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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sly on April 15, 2003, at 12:37:55
In reply to What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by Paco on April 12, 2003, at 20:32:57
I've been off Effexor for about 2 months now and I have no lingering withdrawal or side effects. I feel great in fact, I think I was depressed and then medicated for so long I forgot what it feels like to just be me.
Posted by baracuda on April 16, 2003, at 0:41:46
In reply to Re: Alcohol??, posted by Katia on April 14, 2003, at 14:23:10
i self medicated too with alcohol, and i cant help but think that drinking was sooo much more effective than any medication ive been on. unfortunately, drinking hurts my stomach now, and that is the only reason why i stopped and turned to AD for depression relief.
i miss it so much - it worked way better than any pill my doc gives me
:(
Posted by melley on April 16, 2003, at 7:22:33
In reply to Re: 8 Week Update » humbly72, posted by jack smith on April 10, 2003, at 15:04:12
Hello,
Was wondering how you were doing in the tiredness department? Have you upped your amount?
Melissa
Posted by XiaoMafan on April 16, 2003, at 10:58:12
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl? » Paco, posted by SpaceKace on April 12, 2003, at 23:43:44
I have been off Effexor XR for 13 days and on Wellbutrin and I am still experiencing brain shivers. I have to take 37.5mg every three days or I just can't function with the feeling of 'dizzy' and feel like I am going to pass out...it has been HORRIBLE.
Posted by Jack Smith on April 16, 2003, at 16:38:11
In reply to update » jack smith, posted by melley on April 16, 2003, at 7:22:33
> Hello,
>
> Was wondering how you were doing in the tiredness department? Have you upped your amount?
>
> MelissaThanks for caring, still pretty tired but haven't upped the dose yet. I can't see my pdoc for another couple of weeks but was wondering if I could split a 150 tab by taking out half its contents to go up to 225? Wonder if anyone knows?
Posted by SpaceKace on April 16, 2003, at 21:42:08
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by XiaoMafan on April 16, 2003, at 10:58:12
I'm curious...How much were you taking before you went off and how long were you on it? I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through but if you can get out of it, I think the sooner, the better. I'm considering it myself but I'll probably wait until I can take some time off of work to deal with it. I was also wondering if anyone's concentration has been affected...I have been making a lot of mistakes at work (clerical) and I've been doing this kind of work perfectly for years. It makes me wonder if these brain shivers are causing some sort of brain damage. Good luck to you, I hope you get past this and please let me know if you do.
Posted by ladylight57 on April 17, 2003, at 5:13:49
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by SpaceKace on April 16, 2003, at 21:42:08
Hi
I hope you don't mind my Chiming in. But I thought I'd share my experience with Effexor. This constant search for a medication that works with minimal side effects is endless isn't it? I've about given up.
I had much relief from my depression with the Effexor and was on 225mg for about 3 years. I agree with you about the confusion and forgetfulness. I too found myself making a lot of stupid little mistakes and this was very out of charactor for me.
Back in October I decided to start weaning off of the Effexor and dropped down to 150 and then 75mg. The side effects seemed to be outwieghing the benefits at this point and I didn't see a reason to stay on any longer. I also had read a lot about the withdrawal effects and just decided I didn't want to be on it any longer
I spent nearly 5 months at the 75mg level as I was sort of inbetween P-docs. (these managed health care plans are the pits). In March, I was finally able to drop down to 37.5 and then make the final decent to nothing. That was of course the most difficult step for me and I had a lot of the typical withdrawl symptoms. I have heard that going form one med to another often helps to alleviate the symptoms, but I decided to just push right through them. I was really "sick" with them for about a week. I actually got some anti-vertigo medicine from my PCP and that helped me through the worst of it.I think coming off when you have some time off from work would be a good plan. But if you are wanting to taper off, be sure to give your self plenty of time before the final dose. Though I experienced some mild dizziness and nausea with the first two step downs, they were nothing compared with the final withrawl. You will most likey be able to manage the first couple decreases while working, save that vacation time for the last step.
On an up note, the mental confusion and mistakes seem to have eased up, so I don't think the meds did any lasting damage.
I'm currently not on any medication because I can't seem to find a Psychiatrist that I can trust. Called a therapist yesterday, but she didn't return my call...*sigh*. Am going to try a regemin of diet and exercise and prayer and hope that works for me, because the side effects from the meds are just too costly. Good luck with what ever you decide to do. Beth
Posted by melley on April 17, 2003, at 8:03:28
In reply to Re: update » melley, posted by Jack Smith on April 16, 2003, at 16:38:11
> > Hello,
> >
> > Was wondering how you were doing in the tiredness department? Have you upped your amount?
