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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by HisOwn on November 9, 2003, at 23:16:16
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms » KimberlyDi, posted by roomy on November 9, 2003, at 8:09:17
> Please tell me it wont take me months to get off this drug. I thought just days. I cant be like this for months. I cant even do it for weeks. I wasnt all that suicidal before being on it...I wasnt too bad WHILE on it...but this withdrawal going OFF it may just be my ticket over the edge!!
Not days...unfortunately. But, I can tell you, I have only been effexor free for exactly one week and one day and have come a thousand miles. The 'brain shivers' are less and less frequent, the bouts of crying happen far less, the flu-like body symptoms less severe. I guess the point is... one day at a time, even one moment at a time if that is what it takes.
Posted by Roomy on November 10, 2003, at 7:31:15
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by HisOwn on November 9, 2003, at 23:16:16
Oh noooo, One week and one day? You are still have symptoms after one week and one day??? This is not a good encouraging thing for me. Days seem like years as I am sure you well know. Is there anything UNADDICTING that I can take for the dizzyness and lightheadedness until it passes?
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 10, 2003, at 13:01:56
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms » KimberlyDi, posted by roomy on November 9, 2003, at 8:09:17
I, for once, am experiencing some relief at how easily I'm decreasing from 150mg to 75mg. (300mg to 225mg to 150mg was difficult.) I've decreased this time by accident since my doc wanted me to stay at 150mg for awhile. I missed my morning dosages over the weekend. To my amazement, no zaps or sickness yet.
There's hope.
For about 6 days now, I've also been taking 25mg x2 daily of Imipramine so it either helps or it's just coincidence that I didn't suffer like I have in the past during a decrease.
Get on something else to ease you through the withdrawal. And be careful. I made a half-hearted suicide attempt just 10 days ago (I must have a high tolerance to sleeping pills). The despair can be overwhelming.
It DOES get better. Take the tapering slowly. It makes it much more manageable.
KDi in TX
Posted by Roomy on November 10, 2003, at 14:55:11
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl: have hope but be careful » roomy, posted by KimberlyDi on November 10, 2003, at 13:01:56
> I, for once, am experiencing some relief at how easily I'm decreasing from 150mg to 75mg. (300mg to 225mg to 150mg was difficult.) I've decreased this time by accident since my doc wanted me to stay at 150mg for awhile. I missed my morning dosages over the weekend. To my amazement, no zaps or sickness yet.
>
> There's hope.
>
> For about 6 days now, I've also been taking 25mg x2 daily of Imipramine so it either helps or it's just coincidence that I didn't suffer like I have in the past during a decrease.
>
> Get on something else to ease you through the withdrawal. And be careful. I made a half-hearted suicide attempt just 10 days ago (I must have a high tolerance to sleeping pills). The despair can be overwhelming.
>
> It DOES get better. Take the tapering slowly. It makes it much more manageable.
>
> KDi in TX
>
> I just need to be done! I am sick of feeling sick and dependant and needy. I have no energy, no motivation, no sex drive, nothing! I would sit here and cry if I even gave a rip! I have the worse hopeless feeling I have ever had. Its worse than six years ago BEFORE I even started taking the crap!!! Tell me that is normal. Tell me that is withdrawl. I have been weaning down from 150mg for about 2 months now and have been off it completely now for 4 days. Am I just plain screwed in the head now forever????
Posted by Harlock on November 10, 2003, at 16:50:09
In reply to Effexor, posted by KDinKC on November 5, 2003, at 14:50:12
The negative stories about effexor withdrawal are incredible. I'm on my 6th day of taking the 37.5 dose (for aggrivated depression). Actually, I already feel better. Anyway, it IS giving me a decent amount of fatigue, especially the first few days of taking it. Seems better today, I think...
I'm also hungry ALL DAY. My stomach feels as if it is empty, most of the time. I'm trying to avoid over-eating, but it's pretty tough. I've already been to Micky-Dees more times in the last few days then I have in the last 8 months.
