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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 14:06:04
In reply to How I got off of Effexor, posted by Belle Rose on May 13, 2003, at 2:09:27
> After three years of trying to wean myself off of Effexor, I want to an additive medicine doctor who put me in a detox center for five days using Phenobarbital for the side effects. I thought, "What I miracle, I feel great". However, the fun started when I got home and the drug from hell was completley out of my system.
> Brain shocks, shaking, nausea, couldn't stand the smell of my house, my dogs, my skin, numbness, headaches. I went from the couch to the bed for a week. My physician would not prescribe me anything for the withdrawl symptoms and I hated him. He said that day by day, the symptoms would subside and they did. I don't hate him anymore. It is one month now. I don't feel totally great, as I tire easily and have headaches and muscle aches but compared to "hell week", they are tolerable. The good news is, the quality of my life is so much improved. I am more social and am enjoying life for the first time in many many years. This drug may work for some, but it wasn't the drug for me and I don't think it is humane to have to go through horrid symptoms to get off of a drug. I think one day, they will probably take it off the market. I can only pray that do.
Hello, all. Unfortunately for me the withdrawal experience from Effexor XR has been a mild hell. This was yesterday's entry into my medical journal:I have been going through terrible withdrawals from the Effexor XR ever since it got completely out of my system. This is nearly six months. The vertigo has been the worst. Doctors have tried to treat it as a middle ear infection twice and that was definitely not the cause. Chronic mild headaches have been the other main problem along with body aches. I just feel sick all of the time. I have started taking Wellbutrin SR again today at 150 mg per day for one week and then 300 mg per day. My appetite has also changed and I have put a little weight on just like the Paxil withdrawals. It's not too bad since I had lost weight on the Effexor XR. Wellbutrin SR should help me get through the withdrawal symptoms. I am also taking it due to a mild depression that I've been experiencing.
The end of November, 2002 was when I stopped taking it completely. As you can see, my symptoms have been similar to those of Belle Rose. I am hoping the Wellbutrin SR will help. I just wish it didn't take so long to start working. Just for a brief history on meds I've taken I'll list them here: Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin SR, and Effexor XR last. I had bad experiences with all of them. I did only take the Wellbutrin SR for about a week, though before my doctor put me on Effexor XR.
My doctor has been no help, either. I am glad, though, that Belle Rose' withdrawal didn't last as long as mine has. If anyone has anything to offer as far as information goes that may help, please do. I've researched as much as I can.
Thanks,
Misha
Posted by Jjess on May 13, 2003, at 15:32:48
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 14:06:04
For as long as I can remember, I've been depressed, anxious, and moody. I have never seen a psychiatrist. I've attempted suicide, I've broken a wonderful relationship with sporatic bouts of rage. I was beside myself, and without any insurance. No idea what to do. I'm friends with someone who has extensive knowledge on anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. and Effexor was a drug she'd been on. With many remaining refills, she gave me a bottle. The last time I tried to treat myself without consulting a doctor, (Wellbutrin), I wound up hallucinating and going out of my mind within four days. Wary but deperate (I figured if I went crazier someone would help me check in), I began taking the Effexor. So far, so good. No anxiety. None. I wake up ready to work and have a good day ahead of me. My mouth is dry, I shake and my palms sweat a little. Otherwise, I feel great. It's been a long time since I've been able to function in a social setting, and last night, I went to a party and ACTUALLY had a great time. I've never felt better.
Posted by Napaba on May 13, 2003, at 15:42:23
In reply to Effexor is good, posted by Jjess on May 13, 2003, at 15:32:48
How are you going to continue taking Effexor if a friend gave it to you? It's a drug that you can't just stop cold turkey. You need to get in to a doctor and get a script. It's an expensive drug, so try a DR's office that has samples and will help you out.
