once off the antidepressants and stimulants, no more mania. So if you were diagnosed with the manic phase after being exposed to these types of drugs, odds are it's a misdiagnosis. 

 

I'm glad you're already familiar with Mad in America, as Robert Whitaker's book "Anatomy of an Epidemic" is what opened my eyes and ultimately, saved my life. I believe he wrote that 85% of people who are labeled bipolar are misdiagnosed. 

 

Here are some links to get you started on your Effexor taper:

 

 

Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

 

And these links go into detail about what to expect during withdrawal:

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

 

As nz11 mentioned, withdrawal can be delayed.  I am concerned that you came off Abilify and Lamactal too quickly.  Because of a possible delay in symptoms, you are now on a drug (Effexor) that may be considered an "accelerator" drug, and are completely off the "brakes". If you do have a delay with rebound mania or psychosis, this could be problematic. This thread on Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first? goes into detail about this concept of "brakes" and "accelerators". 

 

It may be possible to reinstate the Abilify or Lamactal, but at a much lower dose, but we need to get more information first. 

 

Please list a time line (including the dose and your taper rate) of when you came off your meds so we can give you an accurate assessment. Place a brief history in your signature: 

 

 Please put your withdrawal history in signature

 

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

 

 

Link to comment

Thank you Shep and nr11! I have put down my recent drug history in my signature as you can see. I suppose I should be worried about mania, but the only time I was ever truly manic/psychotic was 23 years ago on anafranil. The shrink refused to admit it could be making me sick and cheerfully told my mother over the phone I had classic schizophrenia without even giving me a reevaluation. Later that was changed to Bipolar 2. I suspect the reason bipolar is a popular diagnosis is that way shrinks can prescribe anti-depressants and mood stabilizers as well as anti-psychotics.

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment

Well done on doing a drug sig.

It would be a good idea to spend time reading that effexor link shep gave you.

How many yrs had you taken effexor and abilify for ?

Another reason that bp2 is a popular diagnosis is that wdl symptoms off these drugs tick every box for bp disorders and clueless doctors ignorant of wdl symptoms see bp2 and yet other doctors just use it as a default diagnosis for i have no idea whats wrong with this person.

Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen

We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. 

URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting  for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing.

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651   

Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos.

Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you

Recovering paxil addict

None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. 

This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! 

  "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped."  Dr Mosher. Me too! 

Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015

I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015

Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thank you Shep and nr11! I have put down my recent drug history in my signature as you can see. I suppose I should be worried about mania, but the only time I was ever truly manic/psychotic was 23 years ago on anafranil. The shrink refused to admit it could be making me sick and cheerfully told my mother over the phone I had classic schizophrenia without even giving me a reevaluation. Later that was changed to Bipolar 2. I suspect the reason bipolar is a popular diagnosis is that way shrinks can prescribe anti-depressants and mood stabilizers as well as anti-psychotics.

 

Hi, Rachel.

 

Thanks for filling out your signature. You state in your signature "Trying to get off this nasty drug is what got me hospitalized recently". 

 

What symptoms did you have that got you hospitalized? Did you stop sleeping? 

 

Please give a list of your symptoms for your hospitalization, as well as how you're feeling now. I'm going to ask the other mods who have Effexor experience to weigh in, as coming off an entire cocktail of drugs after 25 years can get complicated. 

 

Here are a couple of threads for resources that can help you keep track of symptoms:

 

Rate symptoms daily to track patterns and progress

 

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Rachel, welcome!

 

It sounds like you're good on the philosophy here - the drugs cause the problems!  That's half the battle, sometimes.

 

I suppose I should be worried about mania, but the only time I was ever truly manic/psychotic was 23 years ago on anafranil.

 

Exactly.  Chemical mania = mania = the docs can't tell the difference (but we have a few tools).  The goal is to prevent these things.

 

Effexor is a bear.  I like your microtaper idea, but you should wait a month to see if the abilify / lamictal withdrawals are going to take you for a ride.

 

Also, even microtapers, need a hold - at least once a month - for 2 weeks or more - to stabilize before continuing the relentless descent.