The horror stories of the withdrawal symptoms are really worrying me. Maybe I should quit now (taper off) before I move up to a higher dosage. I'll talk to my doctor and let him know how I feel about this. Eventually I'll have to come off this drug (it's just a reality) and I don't want ANY of the problems I've been reading about here (like anyone really WANTS them ;) ).Even *if* I may not get all these symptoms, I really don't want to take any chances. Coming off Lexapro was horrible for me...although I made the mistake of stopping cold turkey (and I only took it for 2-3 weeks).
Thanks for the posts.
> 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 10, 2003, at 17:12:21
In reply to Re: Effexor - just started it - bad move?, posted by Harlock on November 10, 2003, at 16:50:09
I would not have quit Effexor if it didn't raise my blood pressure. That's the only reason I stopped it. Because I was happy with my medicine combo. I was happy with my mental well being. If it works for you, it's pure gold. I started laughing again. When your own laughter startles you because you haven't laughed in so long, you know it's working.
That said, I wouldn't recommend Effexor to be anyone's first try at an anti-depressant. I would say it rates high on anxiety relief, not so high on depression (except for depression caused by overwhelming anxiety).
It's a powerful medication that needs to be tapered off carefully when discontinuing. I'm 3/4's of the way there, and I have still functioned at work.
If you felt good about your experience with it before reading the horror stories, why stop because of what some other's experienced? The ones who are happy with it are out there living their lives, not posting here.
Just don't skip any dosages. :)
KDi in TX
> The negative stories about effexor withdrawal are incredible. I'm on my 6th day of taking the 37.5 dose (for aggrivated depression). Actually, I already feel better. Anyway, it IS giving me a decent amount of fatigue, especially the first few days of taking it. Seems better today, I think...
>
> I'm also hungry ALL DAY. My stomach feels as if it is empty, most of the time. I'm trying to avoid over-eating, but it's pretty tough. I've already been to Micky-Dees more times in the last few days then I have in the last 8 months.
>
> The horror stories of the withdrawal symptoms are really worrying me. Maybe I should quit now (taper off) before I move up to a higher dosage. I'll talk to my doctor and let him know how I feel about this. Eventually I'll have to come off this drug (it's just a reality) and I don't want ANY of the problems I've been reading about here (like anyone really WANTS them ;) ).
>
> Even *if* I may not get all these symptoms, I really don't want to take any chances. Coming off Lexapro was horrible for me...although I made the mistake of stopping cold turkey (and I only took it for 2-3 weeks).
>
> Thanks for the posts.
>
> > 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 Roomy on November 10, 2003, at 19:12:51
In reply to Re: Effexor - just started it - bad move?, posted by Harlock on November 10, 2003, at 16:50:09
Sheesh! I read my last few posts and I sound pathetic. I didnt want to sound pathetic (I AM! I just didnt want to sound that way! lol )I was going more for frustrated I guess. I dont want to discourage anyone from trying it and going on it. For petes sake, I was on it for six years! I did ok on it and yeah it helped. I just started needing a stronger dose for awhile and then a stronger dose, and so on. At first there were only good things to say about it but the stronger doses didnt treat me well. I gained weight, I was horribly tired and yes, I too was eventually unable to achieve an orgasam. I knew it was time to quit. Its the QUITTING that is the killer and sounds like a ton of horror stories to you. Today is my 5th day (I think) of being totally off it. It is tough. It's not impossible. I have been dizzy and lightheaded but then I am not getting any professional help with the weaning off process. My doctor is currently facing jail time and has closed her doors. That makes it tough to get refills!! anyway....there were times today when I was feeling ok. I think the dizzy feeling and lightheadedness is letting up a bit. I will prolly live. I apologize if I sounded so pathetic that it is giving you second thoughts about going on it. Just be knowledgable, do your homework, find a good doctor, and if you go off it...go SLOW!!Good luck to you!
Posted by Peter03 on November 11, 2003, at 7:42:29
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms » HisOwn, posted by Roomy on November 10, 2003, at 7:31:15
Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has had any exprience with the combination of effexor and zyprexa? I've been on effexor for about 4 months now. I reached a dose of 225 mg before having to drop back down to 150, after becoming increasingly agitated. I had reached a point where I was no longer depressed but severly lacked energy. The doctor I am seeing suggested zyprexa as a booster if you like. I am now experiencing a sense of awakening, feelings like I have never felt before. I spent the best years of my life depressed. For the first time in my life I feel like I have real control over my life. The way I think is even different, i'm more alert, no longer feel fuzzy in the head, no longer feel and look as though I spent the previous night smoking dope. I'm interested in hearing other peoples stories, I guess i'm really looking for reassurance that the long term benefit of this combination is fairly consistant.
