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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Angelnmikey on June 8, 2003, at 1:03:40
In reply to any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by Jedida on June 8, 2003, at 0:27:14
Zinya...
You said you stopped after 6 days? You went cold turkey? How did it feel? Did you have any withdrawal symptoms? Pls let me know, cuz my bf is in the same situation right now. I need your help. Thks soooo much.....! I would love it if you would email me too if you wanna share anything, sugarprincess304@yahoo.com
Angel
> I just started 37.5 and today was the 6th day and I decided to quit--this stuff is potent s--t! It gets me way too wired up although it has helped my chronic pain tremendously after such a short time! The head stuff is just too uncomfortable--I feel like I'm on a hallucinogenic and I'm headed for a "bad trip"...
> Don't know what else to do...maybe go back to natural stuff like 5HTP...
Posted by Jedida on June 8, 2003, at 1:09:17
In reply to Someone help - Bf just started Effexor XR, posted by Angelnmikey on June 7, 2003, at 19:08:08
So far I've had no withdrawal at all--we'll see in the next few days --I'm hoping that I wasn't on it long enough or on a high enough dose--I figured I better get out now before I get really trapped...
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 8, 2003, at 1:09:18
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by Angelnmikey on June 8, 2003, at 1:03:40
I am sorry, I meant Jedida....
Jedida can you pls help me? Thank you! :)
> Zinya...
>
> You said you stopped after 6 days? You went cold turkey? How did it feel? Did you have any withdrawal symptoms? Pls let me know, cuz my bf is in the same situation right now. I need your help. Thks soooo much.....! I would love it if you would email me too if you wanna share anything, sugarprincess304@yahoo.com
>
> Angel
>
>
> > I just started 37.5 and today was the 6th day and I decided to quit--this stuff is potent s--t! It gets me way too wired up although it has helped my chronic pain tremendously after such a short time! The head stuff is just too uncomfortable--I feel like I'm on a hallucinogenic and I'm headed for a "bad trip"...
> > Don't know what else to do...maybe go back to natural stuff like 5HTP...
>
>
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 8, 2003, at 1:17:20
In reply to any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by Jedida on June 8, 2003, at 1:09:17
Thks Jedida...will you keep me posted? So you didnt gradually reduce dosage right? I hope you will be ok :) Thks again.
> So far I've had no withdrawal at all--we'll see in the next few days --I'm hoping that I wasn't on it long enough or on a high enough dose--I figured I better get out now before I get really trapped...
>
Posted by melley on June 8, 2003, at 11:08:17
In reply to re:brian, posted by sierra1 on June 7, 2003, at 22:07:01
Personally, I think your dr is doing you a huge disservice by starting with effexor. It sounds like you are suffering from depression and not depression and anxiety. Effexor hits both of those two things. Therefore, why start with it? As I said before, it hasn't been around that long in the scheme of things. Why not take another ssri that is more time-tested or wellbutrin which for many people (not all!) is virtually side-effect free. No sleep aids needed at night. I am switching having gotten up to 225mg of effexor. And having more and more side-effects one of which was horrid sweating. Another too much sleepiness at 150, and too much awakeness at 225. A numb feeling, constipation, weight gain. Yes, it took away the depression and anxiety but....To say nothing of the withdrawal which for most people (not all) is no joke. If I were you I would come off the effexor now and switch and try other stuff first. I think there is a lot of marketing going on for effexor now but....
Just some thoughts.
