Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 13781

Shown: posts 414 to 438 of 10407. Go back in thread:

 

Re: withdrawal

Posted by ronda on January 24, 2001, at 16:34:29

In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Janey on April 18, 2000, at 17:59:12

I hope this helps everyone who is experiencing withdrawal
because it helped me. I was one effexor for about
7 months and began to wean myself off of it because
I was just too numb. No sex drive, tired, no
emotions. Don't get me wrong, effexor made me feel
a lot better, I just didn't like the side effects.
Anyway, while trying to wean myself off of this
drug, which by the way was MURDER, somehow I caught
a cold. Anyway, you could imagine the pain I was
going thru trying to wean myself off of this medicine
I mean guys, I thought I was going crazy and would
die, I took some Theraflu (nighttime formula). In
less than 10 minutes, and I am not kidding, all of
the dizziness, headaches, swimming of my head,
sweatiness, went away. I didn't know what the hell
was going on. Well, I took the theraflu and Niquil
for about a week, and that was it. No withdrawal
no nothing. Now, I don't know if this will work
for you guys, but it worked for me. I don't know
why cold medicine worked, but it did. I asked my
doctor, and she said she didn't have an answer.
Anyway, I thought I'd let you guys know. I know
how withdrawal is, and I know I would have done
anything to make it stop. If anyone tries this,
let me know if it worked. Good luck.

Ronda

 

Re: withdrawal

Posted by Kara on January 25, 2001, at 9:00:30

In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by ronda on January 24, 2001, at 16:34:29

Well I have decided to get myself off this drug all together. Today is my second day off this med, I am quitting 150mg of Effexor XR. I feel
light headed, numb and my stomache is killing me. I am starting to think that I am making the wrong decision of going cold turkey. I dont want to give in to taking a pill to stop this state that my body is in. It is definately worse than yesterday. Any suggestions?

 

Re: withdrawal

Posted by NMichele on January 25, 2001, at 9:48:44

In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Kara on January 25, 2001, at 9:00:30

> I am on my third and final week of coming off of Effexor. I have taken 150mg for 2 years. Other than a few days of light anxiety I have not felt anything unusual. I did feel for a day or two like I had the flu but my doctor said to expect that. I would suggest that you do it gradually. It will be so much easier for you that way. The first week I was to take 105mg. The second week 75mg and the third 35.5. So far so good. Maybe this will help for you too!! Good luck!!

 

I AM NOT GIVING INTO TAKING ANOTHER PILL!

Posted by Kara on January 25, 2001, at 17:14:54

In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14

Well, I posted a message this morning when I arrived at work about myself going cold turkey. I am starting to think that I have made a terrible mistake. Why, well I feel like a walking/stumbling zombie. My eyes are killing me and they take a couple of seconds to catch up with my brain. I have not felt like this before and I wouldnt wish it upon anyone! I dont even think that I am fit to drive myself home, I just want to crawl into my bed and sleep this off. But this is only 48 hours since my last dose and it only seems to be getting worse. I will see how I feel tomorrow, the way that this is going right now the outlook doesnt look so good. I dont think that I will be able to make it to work tomorrow, the way my body is reacting right now is scary and I dont know what to do. I AM NOT GIVING INTO TAKING ANOTHER PILL! I hate myself for ever putting myself on this med and I hate the doctor that said that it is a great pill and not addictive and that is ABSOLUTE B.S.! Now I see how it is for a drug addict to go through withdrawl. This is drug addiction and I hope you all realize that your problem is not only depression/anxiety, now you can add drug addiction to your list. Best of luck to all of you trying to get off this drug and take this as a sincere warning to anyone thinking about taking Effexor XR. Please email me your comments or suggestions to Karap@tommel.tzo.com

 

Effexor is very different from SSRIs Try a combina

Posted by Janus on January 26, 2001, at 4:40:00

In reply to I AM NOT GIVING INTO TAKING ANOTHER PILL! , posted by Kara on January 25, 2001, at 17:14:54

I have been on effexor retard for one year and i have tried literally avery available antidepressant exept tricyclycs. Yes even nonreversible monoamioxidaseinhibitors.

Effexor has been the only one that has really keeped on working. Every other either stopped working after 3-6 months (SSRIs)or did not work at all (MAOinh.)

