How And Why I Did It (Top voted first)

Hi guys, I've been off pristiq completely for about a month now I thought I'd share my story in case it helps. I'm just going to blurt it all out and how it all made me feel, in case others can relate, so sorry if it gets a bit long.

I was on pristiq 50MG for almost 5 years. And have been on other meds before that. I Basically suffered form anxiety and mild depression, which as many of you know grips you, making you a pretty pessimistic and not terribly happy person. You don't really feel like you can achieve things, making you more insecure. Anyway this was how I was feeling before I moved on to Pristiq. Things got better, I was more optimistic about life and thought "yeah this is the one". So I kept on taking it every day, and the usual symptoms arrive when you miss a day or two, brain zaps, (A term I learnt on this blog) dizziness and all that. Basically a really weird headache.

Years later I felt like I'd got into this mental routine whereby certain things would stress me out some not so much but the little things were missing. By that I mean, the little joys you have as a kid, like staring at a cool bird or plant, or enjoying a view, or acting on a gut impulse. Say there's something you're really excited about and you can take it a step further or something, like a hobby, or something you enjoy, and you end up putting it off. Or it just fades into the background of your daily routine. This I think is just one of many things related to what people are calling "brain dead". I think that's bit strong as it reminds me of zombies, so the best way I can think to describe it is like and invisible helmet between you and reality. Very very thin, bit still a barrier. I first noticed this when I wasn't getting too exited about things I enjoyed, and it also links on how you relate to people. It's hard to explain but I'm sure some understand, it's like a watered down version of yourself.

Of course there is the other extreme, where you get super excited and then a few minutes later you're not that bothered. These peaks and troughs were also another side-effect I had with this med.

OK, so how did I get around to actuality thinking about quitting. I started to meditate. (Which is when I realised, the little joys I was missing)There are loads of kinds, some you pay some are free, but the essence of the thing is to calm down and train your thought, which reflects on all sorts. I was still on Pristiq whilst meditating and decided to test things out, which is when I found this site, which was the final push.

OK, after reading lot about tapering down, pill cutting or not I decided on the following technique:

2 weeks 1 day yes 1 day no.
Another 2 weeks 1 day yes 2 days no.
Another week 1 day yes 3 days no
Another week1 day yes 4 days no
Stopped completely

Some of you guys are on 100MG so probably best to taper down to 50mg first. I'm no expert, so some might disapprove of the method but it seems to be working for me.

BUT of course there are withdrawal symptoms, and I still get some, however they are becoming less and less.

The first three weeks weren't that bad, I guess when it starts leaving your system that's when you feel it. The usuals, brain zaps stabs and pokes. Dizziness which can make you feel a bit icky, and days when you are just not with it at all.

Another thing which I found VERY important, is to be serious about it, treat it like a mission. Be organised, print out a calendar and set things out, and tick those days off, it feels good. I'm fortunate I have a wife who also supported me. So tell a friend or a family member what you are doing and that you may act a bit off some days, but you don't mean it. Yes, some days you will feel like crap. I looked at this this way, It's something you are determined to do and and it won't be easy but the mere fact you are doing it, means something, and use this to keep your motivation.

Also, stating the obvious, get plenty of exercise, it really helps. Go for a walk, play with your dog but do something. I do enjoy a beer, and I toned things down a bit whilst tapering off, that helped too. Also not sure if made a difference, but took multi-vitamins whilst tapering, read somewhere that helped too.

OK so right now I've been off it for about 3 weeks and, yes I am getting some slight headaches now and then, and there are mornings I wake up feeling a bit more anxious, but so far I feel like it's the right move and I plan to keep going. I'm getting more exercise, I'm back playing the drums , something I've always wanted to get back into but never did. (That blending into the background thing I was talking about), generally more interested in things.

I've heard there are some great homeopathic meds which really help too. But I must say, starting from within, with meditation really really helped. Not only with the tapering but generally too. I found this website which is pretty cool. getsomeheadspace.com No I don't work for them, I just think their approach is pretty cool. And the free part is enough to get you thinking. I honestly started with Transcendental Meditation, and am experimenting with this website and enjoying it.

Sorry to blab on, I just wanted to be open and put it all out there. I Really wish you guys the best and hope this has been helpful.

All the best

N

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Hi Athena I'm glad it helped! Yeah cold turkey is quite tough, and the withdrawl symtoms are quite strong. Meditation really helped and I recommed you keep at it. Exercise really helps too.

Hang in there!

Best of Luck to you.

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Thanks for your thoroughness N. I don't believe in coincidence and am glad to have read your journey within the depression labyrinth. I have gone cold turkey on Pristiq because I no longer have health insurance after being terminated illegally by my employer which of course not able to afford COBRA... the biggest joke is every insurance company considers depression a pre-existing condition. So... no I can't afford the $182 for a refill. Even the Pristiq discount card requires insurance. Not a good time to go off it as my mother has just passed the same week I ran out... Oh Universe your testing is getting on my very last human nerve! Day 4 and it's a tad intimidating with the dizziness however the zaps are quite trippy. 200 mg daily for about 7-8 mos is likely to send ya out there... an emotional roller coaster would be an understatement. You mentioned meditation which experience with Kundilini energy moving again has created quite a block. Thank you for the website acknowledgment. Perhaps it will provide another stepping stone....

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