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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3537 to 3561 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by sorrel on March 21, 2003, at 12:49:30
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by juanantoniod on February 8, 2003, at 22:11:31
> 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 YMMVI would like to say that people have different reactions with the drugs just like not everybody gets the benifit from the drug not everybody gets the terrible withdrawl. even with the slow tapering off the drug i was still ready to throwup from any little movement of my eyes or head. anyone who know what i am talking about can understand. i still consider the people who get a strong withdrawal effect higher then the people without it. Highly overrated it is not. even if i missed taking it by a few hours my head would start spinning from eye movment. I did get tons of benifit from this drug but if i were to do it again i'd try out the drug with out any withdrawl before i'd try effexor, even if that ment taking all the drugs and relizing they had no effect and then finally resorting to effexor.
Posted by bluestar on March 21, 2003, at 13:01:40
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by sorrel on March 21, 2003, at 12:49:30
Since I started taking effexor, I've been haved a series of incredibly vivid and strange dreams. Is anyone else experiencing this too? It seems like I'm in a constant dream state when asleep. I guess that's due to not sleeping deeply. The weirdest one yet was about talking to cheetahs and eating live eels.
Posted by sorrel on March 21, 2003, at 13:29:55
In reply to bizarre dreams, posted by bluestar on March 21, 2003, at 13:01:40
> Since I started taking effexor, I've been haved a series of incredibly vivid and strange dreams. Is anyone else experiencing this too? It seems like I'm in a constant dream state when asleep. I guess that's due to not sleeping deeply. The weirdest one yet was about talking to cheetahs and eating live eels.
oh i so know what your talking about. I would have these really strange dreams. My doctor said it was common in people who take effexor. though some may not relize this. Some dreams were really gory, others were in way more detail then i was acustom to. The dreams didn't bother me much seeing as i liked to have them. but once inawhile i did have some that would make me feel i was still dreaming when i was awake. ex: i'd wake up in a dream and think i was awake and then i'd wake up again and again and again until i didn't know if i was turely awake. or i'd wake up foggy. I was orinally put on a sleeping pill and it helped somewhat seeing as dreams can make you feel like you didn't sleep at all.
i think my weirdest one was last night. it was of a talking donkey picture made of rock in the mtns. who i was asking advice from, having just excaped from a area controled by machines. he told me the black whale i would meet would be subdued by a funny song i should sing and that the little school of fish do not cause a virus so i should not be afraid when i met them. it just continued to get stranger after that, considering the fact i followed his advice.
Posted by sorrel on March 21, 2003, at 13:49:54
In reply to Re: Problems with Body Temperature, posted by Napaba on March 20, 2003, at 13:33:58
> The first three weeks on Effexor I was sweeting (Hot flashes), but now I'm hot all the time. I have long hair and when I lift it up it is wet underneath, my face looks flushed. I feel like it's a hot humid day in the middle of summer all the time. I CAN'T STAND IT! As for the after sex chills, I haven't experienced anything like that.
>
> Also the back of my neck aches and I feel nauseous. I'm also mean. I'm normally a very calm nice person. I told someone today at work to get their *$% over here. Everyone was shocked including me.
>
> I'm going to give it three more weeks and then I'm done with it. There has to be something that works without the side effects.
>
>
> I was on effexor xr 75 mgs for 11 months, recently tapered off. Side effects are all gone and withdrawal was mild. The only lingering problem I have is with my body temperature.
> >
> > While on effexor I found myself warm, I'd sweat a lot, especially at night when I'd wake up soaked through my clothes (never had this problem before). I slept in my underwear all winter b/c I couldn't keep cool. Also, some days I'd be really warm , wearing t-shirts in the winter, my co-workers thought I was nuts.
> >
> > The weirdest part happens when I have sex, after an orgasm I get freezing cold, shivers, teeth chattering, uncontrollable shaking etc. This never happened until I started taking Effexor.
> >
> > No one else has really mentioned this before, anybody out there know what I'm talking about?
>
>i;ve had night sweats constantly. being on 350mg. after just recently coming off and then going on again to see if i could do with out it. my doctor told me i could go on medincation for the sweats but i'v learned to live with it and she says she would want be having to go through the cycle of taking pills for side effects and the more for more side effects and i greatly agree with her because i hate taking pills in the 1st place.. seeing that you haven;t heard of many ppl with this problem i can assure you there are those out there for i've talked to many. i've woken up soaked and i can't ctand heat anymore like i use to. the side effects hardly ever go away for me when i was on it for along time so if they haven't for some time or you really just can't stand it there are other meds.
as for me i only get them a few times a week and seeing that effexor turly helps me i'm not to bothered and not to eager to switch or take more pills for the pills.
