Posted by Markku on April 6, 2004, at 10:03:30
In reply to Re: Dr says no withdrawal - ha!, posted by ku4ns on April 6, 2004, at 9:05:43
I started taking Effexor XR about a year ago for panic disorder. At the time I thought it was a miracle because it worked so well. However, it seemed to sort of dull my thoughts, which was a reasonable trade-off at the time. But lately I've become more and more unmotivated about doing anything, and have just been feeling so disconnected from others. I've tried quitting the medication before, but mistook the withdrawal symptoms for signs that the panic disorder was returning. Since I found this message board a few days ago, I now know that those symptoms are not coming from my original problem, and that they will eventually go away. So I took my last dose on Saturday (I was only taking 75 mg. Plus, before giving me the tapering doses my doctor wants me to go through a number of sessions with a psychologist, which would take too long for someone as impatient as I am. And I don't want to feel the way I do any longer). If panic attacks do come back, I will start back on something, but I'll request something that doesn't work on norepinephrine.
I can't say that I know what others who were taking larger doses of Effexor go through, but the effects for me so far are large enough to keep me from driving. So far the most disconcerting thing are those "brain shivers", or whatever you want to call them. It's like your brain can only process a certain amount of motion, and anything over the limit catches you by surprise. The data just starts piling up until you slow down and let your brain catch up. Last night my body temperature seemed to be higher than normal, and I was sweating a lot (even towards the morning when my body temperature had dropped). I also was very thirsty and went to the bathroom more often than normal. I also had a very detailed dream. I woke up about 4:30 (really about 3:30 because of the time change) and felt fully alert. Normally I wake up at about 6:00-6:30 and have to drag myself out of bed. I finally went to bed about half an hour later, and strangely enough had a continuation of my previous dream. I only mention this because others on this board talk about having very detailed dreams as well. I have had some other symptoms (nausea, stomach cramping, erratic thoughts). But those aren't anything that would make me start back on Effexor. Some people mention having crying spells for no apparent reason. So far I've only had these while on Effexor, not when trying to quit. But I'm hoping the withdrawal doesn't get worse and make me want to give up.
Anyway, I'd just like to say thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences here because it's given me the determination to get off this stuff, even if it means going through some very troubling experiences.
poster:Markku
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040402/msgs/333272.html