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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by pzmannn on October 26, 2003, at 15:57:42
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » hockeygirlcanada, posted by melbob on October 20, 2003, at 11:58:57
I am well aware of the withdrawal symptoms of Effexor XR as I inadvertently went off a 300 mg per day dosage "Cold Turkey" about 3 weeks ago. Three days in was the worst night I have ever went through in my life. I literally thought I was going off of the deep end.
To regress, I went to see my GP on a Monday at which time she put me on Nuerontin as a pain medication for Arthritis. Because of kidney problems I cannot take Nsaids which do a great job. At the same time she switched me to Wellbutrin at my request because the Effexor seemed less effective than in the past. She did not taper the Effexor because supposedly it was not necessary since I was switching to a like antidepressent. After some research I now know Nuerontin and Wellbutin are a problem together.
umping ahead, by Thursday I did not know what was doing what to me. I was blaming everything. Bottom line is I suspect most of what was and is going on is the Effexor withdrawal.
I know I can get through this I just need some input on how long it will last and is it normal to have good days and bad days, in other words do the withdrawal symptoms come and go. Any input would be appreciated.
Posted by melbob on October 27, 2003, at 14:12:24
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by pzmannn on October 26, 2003, at 15:57:42
hi...well, i thought i was home-free after i guess about a week off of effexor. but yesterday and today, i have been feeling "not here" again. so i think it is possible that the effects of effexor can come and go for quite some time. hang in there, take some benadryl, hope you feel better soon; it will get better.
melbob
Posted by T_R_D on October 28, 2003, at 9:44:48
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by pzmannn on October 26, 2003, at 15:57:42
Hi there...the first time I went off Effexor it took me about three weeks to get straightened out. That was without any other "remedies" that can help. The second time around (just a few weeks ago) I actually got a prescription for Prozac for three days. It helped with the brain zaps/mood swings. I then took some Benadryl for the bodily symptoms...it made me very sleepy/lightheaded but at least I was in a place where either I didn't care how I felt and/or without withdrawal symptoms! After doing that I was back to "normal" in less than a week. Give it a try!
Posted by charlie29 on October 28, 2003, at 16:24:47
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by T_R_D on October 28, 2003, at 9:44:48
I had been on Effexor (225mg) for 2 years. It gave me my life back. I quit cold turkey and had no symptoms. I am really active and exercise 4x week and find it to be extremely helpful. Why don't you start little by little, walks in the park, some light cardio etc..I am sure the reason why I did not suffer from withdrawal is because of this...And remember this is just a sign that your brain is adjusting itself to its normal cemistry. Go out and get a move on..I am sure it will help a lot.
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 28, 2003, at 16:53:43
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by charlie29 on October 28, 2003, at 16:24:47
> I had been on Effexor (225mg) for 2 years. It gave me my life back. I quit cold turkey and had no symptoms. I am really active and exercise 4x week and find it to be extremely helpful. Why don't you start little by little, walks in the park, some light cardio etc..I am sure the reason why I did not suffer from withdrawal is because of this...And remember this is just a sign that your brain is adjusting itself to its normal cemistry. Go out and get a move on..I am sure it will help a lot.
I envy you for your success at withdrawaling w/o problems. I'm at the beginning of my second attempt. I'm gone down from 300mg to 225mg a day. This *feeling* is becoming familiar. Nauseas pops up without warning and fades just as quickly. Everyone seems to believe that I'm going through early menopause because I'm hot hot hot and require a fan blowing always. Dizzyness and a feeling of general unhappiness (wanting to hide in my cave) are my constant companions. I'm going to take it slower than I did last time. Please Lord give me the strength.
KDi in Texas
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 28, 2003, at 20:03:12
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » charlie29, posted by KimberlyDi on October 28, 2003, at 16:53:43
> I envy you for your success at withdrawaling w/o problems. I'm at the beginning of my second attempt. I'm gone down from 300mg to 225mg a day. This *feeling* is becoming familiar. Nauseas pops up without warning and fades just as quickly. Everyone seems to believe that I'm going through early menopause because I'm hot hot hot and require a fan blowing always. Dizzyness and a feeling of general unhappiness (wanting to hide in my cave) are my constant companions. I'm going to take it slower than I did last time. Please Lord give me the strength.
