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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Allen F. on February 4, 2002, at 17:22:33
In reply to Re: this is a test question, posted by Dr. Bob on February 4, 2002, at 15:17:55
Does anyone know how long Prozac stays in your system after you discontinue it? I was on it for about twelve years and have been off for five months, I am told that I may still be going through withdrawals. This seems strang to me and I am not exactually sure what the withdrawal symptoms are given the adverse effects I seem to be having with Effexor. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
Posted by ST on February 5, 2002, at 2:06:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MK12345, posted by RENEEB on January 31, 2002, at 14:21:50
Hi,
I've been on Effexor XR for about 6 weeks (225 mg) and I really like it. It doesn't make me feel spacy at all the way Celexa and Serzone did. I went through a phase about the fourth week where I was absolutely exhausted, but that went away. I'm also on 300 mg of Wellbutrin and 750 mg of Depakote.
Sarah
> Hi! I started on effexor about 9 months ago. I got dizzy on the first week after that I was okay.
>
> I was noticing as time went on that it made me very tired. What my doctor did was put me on Wellburtin ( it gives you more energy )- know I take 300mg in the morning and in the evening before bedtime I take 300mg of effexor. This seemed to be a good mix for me. The reason I didnt want to get off effexor is that I liked the fact that you really don't feel like you on a drug.
>
> Hope this helps!!
Posted by Allen F. on February 5, 2002, at 2:49:24
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
What is "Depakote"?
Posted by JANNBEAU on February 5, 2002, at 10:53:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Allen F. on February 5, 2002, at 2:49:24
> What is "Depakote"?
Depakote is divalproex sodium, a drug that may work by increasing CNS levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Depakote is used for a variety of conditions (i.e., prophylaxis of migraine headache; absence and complex partial seizures; mania associated with bipolar disorder).
Cheers,
Jannbeau
Posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by ST on February 5, 2002, at 2:06:20
It has now been 4 days, cold turkey, without effexor, and it is hell. I am feeling like my skin is floating an inch above my body, head hurts, crying fits, nausea, and can't get warm, eyes are all blurry, but probably from all the crying. My mom died in Nov., it hit me last night like it just happened. Cryed all night. I tryed to explain to doc, what was going on, would he please either help me off of effexor, or try to add wellbutin, I was tired all the time, no sex drive, eating all the time, sweating alot, and no sleep. His advice was to wait 2 more months and then if still having trouble, will take me off effexor and put me on something else, my therapist even thinks I should go off of effexor now, not in 2 more months, it already has been 5 months of this getting worse. So am trying to stick it out. Any suggestions to combat withdraw symptoms, can't take prozac, allergic, even if doctor would prescribe it, which is doubtful.
Posted by Allen F. on February 6, 2002, at 9:24:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
Don't go off cold turkey! You need to gradually reduce it over a period of weeks. I am trying to go off too and would appreciate any ideas others may have. I don't, as it seams you don't, want to go through withdrawal that could put me right back where I started with depression.
Posted by SusanG on February 6, 2002, at 9:46:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
Marlene, don't go cold turkey! I tried to do that in spite of what I had read here, because I was only on 75mg and thought it wouldn't be that difficult. It was exactly as you described...hell! I went back on the Effexor after 5 days and now I am on a slow reduction as my doc advised. It has been a week of every other day doses (since I use capsules I can't split them) and so far I am ok. A little weepy but managable. We'll see when I drop to every third day but it is so much better than the cold turkey route. Good luck to you.
Posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 12:06:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Allen F. on February 6, 2002, at 9:24:24
I don't know what else to do, depression wasn't as bad as the last months on effexor, I take 300 mg (150XR 2times a day). If I don't start it again, will these symptoms get worse or better? How long will this last and what is the worse it can get? Husband is supportive and helping, we talked before I went off, and read lots of information. Has anyone on this site gone cold turkey from 300mg and didn't go back on?? If so, how was it??
Posted by Launie on February 6, 2002, at 12:07:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » MK12345, posted by RENEEB on January 31, 2002, at 14:21:50
I had heard somewhere, and I can't remember where, that Effexor
changes brain chemistry permanently. I wish I could find who said this
so that I can know where he/she read this. I am very concerned about
taking this drug. I have FM/OA and have only been taking it for two weeks.
I started slow and am up to 75mg. FM patients have trouble sleeping and this is
supposed to help. I'm more tired during day hours. Night-time, I toss and turn. This
is too strange.Thanks and good luck to all of you!