Posted by belle rose on June 8, 2003, at 14:24:18
In reply to re:brian » sierra1, posted by melley on June 8, 2003, at 11:08:17
I couldn't agree more. I would try any anti-depressant/anxiety medication before starting Effexor XR. I was on in for three years. After two months, my physician knew it wasn't working and it was indicated for my condition. During the time I was on it, I had terrible side effects if I even fell asleep and forget to take one 75 mg., dose. Numbness in my face, inability to think or function, extreme headaches, weepiness. I was advised to just stop and they prescribed something else. Each time, because I stopped abuptly, I would have these terrible symptoms, thinking it was the new med. Also, during the time of Effexor, I slept alot, felt isolated, had chronic constipation and weight gain. After three years, I wanted off and had tried the weaning process, breaking capsules, etc., with no success. I finally detoxed with phenobarbital and something for nausea at a hospital for five days. It took another 30-45 days for the numbness, brain swishing, joint pain, nausea, extreme sensitivity to noise and smells to completely subside. I am happy to report that I feel 100%. I am so much more social and enjoying life. I'm sure Effexor is indicated for some, but I could caution anyone considering this drug to exhaust other options before starting this one. I even contacted Global Affairs at Wyeth Phamaceuticals to report my side effects because I wanted it documented somewhere that I had this terrible experience. No follow-up to date. I think we will hear more about this drug in the future. It hasn't been out long enough to have enough data about the side effects and withdrawls.
Good Luch to all, find a good counselor and surround yourself with friends and/or family who will believe your symptoms. Find a physician who will listen when you tell him about the horrid side effects. It's the only way they will have the information they need before over prescribing it. You're right about the marketing. Everyone watching the commercial will think this drug is for them. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
Belle Rose
Posted by belle rose on June 8, 2003, at 14:32:19
In reply to Switched to Lexapro no side effects, posted by Napaba on June 3, 2003, at 7:43:41
I too felt numb and isolated on Effexor XR. I have written previously about the terrible withdrawals I had when I even forgot to take a dose. I finally was hospitalized for 5 days to go off and spent another 30 miserable days. Happy to report, the symptoms are gone now: Brain swishing and electric shocks, numbness, constipation, nausea, sensitivity to smell and sound.
I encourage everyone to realize that we all have bad days and those bad days don't necessary mean that we are regressing or sinking back into depression. Since off the Effexor, I have been in counseling, am trying to find ways to "have fun again and enjoy life" and if I have a "down" day, I try to realize that everyone, depressed or not, has bad days. So far, I am going to stay off meds. I feel social again, more focused and that isolated feeling that I had for so long is lifted. I'm not saying that many of us do not need medication to function but we should think seriously about thinking a pill will change our world.
Belle Rose
Posted by CherC68 on June 8, 2003, at 14:36:32
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor? » CherC68, posted by zinya on June 7, 2003, at 21:35:53
Dear Zinya, My life long dream is a pool and we got one this year for my 40th birthday which is in August. It does make me feel better than anything in the world. Everytime I swim, I feel better than ever. I didn't take my last 37.5 Effexor last night which would have been day 7 and tonight would have been 75. I slept. OMG I slept until 9:00 this morning. I did wake up during the night but I always have, especially because of the pain in my hands, but with the Effexor I've been getting up at 5:00. I still have the brain fogginess and a slight nausea problem but so far, I feel better than I feel with the Effexor. I am not sure how many days to get out of my system completely, but was put straight away on Zoloft for 4 days and then Effexor. I'm sure there are other things out there that are better for me, or just - getting off my ass and doing things that are fun and make the depression and anxiety go away. Idle hands is an idle mind, and If I keep busy, maybe it won't be so bad. I'll keep all posted about my experience. I was only on it 6 days, so it probably won't be bad at all. Take Care. Cher
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 8, 2003, at 15:38:23
In reply to Day 7 - I'm off Effexor/ Day 1 - Effexor Free, posted by CherC68 on June 8, 2003, at 14:36:32
Hey Cher,
I am glad to hear that you are getting off Effexor, and I pray that you wont have bad withdrawal effects. My bf is in the same situation, I am telling him to get off today after being on it for 4 days and he's feeling figidy, his brain is racing, and unable to focus.
I told him he will make it though, cuz hes only been on it for few days. I am trying to be extremely supportive. Can you keep me updated on your progress? You can email me at sugarprincess304@yahoo.com if you want. I wish you luck.