 

You say:

This would baffle so-called experts because they think we're all alike and only have one paradigm for withdrawal.

 

Thanks to a lot of online resources like MIA and BeyondMeds I learned what not to do in coming off psych drugs.

Well, actually, Alto (who has trained the rest of us) is a foremost peer specialist - an expert.  And what she has developed here, in SA, are the safest, most successful methods of coming off the drugs.  The links Shep gave you point to some of that expertise.

 

You've been on them for 30 years, you've heard the horror stories - and you - 

"Consumer" wakes up on a bright sunny morning. After stretching and yawning she says, "Gee, I feel so great today I think I'll just stop taking my 'meds.'"

 - are not behaving much differently from this.  You've effectively CT one drug, and fast-tapered another.  I know that 3 months sounds like a reasonable taper, but in our experience, Abilify can be a tricky one.  Like you said - you only ever experienced psychosis on the anafranil, well, Abilify has rebound psychosis as a withdrawal concern.  I'm not saying this to scare you - I'm saying it because I want you to succeed, to kick the medical model out to Mars and prove to your docs that the drugs are the problem!

 

You are saying slow and steady but I'm not sure you are going as slow and steady as we recommend.

 

Like Shep (who posted excellent links for you to read), your statement of:

You state in your signature "Trying to get off this nasty drug is what got me hospitalized recently". 

 

There are people here suffering from Abilify withdrawal months out from their last dose.  And I'm assuming - since Abilify is a newer drug - that you were on others of this "antipsychotic" class - before Abilify?

 

Please put dates in your signature of when you started your Effexor, and what date you reached 125 mg.  What symptoms of withdrawal are you having now?

 

When we have more information, we may be able to make more specific suggestions.  Please consider a long hold until your symptoms subside.  One of our rules here is this:  if you are having symptoms, you are tapering too fast.  If you push through that, you can make things worse.  Please, consider a long hold while you learn more, and we learn more about you.

 

Welcome to SA!

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

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

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

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment

Oddly enough nearly all my withdrawal symptoms are physical. I was pretty unhappy this spring--how much was due to my physical symptoms I can't say. I was going through intense physical suffering--a lot like autoimmune disease mixed with FM. I needed 12 hours of rest per day and couldn't do much of anything. Even reading and light housework were taxing. 

 

There came a point where suicide suddenly seemed like the only rational decision. Very calmly I made my plans. I knew that even if I came off all the drugs there would still be the stigma  (only worse than ever.) I had never felt more alone. [Moderator edit: removed graphic reference to suicide].

 

Before I started on the note my phone rang. Somehow a good friend woke up feeling I was going to commit suicide. She called and told me about it. I was frightened by what I had almost done, so I went to the psych ward.

 

Right now I'm laid up with strep throat. It's almost impossible to tell my withdrawal symptoms from my actual illness--strep. I don't feel manic. I didn't last time. I do want to avoid committing self-destruction though.

Edited by Shep
Removed graphic suicide comment.

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Rachel,

 

I removed the sentence you wrote in your last post that was a graphic reference to suicide. Please note we have a lot of sensitive members on this forum, and we try to be mindful of this sensitivity. 

 

I'm sorry you're dealing with strep throat on top of withdrawal. Are you taking any medications for this? 

 

 

Link to comment

Terribly sorry Shep! I will be sure to be more mindful of this in future posts.

 

Right now my throat hurts making it hard to swallow. I have been on omoxicillin or however it's spelled for the usual 10 days. Now, on day 12 I feel as awful as ever. May need some pain reliever to sleep tonight. To be honest, the stubborn infection has me worried. Between it and the dry skin, psoriosis, dry mouth, exhaustion, etc. of my withdrawal symptoms I'm driven to distraction.

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Thank you, Rachel. Being mindful is the best way to get through withdrawal.  ;)

 

I would definitely hold tapering and give your system time to settle down. You've been through an awful lot. I came off a cocktail of 6 drugs and I did it way too fast because I didn't know any better at the time. Healing is still possible, but those of us with this kind of withdrawal have to be especially careful going forward. We fell down harder than those who did slow, steady tapers. We'll still heal, but it's best to be more careful going forward. 