> >
> > Melissa
>
> Thanks for caring, still pretty tired but haven't upped the dose yet. I can't see my pdoc for another couple of weeks but was wondering if I could split a 150 tab by taking out half its contents to go up to 225? Wonder if anyone knows?I don't think you can do that. My therapist was suggesting doing that for me to decrease my dose but then we were thinking you probably could not because of it being a contents-type of a pill. If it wasn't you could break it in half. Did you try it?
Posted by Napaba on April 17, 2003, at 8:35:02
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by SpaceKace on April 16, 2003, at 21:42:08
I had problems with concentration the first 3 weeks. After that my memory seemed to return to normal. Just an additional note, I had this problem when my dose was increased from 75 to a 150 as well.
I'm curious...How much were you taking before you went off and how long were you on it? I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through but if you can get out of it, I think the sooner, the better. I'm considering it myself but I'll probably wait until I can take some time off of work to deal with it. I was also wondering if anyone's concentration has been affected...I have been making a lot of mistakes at work (clerical) and I've been doing this kind of work perfectly for years. It makes me wonder if these brain shivers are causing some sort of brain damage. Good luck to you, I hope you get past this and please let me know if you do.
Posted by Katia on April 17, 2003, at 15:39:28
In reply to Re: Alcohol??, posted by baracuda on April 16, 2003, at 0:41:46
> i self medicated too with alcohol, and i cant help but think that drinking was sooo much more effective than any medication ive been on. unfortunately, drinking hurts my stomach now, and that is the only reason why i stopped and turned to AD for depression relief.
>
> i miss it so much - it worked way better than any pill my doc gives me
> :(Yep, totally understood. I can understand why I went to alcohol b/c I needed to cope and survive and it's familiar to me, like a security blanket. And it does feel good to go there; but I know now that it only adds to the problem in the end.
good luck finding healthy means to cope!
katia
Posted by Alara on April 18, 2003, at 3:53:34
In reply to Re: Alcohol??, posted by Katia on April 14, 2003, at 14:23:10
Katia, I drank far too much for years while on Effexor and struggled with depression as a result. Strangely I was able to cut down to 2 std drinks (beer) a night after I stopped taking Effexor. (I still do not know whether there was any link between my drinking and the Effexor.) Anyway, I now take Celexa and find that having a beer or two at night is beneficial in terms of relaxation.
Used in moderation, alcohol can be therapeutic. My view is that anything in moderation is OK, although some people on this board have noted that even the smallest amount of alcohol counters the effect of ADs.
Do whatever you feel works for you. :-)
Best wishes,
Alara
Posted by mynok5 on April 18, 2003, at 10:02:04
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I don't care, I need to get off, its been less than 48 hours and the nausea and almost hallucinations are already setting in... I dunno if anyone else has had these before but I really need to get off and this time I'm doing it. Man my head feels wierd thoguh
Posted by Napaba on April 18, 2003, at 12:45:22
In reply to I'm getting off people, posted by mynok5 on April 18, 2003, at 10:02:04
I felt like that after missing two days. The next time I have a doctors visit I'm going to talk about getting off Effexor. I have the most auful neck pain every night. I don't sleep unless I take something and then it's only for 4-5 hours. And now I'm having the same type of pain in my hip.
I don't care, I need to get off, its been less than 48 hours and the nausea and almost hallucinations are already setting in... I dunno if anyone else has had these before but I really need to get off and this time I'm doing it. Man my head feels wierd thoguh
Posted by jtc on April 18, 2003, at 22:21:05
In reply to Re: I'm getting off people » mynok5, posted by Napaba on April 18, 2003, at 12:45:22
Hi,
I also have a strange pain in my hip. It feels like arthritis. It hurts to move and when I have been sitting and try to get up from sitting position it is nearly impossible to walk without pain. I have been off effexor for about 3 weeks now. I wonder if this is causing my hip pain. I also have neck pain that feels like a stiff neck and also shoulder pain. What do you think? I am glad I went off Effexor even though I am very depressed now I think I might be alright in a few weeks. It will just take time to learn to deal with things without the help of Effexor. Good luck to you, jtc
> I felt like that after missing two days. The next time I have a doctors visit I'm going to talk about getting off Effexor. I have the most auful neck pain every night. I don't sleep unless I take something and then it's only for 4-5 hours. And now I'm having the same type of pain in my hip.
>
>
> I don't care, I need to get off, its been less than 48 hours and the nausea and almost hallucinations are already setting in... I dunno if anyone else has had these before but I really need to get off and this time I'm doing it. Man my head feels wierd thoguh
>
>
Posted by Katia on April 19, 2003, at 3:20:52
In reply to Re: I'm getting off people, posted by jtc on April 18, 2003, at 22:21:05
> Hi,
> I also have a strange pain in my hip. It feels like arthritis. It hurts to move and when I have been sitting and try to get up from sitting position it is nearly impossible to walk without pain. I have been off effexor for about 3 weeks now. I wonder if this is causing my hip pain. I also have neck pain that feels like a stiff neck and also shoulder pain. What do you think? I am glad I went off Effexor even though I am very depressed now I think I might be alright in a few weeks. It will just take time to learn to deal with things without the help of Effexor. Good luck to you, jtc
>Wow, now that you mention it, I have been having terrible pains in my hip joints since I began Effexor in late Sept. I finished it in Jan. But wierd.... I wonder if it's connected. I hurt sooo badly in my hip/leg joint all the time. and
I thought it was ? but didn't think to relate it to when I started Eff. maybe ? who knows.