I have also found that combining efexor with tymelyt (maprotilin) enhances the AD effect. Also combining with Mianserin boosts the effect, but mianserin makes me tired gives me huch wiaght-gain. But mianserin actually boosted more than maprotilin.

So i and my shrink have concluded my depression can best be treated with ADs that address noradrenaline.

Maybe there are two distinctive neurotransmitterdisorders, that relate to either serotonine or noradrenaline and effexor can work wonder for the one but not for the other?

Here are some sideeffect, that bother me. I startefd with 75 mg effexor and that was fine. After 3 months i had to add maprotilin 10-30 mg varying, as the would give an almost immediate relief from what i call "bad mood seizures". However i have recently had to increase the dose of effexor to 150 mg. I dont wan-t get into a more and more addiction, but ill return with further comments in a few months about wether i need more still then.

Another sideeffect, that sets in after some months, is not actual tirednes (SSRIs all made me intollerably tired), but a feeling of being energy-depleted. Like i have difficulty getting myself started. My body feel, like, too heavy to get mooving. But thats all i have to complain about.

I have to take effexor and maprotilin in the morning, because i do not sleep well on them. When i supplemented with mianserin i took minaserin before bed and slept like a log. I have tried replacing meprotillin with Mirtazepin (Remeron) and found that Remeron greatly improves my sleep (no more nightmares! Without Mirtazepin or mianserin i have several nightmares every night, awfull). Mirtazepin makes me very tired if taken in the morning (like all SSRIs do to me).

I also tried boosting effexor with Buspiron, but found buspiron, though an SSRI, does not seem to have an AD effect, It gave a nice soft feeling to the body and mind, though.

I've considered trying Anafranil or some other tricyclic alone or in combination with at first effexor and later maybe som other?

Can anyone relate to this with similar or other experiences?

Janus

 

Re: tired?, use non-XR » Janus

Posted by MarkinBoston on January 26, 2001, at 13:10:55

In reply to Effexor is very different from SSRIs Try a combina, posted by Janus on January 26, 2001, at 4:40:00

I recently switched from Effexor XR (retard?) to the original, short halflife pills with 2x/day dosing and sleep much better now and don't feel tired anymore. Poor sleep does that.


> I have been on effexor retard for one year and i have tried literally avery available antidepressant exept tricyclycs. Yes even nonreversible monoamioxidaseinhibitors.
>
> Effexor has been the only one that has really keeped on working. Every other either stopped working after 3-6 months (SSRIs)or did not work at all (MAOinh.)
>
> I have also found that combining efexor with tymelyt (maprotilin) enhances the AD effect. Also combining with Mianserin boosts the effect, but mianserin makes me tired gives me huch wiaght-gain. But mianserin actually boosted more than maprotilin.
>
> So i and my shrink have concluded my depression can best be treated with ADs that address noradrenaline.
>
> Maybe there are two distinctive neurotransmitterdisorders, that relate to either serotonine or noradrenaline and effexor can work wonder for the one but not for the other?
>
> Here are some sideeffect, that bother me. I startefd with 75 mg effexor and that was fine. After 3 months i had to add maprotilin 10-30 mg varying, as the would give an almost immediate relief from what i call "bad mood seizures". However i have recently had to increase the dose of effexor to 150 mg. I dont wan-t get into a more and more addiction, but ill return with further comments in a few months about wether i need more still then.
>
> Another sideeffect, that sets in after some months, is not actual tirednes (SSRIs all made me intollerably tired), but a feeling of being energy-depleted. Like i have difficulty getting myself started. My body feel, like, too heavy to get mooving. But thats all i have to complain about.
>
> I have to take effexor and maprotilin in the morning, because i do not sleep well on them. When i supplemented with mianserin i took minaserin before bed and slept like a log. I have tried replacing meprotillin with Mirtazepin (Remeron) and found that Remeron greatly improves my sleep (no more nightmares! Without Mirtazepin or mianserin i have several nightmares every night, awfull). Mirtazepin makes me very tired if taken in the morning (like all SSRIs do to me).
>
> I also tried boosting effexor with Buspiron, but found buspiron, though an SSRI, does not seem to have an AD effect, It gave a nice soft feeling to the body and mind, though.
>
> I've considered trying Anafranil or some other tricyclic alone or in combination with at first effexor and later maybe som other?
>
> Can anyone relate to this with similar or other experiences?
>
> Janus

