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Not doing too well. need some encouragement!

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Posted 11/14/2014 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Just looking for a bit of support. I've been tapering from cipralex back to effexor for 5 weeks now. I was feeling better a couple weeks ago, and then the anxiety and depression started coming back. I thought it would pass but it hasn't. It's been almost 2 weeks of feeling this way now. I'm feeling quite high anxiety daily that can go on for hours despite what I do. I just increased to 187.5 2 days ago, as that was the dose I was on last year. I'm really getting scared that this med won't work this time around. I'm so tired of feeling this way. I can handle it if it lasts a couple days, even a week but it's not letting up. Could going off it last year have ruined my chances of it working again? I'm really struggling with this one. Thanks, Lisa
Posted 11/14/2014 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi CM.,

Don't give up hope just yet! You are in a different circumstance this time around...since you are switching from one Rx to another.

This is a lot for your body and mind to deal with at once...so some patience may be in order this go around.

Try not to compare this time to last...as even another week could find you turning the corner! The fact that you were feeling better before the increase is probably a good sign...and once you adjust to the higher dose, you will hopefully be back on track.:)

Also, keep up with your coping skills now. Really draw upon them to not only help get you through the remainder of your transition and start up...but as a daily practice, since meds alone are not as effective as meds along with regular coping skill use!

Hang in there and keep us posted. We are cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 11/14/2014 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Piping in here! Consider this more of an in-between-er type of stage,....as your body (and mind) are trying to figure out a new homeostasis. In that regard it's perfectly normal to feel not perfectly normal!! I know, go figure, right?

No matter what we do in life, it always takes an adjustment period....some are long, some short, some harsh, some smooth,....and lots and lots of in-between-ers!!





M.
Posted 11/14/2014 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
Couldn't have said it any better than what SC & Merrida have said.

Do you have xanax or something similar to help your anxiety while you're in transition? It's unfortunately common to have some increased anxiety as we are transitioning meds. Xanax or the like could really help you in the interim if you are prescribed it. If you're not, I'd consider calling your pdoc & informing them of your struggles & see if you could get some temporarily.

I promise you'll get through this, it may just take a bit more time than you're used to. I've found that out myself this year and patience isn't a virtue of mine, let alone when I felt so bad with the 24/7 anxiety.

We'll see you through this Lisa! We are on this path together.

Sending much peace & healing-
Lisa
Posted 11/14/2014 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your support! I really need it right now. Is it normal to feel good for a couple weeks and then go down hill? Usually my breakthrough periods only last a week max, but this one is ongoing. I've also been getting these strange sensations of feeling my past suffering. It's hard to explain, but it feels like I'm disconnected from my here and now and transported to years ago when I had my last bouts. Strange huh? It really has me bothered too. It's like my body is so closely connected to even the slightest thought and it sends me in to an anxious state. My head feels like lead and I have no appetite again. Sorry I'm venting really. God I used to get through this crap when I was younger without meds, so why is it so much harder now, with meds? I know 5 weeks is not long but why so good then not? It's so discouraging to say the least. I'm really needing this support right now and I appreciate your help! Thank you so much.
Posted 11/15/2014 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Oh girl, I'm so sorry you've been having those yucky, disturbing feelings. They're called depersonalization/derealization. I too have experienced it this year. I don't recall having it before and this 'ain't my first rodeo w/anxiety or depression.

I describe it as feeling like a stranger in my own familiar world. It's very isolating & disturbing. I've heard it's from mental exhaustion which would explain my case this year w/it taking longer than what I'm used to, to find the right medication. I'd been on meds before but they just worked.

My therapist said to keep my routines as usual and I did. Getting out and being around people was difficult but it always helped. Being alone in my own head didn't help.

What I can say is time is healing. Plus meds working. Just like the anxiety we are used to, this too will lift.

Keep posting & know you're not alone or crazy. There is a current post right now called "what weird feelings do you get?" or something like that, where others have described what we've had.

Sending you much peace & support!
Lisa
Posted 11/15/2014 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
CM,

You may want to check this site out for help with feelings of D/P

http://www.sound-mind.org/depersonalization.html


S.C.

Posted 11/15/2014 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
SC-

Thanks for the link!! It's a good article! Going to share in the depression forum with a friend there struggling with it. You're the bomb for making things easier by always sharing links ♥️♥️♥️

Love to all-

Lisa
Posted 11/16/2014 6:16 AM (GMT 0)
Sending support your way and hope you feel better soon!
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