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EPD6893: Tapering Effexor Troubles

EDP6893
EDP6893
in Introductions & Ongoing Recoveries

Featured Replies

35 minutes ago, EDP6893 said:

4 good days in a row again.

Amazing!

08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

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    • EDP6893
      EDP6893

      So far it's better today.

    • EDP6893
      EDP6893

      I recently had 6 days in a row again that were good.

    • Fullhealing
      Fullhealing

      I'm so sorry to hear this @EDP6893 I know how heavy it feels when it hits but try to view these waves as a profound recalibration of your nervous system, the stronger the wave, the deeper the physiolo

    3 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    4 good days in a row again.

    So glad to hear it!

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I am new to this journey and my thoughts are based only on my personal experience with psychiatric drugs. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

    Current regimen:

    Cymbalta - 90 mg/day

    Seroquel - 12.5 mg/day

    *holding to stabilize as of Apr 2026

     

    History:

    Seroquel - up to 50 mg as needed for sleep (generally 6.25-12.5 mg a few times a week, though sometimes more) - 2009 (ish) to present

    Cymbalta - 60 mg/day, periodically down to 30 mg/day - May 2014 to May 2025

    Clonazepam - up to 1 mg/day as needed - March to May 2025, quick taper off

    Zoloft - 150 mg/day - May 2025 to Aug 2025 (quick cross-taper from Cymbalta)

    Pristiq - 50 mg/day from Aug 2025 to mid-Oct 2025 (quick cross-taper from Zoloft); 100 mg/day from Oct 2025 to Dec 2025; back down to 50 mg/day from Dec 2025 to Jan 2026

    Lyrica - 200 mg/day - Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 (quick taper off from mid-Jan to early Feb 2026 due to severe depressive symptoms)

    Cymbalta - 60 mg/day - Jan - March 2026; up to 90 mg/day from March to present

     

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author

    I recently had 6 days in a row again that were good.

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    •
    • Like 5

    It sounds like you have developed a nice window/wave pattern. Healing is happening. ❤️🙏

    I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

     

    Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

     

    TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg/Sep 18-3.8mg

     

    9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

     

    "... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

    •
    • Like 3
    • Author

    Bad news. Not gotten any more big windows. Instead I'm in a 4 day wave atm. In general waves are worse. Am I really recovering?

    Edited by EDP6893

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    3 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Bad news. Not gotten any more big windows. Instead I'm in a 4 day wave atm. In general waves are worse. Am I really recovering?

    I'm so sorry to hear this @EDP6893 I know how heavy it feels when it hits but try to view these waves as a profound recalibration of your nervous system, the stronger the wave, the deeper the physiological adaptation, which means over time, the frequency, intensity and duration will all begin to diminish.

    Longer, brighter windows are ahead, hang in there.

    1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

    Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

    Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

    Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

    6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

    9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

    10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control 

    11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

    12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

    2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

    2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

    Supplements:

    Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

    Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

    Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

    •
    • Like 4
    18 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Bad news. Not gotten any more big windows. Instead I'm in a 4 day wave atm. In general waves are worse. Am I really recovering?

    Unfortunately waves and windows are a very real thing, the fact you had better periods, all proof of the process. You had better days, you'll have some more, hang in there mate.

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

     

    If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

    Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

    For US members details here.

    •
    • Like 4
    22 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Bad news. Not gotten any more big windows. Instead I'm in a 4 day wave atm. In general waves are worse. Am I really recovering?

    @EDP6893 unfortunately, this is the window and wave pattern. Your system is doing a deeper recalibration in your system. It's bad to have days of a window just to feel bad again. I had those bad days at months 10 and now months 21. It seems that every so often, the system goes back to do deeper healing.

    Hang in there, you are managing things very well...

    08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

    12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

    •
    • Like 3
    • Author

    No new big windows yet :(

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    13 minutes ago, EDP6893 said:

    No new big windows yet :(

    Hang in there! Hoping that a window comes soon!

    Prior History:

    (note that these are only the first prescription dates since i dont remember how long i was on them. there are also some prescriptions of the same stuff that were prescribed again at a later date so i dont remember if ive tried them again or not.)