Posted by bluestar on March 22, 2003, at 1:57:53
In reply to bizarre dreams, posted by bluestar on March 21, 2003, at 13:01:40
It's only the second day into this wonderful thing called adjustment to a new dosage of effexor and I am wondering what I can do to ease the feeling of "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" or in other words being on edge and extremely hyped up. I smoked some pot and that helped. Any other suggestions? I've tryed a sedative but it didn't have the desired effect.I just want to feel alittle more normal during this transition, not in lala land.
Posted by Mike4321 on March 22, 2003, at 12:04:46
In reply to Re: Problems with Body Temperature, posted by sorrel on March 21, 2003, at 13:49:54
Any problems with (male) sexual dysfuntion with Effexor XR?
Posted by lovemybabies on March 22, 2003, at 17:01:16
In reply to need some ideas...., posted by bluestar on March 22, 2003, at 1:57:53
Hang in there. I felt exactly the same way. It takes about two weeks for that to totally go away. You should notice it getting better each day. It really does get better. By six weeks, 95% of my side effects were gone.
Posted by Paco on March 22, 2003, at 17:25:11
In reply to need some ideas...., posted by bluestar on March 22, 2003, at 1:58:01
You just have to ride it out. That "here we go!" feeling that I got about two hours after taking it went away after four days. That was about the only side effect I've had besides delayed ejaculation, and I'm hoping that since all other side effects have been so brief and minor for me that that will pass after a few weeks as it has for many others.
BTW - I've only been on EXR for 12 days. Started at 75/day, few side effects and all but that one went away in a few days, so moved up to 150/day after a week. No additional side effects so far since the increase.
I can't imagine how smoking pot can help, since it is a mild hallucinogen and a depressant. Just adding to the number of chemicals your brain is trying to adjust to. Same for the sedative. Have you spoken with your doctor about this?
Posted by bluestar on March 23, 2003, at 0:41:48
In reply to Massages help A LOT!!! (nm), posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 23:37:42
I've been considering accupuncture as well as massage and a vegan life style to improve my progress with Effexor. Has anyone had success with these alternative practices? I would like for Effexor to be the only medication I am taking. My mom's a hypocondriac and I'd like NOT to solve my issues with over medication. As for the use of marijuana, this plant is used by millions of people who have found it to be an excellent way to relieve anxiety. It is not a depressant as was stated by a postee to my last entry. It is considered a stimulant and mild hallucinogen, however the amount ingested to obtain these effects is far more than I would ever care to indulge in. I am very interested in alternative medicine. My sister have adopted the vegan life for going on 5 months now and the improvement in her energy and complexion in amazing.
Posted by Krissy P on March 23, 2003, at 0:47:42
In reply to Holistic/Non traditional medicine?, posted by bluestar on March 23, 2003, at 0:41:48
Hi bluestar, I am interested in alternative practices too very much, but as an adjunct to my meds. I am so frustrated tonight as if I don't do anything to improve my health ex-eat better exercise and etc. I am going to die.
The vegan lifestyle is a neat way to start, and I know people who do it and have complexions that are great. I also take Effexor and at times don't like taking the other stuff, but what else can I do except go crazy?
Good Luck, Kristen:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I've been considering accupuncture as well as massage and a vegan life style to improve my progress with Effexor. Has anyone had success with these alternative practices? I would like for Effexor to be the only medication I am taking. My mom's a hypocondriac and I'd like NOT to solve my issues with over medication. As for the use of marijuana, this plant is used by millions of people who have found it to be an excellent way to relieve anxiety. It is not a depressant as was stated by a postee to my last entry. It is considered a stimulant and mild hallucinogen, however the amount ingested to obtain these effects is far more than I would ever care to indulge in. I am very interested in alternative medicine. My sister have adopted the vegan life for going on 5 months now and the improvement in her energy and complexion in amazing.
Posted by charliemac on March 23, 2003, at 1:19:42
In reply to Re: Holistic/Non traditional medicine? » bluestar, posted by Krissy P on March 23, 2003, at 0:47:42
i have been taking effexor for a few months now and i see a big improvement on my life prior to it, but what really set it apart was going to yoga on a tri-weekly basis. yoga has released the built up stress that would have given me panic attacks and it is so comforting. so i have to say that eastern medicine along with the effexor is a great road to travel.
charlie
> Hi bluestar, I am interested in alternative practices too very much, but as an adjunct to my meds. I am so frustrated tonight as if I don't do anything to improve my health ex-eat better exercise and etc. I am going to die.