For as long as I can remember, I've been depressed, anxious, and moody. I have never seen a psychiatrist. I've attempted suicide, I've broken a wonderful relationship with sporatic bouts of rage. I was beside myself, and without any insurance. No idea what to do. I'm friends with someone who has extensive knowledge on anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. and Effexor was a drug she'd been on. With many remaining refills, she gave me a bottle. The last time I tried to treat myself without consulting a doctor, (Wellbutrin), I wound up hallucinating and going out of my mind within four days. Wary but deperate (I figured if I went crazier someone would help me check in), I began taking the Effexor. So far, so good. No anxiety. None. I wake up ready to work and have a good day ahead of me. My mouth is dry, I shake and my palms sweat a little. Otherwise, I feel great. It's been a long time since I've been able to function in a social setting, and last night, I went to a party and ACTUALLY had a great time. I've never felt better.
Posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 15:55:51
In reply to Re: Effexor is good » Jjess, posted by Napaba on May 13, 2003, at 15:42:23
It is not a good idea to take another's prescription when you haven't been evaluated by a physician, Jjess. There could be reasons why Effexor is not a good med for you individually, health factors. A good doctor will give you samples to try, and even to keep taking if you cannot afford the meds yourself.
Please note: This thread is based on Effexor withdrawal, not how people are doing while taking it.
Thanks,
Misha
Posted by Jack Smith on May 13, 2003, at 16:26:21
In reply to Re: Effexor is good, posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 15:55:51
> Please note: This thread is based on Effexor withdrawal, not how people are doing while taking it.
>
> Thanks,
> MishaMisha,
This thread is NOT about effexor withdrawl. I don't know where you got that idea. See the first post in this thread, the subject line is "how are you doing on effexor?" so it IS a thread about how people are doing on effexor. Jjess answered that. Second, threads often change subjects anyway, I don't think you have a right to tell people what they can talk about. (Dr Bob correct me if I am wrong).
Jjess, congratulations on feeling better. Effexor is a great drug and if it is used properly, you can get off it without severe withdrawls, don't believe all the horror stories you read. Go to effexor.com and there is a program for people who can't afford meds, you could maybe qualify. Also, do not stop taking it cold turkey. By the way, what dose are you on? and how long have you been on it?
JACK
Posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 16:46:28
In reply to Re: Effexor is good, posted by Jack Smith on May 13, 2003, at 16:26:21
> > Please note: This thread is based on Effexor withdrawal, not how people are doing while taking it.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Misha
>
> Misha,
>
> This thread is NOT about effexor withdrawl. I don't know where you got that idea. See the first post in this thread, the subject line is "how are you doing on effexor?" so it IS a thread about how people are doing on effexor. Jjess answered that. Second, threads often change subjects anyway, I don't think you have a right to tell people what they can talk about. (Dr Bob correct me if I am wrong).
>
> Jjess, congratulations on feeling better. Effexor is a great drug and if it is used properly, you can get off it without severe withdrawls, don't believe all the horror stories you read. Go to effexor.com and there is a program for people who can't afford meds, you could maybe qualify. Also, do not stop taking it cold turkey. By the way, what dose are you on? and how long have you been on it?
>
> JACK
>
>This is a total overreaction, Jack. The post that I had replied to was "How I got off of Effexor". Jjess had then replied to my post. I may have been mistaken about the original post, but did not deserve to be shredded by you. I also was not telling people what they could talk about. These forums are to help people, and my withdrawals are a fact that I've been dealing with for months now. I would appreciate some "consideration" regarding my situation. If you read the official Effexor XR prescibing information of the official website they describe the very same possible withdrawal symptoms for discontinuing the medication. I may not have put it in my post, but I was glad to read that Jjess has gotten help in some way. Please do not misconstrue my posts. There is no emotion to go along with a forum post to help people communicate exactly what they mean by what they type.
