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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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!)
>
>
Posted by Angel Girl on May 16, 2003, at 0:51:55
In reply to Re: withdrawal » John2222, posted by Paco on May 15, 2003, at 22:06:20
My highest dosage of Effexor XR was 367.5mg/day when I decided that I wanted off due to a meriad of side effects that I no longer wanted to deal with. I had read all the horror stories and wasn't looking forward to the process of withdrawing. I should also state that my body is EXTREMELY sensitive to any new drugs introduced to my system or any dosage changes to existing medications.
My pdoc decreased my dosage by only 37.5mg/day and waited 2 weeks for my body to adjust to that level before decreasing again down to the next lower dosage. When we adhered to that schedule of small dosage changes every 2 weeks, I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms. It was ONLY when I became impatient with the length of time it was taking and decided to drop 75mg at one time instead of 37.5. Within 24 hours I went into withdrawal and I had to bring myself back up the 75mg and even an additional 37.5mg to settle things down. I stayed at that level until I felt ready to decrease again, this time ALWAYS adhering to the 37.5mg decrease with each step. When I got to the final 37.5mg dosage, I went off of it cold turkey with absolutely no problems whatsoever.
Unfortunately the brain shivers that I was experiencing while I was on the meds, stayed with me for several weeks after I was completely off them. Now it is several months later and I feel no effects of ever taking Effexor XR.
I think Effexor can be a great drug. I know it was a Godsend for me. It kept me alive. Before getting up to higher than 150mg dosage, I was seriously going to kill myself. So, all in all it kept me alive. It served it's purpose and even though I had tons of side effects that really bothered me, when/if I ever decide to go back on any anti-depressant, Effexor XR, even with all it's bad rap, will be my drug of choice.
This is my experience and of course, others will have their own experiences. I just personally don't think that Effexor XR is as bad a drug as it is sometimes made out to be. I think you have to take what you read with a grain of salt.
Anybody trying to get off of it, with horrible side effects, I wish you well. I know what it's like to be so cold that you are sitting, shaking like a leaf in the corner of your room with blankets piled ontop of you to keep warm and it is 100 degrees outside.
Angel Girl
Posted by John2222 on May 16, 2003, at 1:10:06
In reply to Re: withdrawal » John2222, posted by Paco on May 15, 2003, at 22:06:20
Paco, even though I have been taking Effexor XR for almost a year, I felt better after only 2 to 3 weeks. My dr pretty much insisted I stick with it for 12-18 months so help "retrain" my brain chemistry.
I've always been moody and just more of less accepted it. Prior to Effexor though and shortly after 9/11 I just couldn't get my mind back to the normal keel of life. Little things hanged on and on, and I worried about lots of "what if's" and "whys".
So maybe Effexor or not, I would have recovered on my own after 12 months.
I believe that the reason most of the Effexor stories on these support groups are about the problems, is that we look to support groups and others when we have problems, not when we're doing great.
Not that everything has been perfect, but I don't fear an anti-depressant--certainly I don't fear one just because I'm afraid that I might have trouble 12 months later discontinuing it. Most stories of discontinuing problems have been from someone taking 75 or 150 mg per day and then deciding "that's it" and quitting cold turkey.
Anyway, keep the faith, and don't fear success!
John
> 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.
>
Posted by DeanG on May 16, 2003, at 13:15:27
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by John2222 on May 16, 2003, at 1:10:06
Greetings John and All,
After digesting all of your comments on the side effects and addicting nature of Effexor I am, to put it quite bluntly, in a state of utter shock. After undergoing my physical examination yesterday my doctor decided to put me on Effexor to reduce the severe anxiety attacks that I've been experiencing in the past few months. I relented only after he assured me that the drug was not addicting. Twenty years ago I had severe back problems and was put on Ativan. Five years later I was left with a full-blown drug addiction which made me swear off any medication or stimulants or depressants of any kinds so as not to experience the same hellish withdrawal symptoms again. Here it is 15 years later and totally clean in all this time and my doctor goes and prescribes what he considers a non habit forming drug knowing full well my past history and struggles with addiction. I took my first 37.5 mg just 14 hours ago which I'm to continue for the next 6 days whereby the dosage is to double to 75 mg thereafter. Fifteen years ago I went through a living hell trying to get myself off what the psychiatrist called an addiction worse than heroin. I believe I may have just taken the first steps to revisiting that horrendous period in my life. Although my doctor most certainly has my best interests at heart, I seriously doubt that he's ever experienced first hand the terrifying withdrawal symptoms of a drug addiction and how difficult it is to break. I've been on Effexor for less than a day now and am already feeling its effects. Whereby Ativan acted as a speed, Effexor is having the exact opposite effect of drastically slowing things down. I feel numb and anxiety free but totally able to function as far as my job goes. Unfortunately, I'm not prepared to pay the price of another harrowing addiction. My doctor was adamant that Effexor was not addicting. Unfortunately, after reading all of your posts I beg to differ, and as I cannot afford a repeat of 15 years ago I may have to nip this one in the bud. Of course, that's always easier said than done. I certainly hope I have the willpower to make the right call and find other means of tackling my anxiety disorder and depression. Tonight will be the first test. Good luck and thank you one and all for all of your touching and candid comments.