    Concerta: 18mg - 12.3.2014 ⏐ 36mg - 28.4.2014

    Equasym Retard: 30mg - 20.11.2014

    Medikinet: 5mg - 8.9.2015

    Elvanse: 30mg - 30.10.2015

    Risperdal: 0,5mg - 8.12.2015 ⏐ 1mg - 2.3.2017

    Sertraline: 50mg - 14.10.2016 ⏐ 100mg - 17.1.2018

    Intuniv: 1mg - 7.4.2017 ⏐ 2mg - 21.4.2017 ⏐ 4mg - 9.5.2017 ⏐ 3mg - 8.8.2017

    Primperan: 10mg - 27.2.2019

    Strattera: 25mg - 18.4.2019 ⏐ 10mg - 10.5.2019

    Quetiapine: 25mg - 23.2.2021

    Mirtazapine: 15mg - 29.2.2024

    Escitalopram History:

    9.9.2021 Escitalopram 10mg

    9.9.2022 Escitalopram 15mg

    2.5.2024 Escitalopram 20mg

    1.7.2024 Escitalopram CT

    11.11.2024 Escitalopram RI 10mg

    14.11.2024 Escitalopram CT

    15.12.2024 Escitalopram 2.5mg

    29.12.2024 Escitalopram 5mg

    12.1.2025 Escitalopram 10mg

    12.1.2026 Escitalopram 7.5mg

    26.1.2026 Escitalopram 5mg

     

    Current Dose: Escitalopram 5mg

    (some of these dates may not be entirely correct but theyre close enough based on what i can remember)

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author
    59 minutes ago, Some0n3 said:

    Hang in there! Hoping that a window comes soon!

    I'm really depressed by there being no big windows anymore. I feel like I'm never going to recover from my withdrawals.

    The horrible taste in my mouth came back as well last week and it's been frequent, multiple hours of each day, most of the day. I think it faded away and I forgot about it, but now it's back. Don't know though. Maybe it never got better at all.

    The thought of having so much genital burning pain and needing to go to the toilet all day, that withdrawal lasting over a year, makes me extremely depressed. The bigger windows going away is proof it's going to take years before I even start to feel better.

    And somehow I'm expected to lose weight and get rid of my diabetes. I don't know how I'm going to do it....

    Edited by EDP6893

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    19 minutes ago, EDP6893 said:

    And somehow I'm expected to lose weight and get rid of my diabetes. I don't know how I'm going to do it....

    What is your current diet like?

    I found losing weight in withdrawal almost impossible, with the drug-induced binge eating on top, but I managed it in the end.

    I was slightly overweight on the BMI scale and I managed to get back into the green.

    You can too.

    Trying to get off sertraline since 4th April 2021.

     

    1) Sertraline: 51.50 mg

    2020: 50 - Oct, 100 - Dec

    2021: 100 to 50

    2024: 60 to 57.15

    2025: 57.15 to 52.12

    2026: 23 Jan - 51.81, 20 Feb - 51.5, 26 Aug - CBD/THC induced serotonin syndrome, 28 Aug - Present: Gradual reinstatement of sertraline

    2) Mirtazapine: 15mg - Nov 2020

    3) Omeprazole: 10mg - 2016

    Supplements: Magnesium

    Other: Non-drinker, non-smoker

    Diet: No caffeine, no added sugar, low carb diet

    My old SA thread

    •
    • Love 1
    2 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    I'm really depressed by there being no big windows anymore. I feel like I'm never going to recover from my withdrawals.

    The horrible taste in my mouth came back as well last week and it's been frequent, multiple hours of each day, most of the day. I think it faded away and I forgot about it, but now it's back. Don't know though. Maybe it never got better at all.

    The thought of having so much genital burning pain and needing to go to the toilet all day, that withdrawal lasting over a year, makes me extremely depressed. The bigger windows going away is proof it's going to take years before I even start to feel better.

    And somehow I'm expected to lose weight and get rid of my diabetes. I don't know how I'm going to do it....

    Im sorry to hear that.. we all heal at our own pace and the fact that youve had windows at all is a good sign but i do understand why youd feel depressed. I highly doubt that you not having bigger windows right now is proof that its going to take years to feel better as its impossible to know that. Id try not to worry too much about the future and just live day by day as worrying about how long everything will take will just make you feel worse. Its hard to change the mindset especially while suffering but it is possible.

    Prior History:

    (note that these are only the first prescription dates since i dont remember how long i was on them. there are also some prescriptions of the same stuff that were prescribed again at a later date so i dont remember if ive tried them again or not.)