Misha
Posted by Jack Smith on May 13, 2003, at 16:58:02
In reply to Re: Effexor is good, posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 16:46:28
> This is a total overreaction, Jack. The post that I had replied to was "How I got off of Effexor". Jjess had then replied to my post. I may have been mistaken about the original post, but did not deserve to be shredded by you.
You seem to have misunderstood me, I was not "shredding you."
> I would appreciate some "consideration" regarding my situation.
I do have "consideration" for your situation. I feel horrible that people have to go through withdrawl because of negligent doctors who have no idea about withdrawl symptoms and do not learn the techniques to get a patient off Effexor. My comments to Jjess not to listen to the horror stories was meant to balance out all the negatives that people hear on this board about effexor which may make people benefitting from the med want to get off it--which is a bad idea.
> Please do not misconstrue my posts. There is no emotion to go along with a forum post to help people communicate exactly what they mean by what they type.
Same here. You misconstrued my post. I hope you get better soon. Good luck.
JACK
Posted by belle rose on May 13, 2003, at 22:56:49
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 14:06:04
Misha,
Hang in there. I do need to add that although the symptoms aren't what they were in the beginning, I do have symptoms that I worry won't subside. My vision has changed. I can't read a page without all the lines blurring together. This has caused me to have to take a medical leave from from college courses. I am the administrator for a medical practice and this is interferring with my ability to perform my job. I have had a headache for a month, worse in the mornings. I wake up feeling like I have a hang over. I too have the body aches and sometimes feel like I've been beaten up and I tire very easily. Because it's only been a month, I am trying to be optimistic that these will subside over time.
I'm sure there are people that go off this drug without side effects but for some, these symptoms are REAL and should not be dismissed. In addition, I do not belive everything I read, but when person after person describes the same side effects, it should be taken seriously. I talked to my doctors for years about brain shivers, brain swishing, and the numbness before I ever found this site. I was made to feel weak and/or crazy like it was in my head. It was in my head!
I do not recommend anyone to go of Effexor without medical supervision and alot of support. I only hope the medical profession will be more sympathetic and not dismiss those of us who have or are having difficulty with withdrawal symptoms as over reaction or making it up because we read in on the internet. Our symptoms are real.
Thank you for listening. Good luck.
Posted by belle rose on May 13, 2003, at 23:03:44
In reply to Re: Effexor is good, posted by Jack Smith on May 13, 2003, at 16:26:21
My mistake,
I don't know what a thread is. I thought I was responding to the many posts I read about "help, how do I get off of effexor" and "effexor withdrawals. I was trying to offer some help and encouragement and wanted to share my experience.
Belle Rose
Posted by belle rose on May 14, 2003, at 1:43:16
In reply to Re: Brain shivers? » kalyb, posted by Napaba on May 12, 2003, at 9:09:46
You don't want the brain shivers. They are not fun. Kinda of like holding on to an electric fence. Mine felt like my braining was working its way down my face. Brain pulsing and synchronized. Just when you think they have stopped, then come back. It is not a comfortable feeling.
Posted by Misha on May 14, 2003, at 16:57:52
In reply to Re: Brain shivers?, posted by belle rose on May 14, 2003, at 1:43:16
> You don't want the brain shivers. They are not fun. Kinda of like holding on to an electric fence. Mine felt like my braining was working its way down my face. Brain pulsing and synchronized. Just when you think they have stopped, then come back. It is not a comfortable feeling.
That is absolutely true. They have gone away for a few days at a time, and just when I thought with great relief that they were finally gone, they returned. Thank goodness everyone who discontinues Effexor XR doesn't go through them.Misha
Posted by Paco on May 14, 2003, at 21:55:33
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by belle rose on May 13, 2003, at 22:56:49
I'm just curious how long you took EXR, how much, and if you had any side effects while you were on it. I've been taking 150/day for just over two months now, I feel fine, and have no side effects at all. I really like the stuff. I keep reading all of these horror stories about withdrawl, and I'm tempted to go without it for a day just to see what happens. I did miss a dose by about 8 hours once, but noticed no difference. Oh well, we're all different.