> KDi in Texas
>I was on efexor for over two years on 300 mg, and withdrew over a five week period. Going down 75mg a week. Effexor never worked for me, I have GAD, I was physically ill about 4-5 times a day, always dizzy, very depressed, but it does go away, and it does get better. It has been compared to withdrawing from Heroin, and the withdrawal effects can last for up to 3 months to a year, but I think that is more of the exception than the rule. I am also an avid exerciser, and this helped immensely, to deal with the side effects, as well as clonazepam, (which I take daily for anxiety anyway). So try to stay strong, and tell yourself that it is TEMPORARY. And it does get better.
Good luck!
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 11:12:35
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 28, 2003, at 20:03:12
My lowered dosage is during the afternoon so I'm really crawling the walls by evening. Unfortunately, I'm self-medicating by drinking some in the evenings again. Started because I was frantic from upset tummy & brain zaps, realized that it seemed to help with the withdrawal. I have no clue if it's because of the Serotonin/Dopamine see-saw effect. Lowered serotonin is raised dopamine or vice/versa. And alcohol affects dopamine. I obviously need to find a way to raise my dopamine another way besides drinking. <sigh>
Brain fog, any ideas?
KDi
>
> > I envy you for your success at withdrawaling w/o problems. I'm at the beginning of my second attempt. I'm gone down from 300mg to 225mg a day. This *feeling* is becoming familiar. Nauseas pops up without warning and fades just as quickly. Everyone seems to believe that I'm going through early menopause because I'm hot hot hot and require a fan blowing always. Dizzyness and a feeling of general unhappiness (wanting to hide in my cave) are my constant companions. I'm going to take it slower than I did last time. Please Lord give me the strength.
> > KDi in Texas
> >
>
> I was on efexor for over two years on 300 mg, and withdrew over a five week period. Going down 75mg a week. Effexor never worked for me, I have GAD, I was physically ill about 4-5 times a day, always dizzy, very depressed, but it does go away, and it does get better. It has been compared to withdrawing from Heroin, and the withdrawal effects can last for up to 3 months to a year, but I think that is more of the exception than the rule. I am also an avid exerciser, and this helped immensely, to deal with the side effects, as well as clonazepam, (which I take daily for anxiety anyway). So try to stay strong, and tell yourself that it is TEMPORARY. And it does get better.
> Good luck!
>
Posted by Random987 on October 29, 2003, at 14:15:26
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » hockeygirlcanada, posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 11:12:35
I am new to this board, but from what I understand, there are some "dompamine agonists" that may help raise dopamine levels. There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that dopamine is related to libidio and some people have some sucess fighting effoxor sexual side effects with dopamine agonists.
There are prescriptions such as bromocriptine, pramipexole, cabergoline that will raise dopamine.
There are also some herbal remedies such as: Mucuna Pruriens (increases l-dopa)
Also, nicotine is a dopamine agonist so, some people chew nicotine gum to raise dopamine levels.However, I haven't tried these (yet), so YMMV.
> My lowered dosage is during the afternoon so I'm really crawling the walls by evening. Unfortunately, I'm self-medicating by drinking some in the evenings again. Started because I was frantic from upset tummy & brain zaps, realized that it seemed to help with the withdrawal. I have no clue if it's because of the Serotonin/Dopamine see-saw effect. Lowered serotonin is raised dopamine or vice/versa. And alcohol affects dopamine. I obviously need to find a way to raise my dopamine another way besides drinking. <sigh>
>
> Brain fog, any ideas?
>
> KDi
> >
> > > I envy you for your success at withdrawaling w/o problems. I'm at the beginning of my second attempt. I'm gone down from 300mg to 225mg a day. This *feeling* is becoming familiar. Nauseas pops up without warning and fades just as quickly. Everyone seems to believe that I'm going through early menopause because I'm hot hot hot and require a fan blowing always. Dizzyness and a feeling of general unhappiness (wanting to hide in my cave) are my constant companions. I'm going to take it slower than I did last time. Please Lord give me the strength.