 

This thread may help you understand what you're dealing with. I know it helped me a lot. 

 

Limbic Kindling -- Hardwiring the brain for hypersensitivity

 

Your nervous system has been rattled to the core. And each drug addition, subtraction, or change in dose causes stress to your increasingly frazzled CNS. 

 

Combine that knowledge with this thread on how these drugs change the brain: 

 

Brain Remodelling (Rhi's Description of Brain Healing)

 

Give your mind / body some time to heal. And in the meantime, I would stop tapering the Effexor, heal from the strep, and then reassess where you're at. And then we can help you come up with a game plan.

 

Sending healing vibes your way. I hope you feel better soon. 

 

 

Link to comment

Sounds like a good idea. I have been reading a little about how drug withdrawal can cause a compromised immune system. That may be what's happening. I will wait at least a month to taper further.

 

I will also watch myself for signs of psychosis or "mania." I am usually good at detecting those things in my psyche. I often have good insight into my own mind, though most psychiatrists would disagree. That's okay. I think they lack insight into themselves as well as others. If I see myself hallucinating or feeling continually euphoric for no reason I will reinstate my abilify at 5 mg.

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

I think we have much more insight than psychiatrists give us credit for, so it's good you're on the lookout for the first signs of a manic episode. You know your mind and body better than anyone. 

 

Please post updates and we can help you with any reinstatement you may consider. Here is a thread to help you do some research first:

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms 

 

One of the main take-aways from that thread is that once your CNS is destabilized, you may do much better on a very small amount of the drug. 

 

So please post and inquire first and get some feedback. We really want you to succeed at this. 

 

Another section of the forum you may enjoy is the non-drug coping sections. I'm finding the threads on mindfulness to be especially helpful:

 

Non-drug Techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

So there are plenty of threads to explore while you're letting your CNS settle down.

 

 

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Rachel - 

 

I'm glad you made it through the night.  You might consider these:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8632-flu-like-wd-vs-a-flu-like-virus-how-to-tell/

 

and

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6722-auto-immune-diseases-triggered-by-ssri-withdrawal/

 

On that last one - there seems to be some people who were thrown into autoimmune disorders (like Hashimoto's) by the drugs and withdrawal, and others where their symptoms really really looked like autoimmune stuff (like yours) but were withdrawal.

 

You wrote:

Oddly enough nearly all my withdrawal symptoms are physical. I was pretty unhappy this spring--how much was due to my physical symptoms I can't say. I was going through intense physical suffering--a lot like autoimmune disease mixed with FM. I needed 12 hours of rest per day and couldn't do much of anything. Even reading and light housework were taxing. 

 

You might also consider:  Magnesium and Omega-3 fish oil to help your system heal from Abilify & lamictal, and to prepare yourself for the long slow taper of Effexor.

 

I hope you see the sun today!

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

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

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

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Hi, Rachel. Welcome to SA from me, too.

 

Like you, I was labeled bipolar and took many toxic drugs for 30 years, but I managed to get off everything and have been drug free for almost 16 months. Once off the antidepressants and stimulants, no more mania. So if you were diagnosed with the manic phase after being exposed to these types of drugs, odds are it's a misdiagnosis. 

 

I'm glad you're already familiar with Mad in America, as Robert Whitaker's book "Anatomy of an Epidemic" is what opened my eyes and ultimately, saved my life. I believe he wrote that 85% of people who are labeled bipolar are misdiagnosed. 

 

Here are some links to get you started on your Effexor taper:

 

 

Tips for tapering off Effexor (venlafaxine)

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

 

And these links go into detail about what to expect during withdrawal:

 

What is withdrawal syndrome?

