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Weaning off Pristiq

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/8/2014 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
I posted a few weeks ago as I began weaning off my Pristiq. Couldn't find that blog or post, so decided to post again. So, I have been weaning off Pristiq (50mg) as directed by my primary doctor. I was prescribed Pristiq for anxiety 5 years ago for a crisis I had gone through in my life. It was my decision to try to wean off due to increased weight gain and BP issues. Week 1, I took 1 pill every other day; Week 2, I took 1 pill every 2 days; Week 3, I took 1 pill every 3 days. I recently finished Week 3. It now has been 5 days since I took my last pill. Week 1 was pretty terrible: Had stomach issues, anxiety, chest pressure, and the horrible brain zaps with pressure in head and ears. Week 2 was a little better: Stomach issues subsided but still had the brain zaps and anxiety was lower. Week 3: Only had the brain zaps. Yesterday and today (days 4 & 5 totally off the Pristiq), I have not felt well. The pressure in my head and ears has worsened and now having moderate/severe chest pressure. I am monitoring my blood pressure daily. It has been fine. During this whole process, I've only had to take 3 or 4 Xanax (.5mg) to deal with side effects. This evening has been very unpleasant. The pressure is intense and I am feeling anxious. So, I took a Xanax and hope to be able to get some sleep tonight. I have a follow up scheduled with my doctor in a few weeks. I'm just nervous/anxious...wondering if tomorrow and the next day are continue to be worse OR will it get better. It's challenging because I work full-time and cannot miss work. Any advice or suggestions? Any shared stories of dealing with this and what to expect now that I'm totally not taking the Pristiq? I pray there's a light at the end of this tunnel. I'm tired of not feeling good. And I want to be successful in weaning off this medication and NOT have to go back on it or any other medication for anxiety. I appreciate any feedback and support! Thanks ahead of time!
Posted 10/8/2014 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
You're doing a great job so far! You've made it through 3 weeks of brain zaps. I get one and I'm all flustered, so way to go!!! It sounds like persistence is going to be the key here. Finding your "happy place" might also help. The power of a happy thought can go a LONG way. Positive experiences can also reinforce. Can you get out and do something that brings you joy? Thanks so much for the update on this as well. I am hoping to wean off of my medicine soon and it really helps to see another person being so dedicated to making it happen!

Good luck, you got this!
Posted 10/8/2014 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Jason,

You are on your final leg of the wean...your body is now dealing with very little remaining (if any) meds in its system...so it is probably to be expected that you will have a rough couple of days.

...but congrats! You did it! ;)

Here is the link to your last thread that you couldn't find. (if you click on your, or any member's screen name directly, anywhere on the forum...it will take you to a page with the last several posts from you or that member.)



https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=3185504&g=3191574#m3191574

I hope that tomorrow is the start of no s/e's for you!

S.C.

Posted 10/8/2014 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your replies and encouragement. Unfortunately, after I posted this last night, I became much worse. The pressure/pain in my chest was so intense and I became so anxious, that I started shaking and I thought I felt like I was having a heart attack. I was in panic mode. So, I took two of my .5mg Xanax and actually took a Pristiq too. I didn't know what to do. Luckily, I have a loving partner who was there to help calm me down. I placed a call to my doctor this morning and expressed my concerns. I will see him this Friday to discuss what to do. I've always wondered if I should've been prescribed something like Prozac during this weaning process. I will also ask him if I should just take the Xanax daily to combat the side effects from the weaning. I just really hope and pray I don't have to go back on the Pristiq. I did not realize how powerful of a drug it is. I can't imagine someone totally quitting it cold turkey. I would have to be locked up in a room or something. I hope I didn't screw things up by taking the Pristiq last night since I was on my 5th day off from it. But we'll see what the doc says Friday. I will post a follow up. Thanks again everyone for your support!
Posted 10/8/2014 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
:( :( :(

I am sorry that this is so rough! I hope that today finds you feeling better!

Yes, let us know how your appointment goes, and what game plan you and your doc come up with!

S.C.
Posted 10/9/2014 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
i would ask about prozac. its very easy to get off and might help
Posted 10/13/2014 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
UPDATE: Thanks again for the support! I went to see my primary doctor Friday afternoon. I explained to him about the 3 weeks of weaning and everything I experienced. He told me I may not be able to stay off of an anxiety medication. I agreed and am accepting that. He suggested trying Zoloft. So, he prescribed me 50mg...said to take 1/2 pill for a week and then a whole pill after that. I just took my second 1/2 pill today. I do feel better than I did last Wed-Fri. I'm wondering if taking 1/2 pill will do the trick and I can just keep taking 1/2 pill? I'm also wondering if maybe I just need the Zoloft for awhile to be totally off the Pristiq? However, if this Zoloft works for me, I am fine remaining on it. Just hope it doesn't have the weight gain and BP issues that the Pristiq caused. The doctor said that Zoloft doesn't cause weight gain like some others. We'll see. But most importantly, I am feeling better! And that's what I want!
Posted 10/13/2014 11:11 AM (GMT 0)
Zoloft causes weight gain for some, but it didn't for me. I hope that it helps you.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 10/13/2014 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
Jason,

Great job on seeing your doc, and continuing to pro-actively manage your health needs!

I am sorry that the original plan did not go as smoothly as you had hoped...

...but you know, plan B is often an unexpected blessing for us, that we did not know about until the need arose.

Your new Rx could end up being a great management tool for you.

I am wishing you the best! Thanks for keeping us updated, and keep us posted of how you are doing.

As with every start up...use those coping skills!!

S.C.
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