 

Withdrawal From Effexor

Posted by JL on January 26, 2001, at 19:18:27

In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Stan F. on July 6, 2000, at 23:16:30

This is living Hell! I've been on Effexor for 3 1/2 years - at one point I was on 375 mg/day. Two years ago, the quack that put me on this damn drug tried to change me to Wellbrutrin and had me go off Effexor cold turkey. I ended up in the emergency room due to the severe and sudden withdrawal I went through. The quake WOULD NOT return my call for help and even the emergency room didn't know if it was the Effexor or the Welbrutrin causing the problem. They sent me home, without ANY treatment, because they didn't know what to tell me. After calling everyone on the planet for advise, my primary care physician's on-call doctor told me to take the Effexor immediately and that would solve the problem - it did. The quake psychiatrist didn't call me back until the NEXT DAY! I've since fired that quack and have been seeing a real pyschiatrist for the past year and a half (and have filed formal medical mal-practice charges against to former quake - for the above, and other very serious problems I had with her). At the time I switched to a real doctor, I had been able to SLOOOOWLY get down to 150 mg/day. I've been on that amount for about a year and 1/2 and, since then, with my good doc, SLOWLY got down to 75 mg/day. She wanted to increase the Effexor a few weeks ago for the ongoing depression but, due to the severe withdrawal problems I've had, she agreed to put me on Serzone instead. Since then, I was able to get down to 37.5 mg/day of Effexor with minimal side effects (these do, however, hit me like clock work within 24 hours after taking the previous dose).

This week, we decided to try to take me off completely - here's what happened. Had fairly strong withdrawal problems on Tues., so I took 18.75 mg (1/4 of a pill) that day. Since then, I haven't had any. However, I'm still having nausea, rather severe dizziness, as well as that delightful "space cadet" feeling that seems to be one of those "Effexor things." While it's now been 3 full days since I've taken any Effexor, the withdrawal symptoms remain. Things seem especially bad when I do anything physical. I just called my doc and she said to take a little more Effexor to help reduce the problems, if I wanted to, or to try and suffer it out some more. As I've NEVER gone more than 24 hours, during the past 3 1/2 years I've been on this drug, without taking it, I'm inclined to continue the "cold turkey" routine. (My doc is aware of the withdrawal problems of Effexor.)

The BIG question is, HOW LONG do I have to go through these horrible withdrawal symptoms? My doc wasn't too sure becuase she usually DOESN'T prescribe Effexor, due to problems with it. I just happened to be on it because that's what my original quack had put me on.

I've just seen, elsewhere on the 'net, something about "Serotonin Syndrome" caused by Effexor. Does anyone know about this? So far, I haven't been able to find any information about it, other than this appears to be caused by Effexor.

When I was placed on this awful drug, I was told there were minimal side effects (NOT) and that it wasn't addicting - if Effexor is NOT addicting, then the sky must be green. Have any lawsuits been filed on behalf of people subjected to this horrible drug?

Thanks for your support.

 

Cold Turkey Attempt....FAILED!

Posted by Kara on January 27, 2001, at 14:46:43

In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14

Well, I went through two HORRIBLE days with out my 150mg of Effexor XR. I
> too had felt like I had a hangover from hell. I couldnt walk without
> holding onto something, actually fell to the floor two times. My eyes feel
> like they are going to explode! Anyway, so I gave in on day three a popped
> a pill, the full amount. I swore that I wasnt going to take another one
> but the way my body was reacting was very,very scary. I am going to call
> my doc on Monday and tell her that I need to get on something else or get
> lower pills to reduce the intake then eventually get off of this drug. I
> cant believe all the posts on this board. Imagine all the people out there
> who have no idea about the withdrawl from this med. They probably think
> they are dying. Doctors have no clue. And if it werent for the board I
> dont know what I would do. My doctor told me that this med is NOT
> addictive and if I had not read this board I would probably be in the
> emergency room thinking that these side effects were from an illness. I
> guess that they are, I hope I can return back to "normal" after
> I get off of this and I hope that there is not permanent damage. Thank you
> to all, who have emailed me and suggested things to me. I wouldnt wish
> this upon anyone and thank you for lending your support. It's just that no
> one knows what I am going through. I cant even explain it to anyone, only
> to the people on this site. Thank you.