> > > KDi in Texas
> > >
> >
> > I was on efexor for over two years on 300 mg, and withdrew over a five week period. Going down 75mg a week. Effexor never worked for me, I have GAD, I was physically ill about 4-5 times a day, always dizzy, very depressed, but it does go away, and it does get better. It has been compared to withdrawing from Heroin, and the withdrawal effects can last for up to 3 months to a year, but I think that is more of the exception than the rule. I am also an avid exerciser, and this helped immensely, to deal with the side effects, as well as clonazepam, (which I take daily for anxiety anyway). So try to stay strong, and tell yourself that it is TEMPORARY. And it does get better.
> > Good luck!
> >
>
>
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 15:25:10
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Random987 on October 29, 2003, at 14:15:26
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 16:30:52
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Random987 on October 29, 2003, at 14:15:26
amazing how dopamine, libido, and parkinsons seem so closely related.
> I am new to this board, but from what I understand, there are some "dompamine agonists" that may help raise dopamine levels. There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that dopamine is related to libidio and some people have some sucess fighting effoxor sexual side effects with dopamine agonists.
>
> There are prescriptions such as bromocriptine, pramipexole, cabergoline that will raise dopamine.
>
> There are also some herbal remedies such as: Mucuna Pruriens (increases l-dopa)
> Also, nicotine is a dopamine agonist so, some people chew nicotine gum to raise dopamine levels.
>
> However, I haven't tried these (yet), so YMMV.
>
>
>
>
> > My lowered dosage is during the afternoon so I'm really crawling the walls by evening. Unfortunately, I'm self-medicating by drinking some in the evenings again. Started because I was frantic from upset tummy & brain zaps, realized that it seemed to help with the withdrawal. I have no clue if it's because of the Serotonin/Dopamine see-saw effect. Lowered serotonin is raised dopamine or vice/versa. And alcohol affects dopamine. I obviously need to find a way to raise my dopamine another way besides drinking. <sigh>
> >
> > Brain fog, any ideas?
> >
> > KDi
> > >
> > > > I envy you for your success at withdrawaling w/o problems. I'm at the beginning of my second attempt. I'm gone down from 300mg to 225mg a day. This *feeling* is becoming familiar. Nauseas pops up without warning and fades just as quickly. Everyone seems to believe that I'm going through early menopause because I'm hot hot hot and require a fan blowing always. Dizzyness and a feeling of general unhappiness (wanting to hide in my cave) are my constant companions. I'm going to take it slower than I did last time. Please Lord give me the strength.
> > > > KDi in Texas
> > > >
> > >
> > > I was on efexor for over two years on 300 mg, and withdrew over a five week period. Going down 75mg a week. Effexor never worked for me, I have GAD, I was physically ill about 4-5 times a day, always dizzy, very depressed, but it does go away, and it does get better. It has been compared to withdrawing from Heroin, and the withdrawal effects can last for up to 3 months to a year, but I think that is more of the exception than the rule. I am also an avid exerciser, and this helped immensely, to deal with the side effects, as well as clonazepam, (which I take daily for anxiety anyway). So try to stay strong, and tell yourself that it is TEMPORARY. And it does get better.
> > > Good luck!
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Random987 on October 29, 2003, at 23:29:11
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » Random987, posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 16:30:52
Yeah, I found that connection to be pretty strange. I just wonder if it really works. From my limited research, I really haven't seen too many people who say that this stuff really works. I guess I need to find a girlfriend before I can really tell if the stuff works ;).
Posted by charlie29 on October 30, 2003, at 3:40:03
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Random987 on October 29, 2003, at 23:29:11
To all of you..I deeply understand your concerns, worries, confusion etc...I am the living proof that you can live life without Effexor..Trust me a little suffering will lead to a greater happines once the side effects of the drug subsides..Then you will know that somehow Effexor have corrected what was wrong in your brain and you are depression free..I am off the drug for 2 years now, depression free, I have a history of self harm on major depression. It will be al right hang in there.