=========================================================
> Misha,
>
> Hang in there. I do need to add that although the symptoms aren't what they were in the beginning, I do have symptoms that I worry won't subside. My vision has changed. I can't read a page without all the lines blurring together. This has caused me to have to take a medical leave from from college courses. I am the administrator for a medical practice and this is interferring with my ability to perform my job. I have had a headache for a month, worse in the mornings. I wake up feeling like I have a hang over. I too have the body aches and sometimes feel like I've been beaten up and I tire very easily. Because it's only been a month, I am trying to be optimistic that these will subside over time.
>
> I'm sure there are people that go off this drug without side effects but for some, these symptoms are REAL and should not be dismissed. In addition, I do not belive everything I read, but when person after person describes the same side effects, it should be taken seriously. I talked to my doctors for years about brain shivers, brain swishing, and the numbness before I ever found this site. I was made to feel weak and/or crazy like it was in my head. It was in my head!
>
> I do not recommend anyone to go of Effexor without medical supervision and alot of support. I only hope the medical profession will be more sympathetic and not dismiss those of us who have or are having difficulty with withdrawal symptoms as over reaction or making it up because we read in on the internet. Our symptoms are real.
>
> Thank you for listening. Good luck.
Posted by Belle Rose on May 14, 2003, at 22:49:30
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor » belle rose, posted by Paco on May 14, 2003, at 21:55:33
I was on Effexor for three years. I had chronic constipation and stomach pain which has totally subsided since I've been off. After six months on Effexor, the docto r decided it wasn't indicated for me and switched me to another medication. Everytime I tried to go off, I would have the terrible side effects and assumed it was the new medication as I was told to stop the Effexor and start the new medication. I went through this for two years before being advised to WEAN off which I tried unsuccessful and finally resolved myelf to the fact that I would be on it forever.
It may just be the drug for you. Just watch for side effects and report them immediatley to your physician.
Belle Rose
Posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 6:13:55
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by Belle Rose on May 14, 2003, at 22:49:30
I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
Melissa
Posted by Napaba on May 15, 2003, at 8:02:58
In reply to benadryl question, posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 6:13:55
I took benadryl every night for about two months. I didn't have any problems. I still take it once in awhile. It's much more effective then tylonal pm, like you mentioned you don't feel dopey in the morning.
How are you weaning off Effexor? I was taking 150 mg and have reduced my dose to 75. Some of my side effects have gone away, I no longer have the horrible neck pain or hip pain, I don't feel sick unless I'm more then 4 hours late taking it.I have noticed my depression is returning. I need to get to the doctor and get something else. How is the Wellbutrin working for you?
> I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?
>
> I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
>
> Melissa
Posted by Ritch on May 15, 2003, at 9:32:07
In reply to benadryl question, posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 6:13:55
>
> I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?
>
> I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
>
> MelissaI've found Benadryl to be as effective for sleep as many other meds that I've tried. The only trouble I have with Benadryl is the dry mouth it causes. In the wintertime it can be very annoying waking up and your throat is all dry and irritated.
Posted by kalyb on May 15, 2003, at 10:53:18
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor » belle rose, posted by Paco on May 14, 2003, at 21:55:33
Paco wrote: "I'm just curious how long you took EXR, how much, and if you had any side effects while you were on it. I've been taking 150/day for just over two months now, I feel fine, and have no side effects at all. I really like the stuff. I keep reading all of these horror stories about withdrawal...."
I wish there was a different thread on this board, for people seeking information about the positive side of Effexor, or wishing to discuss it while they're on it, not going through withdrawal.
No disrespect intended to those who are going through withdrawal (after all, I'm taking the stuff and therefore will one day have to deal with that horror myself!!) but I stumbled on this board only a day after starting it and now I am scared stiff. I even stopped for a couple of days after just two doses, partly because I was so worried, and it did seem overwhelming for the first few days, like I'd started to lose myself.