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

 

 

As nz11 mentioned, withdrawal can be delayed.  I am concerned that you came off Abilify and Lamactal too quickly.  Because of a possible delay in symptoms, you are now on a drug (Effexor) that may be considered an "accelerator" drug, and are completely off the "brakes". If you do have a delay with rebound mania or psychosis, this could be problematic. This thread on Taking multiple psych drugs? Which drug to taper first? goes into detail about this concept of "brakes" and "accelerators". 

 

It may be possible to reinstate the Abilify or Lamactal, but at a much lower dose, but we need to get more information first. 

 

Please list a time line (including the dose and your taper rate) of when you came off your meds so we can give you an accurate assessment. Place a brief history in your signature: 

 

 Please put your withdrawal history in signature

 

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

 

Hi, I noticed that you had taken lots of meds for even longer than I did. Can you tell me about how much sleep you are able to get now per night and how long it takes you to fall asleep initially? At what point did your total sleep time improve after getting off the meds? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. 

  • 1992-Feb. 2016- Took almost every antidepressant on the market. Cold turkeyed most of the medications I took.

Stopped taking Paxil February 8 2016. I tapered the dose from 50 mg to 0 over the course of about 10 weeks

On no medications as of Feb. 8, 2016

As of 10/23/16-Still unable to sleep more than 4 to 5 hours a night, sometimes less

Link to comment

Surprisingly little depression. Some anhedonia. Mostly physical symptoms--like having the flu all the time. Lucky I already get disability.

 

Worried. Since it will take at least another year to come off my effexor and another year--or more--to recover, how will I tolerate this sickness? How will my family keep from worrying?

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment

Hi, I noticed that you had taken lots of meds for even longer than I did. Can you tell me about how much sleep you are able to get now per night and how long it takes you to fall asleep initially? At what point did your total sleep time improve after getting off the meds? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Seems like I'm always tired. Sometimes I sleep; other times I lie in an exhausted trance or toss restlessly. I average 6 hours a night (usually) even when I'm too tired to get up before 8. For me, rising at 5 or 6 is normal. Or used to be. I always need to lie down for an hour between lunch and dinner. Often I'll sleep then too. So I spend 9-10 hours in bed out of 24, but less than 7 sleeping. I'm weaning myself off caffeine. By next week I should be drinking herbal tea in place of coffee.

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment

Sorry you are dealing with this too. Was there a point in time after getting off meds that you started being able to sleep 6 hours a night? I can only sleep 4 or 5 hours a night even though, like you, I spend 9 hours in bed.

  • 1992-Feb. 2016- Took almost every antidepressant on the market. Cold turkeyed most of the medications I took.

Stopped taking Paxil February 8 2016. I tapered the dose from 50 mg to 0 over the course of about 10 weeks

On no medications as of Feb. 8, 2016

As of 10/23/16-Still unable to sleep more than 4 to 5 hours a night, sometimes less

Link to comment

Hey NoMoreADs, wish I could be more helpful. I sleep 6 hours a night on good nights. I am still taking 80% of my original effexor dose, so it's quite possible that before I finish the taper I will be sleeping 4 hours a night or less. For a few nights I did have bad insomnia due to a mild steroid I was put on to lower swelling in my throat due to the strep infection. :( I decided to make the best of those sleepless hours and get some writing done. I'm working on a novel, but won't give the title because this isn't a good place to promote that kind of thing. May not finish it--but I wrote over 1000 words instead of tossing and turning.

 

Some people say if you have insomnia it may be best to do something constructive--mop the floor, read a book, write something, arrange your weekly meal plan, knit, take a shower (not too hot.) As long as it's not too noisy or stimulating and doesn't involve lighted screens. I prefer not to vacuum, do heavy lifting or watch TV  or go online. Even many Kindle readers can be bad that way, unless you pay extra for a special kind. Oh, yes, if your mate is awake and in the mood you should take advantage of that situation too--though I'm celibate myself. :)

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment

Hi Rachel,

 

Welcome to SA.  I'm amazed by your story.  It's very unique; it vastly differs from my own adventures in rapid tapering.  My first rapid Abilify taper landed me in a nasty psych ward; It wasn't until I found Mad in America, Beyond Meds and subsequently SA that I regained the courage to taper again, but in a more measured manner. My first official 10% drop  happened about a week ago and it's the least bothersome I have ever made in my life. The assistance and guides here will definitely help you.

