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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Tina P on February 6, 2003, at 8:50:59
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal/prozac, posted by DSA on February 5, 2003, at 22:39:05
Just keep in mind we are all on these drugs for depression when you consider the nature of our comments!
Posted by kimm on February 6, 2003, at 23:49:08
In reply to getting a little worried here...., posted by tlang on January 29, 2003, at 22:58:53
> I truly hope the messages posted here only a small percentage of the people on Effexor. I start my first dose tomorrow and am almost terrified before I even take it.
>
>
not everyone has bad effects on this. I loved it, but it made me feel sleepy all day and sweat a lot. I switched to wellbutrin and am doing well. did your dr. start you out on a small dose? have you taken it yet? i felt that it helped turn off the noise. is this the first drug your trying? sometimes you have to try more than one to get the best results. just don't give up before you give it a chance.
Posted by DSA on February 7, 2003, at 0:18:19
In reply to a dangerous, dangerous drug, posted by anais on February 6, 2003, at 0:19:36
This may be meager help, but are you using augmentation therapies? (If you've already posted about this, my apologies.) The info passed on in the thread including http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030204/msgs/139700.html is hopeful, specifically, the journal article at www.psychiatrist.com/supplenet/v62s18/v62s1802.pdf.
Folate (methylfolate, aka folic acid) has shown some promise, at dosages over 500mcg/day, in conjunction with fluoxetine. Folic acid is readily available in most health food stores or supermarket health sections, and it's not too expensive. Men seem to be less responsive to this as an adjunct. However, folic acid is on the 'Suggested' augmentation list (as opposed to 'Clear', 'Anecdotal' or 'Disputed' lists).
SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine) is generally available in the same locations as folic acid, but is much more expensive. It also has been tested in conjunction with fluoxetine (Prozac), although it is on the 'Anecdotal' rather than 'Suggested' list at this point.
Omega-3 fatty acids are mentioned, but no clear strategy is proposed. My personal inclination is to go with the supplements as, in this case particularly, there's little harm in trying. (You'd be hard pressed to 'overdo it'.) Omega-3 in the form of fish oil capsules can be found at reasonable prices if you shop around. Salmon and similar fish in the diet is also an option. 8^)
NADH (B-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) has shown promise, but is expensive and isn't yet easy to find in some locations.
Please believe me, I'm not belittling your suffering. I remember very clearly what it was like for me, in my case with BuSpar. In the throes, it's difficult to do anything for yourself to mitigate the suffering. Hopefully you can find your way to the key elements you need to get on through to the other side.
Posted by supersleepy on February 7, 2003, at 8:24:52
In reply to getting a little worried here...., posted by tlang on January 29, 2003, at 22:58:53
Dear Pannette--I was put on Effexor while I was experiencing panic attacks and generalized anxiety, on top of a long history of mild to moderate depression. I knew NOTHING about the drug, but I was too quivery a mess to ask or demur. It has been amazingly helpful. I experienced some unpleasant side-effects at 37.5/day for about 4 or 5 days (but the panic symptoms subsided in about 48 hours!). These included serious dry mouth, profound sleepiness about 1/2 hour after dosing, a little dizziness. These were all gone completely in about a week, and did not come back when I ramped up to 75/day. That was about six months ago. I've stayed at the same dose, and have felt mostly fine. My friends and family think it's done me a world of good, and I know I have a much more positive outlook than I've had in years. Recently, the sleepiness has returned, but it is general throughout the day, and I've been having some weird-ass dreams. I knew nothing about the difficulties of going off the drug, until I started reading this message board. Still, I think it's been extremely worthwhile, and I can only hope that I won't have too much trouble when and if I decide to discontinue.
It's not for everyone, to be sure, but if it works for you, you'll really appreciate it.
Posted by Tina P on February 7, 2003, at 11:38:47
In reply to Re: getting a little worried here.... » tlang, posted by kimm on February 6, 2003, at 23:49:08
If it is any consolation, I've been on Paxil, and had great success but gained a lot of weight. Then I tried Welbutrin and the headaches and dizziness were unbearable. Within ten days I was vomiting! But the Effexor hasn't caused me any major problems. I just started a few weeks ago, and there is a mild dizziness that comes and goes, but it's certainly bearable. I'd trade it any day for the misery I was in before medication.
