Friends

I have been asking and listening to present and friends from the past. And I have come to realize that more of them then not are on an SSRI/SNRI! At this very moment more friends are on it then the friends that are not!

If I can sum up what they are on .. Paxil, Lexapro, Effexor, Lexapro, Cymbalta and Prisitq.

I just can't believe that over half of my friends had or have a Major Depressive Illness. 

A very good friend of mine decided to wean off of Effexor, I have asked this friend not to take the pill and they decided to go ahead. Well I just found out that this person is weaning and called me with some complaints. They were upset, sick and wondering why they were sick. I did explain again withdrawal symptoms. I told them what I was doing and how long it took to get here (because of seizures). I am going to call them tomorrow to let them know about the beads in there capsules and how a slow taper will spare them of much worse withdrawal symptoms.

I do not type this with any bitter feelings. It seems as if people do not believe unless it happens to them, or possibly they are not as concerned until it is affecting themselves. I hope that does not sound bad of me and I mean it in the most benign way.

Ok today was a semi-good day. I am done with the "fever" and "chills". My stomach is still somewhat bothering me and I have a swollen ankle. it feels as if I broke it. I remember I had this last time I tapered. I can walk on it but it is painful. I did not trip, fall or faint.

Also I am so tried again, I did not get a nap ... ankle in pain and all. And my appetite was not around for most of the day ... I am going to have to make a better attempt to eat something tomorrow. I can see why some sites suggest a supply of healthy shakes.

Brain zaps have not returned.
It goes to show me that withdrawal symptoms happen when they happen. Remember I last tapered March 1, 2011. And most of my symptoms have happened around the 5th week!  Other people taper every 6 weeks. but I see I cannot do that because I still have symptoms.

I am not upset it took me 1 1/2 years to get to where I am today, this after a very scary attempt before. I wish I was off this pill now but I realize that a quick taper will be so dangerous and can keep the withdrawal around for many many months if not years.

TooDazed