Angel
> Dear Zinya, My life long dream is a pool and we got one this year for my 40th birthday which is in August. It does make me feel better than anything in the world. Everytime I swim, I feel better than ever. I didn't take my last 37.5 Effexor last night which would have been day 7 and tonight would have been 75. I slept. OMG I slept until 9:00 this morning. I did wake up during the night but I always have, especially because of the pain in my hands, but with the Effexor I've been getting up at 5:00. I still have the brain fogginess and a slight nausea problem but so far, I feel better than I feel with the Effexor. I am not sure how many days to get out of my system completely, but was put straight away on Zoloft for 4 days and then Effexor. I'm sure there are other things out there that are better for me, or just - getting off my ass and doing things that are fun and make the depression and anxiety go away. Idle hands is an idle mind, and If I keep busy, maybe it won't be so bad. I'll keep all posted about my experience. I was only on it 6 days, so it probably won't be bad at all. Take Care. Cher
Posted by zinya on June 8, 2003, at 16:15:16
In reply to Day 7 - I'm off Effexor/ Day 1 - Effexor Free, posted by CherC68 on June 8, 2003, at 14:36:32
Wishing you well, Cher. Do keep in touch for a bit at least if you can ... Hoping things go well.
My sense is that if getting involved in activities can make it go away, it probably wasn't "clinical depression" to begin with. I think there's a distinct difference, but it's hard to tell -- least it has been for me -- when it's no longer the lay sense of 'depression' and/or a natural reaction to circumstances that time or activity can heal vs. something biochemically 'off' which no amount of time or activity really heals.
Posted by CherC68 on June 8, 2003, at 18:38:52
In reply to Re: Day 7 - I'm off Effexor/ Day 1 - » CherC68, posted by zinya on June 8, 2003, at 16:15:16
Dear Zinya,
I will keep you posted. Right now, I'm feeling okay so far. I still have a tingly heavy head feeling. I am sure I don't have clinical depression. I believe I have a stress load (I got a loan May 9th and just got a new roof on house & garage, 3 big trees out, got a new fence, getting new windows and got a pool). I have a 13 year old, a 1 year old crazy beautiful dog who digs and eats cat poop. Each thing I had done (roof, fence, etc.) my husband has been out of town on work assignments. It put a lot of stress on me. On top of that I was told I had borderline personality and sometimes I'm obsessive compulsive. Tell me though, have you ever met anyone - and I mean anyone who has never been depressed or a little off sometimes. I think everyone has problems and right now, I think keeping positive and keeping busy is what I need. I'm sure I'll go through depression again (I have since I was 4 years old along with panic attacks) but I've made it 40 years without the meds, might as well try to make it 40 more without it. If things get bad, I'll let my doctor know, but right now, I know Effexor is NOT for me. But, I know its helped many people. I hope people reading this don't get scared. Effexor XR is the right thing for many people and I'm sure its helped 'save' people from the horrible pits of hell of depression. There have been times in my life, when I should have been on Effexor and the Effexor would have far outweighed the side effects. Right now, is not the time for me. I will keep reading and posting as when I have something to say. Please feel free to keep in touch with me via email (CherC68@aol.com) or if anyone has questions. Take Care. Love, Cher
Posted by lovemybabies on June 8, 2003, at 19:14:51
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by bgbham on June 5, 2003, at 2:01:22
I agree, Brian. I'm going on five months and I feel like I've been given a new life. At least a new perspective on life. I have no reason to go off as of yet. I'm sure there are others out there who have positive results...perhaps they're not so inclined to search the Internet.
Posted by bgbham on June 8, 2003, at 19:29:27
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor?, posted by lovemybabies on June 8, 2003, at 19:14:51
That reason had not occurred to me. I certainly see that a lot of folks are having a hard time. I have had good luck, and glad to hear you have. I have had the misfortune of having stopped taking any, and within a couple of months I had hit bottom as far as depression goes, but none of these ungodly (herion like) withdrawals. Back on track, with an increased dose of 300 currently and having mostly good days as far as mood. Anxious to be at 6 weeks or so at that level to see how great I am going to feel!
Brian
Posted by sierra1 on June 8, 2003, at 22:36:38
In reply to Re: any good xperiences withdrawing from effexor? » lovemybabies, posted by bgbham on June 8, 2003, at 19:29:27
well it's good to hear at least 2 people are having good experiences with effexor. I think i can deal with the few side effects i have (not sleeping) and (sweating). It feels good to be able to get off my couch. i actually picked up and book to read too. I have been taking it for 4 weeks now and i can see a vast improvement.