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 30, 2003, at 8:31:14
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » hockeygirlcanada, posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 11:12:35
> My lowered dosage is during the afternoon so I'm really crawling the walls by evening. Unfortunately, I'm self-medicating by drinking some in the evenings again. Started because I was frantic from upset tummy & brain zaps, realized that it seemed to help with the withdrawal. I have no clue if it's because of the Serotonin/Dopamine see-saw effect. Lowered serotonin is raised dopamine or vice/versa. And alcohol affects dopamine. I obviously need to find a way to raise my dopamine another way besides drinking. <sigh>
>
> Brain fog, any ideas?
>
> KDi
> >
Well there are some natural things to try, 5-htp, is a serotonin booster, one thing that people on MAOI have to avoid. Self medicating is not a great idea, as I am sure you know, because you will only feel worse. Have you ever tried yoga, or pilates? Yoga is good for boosting energy, clearing the mind, I am not a yogi, but I just use a couple of beginner tapes and it works wonders. Maybe clarocet nri, apparently another herbal remedy that works wonders. Or talk to your doctor, do you plan on going back on any medication at all, maybe clonazepam, a good mood stabilizer? I am sure there will be other responses to for help. I took an anti-nauseant, and alot of tylenol over the 5 weeks. I took effexor at night, so that is when I was reducing, so i was sleeping through the worst part of it.
Good luck again, keep us posted!
Posted by Ksmith on October 31, 2003, at 10:15:55
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 30, 2003, at 8:31:14
I have been on Effexor XR for 4 years. I have tried on numerous occasions to get off it. I have discussed it with my Dr. I have reduced dosage to crumbs. I have added separately Ativan and Buspar to help get off the Effexor, with no success. The symtoms are horrific! Terrible shocks to the brain, dizziness, nausea, the worst being the "brain Zaps". I am afraid of brain damage. My husband and I are now discussing having me hospitalized to get off this drug. The drug no longer works for me, just makes me very sleepy when I get stressed, to the point that I have become agoraphobic. How on earth can I get off this drug?
Posted by melbob on October 31, 2003, at 23:50:20
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Ksmith on October 31, 2003, at 10:15:55
hi...benadryl helps...just read some more of the posts and you'll get lots of suggestions...good luck!
melbob
Posted by Ksmith on November 1, 2003, at 14:10:55
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Ksmith on October 31, 2003, at 10:15:55
I believe the doctors do not realize nor do they take seriously the withdrawal agony one goes though on Effexor. It's easy for some to say it's a great drug, but the withdrawal is something else!
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 1, 2003, at 16:04:28
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Ksmith on October 31, 2003, at 10:15:55
> I have been on Effexor XR for 4 years. I have tried on numerous occasions to get off it. I have discussed it with my Dr. I have reduced dosage to crumbs. I have added separately Ativan and Buspar to help get off the Effexor, with no success. The symtoms are horrific! Terrible shocks to the brain, dizziness, nausea, the worst being the "brain Zaps". I am afraid of brain damage. My husband and I are now discussing having me hospitalized to get off this drug. The drug no longer works for me, just makes me very sleepy when I get stressed, to the point that I have become agoraphobic. How on earth can I get off this drug?
Well the common name for those brain zaps are called brain "shivers" and they are very common with effexor with drawal. I know it feels awful and scary, but I was on effexor for almost 3 years, on maximum dose, and got off the awful drug, over a five week period. It was hell, I puked every hour, sweats to shivers, brain shivers, but it eventually went away, and got better. They compare it to heroin withdrawal, although no methadone! I used clonazepam for the worst times, just to try and stabilize my mood and take care of my son. Although I use clonazepam anyways, as i have severe g.a.d. It lasts much longer than ativan or xanax, and is less addictive. (I have used it for 6 years, no tolerance at all)
Good luck! Any questions just ask!