    Concerta: 18mg - 12.3.2014 ⏐ 36mg - 28.4.2014

    Equasym Retard: 30mg - 20.11.2014

    Medikinet: 5mg - 8.9.2015

    Elvanse: 30mg - 30.10.2015

    Risperdal: 0,5mg - 8.12.2015 ⏐ 1mg - 2.3.2017

    Sertraline: 50mg - 14.10.2016 ⏐ 100mg - 17.1.2018

    Intuniv: 1mg - 7.4.2017 ⏐ 2mg - 21.4.2017 ⏐ 4mg - 9.5.2017 ⏐ 3mg - 8.8.2017

    Primperan: 10mg - 27.2.2019

    Strattera: 25mg - 18.4.2019 ⏐ 10mg - 10.5.2019

    Quetiapine: 25mg - 23.2.2021

    Mirtazapine: 15mg - 29.2.2024

    Escitalopram History:

    9.9.2021 Escitalopram 10mg

    9.9.2022 Escitalopram 15mg

    2.5.2024 Escitalopram 20mg

    1.7.2024 Escitalopram CT

    11.11.2024 Escitalopram RI 10mg

    14.11.2024 Escitalopram CT

    15.12.2024 Escitalopram 2.5mg

    29.12.2024 Escitalopram 5mg

    12.1.2025 Escitalopram 10mg

    12.1.2026 Escitalopram 7.5mg

    26.1.2026 Escitalopram 5mg

     

    Current Dose: Escitalopram 5mg

    (some of these dates may not be entirely correct but theyre close enough based on what i can remember)

    •
    • Like 1
    • Love 2
    • Author

    Over the last 2 weeks I've taken maybe 2 tablets of over the counter pain killers as I was having really bad headaches. Can things like that cause kindling for people like me? I don't want to have given myself a third round of kindling accidentally.

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    1 hour ago, EDP6893 said:

    Over the last 2 weeks I've taken maybe 2 tablets of over the counter pain killers as I was having really bad headaches. Can things like that cause kindling for people like me? I don't want to have given myself a third round of kindling accidentally.

    In my case, I have taken pain killer like one time and it got rid of my headache without affecting my journey. However, I tried not to use even mover the counter medication, but that one headache, I had to take it ...

    08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

    12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

    1 hour ago, EDP6893 said:

    Over the last 2 weeks I've taken maybe 2 tablets of over the counter pain killers as I was having really bad headaches. Can things like that cause kindling for people like me? I don't want to have given myself a third round of kindling accidentally.

    Bad headaches are part of this journey. It's being weeks now without one. I was having them between 3pm to 6pm...some days were ok, others, a little intense, but not every day as I used to during my first months of my journey...

    08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

    12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

    On 9/8/2026 at 3:56 PM, EDP6893 said:

    Over the last 2 weeks I've taken maybe 2 tablets of over the counter pain killers as I was having really bad headaches. Can things like that cause kindling for people like me? I don't want to have given myself a third round of kindling accidentally.

    Paracetamol is usually okay. I would avoid ibuprofen if you have stomach issues.

    Trying to get off sertraline since 4th April 2021.

     

    1) Sertraline: 51.50 mg

    2020: 50 - Oct, 100 - Dec

    2021: 100 to 50

    2024: 60 to 57.15

    2025: 57.15 to 52.12

    2026: 23 Jan - 51.81, 20 Feb - 51.5, 26 Aug - CBD/THC induced serotonin syndrome, 28 Aug - Present: Gradual reinstatement of sertraline

    2) Mirtazapine: 15mg - Nov 2020

    3) Omeprazole: 10mg - 2016

    Supplements: Magnesium

    Other: Non-drinker, non-smoker

    Diet: No caffeine, no added sugar, low carb diet

    My old SA thread

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author

    I'm ill. Massively increased drinking due to painful dry mouth. Going to the toilet even more now. Impossible to tell the state of the withdrawal.

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    •
    • Confused 2
    • Author

    Still ill. Don't really feel better yet.

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    46 minutes ago, EDP6893 said:

    Still ill. Don't really feel better yet.

    Sorry to hear this. Seems like there are some viruses going around. I hope you feel better soon.

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I am new to this journey and my thoughts are based only on my personal experience with psychiatric drugs. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

    Current regimen:

    Cymbalta - 90 mg/day

    Seroquel - 12.5 mg/day

    *holding to stabilize as of Apr 2026

     

    History:

    Seroquel - up to 50 mg as needed for sleep (generally 6.25-12.5 mg a few times a week, though sometimes more) - 2009 (ish) to present

    Cymbalta - 60 mg/day, periodically down to 30 mg/day - May 2014 to May 2025

    Clonazepam - up to 1 mg/day as needed - March to May 2025, quick taper off

    Zoloft - 150 mg/day - May 2025 to Aug 2025 (quick cross-taper from Cymbalta)

    Pristiq - 50 mg/day from Aug 2025 to mid-Oct 2025 (quick cross-taper from Zoloft); 100 mg/day from Oct 2025 to Dec 2025; back down to 50 mg/day from Dec 2025 to Jan 2026

    Lyrica - 200 mg/day - Nov 2025 to Jan 2026 (quick taper off from mid-Jan to early Feb 2026 due to severe depressive symptoms)

    Cymbalta - 60 mg/day - Jan - March 2026; up to 90 mg/day from March to present

     

    •
    • Love 1
    • Author

    Nothing new to report. Still sick :(

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    2 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Nothing new to report. Still sick :(

    Nothing new is also a good sign....hang in there, we will get out of this...