 

Wishing you much success in your tapering journey.

2006-2009 Zyprexa and Wellbutrin (dc Wellbutrin cold turkey, dc Zyprexa cold turkey with disastrous results) 2009-2010 Transitioned from Zyprexa to Abilify 2010-2015 Reduced from 20 mg of Abilify to 8mg. Cold turkeyed once during this period but finally learned my lesson.  12/2015 -  8mg of Abilify.  04/15/ 2016 -  7mg of Abilify. 09/15/2016 - 6.3mg of Abilify.  11/2016 - 5.7 mg of Abilify.  11/30/2016 - 5.1mg of Abilify. 01/2017 - 4.6mg of Abilify,  02/2017 - 4.1 of Abilify, 03/2017 - 3.8 of Abilify, 04/2017 - 3.4 of Abilify, 05/2017 - 3.0mg of Abilify, 07/2017 2.7mg of Abilify, 8/2017 2.5mg to 2.3 of Abilify , 9/2017 2mg to 1.8mg of Abilify, 10/2017 400mg of Abilify Maintena, unknown amounts of paroxine (sp), geodon and unknown benzo (forced), 11/2017 Abilify 6.0mg , 12/2017 Abilify 5.5 , 1/2018 Abilify 5.0mg, 3/2018 Abilify 4.5mg, 10/2018-1/2020 Abilify 15-20mg, other inpatient drugs, in and out of the hospital at this time, given tons of nonsense that I don't remember,  1/13/2021 - 3/31/2022, Abilify Maintena ?, Haldol Deca (injectable)250mg, Cogentin 5mg, Tergetol ? (inpatient), 4/2022 - 2/22/2023 Haldol Deca 200mg,  March 25th, 2023  Done! Last injection in February!!!! I am finally free after more than 16 years of psychiatry!  Let's Goooooooooooo! 

 

It's always darkest before dawn.

Link to comment

Hi Rachel,

 

Welcome to SA.  I'm amazed by your story.  It's very unique; it vastly differs from my own adventures in rapid tapering.  My first rapid Abilify taper landed me in a nasty psych ward; It wasn't until I found Mad in America, Beyond Meds and subsequently SA that I regained the courage to taper again, but in a more measured manner. My first official 10% drop  happened about a week ago and it's the least bothersome I have ever made in my life. The assistance and guides here will definitely help you.

 

Wishing you much success in your tapering journey.

Hi PluckyPony. Love your moniker!

I think everyone's story is unique, because all people are. It's the belief that we should all fit some Procrustean bed called "Normal" or "Sane" that got so many of us into this mess.

We get these mixed messages when we're young. "Be yourself." On the other hand, I have had my loved ones complain about how weird I am. Then, after my diagnosis, for a long time, no one seemed to care what I said or how I felt. It was "Shut up and take your Prozac." I have gotten better, but I believe it was through changing my thoughts and beliefs. I firmly believe I would have improved in 2 years instead of 20, if I hadn't been drugged all the time.

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment

 

Hi Rachel,

 

Welcome to SA.  I'm amazed by your story.  It's very unique; it vastly differs from my own adventures in rapid tapering.  My first rapid Abilify taper landed me in a nasty psych ward; It wasn't until I found Mad in America, Beyond Meds and subsequently SA that I regained the courage to taper again, but in a more measured manner. My first official 10% drop  happened about a week ago and it's the least bothersome I have ever made in my life. The assistance and guides here will definitely help you.

 

Wishing you much success in your tapering journey.

Hi PluckyPony. Love your moniker!

I think everyone's story is unique, because all people are. It's the belief that we should all fit some Procrustean bed called "Normal" or "Sane" that got so many of us into this mess.

We get these mixed messages when we're young. "Be yourself." On the other hand, I have had my loved ones complain about how weird I am. Then, after my diagnosis, for a long time, no one seemed to care what I said or how I felt. It was "Shut up and take your Prozac." I have gotten better, but I believe it was through changing my thoughts and beliefs. I firmly believe I would have improved in 2 years instead of 20, if I hadn't been drugged all the time.