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 3, 2003, at 15:19:39
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 1, 2003, at 16:04:28
Some people said they had a metallic taste going onto Effexor. I have an awful taste going off of it. This headache and sickness to the stomach that abates only alittle when I take my next allowable dosage is becoming all too familiar. My husband, sweetheart that he isn't, gripes and complains about the lack of fun I'm being. See my pdoc tomorrow. Have zero faith that she can make anything better.
THanks for letting me vent.
KDi in Texas
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 3, 2003, at 19:40:05
In reply to Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by KimberlyDi on November 3, 2003, at 15:19:39
> Some people said they had a metallic taste going onto Effexor. I have an awful taste going off of it. This headache and sickness to the stomach that abates only alittle when I take my next allowable dosage is becoming all too familiar. My husband, sweetheart that he isn't, gripes and complains about the lack of fun I'm being. See my pdoc tomorrow. Have zero faith that she can make anything better.
First of all, sorry for your husband not being understanding, my family had a hard time being overly sympathetic, but it is a pain that only other people who have had the same experiences can know. I never had a metallic taste going on to it, coming off of it, I had a yucky taste, I wouldn't say metallic, just gross. How are you tapering? What dose were you on? There has to be something to help you. Really, people withdrawing from Effexor should be hospitalized, that is why there are so many lawsuits now coming about, due to the nature of the withdrawal, and the company had to change the material in their insert to add side effects. I did it at home, as I am a single mom with a little boy, but if you have to be hospitalized, it is the best place to be, I would think, in order to be successful, and there would be other meds they could give you to make you comfortable and monitor you..
All the best, and make sure you don't hold back with yoru pdoc, and make sure he/she listens to you... I have had to come out and tell them to listen to what I am saying, instead of trying to rush me out of the office, they are paid to see me. Good luck!!
> THanks for letting me vent.
> KDi in Texas
Posted by KDinKC on November 5, 2003, at 14:50:12
In reply to Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by KimberlyDi on November 3, 2003, at 15:19:39
I started taking Effexor a little over a year ago after I had to lay off about 1,100 people. Since that time, I've gained 60 lbs. My doctor said I was one in about 8 percent to do so. Trying to stop taking it has been miserable. It was nice to come to this site and at least know that I'm not losing my mind. The feeling I have is very hard to describe, as others have mentioned. I went from 150 mg to 75 to nothing. My doctor now wants to half the 75 since after 3 days without it, it feels like I can hear and see the neurons firing in my brain (that's the best way I can think of to descibe what is happening). I am in such a foul mood, I don't even want to be around myself. After decreasing my dose, I did notice an increase in libido. While taking the drug may have had its advantages, I was practically unable to achieve orgasm.
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 8:38:32
In reply to Effexor, posted by KDinKC on November 5, 2003, at 14:50:12
In my withdrawal process, and being allowed to remain at 150mg for awhile, the awful effects have decreased. From naseau, headaches, and dizziness... I now just have to be careful not to turn my head too quickly. If I were you, I would go back on the Effexor at a low dosage like the doctor suggested. It will help. I wish you luck.
KDi
> I started taking Effexor a little over a year ago after I had to lay off about 1,100 people. Since that time, I've gained 60 lbs. My doctor said I was one in about 8 percent to do so. Trying to stop taking it has been miserable. It was nice to come to this site and at least know that I'm not losing my mind. The feeling I have is very hard to describe, as others have mentioned. I went from 150 mg to 75 to nothing. My doctor now wants to half the 75 since after 3 days without it, it feels like I can hear and see the neurons firing in my brain (that's the best way I can think of to descibe what is happening). I am in such a foul mood, I don't even want to be around myself. After decreasing my dose, I did notice an increase in libido. While taking the drug may have had its advantages, I was practically unable to achieve orgasm.
Posted by HisOwn on November 6, 2003, at 13:35:30
In reply to Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by KimberlyDi on November 3, 2003, at 15:19:39
Hi. I'm new to this board and am so glad to have found it! I am currently in the middle of "hell-week" (HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE??) I guess you could call it...just jumped off 37.5 dosage of effexor xr after 4-5 years at 225 mg daily. The only thing is... I was put on effexor to control migraine headache ( I would have migraine daily for months on end). Has anyone else been prescribed this medication for the same condition? My neurologist told me that they put people on effexor BECAUSE the withdrawal symptoms are so bad--they want them to remember to take their pills--but he didn't tell me that getting off would be this bad! I have read some posts from some of you that have actually gotten free....do you really return to normal?