 

Re: Cold Turkey Attempt....FAILED!

Posted by JL on January 28, 2001, at 1:05:26

In reply to Cold Turkey Attempt....FAILED!, posted by Kara on January 27, 2001, at 14:46:43

I just spoke with someone else, tonight, who has only been on Effexor for five months (I don't remember the dosage) and that individual also has the same problems when even a dose is missed.

While I've never been on Effexor SR - just good ole fashioned addicting Effexor for me, I was able to reduce, over a period of many months, from a high of 375 mg/day to 37.5 mg/day before I finally thought I could "JUST SAY NO TO EFFEXOR" (yes, it IS addicting, regardless of what the quacks will have us believe). I've been cold turkey since last Tuesday (I stopped Monday but the withdrawals were so bad I took a small amount on Tuesday) - STILL having EXTREME dizziness, especially when I move, turn my head, or do any type of physical work. I also feel rather disoriented and "spacey." Am having some nausea (which is a bit more tolerable than the dizziness).

While it's still Hell now, it was MUCH worse when I was on a higher dose and landed in ER. Here's what I did to get down to 37.5 mg/day (I would have completely wigged out going cold turkey on 150 mg/day). I would take start taking my dose (let's say 150 mg/day), only once per day (yes, even that would cause problems) but, after about two or three weeks, they would be tolerable. At that point, I would then start taking 1/2 dose (75 mg) in the morning and then the same at night. I would do that for a couple of weeks and then stop taking the morning dose. Naturally, the withdrawal symptoms from this ADDICTING drug would start but, after a few weeks the withdrawal symptoms would be relatively low enough that I would then start the whole process over again (37.5 mg in the A.M., then 37.5 before going to bed) after several weeks of that, I'd again cut out the morning dose. Well, I finally got down to 37.5 mg only once per day and have been trying to go cold turkey every since. The withdrawals are simply horrible but, in comparison to when I landed in ER, I am semi-functional as long as I don't move around too much. I've now been off since Tuesday and am having some of the worse withdrawals I've had in a long time. Even so, I am NOT going to take ANY more of this addicting drug. Considering I've been on this stuff for the past 3 1/2 years, this is the longest, by far, that I've ever gone without taking it. I KNOW I can make it at this point, it's just a matter of how long my body is going to be messed up while going through withdrawals. (FYI, I'm on disability for work related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, so I don't have to deal with working while going through this - there is NO WAY that I could do that!) My biggest worry is driving - while I'm avoiding it at all costs, there are some times where I HAVE to go out. How long does one have to suffer through these withdrawals?!?!?

Anyway, there is no way I could get off the damn drug, cold turkey, at 150 mg/day. You might try cutting back, the way I did (my doc thought it was a good approach), down to a level that is "tolerable" (as far as I'm concerned, NO level of this is "tolerable") - that is, down to the point where you're not going completely nuts, and then go "cold turkey."

 

Re: Cold Turkey Attempt....FAILED!

Posted by stjames on January 29, 2001, at 0:55:44

In reply to Cold Turkey Attempt....FAILED!, posted by Kara on January 27, 2001, at 14:46:43

Cold turky is a really bad idea. Want problems ?
Go cold turkey ! Please read the tips section on e-groups and archives and take better care of yourself.

James

 

Re: Withdrawal From Effexor

Posted by dj-1972 on January 30, 2001, at 15:33:00

In reply to Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by JL on January 26, 2001, at 19:18:27

I've only been on effexor XR for about 2 months.
150MG. I'm going off of it because after the first 37.5 dose
I immediately lost all ability to have sex.
I was told that would probably eventually normalize but it didn't.
Then I was told, "Just go down to 75mg per day for
a few days, then you can stop." I was told that I
might feel some flu-like symptoms, but they would pass.
I'm on my 3rd day of being off completely, and today I had
to take another 75mg dose. We'll see if it helps.
I've been completely worthless for 2 days. Feel like there
is some kind of damn fog in my brain, dizzy, lightheaded, can't
sleep. This sure is fun. I'm going to get some smaller doses to
see if that will help to do this more gradually.
In any case, there is a very low level of knowledge about this.
I would recommend everyone to read "Your drug may be
your problem: how and why to stop taking psychiatric medication."
I've only read some of it, and the chapters on withdrawing, but
it has convinced me that you can't count on your doctor
to get you off this, or anything, in the best way.