> The vegan lifestyle is a neat way to start, and I know people who do it and have complexions that are great. I also take Effexor and at times don't like taking the other stuff, but what else can I do except go crazy?
> Good Luck, Kristen:-)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> I've been considering accupuncture as well as massage and a vegan life style to improve my progress with Effexor. Has anyone had success with these alternative practices? I would like for Effexor to be the only medication I am taking. My mom's a hypocondriac and I'd like NOT to solve my issues with over medication. As for the use of marijuana, this plant is used by millions of people who have found it to be an excellent way to relieve anxiety. It is not a depressant as was stated by a postee to my last entry. It is considered a stimulant and mild hallucinogen, however the amount ingested to obtain these effects is far more than I would ever care to indulge in. I am very interested in alternative medicine. My sister have adopted the vegan life for going on 5 months now and the improvement in her energy and complexion in amazing.
>
>
Posted by Krissy P on March 23, 2003, at 1:26:30
In reply to Re: Holistic/Non traditional medicine?, posted by charliemac on March 23, 2003, at 1:19:42
hey charlie- lol I just posted on how much I want to start yoga. I am going to post something in Psychological babble because I am having a rough one tonight.
I have had the phone nunbers of yoga studios written down to call for so long that I now have them memorized-my point-I am not doing much to help my situation besides the fact that I know what to do to feel better-but I just ain't doin it:-( WHY??????
Take care, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------i have been taking effexor for a few months now and i see a big improvement on my life prior to it, but what really set it apart was going to yoga on a tri-weekly basis. yoga has released the built up stress that would have given me panic attacks and it is so comforting. so i have to say that eastern medicine along with the effexor is a great road to travel.
charlie
Posted by lovemybabies on March 23, 2003, at 10:42:28
In reply to Re: Holistic/Non traditional medicine?, posted by charliemac on March 23, 2003, at 1:19:42
Amen, brother! My panic-attacks started after a year of my stopping running, dancing, yoga. Now that I've picked the yoga/pilates back up, it's a HUGE release of daily tension. Also, I'm sure the Effexor helps a ton. :) Exercise is key.
Posted by bluestar on March 24, 2003, at 0:31:54
In reply to Re: Holistic/Non traditional medicine?, posted by lovemybabies on March 23, 2003, at 10:42:28
Sometimes I just need a little voice of reason in my head. This web site has a lot of insightful quotes and thoughts. There's one about how anger, anxiety and stress are just illusions and learning to see through them as just that is key to peace within. I printed it out and put it on the wall in my house. Its something to check out if you're interested.
<BeliefnetBuddistWisdom@partner.beliefnet.com>
Posted by sjb on March 24, 2003, at 10:06:10
In reply to happy thoughts, posted by bluestar on March 24, 2003, at 0:31:54
Please repost with web link - this is an email address. Thanks
Posted by Sean9 on March 24, 2003, at 11:30:07
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by juanantoniod on February 8, 2003, at 22:11:31
(The following is my opinion, and is not legal or medical advice)
First point: Don't quit cold turkey, make a tapering off plan with your doctor.
Second point: Take Benedryl to relieve your withdrawal / discontinuation symptoms. It apparently gets rid of most dizziness, nausea, brain flashes, and sensory overload feelings within an hour of taking it. I do not know if this is approved by doctors. I heard about this cure on a newsgroup. I've also read that other antihistamines (like Allegra), doctor prescribed anti-vertigo medication, and low dosages of doctor prescribed Prozac all help with withdrawal symptoms of Effexor.
Third: Effexor is really dangerous. In researching the Internet, a lot of people experience the exact same withdrawal or discontinuation symptoms and these are severe. One study suggested it is the hardest anti-depressant to quit.
Fourth: There is something you can do. File a report with the FDA. They regulate Effexor (which is made by Wyeth Laboratories Inc. in Philadelphia.). Ask yourself: Were you warned by your doctor of how serious the withdrawal symptoms would be? Were you ever given medical advice on how to combat these symptoms or did your doctor tell you there was nothing you could do? Well you can do something now. Help the next generation of Effexor users to be better informed by doctors and the manufacturer. You can submit a complaint to the FDA online at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/ and the FDA will investigate it. The more people that report, the better response. You can also call in your complaint (here's a list of the numbers for each state http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html ).