Launie
Posted by Reneeb on February 6, 2002, at 13:50:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 12:06:52
Hi Marlene, You went cold turkey on 300mg? Wow, are you brave. If you are asking will the symptoms get better the longer you are on effexor - All I can tell you is that I have been of effexor for almost a year and just recently decided to wean myself off slowly. I am also on 300mg of wellbutrin. I felt normal a couple of weeks after I began taking effexor. In the beginning I was dizzy/light headed and thought to myself "why did I do this to myself it was awful. I felt better before I started taking this stuff" After that I was okay. I know its different for everyone.
Hopes this helps
Renee
Posted by SusanG on February 6, 2002, at 14:09:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? - Brain chgs, posted by Launie on February 6, 2002, at 12:07:57
I think I read something about the permanent brain changes on this message board but I can't tell you which post(s). Over time I have gone back and read them all and who knows when it was mentioned. But if you have the time, try searching back. Not much info was given, as I recall, but maybe someone referred to a particular study that you might be able to locate.
>
Posted by petters on February 6, 2002, at 14:55:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
> It has now been 4 days, cold turkey, without effexor, and it is hell. I am feeling like my skin is floating an inch above my body, head hurts, crying fits, nausea, and can't get warm, eyes are all blurry, but probably from all the crying. My mom died in Nov., it hit me last night like it just happened. Cryed all night. I tryed to explain to doc, what was going on, would he please either help me off of effexor, or try to add wellbutin, I was tired all the time, no sex drive, eating all the time, sweating alot, and no sleep. His advice was to wait 2 more months and then if still having trouble, will take me off effexor and put me on something else, my therapist even thinks I should go off of effexor now, not in 2 more months, it already has been 5 months of this getting worse. So am trying to stick it out. Any suggestions to combat withdraw symptoms, can't take prozac, allergic, even if doctor would prescribe it, which is doubtful.
Hi...
You can try citalopram (Celexa) It has fewer side effect, and you only need to take it once/day.
Best Wishes...//Petters
Posted by petters on February 6, 2002, at 14:56:17
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
> It has now been 4 days, cold turkey, without effexor, and it is hell. I am feeling like my skin is floating an inch above my body, head hurts, crying fits, nausea, and can't get warm, eyes are all blurry, but probably from all the crying. My mom died in Nov., it hit me last night like it just happened. Cryed all night. I tryed to explain to doc, what was going on, would he please either help me off of effexor, or try to add wellbutin, I was tired all the time, no sex drive, eating all the time, sweating alot, and no sleep. His advice was to wait 2 more months and then if still having trouble, will take me off effexor and put me on something else, my therapist even thinks I should go off of effexor now, not in 2 more months, it already has been 5 months of this getting worse. So am trying to stick it out. Any suggestions to combat withdraw symptoms, can't take prozac, allergic, even if doctor would prescribe it, which is doubtful.
Hi...
You can try citalopram (Celexa) It has fewer side effect, and you only need to take it once/day.
Best Wishes...//Petters
Posted by sweet_slider on February 6, 2002, at 19:23:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 12:06:52
I don't know how you have lasted 4 days already cold turkey, if I miss a dose or am late in taking it I go nuts! I get major withdrawls after only hours! I would highly suggest not going cold turkey, if you need to get off that bad then taper it over a few weeks. And you should really tell your GP or PDoc that you are not taking it anymore, they can help you come off it and your doctor I'm sure will probably prescribe something to help with the withdrawl symptoms. Good Luck :)
Posted by marlene on February 8, 2002, at 11:37:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by marlene on February 6, 2002, at 8:47:13
> tomorrow will be 7 days cold turkey of 150XR 2 times daily. Let me say this, two nights ago thought about going back on, terrible night, sweats,shakes,no sleep,numbing in hands and feet and my head, all I can say is after listenting to this noise in my ears all night, it sounds like the noise windshield wipers make(whoosh), only happened when I laid down. I did call both PCP, and Psychiatrist, they both wanted me to start back up right away, and would not perscribe me anything else. I told them both no. So, now one week tomorrow, and the only complaint I have know is fatigue and mild off and on shaking in my hands. Question for anyone, Has anyone gone cold turkey like this? on 300 mg a day? Once the symptoms start to go away( I am not as bad as 3 days ago) did they come back or did they stay away? I am still not going to go back on it, just am trying to find out, is the worse over, or does it stop for awhile and then get worse again? The only one I can ask here is my relative, who use to be addicted to Valium, and am not sure this is the same.Any feedback would be welcomed. Sorry this is so long.
Posted by Mr. Scott on February 9, 2002, at 14:46:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by SusieQ on February 8, 2002, at 23:26:04
Give yourself 14-20 full days, although it might be over with sooner. Residuals could last up to a month but they should be minor. I'd like to see you see it through and then someone could finally let us all know that after you withdraw from the shit life goes on.
I believe it does having withdrawn from many substances in my day. All of them controlled unlike Effexor.
