[monochromatic]

Sorry to post so many threads, I'm just having a rough night.

Before getting on Effexor a year and a half ago, I cycled about ever 6 months to a year. Effexor put me in a mixed state and made me ultra rapid cycle. Thankfully, the mixed state is finally passing, but it's making me realize just how fast my moods change.

Right now I'm going from stable/hypo to depression every 48 hours. This is almost worse than being mixed, because during the up phases I am thinking "wow! Maybe i'm better!" and then DROP. Back down again.

So, my question is - is it possible to stop cycling so fast once the ADs are out of my system? Or is this my new normal?

[nbritton]

Originally Posted by monochromatic

Sorry to post so many threads, I'm just having a rough night.

Before getting on Effexor a year and a half ago, I cycled about ever 6 months to a year. Effexor put me in a mixed state and made me ultra rapid cycle. Thankfully, the mixed state is finally passing, but it's making me realize just how fast my moods change.

Right now I'm going from stable/hypo to depression every 48 hours. This is almost worse than being mixed, because during the up phases I am thinking "wow! Maybe i'm better!" and then DROP. Back down again.

So, my question is - is it possible to stop cycling so fast once the ADs are out of my system? Or is this my new normal?

It should stop, what else are you putting into your body?

[dillpickle1983]

Wellbutrin did the same for me last month. Hospitalized for 7 days. Add hallucinations to the mix also. I ultra rapid cycle now. I wonder if it will ever stop.

Sent from the pickle jar using TapaTalk 4.

[monochromatic]

Originally Posted by nbritton

It should stop, what else are you putting into your body?

Stopped effexor last saturday.
Just started on Lamictal about a month ago. 100mg now and moving upwards.

I'm hopeful it will stop. I mean, my mixed state went away, and maybe I'm slowing down. Maybe 48 hours is slower than what i've been experiencing, but I've just been too messed up to notice.

[BipolaRNurse]

I hope that getting off my AD will slow my cycles down. I have had six major mood episodes since last December and it's not like they're over with in a few days. It wears me out, so I can't IMAGINE cycling multiple times a day---my choo-choo would go completely off the rails if I had to deal with that. You have my sympathies!

[nbritton]

Originally Posted by monochromatic

Stopped effexor last saturday.
Just started on Lamictal about a month ago. 100mg now and moving upwards.

I'm hopeful it will stop. I mean, my mixed state went away, and maybe I'm slowing down. Maybe 48 hours is slower than what i've been experiencing, but I've just been too messed up to notice.

What else? Drugs, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, vitamins, supplements? For starters, you're likely still washing out the Effexor. Have you ever tried lithium or magnesium?

[monochromatic]

Originally Posted by nbritton

It should stop, what else are you putting into your body?

Originally Posted by nbritton

What else? Drugs, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, vitamins, supplements? For starters, you're likely still washing out the Effexor. Have you ever tried lithium or magnesium?

No caffeine, no drugs, no alcohol. No sugar in a few days, working on cutting that out.

Magnesium, Fish Oil, Vit B. Lots of tea and water.

I'm bipolar 2 and havn't had problems with mania, so no - lithium hasn't been addressed. I take magnesium or lorazepam when I have anxiety. Lately I've been taking 2 benadryl to sleep.

I hope I'm still washing out the effexor. Do you have any idea how long that lasts?

[nbritton]

Originally Posted by monochromatic

No caffeine, no drugs, no alcohol. No sugar in a few days, working on cutting that out.

Magnesium, Fish Oil, Vit B. Lots of tea and water.

I'm bipolar 2 and havn't had problems with mania, so no - lithium hasn't been addressed. I take magnesium or lorazepam when I have anxiety. Lately I've been taking 2 benadryl to sleep.

I hope I'm still washing out the effexor. Do you have any idea how long that lasts?

Sounds all good to me, except for Benadryl. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. It works the same way antidepressants do, albeit with weaker effect. Anyway, individuals with a known sensitivity to antidepressants should not take this compound.

Wikipedia states the half-life for Effexor (venlafaxine) is:

• 5±2 hours (parent compound for immediate release preparations)
• 15±6 hours (parent compound for extended release preparations)
• 11±2 hours (active metabolite)

The general rule of thumb is five half-lifes for a drug to reach steady state or be completely out of your system. If you've been off it for a week the actual drug is out of your system, but you still are likely under the effects of whatever the Effexor changed in your body. I would talk to your doctor if you are not feeling better after two to three weeks, you should also ask them for a prescription sleep aid to replace Benadryl.

[monochromatic]

I had no idea about benadryl! My pdoc just suggested taking for effexor withdrawal. I've only been taking it since I've kicked the effexor.

I'll tone it down and try other ways to sleep.

Thank you for all your help nbritton.

[vans1974]

Sorry to hear monochromatic. For me, AAP's like Latuda, are the only things that keep me from rapid cycling, or from having a mixed episode! Best of luck!!