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 15:47:46
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by HisOwn on November 6, 2003, at 13:35:30
> Hi. I'm new to this board and am so glad to have found it! I am currently in the middle of "hell-week" (HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE??) <
sorry dude, more like H-month". (not sure if p-bab censors considers "that really hot place down south" a 4-letter word.)
>I guess you could call it...just jumped off 37.5 dosage of effexor xr after 4-5 years at 225 mg daily. The only thing is... I was put on effexor to control migraine headache ( I would have migraine daily for months on end). Has anyone else been prescribed this medication for the same condition? <
I've seen posts from people put on Effexor for certain types of pain management. It does everything! It slices, it dices, but wait... there's more! (if no-one gets the lame joke, an infomercial reference) Migraines, depression, Menopause...
>My neurologist told me that they put people on effexor BECAUSE the withdrawal symptoms are so bad--they want them to remember to take their pills--but he didn't tell me that getting off would be this bad!<
A doctor that admits to knowingly putting these people through this withdrawal agony should be horsewhipped, in my opinion. Driving and working through withdrawal is dangerous to oneself, and others.
>I have read some posts from some of you that have actually gotten free....do you really return to normal?<
Most free from Effexor will NEVER take it again. Some will never take/trust any anti-depressant again. I don't know about a return to normal (was I ever normal?) but I'm sure hoping. I was suicidal before Effexor so I have to give it alittle credit.
WELCOME TO PSYCHO-BABBLE!
KDi in Texas
Posted by HisOwn on November 6, 2003, at 20:39:09
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms » HisOwn, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 15:47:46
Thanks for the support. Sorry about the "H***" (theater term for the week before opening when you seem like you will never go home again or back to a 'normal' life). It is good to get some information on a time frame here. I have been stepping down off this stuff for the past two months and didn't really have any trouble until I hit 75 then had to stay on that for 3 weeks. Then stepped down to the 37.5 for 2 weeks then off... I've got to tell you, though, this has seemed like the longest 4 days of my life. The information I have found here has been a life-saver! I have the awful taste in my mouth, the electro-shocks, the heart palpitations, the bouts of crying, ect. I also have major pain along my spine-between my shoulder blades and in my neck, and a cough... flu or effexor...can't tell.
Posted by John2222 on November 7, 2003, at 22:33:18
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by HisOwn on November 6, 2003, at 20:39:09
After taking Effexor XR for about 1 1/2 years I am now reducing from a top of 112.5. I'm currently at 37.5 mg. I always reduced in small steps (from 112.5 to 75 to 50 to 37.5).
To get the 50 mg XR I took some 150 mg capsules I had and purchased some empty gel caps at the health food store (got a whole bag for about $5.00). I took one 150 mg capsule and divided it into 3 approx 50 mg capsules.
My recommendation from my experience is go really slow. Even the 37.5 to 0 is too much in my experience--so I'm planning after awhile to split the 37.5 into 2 ~19 mg capsules and try that for several weeks.
Why torture ourselves! Although Effexor XR really has worked great for combination depression and anxiety, the withdrawal is bad. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be finished.
For example, what do I do 6 months from now if I get a relapse or reoccurance? (which is common)
John
> Thanks for the support. Sorry about the "H***" (theater term for the week before opening when you seem like you will never go home again or back to a 'normal' life). It is good to get some information on a time frame here. I have been stepping down off this stuff for the past two months and didn't really have any trouble until I hit 75 then had to stay on that for 3 weeks. Then stepped down to the 37.5 for 2 weeks then off... I've got to tell you, though, this has seemed like the longest 4 days of my life. The information I have found here has been a life-saver! I have the awful taste in my mouth, the electro-shocks, the heart palpitations, the bouts of crying, ect. I also have major pain along my spine-between my shoulder blades and in my neck, and a cough... flu or effexor...can't tell.
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