But I resumed, and after 3 days I am starting to feel better. Is it too soon? Today I have no nausea or real side effects and I feel less disconnected and apathetic. I also feel a bit more positive; and the constant unbreakable cycling of anxious thoughts (which were both depressing me and tying me up in knots) seems to have subsided to a background murmur. In this respect, I feel almost normal!
I know I must seem impatient to see some results - I am - I'm under a lot of pressure from those around me to get well, and the last few weeks before starting the meds have been like hell.
So the way I am feeling today, is that just a blip, or a promise of better days ahead?
Posted by Jack Smith on May 15, 2003, at 13:06:30
In reply to Re: benadryl question » melley, posted by Napaba on May 15, 2003, at 8:02:58
> I have noticed my depression is returning. I need to get to the doctor and get something else. How is the Wellbutrin working for you?
>NapaB, if you need a new med, I think the best idea would be to try an SSRI because that would take care of your effexor withdrawl as well.
JACK
Posted by melley on May 15, 2003, at 14:22:42
In reply to Re: benadryl question » melley, posted by Napaba on May 15, 2003, at 8:02:58
> I took benadryl every night for about two months. I didn't have any problems. I still take it once in awhile. It's much more effective then tylonal pm, like you mentioned you don't feel dopey in the morning.
>
> How are you weaning off Effexor? I was taking 150 mg and have reduced my dose to 75. Some of my side effects have gone away, I no longer have the horrible neck pain or hip pain, I don't feel sick unless I'm more then 4 hours late taking it.
>
> I have noticed my depression is returning. I need to get to the doctor and get something else. How is the Wellbutrin working for you?
>
> > I am in the process of weaning off effexor and on to wellbutrin. I decided to try benadryl at bedtime instead of ambien. I took 25mg. and feel awake this morning instead of dopey like with the ambien. My question is: is it okay to take benadryl every night? Or should I only take it once in awhile?
> >
> > I can't remember who put up the post about taking benadryl to sleep and don't have the time to weed through them. Hope that person reads this.
> >
> > Melissa
>
>
The weaning is going like this: start 225mg eff, go down to 150mg a day for a week, two days after going down to 150 add 100mg wellbutrin. The next week go down to 75 mg effex. and the next day to up 50 mg to 150 mg of wellbutrin, stay at 75 mg of eff for two weeks, but one week after going to 150mg of wellbutrin go to 150 morning and evening. At the end of the two weeks of 75 mg of effexor go to 37.5mg. stay on that for two weeks.I started all this last Sat. All I have felt so far is a kind of dizziness. And sleepy.
But I am glad to be getting off the effexor. I don't feel numb and am not costipated (not to be graphic or anything)anymore.
Melissa
Posted by Cheri on May 15, 2003, at 14:36:29
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS!!!!!, posted by Napaba on May 5, 2003, at 9:39:21
Although I'm not a medical expert, nor an Effexor expert, I know for a fact that you should not take that many ibuprofen a day. It's really hard on your kidneys and liver and can have other consequences later on down the road from over use.
> This is rather embarrassing, but does anyone else have a severe constipation problem with Effexor? I'm taking a stool softner, 4-6 a day and I'm still having a problem. I drink plenty of water, only 2 cups of coffee a day, and eat very little cheese. I try to eat foods rich in fiber, like broccoli. I also take flax seed and flax oil daily.
>
> Also I have a long list of other side effects. I'm wondering if there are others who get relief with EXR, but have/had so many side effects that they switched to something else which gave them relief without as many side effects.
>
> Here are my side effects. I had none of these before starting Effexor (4 months a go)
> 1. Sever constipation
> 2. Horrible neck pain
> 3. Horrible hip pain
> 4. Blurred vision
> 5. Vivid Dreams (I can handle this one)
> 6. Unrestful sleep
> 7. Sweats (this one I can't stand) Last night my son had a performance at school and I had a sweat attack. It is so gross my face is wet, under my hair, I look as if I just ran a marathon.
