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Getting off EFFEXOR XR- 300mg since I was 14

BACKGROUND: When I was 14 I was prescribed Effexor XR. Effexor XR...

BACKGROUND: When I was 14 I was prescribed Effexor XR.

Effexor XR anti-depressant
Adderall psychostimulant
Lamictal anticonvulsant/ mood stabalizer

Today I am 26 Every morning I take 300mg of Effexor, 30mg of Adderall, and 200mg of Lamictal. In the past, I have forgotten to take my Effexor for a day or 2. My withdrawals were horrific. They would start mid-afternoon, and increase in pain until I took my dose. I felt like I had the flu. My head would feel heavy, my vision was distorted, I would be achy and bedridden. I would cry, uncontrollably for NO REASON. I was dizzy and it hurt to think.

I am scared.I can't remember what I am like or who I am without Effexor. I am emotional enough on it- what will I be like off it? I have been reading other blogs. My heart goes out to everyone who has ever struggled with the Effexor withdrawals.

Here is how I started: I frontloaded my dearest friends and family. I educated them on the signs and symptoms I may experience, and how this journey will effect me and them. I told them to show me UNCONDITIONAL and NON-JUDGMENTAL love and support. For my body, I loaded up on food until the fridge resembled the Canadian Food Pyramid. I bought Omega-3 Fish oil and multi-vitamins.

GOALS:
- Every morning I take 2 Omega-3 Fish oil, one multi vitamin
- every morning drink a cup of warm lemon water
- Try to get at least 30 minutes of fresh air a day. Exercise when I can.
- Drink a TON of water
- Journal

LOG:

Day One 225mg
- hypersensitive and paranoid about feeling withdrawl symptoms. I am unmotivated, short, and my head feels a bit foggy.

Day Two 225mg
- couldn't sleep last night, woke up sweaty. The rest of the day was fine.

Day Three 225mg
- couldn't sleep last night, woke up sweaty. I'm energetic, motivated, impulsive. I notice I am avoiding conflict and stress.

Day Four 225mg
- couldn't sleep, I had a whacky dream (very vivid dreams BTW), I was up until 4:44am and it was then that I felt my first wave of dizzy spells.

Day Five 225mg
- couldn't sleep, had a good day otherwise.

Day Six 225mg
- my dad tells me historically, sleep deprivation was used to torture people. I believe it. Last night I took 3 Benedryl pills. I have used them in the past to help me sleep. The didn't work this time. My day is productive, but I am impatient and sleepy.

Day Seven 225mg
- I am currently recovering from a break-up that happened in Nov. Tonight I was triggered by something on Facebook (take a break from facebook if you can. It is an unnecessary stressor). I had a moment of impulsiveness and tears (2 minutes as oppose to a 40 min melt down), and stabilized after my mom let me vent for a bit. (having a nonjudgmental ear helps).
- That night I could not stop my thoughts from circuling in my head. I couldn't even read a book. The thoughts were very intense, almost like I could hear them.
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