 

 

 

Thanks, Rachel! Your comment moved me on so many levels. There's an old Japanese saying that proclaims the nail that sticks out will be pounded down. Grieve, but don't grieve for too long.  Care, but don't care too much.  Question, but don't question too hard.  Anyone outside of that norm, particularly those in crisis, get pills shoved in their faces.

 

Embracing difference within ourselves and others will be key to pushing against the psych drug tide consuming so many lives. Genuinely addressing social structures that push so many towards the emotional/mental precipice would promote more healing than the drugs ever could. The amount of money spent on my psych drugs could provide 3 students with a stellar 4-year education, feed a family of 4 for at least 5 years, permanently house 6 people in the southern part of the US, among other things. Imagine what all those lost resources, both human and material, could do.

 

I believe that true healing and justice will prevail, even if it's not in my lifetime.  Our collective stories and actions will make a difference.

2006-2009 Zyprexa and Wellbutrin (dc Wellbutrin cold turkey, dc Zyprexa cold turkey with disastrous results) 2009-2010 Transitioned from Zyprexa to Abilify 2010-2015 Reduced from 20 mg of Abilify to 8mg. Cold turkeyed once during this period but finally learned my lesson.  12/2015 -  8mg of Abilify.  04/15/ 2016 -  7mg of Abilify. 09/15/2016 - 6.3mg of Abilify.  11/2016 - 5.7 mg of Abilify.  11/30/2016 - 5.1mg of Abilify. 01/2017 - 4.6mg of Abilify,  02/2017 - 4.1 of Abilify, 03/2017 - 3.8 of Abilify, 04/2017 - 3.4 of Abilify, 05/2017 - 3.0mg of Abilify, 07/2017 2.7mg of Abilify, 8/2017 2.5mg to 2.3 of Abilify , 9/2017 2mg to 1.8mg of Abilify, 10/2017 400mg of Abilify Maintena, unknown amounts of paroxine (sp), geodon and unknown benzo (forced), 11/2017 Abilify 6.0mg , 12/2017 Abilify 5.5 , 1/2018 Abilify 5.0mg, 3/2018 Abilify 4.5mg, 10/2018-1/2020 Abilify 15-20mg, other inpatient drugs, in and out of the hospital at this time, given tons of nonsense that I don't remember,  1/13/2021 - 3/31/2022, Abilify Maintena ?, Haldol Deca (injectable)250mg, Cogentin 5mg, Tergetol ? (inpatient), 4/2022 - 2/22/2023 Haldol Deca 200mg,  March 25th, 2023  Done! Last injection in February!!!! I am finally free after more than 16 years of psychiatry!  Let's Goooooooooooo! 

 

It's always darkest before dawn.

Link to comment

Going through some emotional issues. Withdrawal symptoms make them 10 x worse. Almost constant feelings of grief and anger over having spent 25 years in a drugged stupor.  None of my family understand--they don't even know about my tapering. Since they choose to remain ignorant and get all their psychiatric education through abilify commercials, why should I disturb their bliss? Tried to share some of what I learned with a couple friends and they laughed their heads off. THEY never read Robert Whittaker, or anything except frothy romance novels, recipes, and cereal boxes.No longer trust those friends much. :angry:

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Oh, Rachel. I'm sorry to hear that you don't have many friendly ears to listen to your withdrawal tales of success and of woe.  (((((hugs)))))

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

Oh, Rachel. I'm sorry to hear that you don't have many friendly ears to listen to your withdrawal tales of success and of woe.  (((((hugs)))))

Thanks Scallywag. I do have maybe half a dozen friends who believe me. Unfortunately they are long distance.

 

And there is this network.

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

This is a lonely journey, Rachel. But know that you are listened to here, by people who post and by people who are guests who read and learn from what we write. 

 

I have narrowed my friends down to two that actually understand this and even though they've never been on psych drugs, they are deeply suspicious of the pharmaceutical companies.