Posted by Lynnads on February 7, 2003, at 13:11:35
In reply to Re: getting a little worried here...., posted by Tina P on February 7, 2003, at 11:38:47
Effexor, from what I have experienced IS a great AD. I had tried many different AD's before this one, and they worked for a little bit, but then nothing. Within days of being on Effexor, I was feeling better mentally than I had for a long time. A few weeks ago, I decided to get off of Effexor and try one more thing before I committed to staying on Effexor. My doctor had me taper down off the drug and that is when the hell started.
Effexor is a wonderful drug but withdrawal from it isn't. I wouldn't advise people to be afraid of the actual drug, it does help a lot. It's the getting off of it they should be concerned about. Withdrawal effects can reeeeeeally be a doozy.
Posted by juanantoniod on February 8, 2003, at 22:11:31
In reply to Re: getting a little worried here.... (nm), posted by Tina P on February 8, 2003, at 15:24:42
I took Effexor for a while until it stopped working. Like a previous poster, I would accept the side effects for the benefit without question. Withdrawal occurs (mostly) when it is stopped abruptly. When ramped down slowly, there should be no problem.
FWIW YMMV
Posted by keroppi on February 9, 2003, at 23:00:16
In reply to Re: Effexor vs Prozac » LynnPerley, posted by Mariec on January 23, 2003, at 14:27:53
> Thanks for the input. Prozac is just not working I am more aggitated now and more aggressive. Do not want anyone around or to touch me! My friend is on Effexor and said I should try it.
>Hmmm...interesting how all these ADs affect everybody so differently. I've been on effexor for 3 months (worked up to 225 mg) and I've decided to go off because right away I had really bad constipation and I've had it everyday for 3 months now. I also had heart palpitations and an irregular heartbeat. So I'm going to go back on Prozac, which worked amazingly for my anxiety. It was the best I'd ever felt. I felt pretty good on paxil too, but it also gave me constipation and it wasn't as effective as prozac for me.
Posted by supersleepy on February 10, 2003, at 8:03:47
In reply to Re: Effexor vs Prozac, posted by keroppi on February 9, 2003, at 23:00:16
Re: Keroppi's post about constipation on Effexor--I, too, was plagued by this problem for about three months. I dealth with it the best I could with lots of prunes and other high fiber delights. But, here I am at about the 7 month mark, and those symptoms have subsided, without any particular diet. I'm finding that as my body is exposed to this drug over time, the side-effects do not remain constant. Terrible constipation for a few months, now not a problem. Pretty alert at first, and recently very sleepy. I also wonder how much I'm inclined to attribute every physical symptom to the drug--and I'm definitely more hyper-aware of what my body is up to. Anyway, don't assume that constipation--or any other symptoms, for that matter--is a permanent side-effect of the drug.
Posted by melsey on February 10, 2003, at 11:27:24
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by MsX on January 30, 2003, at 21:51:08
a month ago I went from 150mg to 225mg for the reason of sleepiness...all the time. Well, I certainly don't have that problem now, just the opposite.Regarding the dreams, it was interesting to hear you say you would miss the dreams. I find it disturbing to have this whole other life at night. It is like you are really there. What did you like about having the vivid dreams? Maybe I should try to see the positive side of them.
> Same dosage for me, and I've had the same problems. I've missed work too and am at wits end as to what to do now. This is not the med for me, going off is going to be HELL, but what's left to try? Is sleeping all the time a common side-effect, or are we 2 just lucky? I was beginning to think I've just grown lazy and useless in my old age (I'm only 36, but I feel like I'm 86)!
>
> > I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for about 3 months. I have such a hard time waking up in the morning that I've even missed several days of work and now my job may be in jeopardy. I have to at least lower my dosage, or try to get off of it. Since I have the capsules, can i just take one pellet out each day... and do it like that... like 1 today... 2 tomorrow... 3 next, etc. I am really scared to go off... I felt what the brain shivers were like when I had missed a few doses before.... I don't want to go thru that, I could BARELY function... walking into walls... Please, I really need someone to see me thru this, and I really need some advice on going off... talking to my doc (fam doc btw) isnt an option... I dont think he knows anything about this DRUG. Thank all of u again who had to go thru this already and have posted... you are all my heros :-)
> >
> > P.S. Gosh I'm gunna miss the dreams!!