Finally: Note - This is not medical or legal advice, it is only my opinion based on experience and research. I do not take Effexor, but I know someone who does, and they like you, were tricked into taking this without being fully informed how seriously difficult it would be to stop (even through slow tapering off).
Posted by lovemybabies on March 24, 2003, at 16:09:08
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal is Serious, posted by Sean9 on March 24, 2003, at 11:30:07
Ok, I don't get it. I'm on Effexor now and am SO thankful for this drug. No, my doctor didn't 'warn' me of withdrawal problems; I think if someone puts an idea in your head, then you make it come true. Doctors probably steer clear of mentioning all the negatives right at the get-go for this reason. In my case, I was seriously depressed/anxiety-ridden and needed chemical intervention FAST. It's the first antidepressant I've been on and it's worked wonders for me. Also, I know two people personally who experienced only minor withdrawal symptoms, lasting only a couple of weeks. They tapered. Said it was like cycling through the start-up symptoms, only at a faster rate. No big deal.
Posted by dongerue on March 24, 2003, at 16:40:43
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal is Serious, posted by Sean9 on March 24, 2003, at 11:30:07
I have now been working on getting off effexor xr 300mg per day for just over 6 weeks. I have tried twice. I have been addicted to cigarettes. I was smoking 3 packs a day when I quit and I had been on them for 30 years at that time. I put the cigarettes in my breast pocket upside down and never smoked another one. That took two tries also. Quitting was hard. I had to quit drinking. I drank alot every night at home. I quit cold by myself. Let me tell you for ME quitting effexor is more difficult Undrstand, this is my reaction, not anybody elses. Please don't tell me that I am a victim of suggestion. I had no idea that it would be difficult to quit. Nobody told me. In fact when I started taking it 3 or 4 years ago, there was not much iformation for the Doctor to warn me either.
Well I am winning. I switched to Welbutrin and most of the bad side effects of long term effexor use are gone. Laziness, Lack of Libido, shallow sleep. All are gone. I am down to one 37.5 xr every other day and I am having few of the flu like symtoms and the dizziness and sick stomach that I was having. My ears have stopped ringing all the time. The dry mouth is improving and the dreams are now much more pleasant. I am taking 300 mg of wellbutrin a day and I have no depressive feelings.
To say no big deal is just not a universal comment. Hopefully, like over half the people who quit, you wont have problems. Like my doctor says. Many people never have the problem because they never quit.
Good Luck. When I am totally off of effexor I will be the first to let everyone know.Don
Posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 18:23:26
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious, posted by dongerue on March 24, 2003, at 16:40:43
Hi Don,
Can I ask you something here please.
I got word from my pdoc today that she wants me to start taking my 75 mg of Effexor-XR every 'other' instead of taking it every day, like I have been for 3 weeks now.
I wanted to post this after I read what you wrote here about you personally going down to one 37.5 xr every other day and having only a few of the flu like symptoms and the dizziness and sick stomach that you were having. Your ears have stopped ringing all the time? Mine were starting to ring a lot on 75mg of Effexor-XR, and my sleep has definately been shallow.
Please let me know what you think?
Thanks, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have now been working on getting off effexor xr 300mg per day for just over 6 weeks. I have tried twice. I have been addicted to cigarettes. I was smoking 3 packs a day when I quit and I had been on them for 30 years at that time. I put the cigarettes in my breast pocket upside down and never smoked another one. That took two tries also. Quitting was hard. I had to quit drinking. I drank alot every night at home. I quit cold by myself. Let me tell you for ME quitting effexor is more difficult Undrstand, this is my reaction, not anybody elses. Please don't tell me that I am a victim of suggestion. I had no idea that it would be difficult to quit. Nobody told me. In fact when I started taking it 3 or 4 years ago, there was not much iformation for the Doctor to warn me either.
Well I am winning. I switched to Welbutrin and most of the bad side effects of long term effexor use are gone. Laziness, Lack of Libido, shallow sleep. All are gone. I am down to one 37.5 xr every other day and I am having few of the flu like symtoms and the dizziness and sick stomach that I was having. My ears have stopped ringing all the time. The dry mouth is improving and the dreams are now much more pleasant. I am taking 300 mg of wellbutrin a day and I have no depressive feelings.
To say no big deal is just not a universal comment. Hopefully, like over half the people who quit, you wont have problems. Like my doctor says. Many people never have the problem because they never quit.
Good Luck. When I am totally off of effexor I will be the first to let everyone know.