 

I've also noticed that a large part of the loneliness is withdrawal, and when I'm in a partial window, I don't feel that way. There's a growing sense of "peace" that comes with recovery. So it will get better. A lot better. 

 

Sending healing vibes your way. 

 

 

Link to comment

** This is Rachel777 **

 

Thank you. My major problem is recurring chronic throat infections and coughing. Since I started tapering my effexor I can't seem to swallow properly and my saliva is too thick. Please give me some advice somebody! I keep getting strep and cough uncontrollably. My lymph nodes and sometime my uvula are swollen badly. I know I probably shouldn't be taking ibuprofen and mucinex while I am withdrawing, but the pain and coughing are unbearable! The itching was bad enough. I don't know why I am having this problem, or how to solve it without lots of pills I would rather avoid. Had to be on antibiotics for 20 days and I don't even think they helped. Hot liquids, inhalers, steam, nothing works. :(

Edited by ChessieCat

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment
  • Administrator

Rachel, I merged your two accounts. You are now RachelE.

 

You might have developed an allergy to something. You might try going on an exclusion diet for a couple of weeks to see if it's something you're eating. Could be dairy, certain kinds of vegetables, or something else.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment

Rachel, I merged your two accounts. You are now RachelE.

 

You might have developed an allergy to something. You might try going on an exclusion diet for a couple of weeks to see if it's something you're eating. Could be dairy, certain kinds of vegetables, or something else.

Thank you Altostrata. Heck of a time for this hacker nonsense to happen. Just moved to another part of my state--four hours drive. Naturally I feel sicker than ever because of the stress. Much as I need to rest, I have a bummer of a time sleeping. Adjusting to living with my parents on a temporary basis till I get my own place--but it seems to be going great as far as that's concerned. Both my sister and I have lived with my parents in the past and it's not as bad as it would be for other families for some reason.

I'm afraid to tell them about my coming off my drugs till it has been over for a year or so. I wish I could, but I'm afraid it would cause my loving Mom, who worries too much anyhow, unnecessary concern. She probably would attribute any of my ordinary idiosyncrasies to coming off my "meds." Right now I can't risk that--plus it might lead to being forcibly hospitalized and drugged. Right now I think it's better to let her think I have some weird physical disease--like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome perhaps. Lucky for me I am not psychotic or even unusually depressed considering how sick I feel!

I need to try limiting my foods. I will try the restrictive diet--better than endless bottle of pills and cough syrup. Should probably be drinking a lot more water too.

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment
  • Administrator

If you are dehydrated, that could definitely add to your symptoms.

 

Your account was in order, you just forgot your password.

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

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

All postings © copyrighted.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Rachel - 

 

Now that you are back and "following" your thread - how about that Signature line?  Please?

 

Please Put Your WIthdrawal History Into your Signature

 

Complete your Signature from Phone or Tablet

 

We're not sure what you are doing, or tapering, or not tapering, or holding, or what's going on.  It helps immensely to have this information if you ever write in with a crisis, we can just reference your sig and respond much more quickly.

 

I'm sorry about your allergy / cold / flu stuff.  If we had your tapering information we might know if it is a histamine response to withdrawal. 

 

What Alto said about dairy & certain veggies is true - I need to add in the possibility of grains (especially wheat), as well.

 

In withdrawal, many of us develop sensitivities that we never had before, and they may clear up over time (I'm starting to add bits of dairy & wheat back into my diet) - but if you could fix it by avoiding bread and/or dairy, wouldn't it be worth it?

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

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

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

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

Link to comment

Still holding at 120 mg effexor. Unfortunately the pills are awfully hard to unscrew and the beads come in various sizes. Hopefully I will be back on my generic time release variety soon. These extra strength pills (150 mg--same dose) are almost impossible to calculate properly. Generic time release beads are uniform in size and only 120 altogether in each capsule. I seemed to be doing OK in measuring out 2 extra beads every 5 days. At the end of 21 days I could hold for another 3 weeks to let my brain and other system parts adapt.