 

Re: Withdrawal From Effexor

Posted by dj-1972 on January 30, 2001, at 15:57:04

In reply to Withdrawal From Effexor, posted by JL on January 26, 2001, at 19:18:27

Yeah, the serotonin syndrome thing you talked about is pretty serious,
but not caused specifically by effexor. As I understand it, it can
happen any time you try to take effexor or any SSRI at the same time as
an MAO inhibitor (or up to 14 days after taking an MAO inhibitor). Side
effects are pretty nasty, up to and including death. I read some stuff
in my wife's drug book (she's a nurse) as well as on WebMD.
Bleeding gums, inability to distiguish reality from imagination,
dry mouth, sesuires and convultions, an uncontrollable urge to talk or move,
depression, anxiety, death, and just about any other thing you can name can all result,
so the moral is to never take an MAO inhibitor with an SSRI (or many other
things). MOA inhibitors are pretty serious business.

 

Re: Anyone take it for pain?

Posted by Kathleen on January 30, 2001, at 23:19:50

In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14

> Hi there,
> Do any of you take Effexor for Pain? Dr. put me on it about 10 months ago for the dopamine effects. I suffer from chronic headaches as in I do not remember what it feels like not to hurt. I have TMJ. I quit taking the effexor 3 days ago and the only side affect I have noticed is crying for no reason. I do not have good insurance and the costs for effexor are out of reach at this moment. I was taking 150 mg. each night before bed. I took elavil for 14 years before trying effexor and the only difference I noticed is that I am not as tired all the time and my mouth is not as dry. Any thoughts on this? Thanks, Kathleen
>

 

Re: Anyone take it for pain?

Posted by willow on January 31, 2001, at 7:43:21

In reply to Re: Anyone take it for pain? , posted by Kathleen on January 30, 2001, at 23:19:50

Kathleen

Did you find that the Effexor helped? Have you ever checked out a pysiotherapist?

Try keeping a "journal" for the headaches. After awhile you may find a pattern. I personally don't find that Effexor helps for pain. Other ADs have been more effective, but like you mentioned they have side-effects.

What are you using now? I find baclofen helps. I don't need to take it continuously, I can skip some days and once the pain starts coming back I start again.

 

quitting effexor

Posted by helena on February 1, 2001, at 10:33:10

In reply to effexor and drinking, posted by Jane on April 15, 2000, at 4:01:54

> I started effexor 18 months ago at a very low75 mg/daily dose-it didn't help and following a serious incident of self mutilation "they" increased to 250 xr/day. that was awful! the diahrea lasted almost 2 weeks-but I thought maybe I would lose some of the 30 pounds I had gained being on the drug. I love these docs that tell you what your feeling/gaining (weight)/lossing (sexuality)couldn't possibly be because of the drugs! I think they should have to take them to prescribe them. Thank goodness for the postings-I don't feel so alone and crazy! I am now withdrawing on my own and the dizziness, flu-like feeling and fatigue are terrible. I can't wait for this to be over. can any one tell me how long the head-spinning will last? its been 5 days of no drugs. also wanted to know if anyone has experiences the leg jerks, tremors and leg jitters at night like I did. thanks Helena

 

Re: quitting effexor

Posted by bronwyn on February 1, 2001, at 11:45:55

In reply to quitting effexor, posted by helena on February 1, 2001, at 10:33:10

> > I started effexor 18 months ago at a very low75 mg/daily dose-it didn't help and following a serious incident of self mutilation "they" increased to 250 xr/day. that was awful! the diahrea lasted almost 2 weeks-but I thought maybe I would lose some of the 30 pounds I had gained being on the drug. I love these docs that tell you what your feeling/gaining (weight)/lossing (sexuality)couldn't possibly be because of the drugs! I think they should have to take them to prescribe them. Thank goodness for the postings-I don't feel so alone and crazy! I am now withdrawing on my own and the dizziness, flu-like feeling and fatigue are terrible. I can't wait for this to be over. can any one tell me how long the head-spinning will last? its been 5 days of no drugs. also wanted to know if anyone has experiences the leg jerks, tremors and leg jitters at night like I did. thanks Helena

>I experience leg jitters at night and I am on 75mg Effexor XR . I also have leg jitters through the day and find it gets worse if I have any caffeine.