Don
Posted by PuraVida on March 24, 2003, at 18:42:35
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » dongerue, posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 18:23:26
Hi Kristen,
How come your doc is reducing your Effexor? You seem to be doing really well? Hope you don't mind me asking -
PV
Posted by dongerue on March 24, 2003, at 20:38:23
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » dongerue, posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 18:23:26
Hello Krissy:
The first time I tried going down from 300 to 225 for a week to 150 for a week then to 75 for a week then 37.5 for a week. Then I quit. In about 3 days all of the symptoms started and got worse. I started to read more about it on the internet and went in to see my doctor. Before I could get an appointment I had to go back to 75 a day to feel even reasonably bad. I had read about switching to webrutin. We worked out for me to stay at 75 while we got the welbutrin going. I took 100mg a day for a week then went to 200 a day for a week. Then I reduced the effexor xr to 37.5 for a week and was doing reasonable. I had another appointment with the doctor and we went to 300mg welbutrin and I dropped to 37.5 every 36 hours and this friday I will go to 37.5 every 48 hours for three days and then quit the effexor and stay on the welbutrin for a while. I feel confident that I am now winning. By the way since the 37.5 is not readily available (I think) the doctor gave me some of the start up kits that have 37.5 xr in them.
In summary. I could not in any way quit by going to 75 every other day. It is just too painful for my particular withdrawal problem.Hope that helps
Don> Hi Don,
> Can I ask you something here please.
> I got word from my pdoc today that she wants me to start taking my 75 mg of Effexor-XR every 'other' instead of taking it every day, like I have been for 3 weeks now.
> I wanted to post this after I read what you wrote here about you personally going down to one 37.5 xr every other day and having only a few of the flu like symptoms and the dizziness and sick stomach that you were having. Your ears have stopped ringing all the time? Mine were starting to ring a lot on 75mg of Effexor-XR, and my sleep has definately been shallow.
> Please let me know what you think?
> Thanks, Kristen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> I have now been working on getting off effexor xr 300mg per day for just over 6 weeks. I have tried twice. I have been addicted to cigarettes. I was smoking 3 packs a day when I quit and I had been on them for 30 years at that time. I put the cigarettes in my breast pocket upside down and never smoked another one. That took two tries also. Quitting was hard. I had to quit drinking. I drank alot every night at home. I quit cold by myself. Let me tell you for ME quitting effexor is more difficult Undrstand, this is my reaction, not anybody elses. Please don't tell me that I am a victim of suggestion. I had no idea that it would be difficult to quit. Nobody told me. In fact when I started taking it 3 or 4 years ago, there was not much iformation for the Doctor to warn me either.
> Well I am winning. I switched to Welbutrin and most of the bad side effects of long term effexor use are gone. Laziness, Lack of Libido, shallow sleep. All are gone. I am down to one 37.5 xr every other day and I am having few of the flu like symtoms and the dizziness and sick stomach that I was having. My ears have stopped ringing all the time. The dry mouth is improving and the dreams are now much more pleasant. I am taking 300 mg of wellbutrin a day and I have no depressive feelings.
> To say no big deal is just not a universal comment. Hopefully, like over half the people who quit, you wont have problems. Like my doctor says. Many people never have the problem because they never quit.
> Good Luck. When I am totally off of effexor I will be the first to let everyone know.
>
> Don
>
>
Posted by Paco on March 24, 2003, at 21:31:16
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Just wondering if people that found it easy to go ON Effexor XR also found it easy to go OFF. I am one of the lucky folks that found it relatively easy to adjust to EXR, and it's working pretty well for me so far (unlike Zoloft, Paxil, and ESPECIALLY Prozac, all of which were nightmares, and Serzone, which didn't work). Did anyone who found it difficult to adjust also find it difficult to go off? You can see I'm hoping for a correlation here....
Posted by dongerue on March 24, 2003, at 21:42:54
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello:
I enjoyed getting on effexor. It plain felt good to me. I felt like I had a weight lifted from me. I was contented. It did me a great deal of good. No side effects except a little dizziness and increased blood pressure.
I have posted several messages on what a hell of a time getting off of it.
What about the proposition that I really needed the changes that the medication could make and that my system and constitution is having difficulty doing without it. Maybe hoakum but it as good as the idea, Easy on Easy off.
Don
> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 22:19:55
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » Krissy P, posted by PuraVida on March 24, 2003, at 18:42:35
Hi PV,
Thanks for asking, I don't mind at all.