My daughter no longer thinks i'm nuts.
take care all
Posted by notquitethereyet on June 8, 2003, at 23:26:06
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor dose increase? » zinya, posted by CherC68 on June 6, 2003, at 18:59:26
folks,
this is day 5 on 75mg for me, after 7 days at
37.5.. side effects are a real problem for me.
its tough getting going in the a.m. I alternate
between some task and my bed, maybe 5 times a
day. the antidepressent has not kicked in yet. my doc said I would get worse before getting better, his was right.
Posted by CherC68 on June 9, 2003, at 9:02:50
In reply to Re: grogginess from effexor dose increase?, posted by notquitethereyet on June 8, 2003, at 23:26:06
Okay, so day 1 was not so bad, day 2 - ummm not too good. I was fine all day long and right before bed, i was unable to move, my head started hurting, both my hands were throbbing (from the carpal tunnel)and I had the worst panic attack in a long time. I felt like I was unable to walk, stand, and function. It lasted almost an hour. My entire body hurt so unbelievably bad. I could barely climb the stares, and as I did I was literally was trying to scream my husband's name, but he couldn't seem to hear me. Once he seen that I was ghost white and shaking so bad (I'm normally very tanned) he knew something was wrong. My husband sat with me upstairs and basically leaned onto me and rubbed my head and my heart and calmed me down. I was shaking really bad. It went away though after an hourand I slept until 8:35 (very very late for me) I've normally been waking for good on the Effexor at 5:00 a.m. Please make sure you have someone to be there for you when you go off the Effexor if you end up going off of it. For me, going off is the best thing, for others, staying on it is the best thing. Everyone is different, talk to you doctor but I wanted to share my experience. Take Care. Cher
Posted by Shasta Husband on June 9, 2003, at 10:25:32
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My husband has just been put on Effexor XR, along with the adderall for his ADHD. I decided that after he startes getting more depressed, not sleeping, sick to his stomach and spacey that I would look more into this drug. I have read more bad then good so decided to call the doctor to see how to work him off, with his concent of course. I am hoping since he has only been on it for 6 days that he will not have bad withdrawls. I am so thankful I came across this page and read everybodys posts. These posts were what help me make up my mind to talk to him about getting off. Turns out he was thinking of getting off too because of the side effects he has had. He has missed 2 days of work because of this med.
I fear for his aunt though who has been on this med for over a year. I noticed when she ran out and missed a day of her dose she got very sick. I tried telling her it was the med, but she didn't belive me tell I told her what I have read. She regrets now not finding out more info before starting. I hope she isn't stuck on this med for ever.
Thanks
Shauna
Posted by Angelnmikey on June 9, 2003, at 11:56:05
In reply to Off Effexor - Day 2, posted by CherC68 on June 9, 2003, at 9:02:50
Cher,
I am sorry to hear that day 2 was harder and I am sorry that the withdrawal effects were horrible. Thank goodness your husband was there for you. I know you can make it, just hold it together. It can only get better so have faith.
My bf has been off it since yesterday, today would be his 2nd day. I wish I can be there for him but I cant hold him until I see him. I will stay strong for him and pray that he will remain strong for me too.
Good luck...
Angel
> Okay, so day 1 was not so bad, day 2 - ummm not too good. I was fine all day long and right before bed, i was unable to move, my head started hurting, both my hands were throbbing (from the carpal tunnel)and I had the worst panic attack in a long time. I felt like I was unable to walk, stand, and function. It lasted almost an hour. My entire body hurt so unbelievably bad. I could barely climb the stares, and as I did I was literally was trying to scream my husband's name, but he couldn't seem to hear me. Once he seen that I was ghost white and shaking so bad (I'm normally very tanned) he knew something was wrong. My husband sat with me upstairs and basically leaned onto me and rubbed my head and my heart and calmed me down. I was shaking really bad. It went away though after an hourand I slept until 8:35 (very very late for me) I've normally been waking for good on the Effexor at 5:00 a.m. Please make sure you have someone to be there for you when you go off the Effexor if you end up going off of it. For me, going off is the best thing, for others, staying on it is the best thing. Everyone is different, talk to you doctor but I wanted to share my experience. Take Care. Cher
Posted by mark UK on June 9, 2003, at 14:49:22
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 » CherC68, posted by Angelnmikey on June 9, 2003, at 11:56:05
Hi i am on day 2 off effexor I dont feel as bad as i did yesterday but the brain freez electric pulses are as bad as ever,although they dont feel as bad after finding this suport group.