 

Re: quitting effexor

Posted by JL on February 1, 2001, at 13:52:03

In reply to quitting effexor, posted by helena on February 1, 2001, at 10:33:10

I've been off the addicting drug, Effexor, for more than a week now - still dizzy but now it feels like I've just gotten off of a whirl-i-gig rather than playing inside a cement mixer, like I did last week.

 

Re: quitting effexor

Posted by Sandi on February 1, 2001, at 15:02:42

In reply to quitting effexor, posted by helena on February 1, 2001, at 10:33:10

>I am also quitting effexor. I am at day 3 now. I to feel dizzy and sick with flu like symptoms. I don't know how long it will last. I had been on 75 mg. for 1.5 months only. I do not know if the withdrawal effects are the same depending on mg. and length of time. Does anyone know? Thank You

 

Re: quitting effexor » helena

Posted by Alli on February 3, 2001, at 9:40:41

In reply to quitting effexor, posted by helena on February 1, 2001, at 10:33:10

Helena ~ I'm right where you're at right now. This is Day 6 with no Effexor at all. I've been weaning myself slowly since Jan. 8th. The *diarrhea* and *overwhelming tiredness* are getting old, not to mention the occasional dizziness where it seems the floor is moving all of a sudden. I'm hoping that this isn't permanent. Every morning I wake up thinking that I will feel better, but then I find myself racing to the bathroom (as if getting up in the night isn't enough). I will read your follow-ups! Good luck! And I'm hoping some of the weight will come off too! Alli.

 

Re: quitting effexor-follow up » helena

Posted by helena on February 3, 2001, at 18:03:51

In reply to quitting effexor, posted by helena on February 1, 2001, at 10:33:10

> > -
Hi this is Helena-thanks to all who responded-just when I think that my head and eyes are on the same page the world goes swishy again. It is worse when I am trying to work on the computer! I have already dropped some weight! that makes me happy and I am having "normal" emotions again-didn't realize how dead I was until I started coming down of this sh**. I think Id rather be depressed that go on this medication rollercoaster again. can any one tell me how long to expect these very annoying and almost dangerous (driving) withdrawl symptoms? weeks/months YEARS!!!!
Helena

 

Re: quitting effexor-follow up

Posted by Erika on February 4, 2001, at 21:07:50

In reply to Re: quitting effexor-follow up » helena, posted by helena on February 3, 2001, at 18:03:51

> > > -
> Hi this is Helena-thanks to all who responded-just when I think that my head and eyes are on the same page the world goes swishy again. It is worse when I am trying to work on the computer! I have already dropped some weight! that makes me happy and I am having "normal" emotions again-didn't realize how dead I was until I started coming down of this sh**. I think Id rather be depressed that go on this medication rollercoaster again. can any one tell me how long to expect these very annoying and almost dangerous (driving) withdrawl symptoms? weeks/months YEARS!!!!
> Helena

>Helena,
I attemped withdrawl last Monday and made it until Thursday until I gave up and called a reputable psychiatrist, since my regular MD who prescribed it knew nothing about withdrawal.
This was after 4 days of the hell you are in- clicking in the ears, constant nausea, nightmares, sweating/exhaustion, dizziness. I went from 150 mg down to 75 mg for a week, then cold turkey. The psychiatrist immediately assured me that I wasn't crazy and here's the options he presented me:
-Continue to stay clean and experience side effects for up THREE MORE WEEKS< BEST CASE SCENARIO.
-Get back on at a really low dose- 37.5 mg and taper off over next three weeks.
-Take low dose of Effexor and combine w/ low dose of Prozac.
I was so exhausted and terrified at the time I went for the low dose Effexor option. I HATED doing this but at least I was able to get out of bed, eat and sleep well within 3 hours of taking it again.

The only bright note is that yes, my jeans that were retired last year are kinda starting to fit again. Yahoo! But seriously, bulimia must be gentler way to lose weight than this!

Seriously friend, consider going on low dose and talking to decent psychiatrist! No one should have to go through the symptoms you are having. I might be on it again, but really think it's terribly unsafe and a cruel trick to play on the delicate soul that wants to venture out into the game again. Whoever approved this stuff at the FDA needs to be flogged!