Posted by John2222 on April 19, 2003, at 15:39:19
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by ladylight57 on April 17, 2003, at 5:13:49
After being on Effexor XR for about last year (highest was 150 but mostly at 112.5 per day), I just tapered from 75 mg XR to 37.5 mp XR per day.
After 5 days of no negative effects at all, last night I had what I will call a real nightmare! I woke up and got up for couple hours because I didn't want to go back to bed! I always had more vivid dreams with Effexor in the last year, but never had any nightmares. Wow.
Anyway, what's the best way to take the FINAL leap? -- the leap from 37.5 to 0? My doctor said to take 37.5 every other day for 2 weeks and then 37.5 every 3rd day for 2 weeks, then that's it and stop.
I've read others say to pour out half of the 37.5 mg XR, reclose the capsule and hence taper to approx. 18 mg per day for a period of time.
Has anyone actually tried the every other day???
I thought Effexor XR had such a short half life that every other day would be like cold turkey start and stop every other day.??
*john*
Posted by lovemybabies on April 19, 2003, at 18:53:00
In reply to Re: I'm getting off people » mynok5, posted by Napaba on April 18, 2003, at 12:45:22
The neck/shoulder pain could be muscle tension. I had terrible such pain before Effexor and it went away after about 2 weeks on. I think it was tension due to anxiety/stress. Do you have a lot of anxiety right now?
Does withdrawal really cause hallucinations? What kind? Visual? Auditory? Both??? Yikes.
Posted by mynok5 on April 20, 2003, at 11:33:45
In reply to Re: I'm getting off people, posted by lovemybabies on April 19, 2003, at 18:53:00
it was after the 2 days i was off I dunno personally i know i saw people where they really werent and things where they weren't. Its happened before when I tried to get off but its been about 5 days and I'm feelin excellent!
Posted by jtc on April 20, 2003, at 18:41:37
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl? HOW?, posted by John2222 on April 19, 2003, at 15:39:19
> After being on Effexor XR for about last year (highest was 150 but mostly at 112.5 per day), I just tapered from 75 mg XR to 37.5 mp XR per day.
>
> After 5 days of no negative effects at all, last night I had what I will call a real nightmare! I woke up and got up for couple hours because I didn't want to go back to bed! I always had more vivid dreams with Effexor in the last year, but never had any nightmares. Wow.
>
> Anyway, what's the best way to take the FINAL leap? -- the leap from 37.5 to 0? My doctor said to take 37.5 every other day for 2 weeks and then 37.5 every 3rd day for 2 weeks, then that's it and stop.
>
> I've read others say to pour out half of the 37.5 mg XR, reclose the capsule and hence taper to approx. 18 mg per day for a period of time.
>
> Has anyone actually tried the every other day???
>
> I thought Effexor XR had such a short half life that every other day would be like cold turkey start and stop every other day.??
>
> *john*
Hi john,
I did do the every other day with 37.5 mg for about two weeks and then stopped. This was okay for me. I had some dizziness and tiredness and also some crying spells (depression) which I think I still have. What your doctor said sounds like a good plan. Maybe you should try that or you can try the every other day and then stop and if this doesn't work do the plan your doctor spoke of. Good luck whatever you decide, God bless...
jtc
Posted by Napaba on April 21, 2003, at 8:12:53
In reply to Re: I'm getting off people, posted by jtc on April 18, 2003, at 22:21:05
There must be a connection to the Effexor and the pain. I don't have arthritis, so I can't say it feels like that, but it hurts. I can't wait to eat breakfast in the morning so I can take more motrin. I'm going to make an appointment with my doctor, I don't want to take this drug anymore. I think more research needs to be done on it and what it does to the rest of the body. If there are all these visible side effects what is it doing that can't be felt or seen? I've only been taking Effoxr sense the beginning of February, but there has to be something else.
Hi,
> I also have a strange pain in my hip. It feels like arthritis. It hurts to move and when I have been sitting and try to get up from sitting position it is nearly impossible to walk without pain. I have been off effexor for about 3 weeks now. I wonder if this is causing my hip pain. I also have neck pain that feels like a stiff neck and also shoulder pain. What do you think? I am glad I went off Effexor even though I am very depressed now I think I might be alright in a few weeks. It will just take time to learn to deal with things without the help of Effexor. Good luck to you, jtc
>
>
> > I felt like that after missing two days. The next time I have a doctors visit I'm going to talk about getting off Effexor. I have the most auful neck pain every night. I don't sleep unless I take something and then it's only for 4-5 hours. And now I'm having the same type of pain in my hip.