Quite releved that the dizzines is to be expected.
Just how long will i get the electric pulses and brain freez? I was not advised by my gp to lower the dose ,just take them till ther finished.
Thanks for the reasuring advice i have found.
MARK UK
Posted by Mercedes on June 9, 2003, at 14:56:26
In reply to Re: new to effexor, and I have questions » Mercedes, posted by zinya on June 1, 2003, at 23:08:42
Z, to answer your questions, I believe I started feeling the good effects at 225 mgs. However,I was taking it in the evening and soon found out that was not good. I would stay up till 2 or 3 a.m. but would wake up at 6 or 6:30 a.m., without an alarm clock. This made me very sleepy early afternoon. I didn't even realize that I would go to sleep. Next thing I knew was that I was waking up three hours later. I'm now taking it around noon.
I too experience the increased adrenalin about an hour after taking it. That's when I feel my best, laughing at comercials on TV or at my dogs playing, etc. I really laugh, not pretend. I remember when my life or lack of life, was a big pretend act. All day long, I would be like a robot with no feelings. I would put on my pretend smile in front of people but alone, I didn't feel a thing. Anyway, I get my real burst of energy at approx. 5 p.m., which is probably why I still stay up till midnight or later. I think I'll try taking it mid morning. Just a FYI, I gradually moved my time from late evening by one hour each day until I reached the noonish time.
I have to admit I had a relaps this weekend and went into that "black hole", no energy, had my own "pity party", and didn't know why. I called a freind that I went to group therapy with, some years ago, who had the PTSD, depression, anxiety same as me (since 1996). Anyway, after talking, I felt alot better and even folded the laundry I did last week!
Oh, I'm on effexor XR, (extended release).
mercedes
Posted by kalyb on June 9, 2003, at 15:18:47
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2, posted by mark UK on June 9, 2003, at 14:49:22
Hi Mark,
are you taking Effexor XR/XL (extended release capsules) or just the normal Effexor (tablets)? and what dosage has your GP started you on?
I started at 75mg normal Effexor about 4 weeks ago and for me, the side effects disappeared in only a few days. It seems to really suit me and I am very happy with it!
But if there's one thing you can say with certainty about this med, it really effects different people differently. No two peoples' experiences seem to be the same. All I can say is if you feel you can ride with the side effects for a little longer, then stick it out and see what happens. If they're not going away after a reasonable amount of time then talk to your GP again, but take heed from past posts on this board and if possible, do not let him make you stop cold turkey. Good luck.
Kalyb xx
(also in UK)> Hi i am on day 2 off effexor I dont feel as bad as i did yesterday but the brain freez electric pulses are as bad as ever,although they dont feel as bad after finding this suport group.
> Quite releved that the dizzines is to be expected.
> Just how long will i get the electric pulses and brain freez? I was not advised by my gp to lower the dose ,just take them till ther finished.
> Thanks for the reasuring advice i have found.
