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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
Posted by marlene on February 12, 2002, at 18:02:49
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos » Maria Warren, posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 16:48:12
Just a follow-up. I went cold turkey from 150mg effexor XR, Twice a day. Tryed to talk to doctors, no help. Well, now 10 days cold turkey, and my headaches are gone, my shaking is gone, my energy is up, my desire for sex is back,(didn't realize how much that was missing). I actually started to remodel our bathroom over the weekend, and am just about done. Two problems I still have and hope will lessen is insomia(which has been a problem for awhile), but actually is worse since stopping effexor. Also, crying, which am pretty sure is still about my mom dying in Nov. So, I am glad I am off effexor and am looking for new Doc. Would like to go back on Zoloft, which I was on for 4 years, but stopped working, switched to Effexor, which I was on for 3 years. I do think I am going wait for some down time off all drugs. I also lost 6 pounds since I went off effexor. Just wanted to let everyone know.
Posted by Tom on February 12, 2002, at 19:07:17
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor, posted by Allen F. on January 30, 2002, at 21:37:12
I was using Effexor for about 2 years to help combat what my therapist/counselor deemed a mountain of depression, due to changes in lifestyle, loss of business & pending divorce.
My physcian gave me such a hard time about wanting to take Effexor, cause I'm supposed to be a man, that I finally told him either write the prescription or I was going elsewhere. They started me on (2) 75mg tablets, daily. It took about 2 weeks to really "hit" me. I had minor weight gain, increased brain function, and suddenly boundless energy and optimism. Then I went to 75 mg maintenance dosage, once a day.One day after a lot of the bad stuff was over with, 2 years later, I called and asked for information, curious about trying life again without it. They told me just stop taking it....what a mistake that was. I had cramping, ringing in the ears or buzzing whenever I moved my head. After 3 days I decided to cut my then old dosage ( i had the tablets) down to 50 percent for 2 weeks, then went to 25 % for 2 weeks. Some of the symptoms mildly persisted during the last 2 weeks. Then when I stopped altogether, I only had the buzzing in my head thing for about 2 more weeks.
My advice......NO COLD TURKEY.
Tom
Posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 20:51:38
In reply to My story of Effexor - cold turkey, posted by Tom on February 12, 2002, at 19:07:17
Tom, Your story seems to follow what everyone else is going thru. I am going thru withdrawl myself and taking it slowly. I am on 37.5mg right now. I worry about whats next!?
I also think you need another doctor. He doesn't seem to be to sympathic to your problems and what is being a man have to do with anything? It seems if he thinks that he is pretty old school.
So, are you saying you are not on anything now?
Im glad you got thru it okay!
Renee
Posted by Launie on February 13, 2002, at 0:08:42
In reply to RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02, posted by marlene on February 12, 2002, at 18:02:49
AWESOME Marlene! I feel alot better without it too. I think drs are too ready to prescribe harmful chemicals before trying the more natural ways to cure someone's problems or at least make them manageable.
Posted by Maria Warren on February 13, 2002, at 6:06:39
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02, posted by Launie on February 13, 2002, at 0:08:42
> AWESOME Marlene! I feel alot better without it too. I think drs are too ready to prescribe harmful chemicals before trying the more natural ways to cure someone's problems or at least make them manageable.
Launi and everyone,
As Monday gets closer I am VERY glad for all of your postings! They give me courage to REALLY stick at the taper off the EFFEXOR XR.
The last straw came when I saw my family doc yesterday and got weighed. I could not believe it! I have gained a total of sixty pounds in about three years. I walk two to three miles a day three or four days a week and I eat like a mouse! This is insane -- !
I guess my other question to all of you is what other meds are you on? I am on Topamax 300 daily and Seroquel 400mgm daily. Also how about age? Those of you who have lost weight when stopping Effexor -- young? 20 - 30? middle aged 40ish? I am pushing 60 and used to be a runner and swimmer -- would give a lot to do that again!!
Please cheer me on folks. And yes Marlene
thats terrific! Maria Warren
Posted by Tom on February 13, 2002, at 8:13:09
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor - cold turkey » Tom, posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 20:51:38
Renee, all of this happened about 6 years ago, so i have been off the stuff for about 3 years. Over the last year 2001, it seems like some of the symptoms i had prprior to using effexor ( slight depression etc ) were creeping up on me. Talking with family members I found out, some of them also had bouts with the same symptom. There seems to be some question as to whether hypothyroidism may not be the cause. 3 of my family take synthroid, which has helped them a lot. So I'm having blood testing for that today.
I have been reading a lot on the internet about hypothyroidism in the last few days, and its wierd how many of the symptoms i have. My older sister tried herbal remidies without any success. Am unsure what I'll actually do, I just need some type of resolution, i'm tired of feeling crappy.
good luck
Tom
> Tom, Your story seems to follow what everyone else is going thru. I am going thru withdrawl myself and taking it slowly. I am on 37.5mg right now. I worry about whats next!?
>
> I also think you need another doctor. He doesn't seem to be to sympathic to your problems and what is being a man have to do with anything? It seems if he thinks that he is pretty old school.
>
> So, are you saying you are not on anything now?
>
> Im glad you got thru it okay!
>
>
> Renee
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