> >
> >
> > I don't care, I need to get off, its been less than 48 hours and the nausea and almost hallucinations are already setting in... I dunno if anyone else has had these before but I really need to get off and this time I'm doing it. Man my head feels wierd thoguh
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Napaba on April 21, 2003, at 8:15:58
In reply to Re: I'm getting off people » jtc, posted by Katia on April 19, 2003, at 3:20:52
I didn't have the hip, neck, or shoulder pain until I was up to 150 mg. Can anyone else connect their dose to when the pain started?
Hi,
> > I also have a strange pain in my hip. It feels like arthritis. It hurts to move and when I have been sitting and try to get up from sitting position it is nearly impossible to walk without pain. I have been off effexor for about 3 weeks now. I wonder if this is causing my hip pain. I also have neck pain that feels like a stiff neck and also shoulder pain. What do you think? I am glad I went off Effexor even though I am very depressed now I think I might be alright in a few weeks. It will just take time to learn to deal with things without the help of Effexor. Good luck to you, jtc
> >
>
> Wow, now that you mention it, I have been having terrible pains in my hip joints since I began Effexor in late Sept. I finished it in Jan. But wierd.... I wonder if it's connected. I hurt sooo badly in my hip/leg joint all the time. and
> I thought it was ? but didn't think to relate it to when I started Eff. maybe ? who knows.
>
Posted by Napaba on April 21, 2003, at 8:26:32
In reply to Re: I'm getting off people, posted by lovemybabies on April 19, 2003, at 18:53:00
This isn't like msucle tension, I've had that. It's like a sharp constant ache. If your in one position for a realitively short period of time it will begin to hurt. And it really hurts when you move (even just a little or get up). Like right now I'm sitting at my desk and I'm aware that both my neck and hip hurt, but when I move or get up it's like WOO.
You said your pain went away? What dose are you taking?Does anyone know of a pain reliever that last more then 4 hours? I want something that last 8-12 hours, so I'm not taking pills all day and can sleep through the night.
The neck/shoulder pain could be muscle tension. I had terrible such pain before Effexor and it went away after about 2 weeks on. I think it was tension due to anxiety/stress. Do you have a lot of anxiety right now?
>
> Does withdrawal really cause hallucinations? What kind? Visual? Auditory? Both??? Yikes.
Posted by Louisa on April 21, 2003, at 11:05:15
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by ladylight57 on April 17, 2003, at 5:13:49
What a nightmare! I went away for a long weekend, and left my Effexor and Wellbutrin at home by accident. I already have them in one of those cute little everyday thingies, but left it sitting by the sink... I left on Thursday, and the symptoms started on Friday afternoon. Everything from the hungover/nauseated feeling to the brain shocks to the night sweats and vivid nightmares to the headache. I guess I'll be more vigilant next time, knowing the nighmarish consequences! The good news is that I had my husband meet me at the airport with my meds and some water last night, and I already feel much better (still not 100%, though).
I wish I'd done more research about Effexor before letting my doctor put me on it. I've tried most of the other SSRIs and either they don't work at all (Celexa), or they give me yucky side effects (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil...). If the Effexor were making a huge difference in my life, I might be more tolerant, but I don't even feel that great when I'm ON it!
Ah well.
Louisa
Posted by ladylight57 on April 21, 2003, at 11:25:32
In reply to forgot my pills when going away, posted by Louisa on April 21, 2003, at 11:05:15
Louisa,
Effexor can be pretty intimidating when you get the lo-down on it. I know I started feeling like I wasn't getting the whole story from my Psych. I think part of this is that P-docs are afraid that you won't try anything if they tell you all of the side effects.
It's made me very distrustful of them in general which may or may not be founded in reality.......LOL I'm currently not on meds and am havng a hard time functioning. But my P-doc has only offered me, two Serzone or Remeron and I"m not happy with either choice, so here I sit.
I've got an appointment with my PCP tomorrow and know that I could get her to put me on just any old thing until I can find a decent P-doc.........but I hate the thought of having to go on and off meds a number of times.
Sorry to babble on. So are you staying on or deciing to get off of the Effexor?
Beth
Posted by Kevin123 on April 21, 2003, at 13:51:37
In reply to Re: forgot my pills when going away, posted by ladylight57 on April 21, 2003, at 11:25:32
Your not the only one in this situation i've been on them for a month and I seem to be worse not sure if thats the drugs or just my mood has changed, but i'm going to see a psych on wednesday so he might offer some advice as I need some quick.
Take care
Kev
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