    08/01/2009- Klonopin 1mg, but took only .25mg when needed, and end up taking every day for 3 years. 08/01/2012 - Paraxotine 20 mg

    12/2024- reinstated 5mg (.0740g)after cold turkey. First tapering 07/01/2025 = 1.2% , 09/01/2025 - another 1.4%. 10/01/2025- 4.79mg (.0716g) holding until further notice........04/17/26 resumed taper 0714g (4.78mg). 05/20/2026- .0712g (4.76mg, .28% cut). 06/09/2026- .0708g (4.73mg .56% cut). 06/30/2026 - .0706g (4.72mg .33%). 07/28/2026 - .0700g (4.68mg, .85%).09/01/26 - .0698g (4.66mg, .29%).

    •
    • Like 1
    • Author

    Guys I need your help. I am getting extremely painful dry mouth and throat, forcing me to drink water all day and go to the toilet all day. I'm pretty sure it's because of my diabetes. I can't leave my house at all because it's so bad.

    I thought it was the heatwaves and the bug I've had, but the bug is almost gone I think, and the pain is still there.

    I didn't want to take diabetes medication because of my bad reaction to metformin giving me more brain zaps and kindling in general...but now I don't have a choice. I need to take something to stop the horrible diabetes ruining my life.

    Will taking any diabetes medication cause more kindling? Are there any safer options among them?

    Edited by EDP6893

    Late 2020 stop Effexor 350mg in 2 months by psychiatrist. Withdrawal and new disability (functional reflux/ibs)

    Late 2021 stop abilify on my own. Goes perfectly fine.

    Late 2022 Effexor 37.5mg

    Late 2024 Trying to Taper Effexor again

    November 2024 -Stopped amitriptyline in order to switch to Fluoxetine.

    December 2024 -Stopped Effexor 56.5mg and switched to Fluoxetine 20mg.

    January 2025 -Reduced Fluoxetine 20mg to 10mg.

    June 2025 - Started Daridorexant
    Late March 2026 - Stopped Daridorexant

     

    Current medications:

    -Morning: Fluoxetine 10mg, omeprazole 20mg, famotadine 20mg

    -Evening: Omeprazole 20mg, omeprazole 10mg, famotadine 20mg

     

    Still going through withdrawal hell.

    •
    • Hugs 1

    It may have to do with your PPIs you are taking. During WD, many things we used can turn on us.

    This is what a search says:

    Both famotidine and omeprazole can independently cause dry mouth, and taking them together can potentially worsen this side effect.

    Why the Combination Increases the Risk

    • Shared Side Effect Profile: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and famotidine is an H2 blocker. While they reduce stomach acid through different mechanisms, both list dry mouth (xerostomia) as a known, documented side effect. Taking them simultaneously doubles the likelihood of experiencing this symptom.

    • Delayed vs. Immediate Onset: Famotidine's side effects can sometimes take a few weeks of continuous use to fully manifest, whereas omeprazole can cause a reduction in saliva production that persists throughout therapy.

    General Strategies to Manage Dry Mouth

    If your doctor has instructed you to take both medications, you can manage the dry mouth by:

    • Staying hydrated: Take frequent, small sips of water throughout the day.

    • Stimulating saliva: Use sugar-free gum or lozenges.

    • Avoiding irritants: Limit caffeine, alcohol, and dry or highly spicy foods, which can exacerbate the dry feeling.

    • Practicing strict oral hygiene: A lack of saliva increases the risk of cavities, so regular brushing and flossing are essential.

    I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

     

    Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

     

    TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg/Sep 18-3.8mg

     

    9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for reflux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger as needed for nausea/500 mg of Vitamin C for cortisol

     

    "... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

    •
    • Like 1
    19 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Guys I need your help. I am getting extremely painful dry mouth and throat, forcing me to drink water all day and go to the toilet all day.

    I am sorry to hear this mate. I do hope this eases sooner rather than later.

    19 hours ago, EDP6893 said:

    Will taking any diabetes medication cause more kindling? Are there any safer options among them?

    Personally think it is best to not add fuel to the fire.

    I think Lic has made a good observation.

    I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

     

    If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

    Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

    For US members details here.

    •
    • Like 1

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