Best Regards,
Dean
> Paco, even though I have been taking Effexor XR for almost a year, I felt better after only 2 to 3 weeks. My dr pretty much insisted I stick with it for 12-18 months so help "retrain" my brain chemistry.
>
> I've always been moody and just more of less accepted it. Prior to Effexor though and shortly after 9/11 I just couldn't get my mind back to the normal keel of life. Little things hanged on and on, and I worried about lots of "what if's" and "whys".
>
> So maybe Effexor or not, I would have recovered on my own after 12 months.
>
> I believe that the reason most of the Effexor stories on these support groups are about the problems, is that we look to support groups and others when we have problems, not when we're doing great.
>
> Not that everything has been perfect, but I don't fear an anti-depressant--certainly I don't fear one just because I'm afraid that I might have trouble 12 months later discontinuing it. Most stories of discontinuing problems have been from someone taking 75 or 150 mg per day and then deciding "that's it" and quitting cold turkey.
>
> Anyway, keep the faith, and don't fear success!
>
> John
>
>
> > 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.
> >
>
Posted by kalyb on May 16, 2003, at 17:36:57
In reply to Re: How I got off of Effexor » kalyb, posted by Paco on May 15, 2003, at 20:07:10
Thanks, Paco!
> 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.
Today I feel no side effects at all; I've noticed them diminish over the last few days - I am sure that the aborted start in taking Effexor I began last week made a difference. But I know this drug is working - I just hope it continues. Yes, it's early, but honestly if you'd seen me even 10 days ago, you'd have seen an entirely different person. I was in a real state.
I've looked at information and data for Effexor on the net and it does say it works for some people within the first week. I am so much more smiley and relaxed, find it easier to talk to people without a "block" of depression/anxiety getting in the way. I feel not exactly "bulletproof" but things aren't getting to me like they did before... optimistic, positive, and the endless cycling of depressive self-pitying thoughts is gone. I feel very much like I did a few months ago when I had a period in which I can say I was very happy. Okay, so it's just a few days like this, but wow, if this continues then I am going to be a very happy bunny indeed!
And now I know about what some people said about waking up laughing. I had a bizarre dream last night which, when I woke and recalled bits of it, had me giggling on the pillows. I can't remember any of it now, no idea why it was so funny!!!
> 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.
Absolutely not - I agree. Prozac worked wonderfully for a friend of mine, she says she felt the best she's ever felt in her entire life. But for me, I took it for about 6 months and it wasn't the answer. It wasn't a bad experience but it wasn't quite right either. Most of the time I felt oddly shaky in mind, I likened it to feeling like a tree with all my leaves quivering. I dropped the dose to half, which stopped that but didn't really address the depression much, I can recall a couple of instances when I got very low and despondent about things. Eventually I stopped, knowing it wasn't right for me.
> 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.
Thanks again. I hope my post will encourage others who have just started it, since as someone in another post said: people come to this message board with problems mainly, not when everything is great. As little time ago as ten days ago, I would not have believed you if you'd told me I could feel this normal. I just pray it continues.... :)
Posted by melley on May 16, 2003, at 18:09:13
In reply to Re: Effexor » Paco, posted by kalyb on May 16, 2003, at 17:36:57
I do think that effexor has lots of positives. And it certainly saved my life last year. I spent a month on tranquilizers with it while it was taking effect. It was so great to have the fog cleared. And when I got up to 225 mg in January I was very energetic and that was absolutely wonderful.
However, I have only tried paxil and effexor. And then was told by my cousin that wellbutrin was virtually side effect-free for her. So thought I'd give it a try. I can always go back on effexor. I am now at the end of the first week of weaning myself off of effexor and on to wellbutrin. Feel a bit rocky and had tingling on the side of my head and on my face. Felt like it could be related. Also feel weak and tired. But also feel more....the numbness on effexor was great in some ways....but too much sometimes.
Melissa
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