I read a quote from Sarah Michelle Gellar yesterday: “I clip coupons all the time. Why should you pay more for something that someone else is paying less for?”
Love it!
She also says that, while she and Freddie shop at Whole Foods because they like organic and fresh, they ask what meat is on sale and otherwise keep an eye out for bargains. Okay, relative bargains, but you still have to admire someone who sees the value in… well… value.
Sure, they have plenty of money. But the way to keep that money? Shop carefully — even when indulging in the things you consider worth a little more.
Alas, that’s the only real thought you’re going to get from me until probably Tuesday (or later). This week was the final step to get off Effexor. This step is the worst since, without any Effexor in your system, dizzy spells are the word of the day.
The best I can describe it as is this: Anytime I move my eyes very far, especially quickly, my brain feels like it just spun around 360 degrees very quickly. Then I’m left with the nausea of that sensation.
Based on other people’s experiences (and mine from last week), the worst of the symptoms should last about three days. So I skipped my dose on Friday, meaning the withdrawal symptoms started that night. That gives me Saturday and Sunday to deal with most of the symptoms and, hopefully, be able to work on Monday.
I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday so, worst case scenario, I can ask for anti-nausea pills if the symptoms haven’t eased up.
Meanwhile, we stocked up on necessary foodstuffs. I got crackers, applesauce, bananas, yogurt and some canned fruit. I’m a big believer in pectin to help settle the stomach. Plus, not to put too fine a point on it, at least fruit is nice and soft — way better than the dry heaves.
I also picked up some Gatorade in case I start worrying about dehydration.
Tim sheepishly asked if it was okay for him to play in extra Magic tournaments during this fun time. I had been about to suggest it. Given how testy I got during the last step-down process, he could set me off by breathing wrong. It’s probably best for both of us if he is out and about this weekend.
I’ll still have his parents nearby, and he’ll have his cell, if I need anything. The last piece of the puzzle is for him to set up one of the gaming consoles in the bedroom. That way, I can watch Netflix from the bedroom, as well as out on the couch.
I just got into Mad Men, so I have Seasons 2-4 to keep me company… Assuming I don’t move my eyes too much.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I too, am in the process of going off Effexor. It is not pleasant. Thank you for your openness. It is useful to know that the last week without medicine will be the worst.
[Reply]
Abigail Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Stephanie,
Sorry to hear you're suffering too. I was lucky in that Saturday was the only day of full dizziness I experienced. It started around 9 or 10 Friday night. And it was intermittent yesterday — though by the end of the night it was pretty close to gone.
I'm not sure if I was lucky or just normal, but I honestly thought it would last longer. I did have a lot of fruit — apparently Effexor depletes your levels of glutathione, which is found in fruit — so maybe that helped? Just make sure you have plenty of crackers, but also some stuff that, uh, comes back up more easily. Good luck
[Reply]
Abigail Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Stephanie,
Sorry to hear you're suffering too. I was lucky in that Saturday was the only day of full dizziness I experienced. It started around 9 or 10 Friday night. And it was intermittent yesterday — though by the end of the night it was pretty close to gone.
I'm not sure if I was lucky or just normal, but I honestly thought it would last longer. I did have a lot of fruit — apparently Effexor depletes your levels of glutathione, which is found in fruit — so maybe that helped? Just make sure you have plenty of crackers, but also some stuff that, uh, comes back up more easily. Good luck
[Reply]