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When to jump to zero mg effexor? (and being patient!)
I have been weaning off effexor er for a year, and am down to 8.1mg (weighing beads). At what point is it safe/recommended to jump to zero? I have seen different recommendations by different experts (Sorenson, Horowitz).
Also, I'm having such a tough time with the amount of time this is taking. How can I wrap my brain around it and be more patient? I feel like I'm just missing my life.
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@looplu79
Since I tapered by 50 mg increments, I just broke the tablets.
Your way is fine but you need to know how many mg./ml. your prescription has. You do need an accurate dropper. Ask your pharmacist for help. Best.
@meingan
Prozac (florazepam) is supposed to be good for anxiety.
Drs. are all up in the air about the addictiveness of the benzodiazepines—a class of drugs that clonazepam belongs to. Frankly, I don’t think it’s a big deal because the withdrawal is fairly mild and lasts about 5-7 days. Tapering the dose makes it easier.
An increase in your clonazepam might help your anxiety more than adding Prozac or another antidepressant. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is the one benzo, tho’, that you shouldn’t stop abruptly b/c it can (rarely) lead to seizures. You can stop other benzos cold turkey w/o that risk, but you will be uncomfortable for 5-7 days.
Effexor can be sedating for some.
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1 Reaction@looplu79 I have purchased a scale that jewelers use. Since I take the extended release effexor, it's in a capsule with hundreds of tiny beads inside. I open the capsule and weigh the beads (It's more complicated than that). The liquid can only be made from the immediate release, and I really don't want to switch from one form to another and rock the boat. This is hard enough already.
@meingan Though I have successfully lowered my dose from 150 mg to 37.5, I have done so because of it's sexual side effect. My sexual organs were numb, which is common with this medication. I have been slowly switching to Mirtazapine because it has a reputation of no sexual side effects and I am fortunately finding this to be true. I think the main reason people don't want to stay on Effexor is because they would like to enjoy sex again. Plus I have found taking CBD oil has made it quite easy for me to switch medications with very little discomfort.
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1 Reaction@david707
How do you take the CBD oil? Dosage per day? What kind of CBD oil?
@tisme
If your hormones are causing the hot flashes, and if you feel the anxiety is worse, it is known that the loss of estrogen during menopause (and our lifetime) contributes to anxiety and depression. Something to consider.
@meingan I take the drops...brand name Neurogan..50 mg. ...sometimes 75mg. The Marijuana plant has a # of beneficial elements. I used to get high on it when young but my brain often creates anxiety when THC is introduced. CBD is the part of the plant that helps you relax. After taking it for a few days you will notice the difference. If you take too much of it, you will notice you don't give a shit about anything....a sort of apathy. This is why the plant has a reputation of causing users to become couch potatoes. I then noticed I kept putting off things that required stimulation and interest/discipline. Another part of the plant is called CBG, which counters this too-relaxed feeling with a bit of energy and Neurogan combines these two elements. Other brands also offer this combination. I use the small bottle of 2000mg worth. If it works for you you can get the larger bottle and save money. It is a lab-based reputable company. You can also try CBD/CBN combination which will help you sleep. I haven't needed either one lately but my partner uses it to help him sleep. Worth a try!
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1 Reaction@david707
Are you taking SNRIs for depression? If it’s for anxiety why not just use CBD?
@meingan I am seeing my nurse practitioner today to discuss how I am doing. Our goal is to drop the low dose Effexor now and see how I feel on just the low dose Mirtazapine. I assume I will reintroduce the CBD/CBG if I want it. And we will go from there. My PTSD was quite severe for decades but learning to meditate these past years and learning to live in the "present moment" instead of my head, is helping me enjoy life more and be and anxious thoughts are few.
@david707
I’m happy to hear things are looking up for you. Thank you for your generous time to communicate with me. I see in your bio, you believe there is spiritual side. I grew up as a Christian and lost my way for most of my adult life, and am finding my way back to Christ because I believe true healing is spiritual.