>
>
Posted by jennygump on February 10, 2003, at 13:41:07
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by melsey on February 10, 2003, at 11:27:24
anyone have any DEFINATE timeframe about how long the HELL of withdrawl from Effexor lasts?
was on 75 mg for a while, cut to 37.5 for a week and then two days ago went to 0...and the withdrawl is killing me!
how long will it last?HELP!
Posted by John Doe on February 10, 2003, at 14:10:56
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by jennygump on February 10, 2003, at 13:41:07
I did about the same schedule as you did and experienced extreme bouts of vertigo and nausea. I spoke to my M.D. and that is way too fast to go off of the drug. You should gradually taper off for up to a month. I am now back on 37.5 for at least two more weeks. MAKE SURE you consult your M.D. so that you can develop a schedule to get off of Effexor. Effexor helped me tremendously, but I began to get more and more listless and I want to see if it is a side effect of Effexor XR, which is why I am going off of the drug.
> anyone have any DEFINATE timeframe about how long the HELL of withdrawl from Effexor lasts?
> was on 75 mg for a while, cut to 37.5 for a week and then two days ago went to 0...and the withdrawl is killing me!
> how long will it last?
>
> HELP!
Posted by Katia on February 10, 2003, at 14:12:07
In reply to Re: withdrawal duration, posted by John Doe on February 6, 2003, at 1:48:17
Hi,
I tapered off like you and this is my third day and the electrical things are getting worse, my heart feels like it'll explode at times, my fingers are swollen and I can't sleep now. I took 37.5 today and will again in two more days, hopefully this will help. HAve you had any improvement in the past week? Please keep me posted if yours has gotten any better within a week.
Thanks.
Katia> I am now going on my 2nd day without Effexor XR. I had been on 75 mg, then I went to 37.5 for a week and as soon as I dropped my dosage I began experiencing all of the horrible withdrawal effects that have been posted. How long have the withdrawal effects lasted for most people before they finally go away? I am considering going back on the drug just to mitigate the withdrawal.
Posted by jennygump on February 10, 2003, at 14:14:54
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by John Doe on February 10, 2003, at 14:10:56
am going to go home at lunch and take 37.5 and then do the every other day think for at least a week, then every third day...blah blah blah.
This stuff is evil.
Posted by Katia on February 10, 2003, at 14:29:03
In reply to Re: getting a little worried here...., posted by supersleepy on February 7, 2003, at 8:24:52
Anybody's sharing of their experience with withdrawing from Effexor would be greatly appreciated. More specificly, POSITIVE news, on YES, the withdrawals do end, but HOW LONG? I did all the right tapering from 150mg dropping 37.5mgs per week til now my third day off completely and I can barely make any movements without feeling like I'll have a heart attack and without the electrical impluses shooting through my body, mainly my hands. I would appreciate some input as to how long this takes. I took 37.5 today and will do every two days now. Maybe that'll help. I really prefer depression over this hell.
thanks.
Katia
Posted by John Doe on February 10, 2003, at 14:34:43
In reply to Thanks John Doe...Re Effexor Withdrawl, posted by jennygump on February 10, 2003, at 14:14:54
> am going to go home at lunch and take 37.5 and then do the every other day think for at least a week, then every third day...blah blah blah.
>
> This stuff is evil.It sounds like you are doing this on your own. I told my M.D. how I was skipping days to get off of it and she highly advised against it. By doing that she said that I was just intensifying the side effects without getting any benefit of the drug. I would highly recommend that you get medical advice on the best way for you to get off of the drug.
Posted by Lynnads on February 10, 2003, at 15:02:54
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please Help, posted by jennygump on February 10, 2003, at 13:41:07
> anyone have any DEFINATE timeframe about how long the HELL of withdrawl from Effexor last?
Give it about a week after you are completely off. I just finished my "week" and I feel about 95% better now. I didn't think it would ever end! I found the first 3-4 days after completely being off of it were the worst. So hang in there!!!
