Hello, @patjen - I wanted to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. A few things you mentioned made me think of the following to recommend:
-You may want to check out and consider posting in our Healthy Living group, as you are working on diet, exercise and the like https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/healthy-living/
- You might want to take a look at and perhaps join in a discussion in the Connect Heart & Blood Health group, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-blood-vessel-conditions/
Are the clear aligners (Invisalign) working okay with the chronic teeth grinding from the medication, then? I have taken bupropion (Wellbutrin) and learned about the possible teeth grinding side effect for the first time last winter when my dentist noted some hairline cracks in a couple of teeth and put together what might be happening. I am using a mouthguard from the dentist, and though it took awhile to get used to, it has helped very much. I no longer want to sleep without it.
You mentioned with your withdrawal, you sometimes deal with suicidal ideation. Do you have a doctor's office, suicide hotline or somewhere to turn to if that ever gets too bad?
@lisalucier Thank you so much for your response and welcome:-)
Thank you for your recommendations...I will check them out...I think the invisalign does help somewhat ( I only have one for the top)...but I have discussed occlusal splints with my dentist and will pursue this. So glad your splint has helped. Do you have Amalgam fillings ? as those may have contributed to your cracks as well. I have a lot of cracks as well...but also have multiple Amalgam fillings in my molars which my dentist feels is the main issue.
I never have the suicidal ideation when I am on the Effexor...even with a reduced dose...but without it...and external triggers, I do...I don't think I would ever act on it...but I do think about it...about how peaceful it would be to just be asleep for good...and I listen to a lot of Elliot Smith when I am feeling down...I love his music but it doesn't help...and he had a very sad demise...atm I am feeling OK thanks Lisa..I do have a very supportive partner so that helps...
Also, libido (or the lack of it) is another issue with SSRI's and SNRI's...my libido went out the window with this drug many yrs ago...I initially thought it was menopause...actually tried topical HRT and Testosterone cream without effect...it was only later that I read about the link with these drugs and how many suffer from this issue....as I said...thank God I have such an understanding partner...but this issue must put a strain on many relationships...particularly if the physical side was good before the commencement of the drug.