[Buddy370]

Hello everyone
Just wondering if anyone has experienced antidepressant withdrawal.. I have recently weaned myself off Effexor after being on them for 15 years. I was put on them for sleeping problems during menopause. I have tried many times to get off them but every time bad sleep returned. I think they were just having a placebo effect. This time I’m determined to stay off them . However the side effects of withdrawal is insomnia which is hitting me hard .. I also have some vertigo and get chills and sweats .. I did come off them slowly but I think after so many years there are going to be some symptoms of withdrawal. I would like to know if anyone else has had a similar experience.. I’m just hoping good sleep returns soon and it doesn’t go on for too long
I find myself obsessing about sleep .. has anyone tips to stop thinking about sleep.? Drives me nuts
Thanks for reading

[Sees1970]

Hi Buddy!
I recently quit Zoloft and have had terrible insomnia. The first 8 weeks or so I couldn’t sleep, but I wasn’t worried about it, as the Zoloft was still in my system, helping with anxiety. The insomnia was from quitting Zoloft, and not from my worry. Now, at 11 weeks post Zoloft, the worry is creeping in, and I’m really struggling. I want to start Martin’s program, but I need to make sure the Zoloft is out of my system. Lately, my sleep is night on, night off. Last night was a night with no sleep. Does this help at all?

[Sees1970]

How long have you been off Effexor?

[Buddy370]

Hi Sees1970
Thanks for your reply..I’ve been off the Effexor for about 6 weeks. The symptoms are worse when I don’t sleep and yes I’m like you one night I sleep the next I don’t .. lately my sleep has been worse and last week was the worse ever. I’m starting Martin’s course this week so I’m hoping it goes ok.. it’s a bit scary worrying about what’s going on in my mind .. I just want to be able to sleep naturally with no reliance on pills. I had a belief that I couldn’t sleep without Effexor but then I had a spell where I was not sleeping and still taking Effexor. That’s when I decided enough is enough and I’m done with this drug as I’m not depressed or anxious.. just have sleep anxiety.. fingers crossed it works for me

[Sees1970]

Ahh, you are so much like me. I’ve also just gone through menopause. I took Paxil for 5-6 years for insomnia, and it really helped calm the panic and let me sleep for the first 2-3 years. Since then, it hasn’t worked well, and the doc put me on Zoloft at the beginning of this year. Zoloft was not any better for sleep, so I quit in March. The first few weeks I got very little sleep, but now I’m sleeping a bit more, although it’s like every other night. lol. I’m starting Martin’s program tonight, and I’m also a bit worried about what the Zoloft withdrawal means for me and how it might affect my success. I’d love to keep in touch and support each other. All the best!

[Buddy370]

Yes definitely keeping in touch would be great and let me know how it’s going with your withdrawal symptoms. For me they are worse when i haven’t slept especially the vertigo and chills. I didn’t really connect it to Effexor withdrawal until I watched a podcast of Martin with a lady who had got off antidepressants after 13 years.. they are quite scary when they strike. Otherwise I’m ok and hopefully they will disappear.. just need get this bloody insomnia out of my life. I think about sleep all the time so it’s in my brain constantly when I’ve so many good things I could think about.. good luck and let me know how it goes x

[Sees1970]

Thanks Buddy370!

For withdrawal symptoms, I’ve experienced insomnia, tinnitus, foggy brain, and sweaty/hot spells. Still having lots of tinnitus, and sweaty/hot flashes. Foggy brain is getting better, and I’m working on the insomnia, but it’s better than it was.

Last night was my first sleep window night, and it wasn’t too bad. A little tired today, but I’m doing all the things and filled with hope.

How are you doing?

[Buddy370]

Hello .. well done and that’s great you had a good night.😃.hope it continues for you ..me not so good ., maybe 2 hours sleep.. however I’m in this for the long game and I’m hopeful too.
Just wish I could stop obsessing about sleep .. something I need to work on. My antidepressants were my crutch and now without them I don’t trust my natural ability to sleep. I’m so happy to be off them so I continue with my day pretending I’ve had a great sleep and try not to let it get me down. It’s amazing how strong we can be and I feel like this is a real test of my resilience .. onwards and upwards x

[Sees1970]

How are you doing? I’m sitting here at 4:15 am watching Netflix, not having slept this night. I haven’t been obsessing or worrying too much, just not sleeping. Yes, a test of resilience.

[Buddy370]

Me too.. last two nights fell asleep after 2 am. But I’m feeling calm and not obsessing either. Trusting the process and it will work . Hang in there .. sleep will come next night. My eyes just feel really tired and I’m so tired of feeling tired. Withdrawal symptoms are ok so it’s heading in a positive direction
Thank god for Netflix 😘

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