> 8. Headaches
> 9. Brain shivvers (when I'm late for even one dose)
> 10. Horrible flu-like symptoms if I miss a dose.
> 11. My periods are totally screwed up.(before EXR they were every 28 days now it could 30, 35, 40 Inever know)
>
> I'm sure there's more. I take 150mg. I take 8-12 motrin a day and benedryl every night to help me sleep. I can't wait to eat breakfast in the morning so I can take my first 3 motrin.
>
> One more thing. I heard an avertisement for Effoxer XR on the radio on my way to work this morning. I couldn't believe it, the add made it sound like a harmless drug that would cure almost anyone of depression and anxiety with little or no side effects. "and like with all other (what ever they called antidepressents) talk to your doctor before discontinueing use." (yah, you don't want to feel like &*#@)
>
> Thanks for listening. Any comments would be appriciated.
>
> Dr. Bob, Please add spell check.
>
>
>
>
Posted by Cheri on May 15, 2003, at 14:46:30
In reply to Re: withdrawal » Cheri, posted by Dysfunk on May 7, 2003, at 9:47:04
Thanks for your input - I really appreciate it! I told my psychologist about it and she suggested I talk with a medications expert (credentials? I have no idea, but am willing to try) about interactions, withdrawals, etc. I have an appt with her at the end of the month. If I learn something interesting, I'll let everyone know.
Posted by jacquie_fine on May 15, 2003, at 19:23:07
In reply to Re: withdrawal » Maisy, posted by Lynnads on February 4, 2003, at 10:17:23
I started effexor in august of 2002 and just recently have been weining myself off of it. I have never been on any other drug for depression and my family doctor decided that I just needed a little more energy. I was having anixety attacks (mild) and crying spells. I stayed on the medicine and probably would of stayed on it, but my boyfriend hated the way I was on it. I was completely NUMB and had no sex drive. I am only 21 and that just isn't right. Over the year I was on it, I started off at 37.5 and worked my wy up to 150mg a day. I was taking two 75's a day. One when I woke and the other in the middle of the day. I just didn't feel like I did when I first started the pill. I started to sleep more throughout the day and just became withdrawn. I began to drink a lot! I would just get wasted to go to bed and start all over again. I don't even like drinking. So, I finally commited to getting off this damn thing. I started the process on 4-28-03 and have finally stopped with the pill altogether. I weined myself from 150 to 115 and lower each few days. I havent taken the pill since 5-6-03. It is now the 8 of the month and I still feel the effects of the pill. I have been vomiting, sleeping all day, dizzy, light headed, can't consentrate, can barely spell or type this. I have trouble driving, get car sick, severe mood swings, seeing spots, am a wreck. I feel like this is hell on earth. I am just glad to know that there are other people out there who know what I am going through. This is so much more than I would of ever commited to, if I knew what I know now. Forget about pills, I will just try to do this naturally for a while. Good luck to everyone out there.
Posted by Paco on May 15, 2003, at 20:07:10
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor, posted by kalyb on May 15, 2003, at 10:53:18
I've said similar things myself during the last couple of months - about looking for positive responses, etc., but haven't seen many. Some, but not many.
Personally, I'd say three days is too soon for you to judge, but that's just based on the fact that my doc and other sources told me that it usually takes at least 2-4 weeks for the side effects to subside, and four weeks to reach a theraputic level. Fortunately, my few side effects went away within four days, except for one (delayed ejaculation), which took about five weeks to fade away.
I feel much better, I have normal ups and downs, and during those down times I still feel pretty good knowing that it's not going to last forever.