 

Hate to get another shrink, but I need to get the pills somehow! Anyhow I'm living near my parents for now, and they don't know I'm "non-compliant" so I will have to see another psych quack before too long.

 

I feel so rotten and at my age I seriously wonder if going off my pdrugs is even worth it! :(

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

You don't have to go to a psychiatrist to get a prescription for Effexor. Any doctor (for better or worse) can prescribe Effexor. If you have recent prescription bottles you could take that to a doctor and request a continuation.

How do you talk to your doctor about tapering and withdrawal
What to expect from your doctor about withdrawal symptoms

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

You don't have to go to a psychiatrist to get a prescription for Effexor. Any doctor (for better or worse) can prescribe Effexor. If you have recent prescription bottles you could take that to a doctor and request a continuation.

 

How do you talk to your doctor about tapering and withdrawal

What to expect from your doctor about withdrawal symptoms

Ugh! Worried I may have to check into a psych hospital or cold turkey the effexor. The soonest any doctor could work me in was November 2. I run out of my effexor fix in 14 days! Don't have any idea what I should do. I thought about getting effexor on the black market, but since I'm currently living with my parents they won't hear of such an underhanded thing.

I have been on so many medications since I was 20 and diagnosed as "mentally ill" that I have lost count.

Right now, however I have been taking:

Lamictal 25 mg: I went on it in March for only 13 days, then cold turkeyed off when I thought I was developing a rash because of it. Pretended to go back on it, but didn't. Not the best idea, but I had no way to reduce the dose. Anyhow I had no adverse withdrawal reactions, probably because I was on it for less than 2 weeks.

Abilify 20 mg:  I have been on this for several years. Actually at least half the time I have spent as a meds "consumer" I have been on this nasty pill. I finished tapering off it at the beginning of 2016. Was reinstated during the 4 days I spent in a psych ward in March. Tapered off it again in 10 weeks, from say March 15-June 30. Needless to say this is not exact, but I remember I was off it before July 4 (patriotic holiday in America!) I am doing fine, although I know I may have to wait till Christmas or later to know I am out of the danger zone for withdrawal psychosis. The main thing I notice about being off is that I no longer crave sweets all the time and am losing weight without trying. Good thing since I used to weigh 350 lbs.!

Effexor 150 mg: This is the real trouble-maker. Since I have no other way of tapering I do the best I can by bead counting. I unscrew the gel capsule and count out the tiny micro-capsules or beads inside. This works fairly well with the generic time release version. Only 120 beads to count of almost identical size. Lately I have been "holding" at 20 bead removal due to some major stress in my life. Moving hundreds of miles from my old home and a bout of strep throat that wouldn't respond to antibiotics.  I guess that means I'm on 120 mg of Effexor right now. On October 16 I am going to recommence my taper since I am safely moved and no longer have strep! 

I admit now that I did something stupid. I had trouble opening the extra strength gel capsules containing the beads so I reinstated at the original dose for a week. I know it's not good to play ping pong with my brain, but I could never open the capsules without spilling those microscopic balls all over so I was never sure what dosage I was taking! Thank the LORD that I finally have the old kind again and can safely count out the amount. I am now back on 135 mg and feel somewhat better.

October 30, 2016. I am down to 120 mg effexor. November 27, 2016. Down to 105 mg effexor. December 25, 2016. 90 mg effexor. January 15, 2017. 75 mg effexor. January 21. 82.5 mg effexor. January 23, 90 mg again. Feb. 14, 81.25 mg. Mar. 15, 72.5 mg. Mar. 27, 65 mg.  Apr. 9, 58.75 mg. Apr. 24, 52.5 mg.

Link to comment
  • Moderator Emeritus

Are you covered by insurance and are therefore limited to "in network" doctors?  Is there another doctor you could see? A walk-in clinic? Are nurse practitioners licensed in your area to prescribe?

 

If push comes to shove, you may be able to go to an emergency room and wait to see a doctor to get a prescription. Others in the same situation as you have got what they needed from an ER doc.

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

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use Privacy Policy