My pdoc thinks that 75mg of Effexor everyday may be inducing mania, so she reduced it to 75mg every other day. (this was over the phone)
Today, I haven't felt manic all day. But, I woke up and couldn't move my head to the left, so I took a Tylenol 3. Still, I don't know if I felt calm because of not taking the Effexor last night, or because the Tylenol 3 did it? It all goes back to that variable stuff.
I'm glad you see my posts where I feel good, cuz there's a few where I haven't been so good. lol
Tonight, I started crying because of my head racing so much, I'm just sick of trying to control a lot of things that I just have to accept. I am fragile, and I need to really talk to my pdoc when I see her Friday about my med cocktail. The tears had a lot to do with the apprehension I have in hopes that she will really listen, and know what to do at this point.
Brains chemicals are something else eh?
I hope you're doing well and thanks again,
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi Kristen,
How come your doc is reducing your Effexor? You seem to be doing really well? Hope you don't mind me asking -
PV
Posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 22:30:15
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question......, posted by dongerue on March 24, 2003, at 20:38:23
Wow Don, yes, it did help a lot-thanks.
It does sound like you are winning:-)
That is wonderful. Sounds like your doc sure knew about weaning you off slowly.
Both my pdoc and GP doc are considerate about giving samples-which often helps a lot of us.
Can I ask again, lol, what you feel, for you, is the best thing about Wellbutrin and the worst thing about it-if any??? I have never tried Wellbutrin.
Things like side effects, improving the depression, cravings for cigarettes, if you smoke and so on?
Thanks again, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hello Krissy:
The first time I tried going down from 300 to 225 for a week to 150 for a week then to 75 for a week then 37.5 for a week. Then I quit. In about 3 days all of the symptoms started and got worse. I started to read more about it on the internet and went in to see my doctor. Before I could get an appointment I had to go back to 75 a day to feel even reasonably bad. I had read about switching to webrutin. We worked out for me to stay at 75 while we got the welbutrin going. I took 100mg a day for a week then went to 200 a day for a week. Then I reduced the effexor xr to 37.5 for a week and was doing reasonable. I had another appointment with the doctor and we went to 300mg welbutrin and I dropped to 37.5 every 36 hours and this friday I will go to 37.5 every 48 hours for three days and then quit the effexor and stay on the welbutrin for a while. I feel confident that I am now winning. By the way since the 37.5 is not readily available (I think) the doctor gave me some of the start up kits that have 37.5 xr in them.
> In summary. I could not in any way quit by going to 75 every other day. It is just too painful for my particular withdrawal problem.
Hope that helps
Don
>
>
>
> > Hi Don,
> > Can I ask you something here please.
> > I got word from my pdoc today that she wants me to start taking my 75 mg of Effexor-XR every 'other' instead of taking it every day, like I have been for 3 weeks now.
> > I wanted to post this after I read what you wrote here about you personally going down to one 37.5 xr every other day and having only a few of the flu like symptoms and the dizziness and sick stomach that you were having. Your ears have stopped ringing all the time? Mine were starting to ring a lot on 75mg of Effexor-XR, and my sleep has definately been shallow.
> > Please let me know what you think?
> > Thanks, Kristen
> > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > I have now been working on getting off effexor xr 300mg per day for just over 6 weeks. I have tried twice. I have been addicted to cigarettes. I was smoking 3 packs a day when I quit and I had been on them for 30 years at that time. I put the cigarettes in my breast pocket upside down and never smoked another one. That took two tries also. Quitting was hard. I had to quit drinking. I drank alot every night at home. I quit cold by myself. Let me tell you for ME quitting effexor is more difficult Undrstand, this is my reaction, not anybody elses. Please don't tell me that I am a victim of suggestion. I had no idea that it would be difficult to quit. Nobody told me. In fact when I started taking it 3 or 4 years ago, there was not much iformation for the Doctor to warn me either.
> > Well I am winning. I switched to Welbutrin and most of the bad side effects of long term effexor use are gone. Laziness, Lack of Libido, shallow sleep. All are gone. I am down to one 37.5 xr every other day and I am having few of the flu like symtoms and the dizziness and sick stomach that I was having. My ears have stopped ringing all the time. The dry mouth is improving and the dreams are now much more pleasant. I am taking 300 mg of wellbutrin a day and I have no depressive feelings.
> > To say no big deal is just not a universal comment. Hopefully, like over half the people who quit, you wont have problems. Like my doctor says. Many people never have the problem because they never quit.
> > Good Luck. When I am totally off of effexor I will be the first to let everyone know.
> >
> > Don
> >
> >
>
>
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Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Script revised: February 4, 2008
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