Scott
Posted by Launie on February 9, 2002, at 17:01:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » SusieQ, posted by Mr. Scott on February 9, 2002, at 14:46:35
I've only taken it for two weeks and went off it cold turkey. I felt
worse when I was taking it. It's for some, but not for me.I know what you were talking about when you mentioned that weird noise in the ears
while you were laying down. I had it too. It lasted only a night and then stopped. Good Luck
with withdrawing. Personally, I think there are better things on the market that
are more natural and would work better and not mess with the mind so much.Launie
Posted by Lola on February 10, 2002, at 21:46:04
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by pocahontas on February 19, 2001, at 12:51:28
> I have been taking a 75mg dose of effexor for about 7 months
> and my side effects were getting worse and worse,
> so my doctor and I decided I needed to come off.
> He suggested taking a pill every other day until my
> prescription was gone, and then gave me samples
> which included a weeks worth of 37.5 mg capsules.
> I couldn't even make the first 48 hours without
> horrible withdrawals, so I went to plan B...start with
> the 37.5 mg dose each day. That was fine, but they
> are gone and I am on day 4 and I am so nauseated that
> I can't stand it, but it does seem to be a little
> like morning sickness in the fact if you eat a little
> you aren't quite so sick. The fuzzy headedness, and
> strange dizziness don't subside though. I can't
> sleep at night, and the tears just flow for no real
> reason, but when I do go to sleep finally
> I can sleep for 12 hours at a time. I have been trying
> do follow a low carb diet to get some of the weight
> off that I have put on, and when I try to exercise
> I just can't move my head from side to side without
> getting sick. From what I have read, these are pretty
> standard withdrawals. I do not want to take more
> of this stuff with the fear that I will never be able
> to get away from it without more side effects, but
> I don't know if I can last another day. I do have
> a few more pills and am considering cutting them up and just eating
> crumbs to get by, but will I ever be able to just do without
> them? How long do I have to endure this before it
> stops?I have been taking 75 mg for 9 months of this so called "wonderful drug" ,which is what the university psychiatrist called it because it takes care of my depression and anxiety in one little pill. My doctor forgot to tell me of any side effects of this medicine if I was to miss a dose, I had to find out on my own. When I realized that I was about to run out of my meds I called the doctor. When I tried to explain to the unsympathetic receptionist at the mental health office (ironic, huh?) that I can't wait that long because I have crippiling withdrawl effects she told me that I would have cope for a week. For the last three days I have be dizzy, and have also felt the constant "morning sickness" I too feel better for a brief period of time after I eat. This also creates the problem that I have been constantly eating. My eyes hurt, it is very hard for me to focus without wanting to throw-up. This is quite an inconvenience being an art student who can't do her work without feeling sick. I also sleep 12 hours a day and am still tired. I can't keep this up,I have projects due this week that I can't finish. I find myself having to leave places because I begin to cry for no reason. I just want to go back to a normal routine where I can get my work done. I was glad to find that other people have the same symptoms because I now know that I'm not crazy, other people are going through the same thing. I want to know when I will feel okay. I question whether I was better off anxious and depressed rather than like this. I wish everyone knew the side effects of this medicine before they take it. I hate this medicine and refuse to take one more pill for the fear that this will happen again.
Posted by Petezz on February 11, 2002, at 1:01:30
In reply to starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by jp on October 25, 1999, at 12:01:53
I began Effexor 9 weeks ago. I began taking one 37.5 mg a day for the first week and then began one 75 mg. a day. I noticed a marked difference with my anxiety within 2 or 3 days. I was able to sleep very well after a week and my depression improved gradually and was gone by the 6th. week. Effexor has been nothing short of a miracle for me. I tried Prozac, Paxil, Elavil and a few others without success. My only side effect has been sexual which is getting better as time passes. Be patient--I didn't peak until the six week point. Good Luck Pete
Posted by Reneeb on February 11, 2002, at 13:14:40
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Petezz on February 11, 2002, at 1:01:30
> Hi Pete, I felt the same way you do til I decided to wean myself off of effexor. I was up to 150mg and have been on it for a year. I am now on 75mg and about to go to 37.5mg. After the first few days of lowering my dose I felt so much more energy. I didn't realize how much the effexor was dulling my senses. I was very tired and was put on wellbutrin too. It helped a little, but not as much as lowering my dose did. I thought effexor was the greatest til I read all the withdrawal symptoms everyone was having and from my experience they were right. Plus, they say you aren't suppose to gain weight and I did - with exercising everyday!!!!It also effected my endurance when I did exercise. I would get very little headed and have to stop when my heart rate would go up. Needless to say, I was very frustrated. I am glad you feel good. I just wanted to make you aware of what could possibly happen.