Yeah, there are horror stories. I could tell you some about Prozac - the time I spent on Prozac was about the worst experience of my life. But do I think that it should be taken off the market? No! Works for some people and not for others - including me. Give whatever you're taking a reasonable chance, and if it doesn't work, try something else instead of wasting your time on complaints and lawsuits and conspiracy theories (not that anyone here does any of that).
There are no promises that there are better days ahead, but I'm here to tell you that I have had a much better life since I started taking EXR, and I hope you do too.
Good luck.
===============================================================
>
> I wish there was a different thread on this board, for people seeking information about the positive side of Effexor, or wishing to discuss it while they're on it, not going through withdrawal.
>
> No disrespect intended to those who are going through withdrawal (after all, I'm taking the stuff and therefore will one day have to deal with that horror myself!!) but I stumbled on this board only a day after starting it and now I am scared stiff. I even stopped for a couple of days after just two doses, partly because I was so worried, and it did seem overwhelming for the first few days, like I'd started to lose myself.
>
> But I resumed, and after 3 days I am starting to feel better. Is it too soon? Today I have no nausea or real side effects and I feel less disconnected and apathetic. I also feel a bit more positive; and the constant unbreakable cycling of anxious thoughts (which were both depressing me and tying me up in knots) seems to have subsided to a background murmur. In this respect, I feel almost normal!
>
> I know I must seem impatient to see some results - I am - I'm under a lot of pressure from those around me to get well, and the last few weeks before starting the meds have been like hell.
>
> So the way I am feeling today, is that just a blip, or a promise of better days ahead?
Posted by John2222 on May 15, 2003, at 20:15:27
In reply to withdrawal, posted by jacquie_fine on May 15, 2003, at 19:23:07
> I started the process on 4-28-03 and have finally stopped with the pill altogether. I weined myself from 150 to 115 and lower each few days.
Congratulations on your perserverance!
This probably won't help now, but most dr's and others here would say to wait 2 weeks between every reduction. So, go from 150/day to 112.5/day to 75/day to 37.5/day each in 2 week increments. Myself, I have just gone from a top level of 112.5/day down 18 mg/day. (I empty half of the XR capsule out).
My own dr suggested after getting to 37.5 mg/day to for several weeks, to take one 37.5 every other day (for two weeks) and then one every third day (for two weeks) and then stop.
I have felt some nausea and lightheadedness but nothing else.
By the way, I have taken Effexor XR for about one year now and it really helped me. So for anyone worried that Effexor doesn't work, all I can say is it did for me. I was/am just ready to resume life without it and feel fine.
Good luck. Talk to your dr. (or try small dose of effexor until you get over the vomiting!)
Posted by Paco on May 15, 2003, at 22:06:20
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by John2222 on May 15, 2003, at 20:15:27
Just wanna say thanks for your post. It's about the most encouraging one I've read here and it's just what I've been hoping to hear. Like you, EXR really helped me, and I'm glad to hear that going off it isn't a complete nightmare for everyone. I'm really not too worried about it myself anyway - I assume it has a lot to do with how you go about tapering and how well your system takes it.
Good luck.
=============================================================
>
> Congratulations on your perserverance!
>
> This probably won't help now, but most dr's and others here would say to wait 2 weeks between every reduction. So, go from 150/day to 112.5/day to 75/day to 37.5/day each in 2 week increments. Myself, I have just gone from a top level of 112.5/day down 18 mg/day. (I empty half of the XR capsule out).
>
> My own dr suggested after getting to 37.5 mg/day to for several weeks, to take one 37.5 every other day (for two weeks) and then one every third day (for two weeks) and then stop.
>
> I have felt some nausea and lightheadedness but nothing else.
>
> By the way, I have taken Effexor XR for about one year now and it really helped me. So for anyone worried that Effexor doesn't work, all I can say is it did for me. I was/am just ready to resume life without it and feel fine.
>
> Good luck. Talk to your dr. (or try small dose of effexor until you get over the vomiting!)
>
>
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