> MARK UK
Posted by Shari H. on June 9, 2003, at 15:19:24
In reply to Re: Off Effexor - Day 2 » CherC68, posted by Angelnmikey on June 9, 2003, at 11:56:05
I have tried many many times to go off my Effexor. I have many times attempted to get off it and was very unsuccessful because of the very quick onset of the severe withdrawl symptoms. I got from 75mg to 37.5 with no problem but as soon as I neglected a day of the 37.5 I became a wreck. The worst for me was the brain shivers and anxiety. This forced me to take a pill. I finally decided it would be a good idea to see my doctor. She said it takes months to properly get off them. She said you can really jolt your system in a bad way by doing this. So I started cutting my pills in half and I have been on 19mg a day for about 10 days now and I feel ok (no brain shivers). My plan is to cut my pills in quarters (approx 9mg) and take that for a couple of weeks. Only at that point will I attempt to stop the Effexor completely. I work 60 hours a week and there is no other way I can do this without my job being sacrificed. My only advice to anyone is that we have no idea how badly our bodies have become reliant on this drug. Just like any other kind of drug that has such a grave impact on your entire system, tapering off has to be done correctly. Your body has to get used to the lower doses or else the shock will be too dramatic. Sudden withdrawl is an experience I never want to go through again. Almost as much as I want off these pills!!
Posted by Mercedes on June 9, 2003, at 15:26:56
In reply to mental processes repaired, posted by hhp on May 31, 2003, at 23:33:01
I too, have experience with the inablilty to comprehend things and memory problems which affect learning. After many year's in the acctg. field (unemployed at the moment due to a merger), I read my resume' and wonder if I can still do those things. However, I've had many panic attacks that would debilitate me, dble vision, almost like a mini stroke but doctor's have never pinpointed my illness other than panic or anxioty disorder. The Effexor will help with the depression. i recently started to feel happy again and I think the concentration and memory problems will decrease once we get our spirits up. Let me know how you progress.
mercedes
> Hi,
> Just this week I was prescribed Effexor XR. I am hoping that this treatment will give me back the ability to learn, to remember and to comprehend things.
> My doctor says that when the depression is under control/cured that my brain will start to work again.
> Does anyone have any experience with this?
Posted by waterlily on June 9, 2003, at 16:02:24
In reply to Thanks to this site I know more about this drug, posted by Shasta Husband on June 9, 2003, at 10:25:32
I missed one day of work when I first started Effexor. I'm so glad that I toughed out the side effects, as most of them went away after a week or two. I had a difficult time getting on Serzone a year ago too, but I was able to survive the side effects until they went away completely. I think you're doing your a husband a disservice by encouraging him to stop this potentially therapeutic med without giving enough time for the good effects to kick in.
I would be thrilled to be on Effexor for the rest of my life if it continued to work as well as it has in the past two months.
> My husband has just been put on Effexor XR, along with the adderall for his ADHD. I decided that after he startes getting more depressed, not sleeping, sick to his stomach and spacey that I would look more into this drug. I have read more bad then good so decided to call the doctor to see how to work him off, with his concent of course. I am hoping since he has only been on it for 6 days that he will not have bad withdrawls. I am so thankful I came across this page and read everybodys posts. These posts were what help me make up my mind to talk to him about getting off. Turns out he was thinking of getting off too because of the side effects he has had. He has missed 2 days of work because of this med.
>
> I fear for his aunt though who has been on this med for over a year. I noticed when she ran out and missed a day of her dose she got very sick. I tried telling her it was the med, but she didn't belive me tell I told her what I have read. She regrets now not finding out more info before starting. I hope she isn't stuck on this med for ever.
>
> Thanks
> Shauna
Posted by Shasta Husband on June 9, 2003, at 16:26:11
In reply to Re: Thanks to this site I know more about this drug » Shasta Husband, posted by waterlily on June 9, 2003, at 16:02:24
My husband's ADHD isn't bad at all. He just has a hard time handeling stress. I think with some stress managment classes will help him out with out drugs. We as a couple made the choice to take him off. We have 3 children the oldest 6 and the youngest 4 months. I have read a lot of bad things about this drug and since starting he hasn't played with the kids or even so much as colored with them like he did. It is great this drug works for some, but the effects he has already had are not a good sign to us. The children and I deserve a dad/husband that can function instead of sitting there like he is in a coma. The only reason he got on the drugs was for his mother. She thought he would be better on them. I finally asked her to step back and let he and myself work through this and decide what was going to work for all parties involved. He has won very many awards from work and been very successful with out any meds. I think he can make it with just support and counsiling and no drugs.
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