Posted by jennygump on February 10, 2003, at 17:00:40
In reply to Re: Going off, have some questions........ Please Help » jennygump, posted by Lynnads on February 10, 2003, at 15:02:54
Finally, an answer.
i think i can last a week.
it's been 3 days now...
thanks for the hope.jenny
Posted by keroppi on February 10, 2003, at 20:43:06
In reply to Re: Effexor vs Prozac/constipation, posted by supersleepy on February 10, 2003, at 8:03:47
> Re: Keroppi's post about constipation on Effexor--I, too, was plagued by this problem for about three months. I dealth with it the best I could with lots of prunes and other high fiber delights. But, here I am at about the 7 month mark, and those symptoms have subsided, without any particular diet. I'm finding that as my body is exposed to this drug over time, the side-effects do not remain constant. Terrible constipation for a few months, now not a problem. Pretty alert at first, and recently very sleepy. I also wonder how much I'm inclined to attribute every physical symptom to the drug--and I'm definitely more hyper-aware of what my body is up to. Anyway, don't assume that constipation--or any other symptoms, for that matter--is a permanent side-effect of the drug.
I tried eating tons of fiber, with no results. But eventually when I was able to go to the bathroom, it was like giving birth!!!! So I am going to wean off effexor and go back on prozac. I had no side effects on prozac except sleepiness, and I'd much rather have that than all the different side effects I've had while on effexor. This is my 4th day coming off of effexor, and no withdrawel so far...I'm crossing my fingers!
Posted by lostsailor on February 10, 2003, at 22:39:01
In reply to Re: Effexor vs Prozac/constipation, posted by keroppi on February 10, 2003, at 20:43:06
i see so much about this stuff. Do I have the only doc that does things totally gradually. there are doses as low as 37.5 mg of this pill and when "it is time" you can half that in a solution and than again....its like anything do you really talk and ween and talk to about all this to doc. if mine heard he would just keep min a dose...you're not 'hooked"...sorry maybe 'mad" message....~tony
Posted by geoff on February 12, 2003, at 12:13:37
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by juanantoniod on February 8, 2003, at 22:11:31
I recently switched from Effexor to Welbutrin. Had no problems with withdrawal. The Dr. Had me ramp down. I switched due to sexual side effects. That was the only side effect I had, otherwise the Effexor was working great. Wish I could say the same for the Welbutrin.
Posted by KayC on February 13, 2003, at 12:47:10
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
All,
I started weaning myself off Effexor (75mg) on Jan 29th. I began by taking a capsule every other day instead of everyday. Then I began removing the pellets from inside the capsule (following the advice from Maisy who posts on this site), a few at first and then more and more (still taking it every other day). I am on my 3rd Effexor-free day. Zero fatigue, no headaches. The only adverse effects: My eyes aren't catching up with my head or vice versa, and I'm still dreaming crazy dreams. Otherwise I feel fine. I was only on Effexor for about 2 months so this might help when weaning. But for all of you trying to get off it, I did it real slow and I didn't need to go to the 37.5mg dosage. Good luck!
Posted by keroppi on February 13, 2003, at 17:20:10
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by geoff on February 12, 2003, at 12:13:37
this is my 7th day weaning off...i was at 225 at my highest, then went to 150 for 4 days, now this is my 3rd day at 75. no withdrawal so far. I will go one more day at 75, then take it every other day, and then mix in prozac with it. I'll let y'all know how it turns out!
Posted by gabbix2 on February 13, 2003, at 21:19:36
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by geoff on February 12, 2003, at 12:13:37
Its great that you had no problem Geoff, but brain chemistry is highly individual, the same reason some medications work for some and not for others. I had a hellish time with Effexor withdrawl, and have had no trouble with other medications people have had an awful time with.
It certainly doesn't mean I'm going to deny the awful experience of others on those same medications. People are different,its that simple and generalizations never get you very far.
Posted by keroppi on February 13, 2003, at 21:31:42
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by gabbix2 on February 13, 2003, at 21:19:36
> Its great that you had no problem Geoff, but brain chemistry is highly individual, the same reason some medications work for some and not for others. I had a hellish time with Effexor withdrawl, and have had no trouble with other medications people have had an awful time with.
> It certainly doesn't mean I'm going to deny the awful experience of others on those same medications. People are different,its that simple and generalizations never get you very far.
wow, why so defensive? i don't think geoff was denying others' experiences OR generalizing. he was just relating his experience, which is what we're all doing. no reason to get so upset.
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