I am seeing Psych. tomorrow and will report back on his master plan to get me off, perhaps this helps.

Regardless of what you decide, I wish you all the best.

Blessings,
Erika

 

Re: quitting effexor-follow up

Posted by JL on February 5, 2001, at 18:27:43

In reply to Re: quitting effexor-follow up, posted by Erika on February 4, 2001, at 21:07:50

Two weeks off of Effexor - an ADDICTING DRUG. I'm still "swimming" but the withdrawals are starting to be less severe. One thing for sure - I'll NEVER go on this ADDICTING drug again. The constant dizziness is living Hell. BTW, has anyone else had problems with the dizziness getting worse when you do ANY type of physical activity? I can only do very limited work, each day, before I have to call it quits due to the dizziness. A relative asked her doctor about Effexor withdrawals (because of the problems I've been having) - that doctor (in addition to what mine has told me) also said that it would take a LEAST three weeks for this Hell to stop.

 

Withdrawl from Effexor XR and now Paxil!

Posted by Kara on February 6, 2001, at 10:39:39

In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14

Well, after trying to get myself off of Effexor XR for only two days, i realized that it was not a great idea to get off of this med cold turkey. I missed two days of work, could not get out of bed, any movement was a shock to my head and I could not walk without support from the wall. When the third day came around, tears began to fall and I couldnt believe the feelings I was having due to the withdrawl effects so I decided to give in and take a pill. The symptoms of withdrawl subsided after 6 hours. So I have been back on this drug while seeking medical advice. I saw my med doc and she gave me the start up package for Effexor to gradually get off of it. I am now down to 75mg per day and feeling better. In four days I will be down to 35mg and my doc gave me Paxil samples to start taking while I am on that small dose. Has anyone ever been on Paxil? I have done some research and I am reading that there is withdrawl effects also with this drug and I have even read that you should NOT take Paxil with any other anti-depressants. So now I am going to my psychiatrist and informing her of what my med doctor wants me to do. I will update all of you on this tomorrow. I just want to get off of all anti-depressants and I am upset that I have to take another med to get off of Effexor. I also suffer from migraines and that is another reason why I am being put on Paxil. I also have a catscan scheduled for next Monday to see why I am getting these migraines which have gotten worse since being put on Effexor XR. I hate this and I hate myself for doing this to my body and I wish all everyone would be smart enough to do some research and think about the possible effects that anti-depressants can cause. Wish me luck and I will update you all. Please email me or post a follow up regarding the Paxil. Thanks!

 

Re: Withdrawl from Effexor XR and now Paxil!

Posted by Lizfromphoenix on February 6, 2001, at 13:55:54

In reply to Withdrawl from Effexor XR and now Paxil!, posted by Kara on February 6, 2001, at 10:39:39

> Please email me or post a follow up regarding the Paxil. Thanks!
*************************************************

Yes, I did take Paxil (read my post Oct 20, 2000).
I found it very beneficial. I too had migraines before the Paxil. The headaches, completely subsided with the medication. Migraines and depression seem to go hand in hand, and one can bring on the other.

As I mentioned in the earlier post, I was on Paxil for 5 years. I had stopped cold turkey on two occasions for pregnancies with barely noticeable side effects. Upon my final quitting of Paxil (due to side effects) I was weaned off it while i introduced Effexor XR over a period of 2 weeks. I had no negative withdrawal side effects.

I wish you luck with the Paxil, sometimes it is difficult to sleep with the paxil and I took seroquel( only 1/2 of a 25mg tablet, helped me sleep like a baby) Everybody is different, but I think you doc is right with this one for your headaches.

 

Please read Dad personality is changing Effexor XR

Posted by Tee on February 6, 2001, at 14:51:21

In reply to Re: Possible withdrawal agony scares me » riverrock, posted by SLS on July 9, 2000, at 16:06:18

My dad recently got on this and we have noticed a huge difference in his personality. He tends to want to snap at people. Is this common with some people. Please post to this board asap so that I can come back and see if anyone is experiencing family members on this that are snapping at them or maybe you are on it and may want to share experiences. I need for him to know that this may be the cause of his personality change. Thanks to all.


Go forward in thread:


Show another thread

URL of post in thread:


Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ


[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, bob@dr-bob.org

Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.