Take care,
Renee
Posted by petezz on February 11, 2002, at 20:38:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I began Effexor XR 9 weeks ago. I began taking one 37.5mg capsule for the first 7 days then began taking one 75 mg. capsule a day. I noticed a marked improvement with my anxiety within the first 3-5 days. After 10-14 days I noticed a vast improvement and peaked improvement at 6 weeks. I've tried Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Elavil and several others over many years. Nothing really helped. EFFEXOR XR A MIRACLE DRUG FOR ME! I experienced only a sexual side effect which has lessened as time passes. Anxiety and depression are both gone totally. I have my normal bad days but, Effexor XR is the best thing to happen to me in years! Be patient! It takes several weeks to peak in your system.
Posted by petezz on February 11, 2002, at 20:49:12
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage? » Petezz, posted by Reneeb on February 11, 2002, at 13:14:40
renee--thanks for the info---i will speak to my doc about the possibility of reducing my dose from 75mg. a day to 37.5mg to prevent any future problems. thanks again!
Posted by Maria Warren on February 12, 2002, at 6:48:27
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by petezz on February 11, 2002, at 20:49:12
> renee--thanks for the info---i will speak to my doc about the possibility of reducing my dose from 75mg. a day to 37.5mg to prevent any future problems. thanks again!
I agree -- Effexor has been the drug that "did it" for my depression. I am presently on XR 375 mgm each AM. The only hitch has been the weight gain. I see my pdoc next week, and plan to discuss beinning a taper. I expect to take a LONG time comming off. I'll keep you posted. ( I have been on it for two + years)
Maria Warren
Posted by SusieQ on February 12, 2002, at 12:29:57
In reply to Re: withdrawal » pocahontas, posted by Lola on February 10, 2002, at 21:46:04
> > I have been taking a 75mg dose of effexor for about 7 months
> > and my side effects were getting worse and worse,
> > so my doctor and I decided I needed to come off.
> > He suggested taking a pill every other day until my
> > prescription was gone, and then gave me samples
> > which included a weeks worth of 37.5 mg capsules.
> > I couldn't even make the first 48 hours without
> > horrible withdrawals, so I went to plan B...start with
> > the 37.5 mg dose each day. That was fine, but they
> > are gone and I am on day 4 and I am so nauseated that
> > I can't stand it, but it does seem to be a little
> > like morning sickness in the fact if you eat a little
> > you aren't quite so sick. The fuzzy headedness, and
> > strange dizziness don't subside though. I can't
> > sleep at night, and the tears just flow for no real
> > reason, but when I do go to sleep finally
> > I can sleep for 12 hours at a time. I have been trying
> > do follow a low carb diet to get some of the weight
> > off that I have put on, and when I try to exercise
> > I just can't move my head from side to side without
> > getting sick. From what I have read, these are pretty
> > standard withdrawals. I do not want to take more
> > of this stuff with the fear that I will never be able
> > to get away from it without more side effects, but
> > I don't know if I can last another day. I do have
> > a few more pills and am considering cutting them up and just eating
> > crumbs to get by, but will I ever be able to just do without
> > them? How long do I have to endure this before it
> > stops?
>
> I have been taking 75 mg for 9 months of this so called "wonderful drug" ,which is what the university psychiatrist called it because it takes care of my depression and anxiety in one little pill. My doctor forgot to tell me of any side effects of this medicine if I was to miss a dose, I had to find out on my own. When I realized that I was about to run out of my meds I called the doctor. When I tried to explain to the unsympathetic receptionist at the mental health office (ironic, huh?) that I can't wait that long because I have crippiling withdrawl effects she told me that I would have cope for a week. For the last three days I have be dizzy, and have also felt the constant "morning sickness" I too feel better for a brief period of time after I eat. This also creates the problem that I have been constantly eating. My eyes hurt, it is very hard for me to focus without wanting to throw-up. This is quite an inconvenience being an art student who can't do her work without feeling sick. I also sleep 12 hours a day and am still tired. I can't keep this up,I have projects due this week that I can't finish. I find myself having to leave places because I begin to cry for no reason. I just want to go back to a normal routine where I can get my work done. I was glad to find that other people have the same symptoms because I now know that I'm not crazy, other people are going through the same thing. I want to know when I will feel okay. I question whether I was better off anxious and depressed rather than like this. I wish everyone knew the side effects of this medicine before they take it. I hate this medicine and refuse to take one more pill for the fear that this will happen again.Boy, I want to tell some of my stories if I could just figure out how to to get my message to post. If this actually works, I'll come back.
Posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 16:48:12
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by Maria Warren on February 12, 2002, at 6:48:27
> Hi Maria, Wow you stuck it out for a long time!!! I have been weaning myself off too! I just started on my 37.5 dose. It is going well - I think its really smart that you are going to do it slow.
Are planning on taking anything else?
Good luck to you!!!
Renee
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