Peter.
Posted by helenag on November 11, 2003, at 8:23:46
In reply to Effexor and Zyprexa, posted by Peter03 on November 11, 2003, at 7:42:29
Hi. I was on effexor and zyprexa combo at one time and found it to be helpful in mood stabilization. However, the zyprexa had side effects for me that warranted discontinuing the drug. Made me way too sedated. Glad you are finding it helpful for you.
Helen
Posted by Roomy on November 11, 2003, at 11:55:12
In reply to re:effexor and zyprexa, posted by helenag on November 11, 2003, at 8:23:46
ok, again I post. I am not frustrated anymore, I have lowered myself to downright pathetic. I wanted to wake up thismorning (my 5th day effexor free)a new person. yesterday I thought I was feeling a BIT better but today..not so much. I had a horrible sobbing breakdown and I am unfunctional due to the physical withdrawal symptoms. (dizzy, lightheaded, etc.) I broke down and made an appointment with a new doctor and I just KNOW he is gonna put me back on it! I dont know if thats what I want!!! What can I do? A new drug? a drug along WITH it? I am so tired of this. ANY suggesstions would be helpful. HURRY!
Posted by pixygoth on November 11, 2003, at 13:46:14
In reply to I need help fast...before 4:30 today, posted by Roomy on November 11, 2003, at 11:55:12
Roomy -
This is my first day off Efxr... I have been taking one half (=17.75?)tablet a day for the last week -
and my head is all over the place. I can only suggest to you what I'm going to try - sleep.
Can you? I'm dreading losing my wonder-ability to sleep 13 hours at a go ...
Hope you coped with the afternoon.
Take care,
S
Posted by Roomy on November 11, 2003, at 13:57:52
In reply to Re: I need help fast...before 4:30 today » Roomy, posted by pixygoth on November 11, 2003, at 13:46:14
> Roomy -
> This is my first day off Efxr... I have been taking one half (=17.75?)tablet a day for the last week -
> and my head is all over the place. I can only suggest to you what I'm going to try - sleep.
> Can you? I'm dreading losing my wonder-ability to sleep 13 hours at a go ...
> Hope you coped with the afternoon.
> Take care,
> SHey, thank for the response. I DID hear that Benadryl helps but I think you have the right idea.....sleep thru it. Thus the Benedryl. My reply to that is....I have a little one that just turned 3yrs last month and I also manage a mobile home community. (and dudes putting in a new water flushing hydrant system just hit a water main this morning leaving the whole park without water) THATS what I needed today!!!! NOT!!
thanks for the reply..stay in touch. and good luck to you
Posted by edw on November 11, 2003, at 14:11:27
In reply to I need help fast...before 4:30 today, posted by Roomy on November 11, 2003, at 11:55:12
Aren't you suppose to ease off these sorts of drugs. Going cold turkey has got to be rough.
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 11, 2003, at 18:01:33
In reply to Re: I need help fast...before 4:30 today, posted by edw on November 11, 2003, at 14:11:27
Going off of Effexor cold turkey is not a good idea. I was on 300 mg for 2 1/2 years. I tapered down 75mg a week for 4 weeks.
It is not easy, it is hell, but I think if you can have faith that it is temporary, and if you don't want to be on Effexor, don't let the doctor put you back on it. There are alot of drugs out there, even though you feel you have been on all of them, I know I feel like that, but you cannot believe this is permanent, because I know it does get better and it does go away, but you have to battle through it.
Stay strong!
Posted by HisOwn on November 12, 2003, at 0:47:26
In reply to I need help fast...before 4:30 today, posted by Roomy on November 11, 2003, at 11:55:12
Ok. I know that it is after 4:30 but I just got to my computer. I want you to know...this is day number 11 off Effexor for me (no pills as of Nov 1). The physical withdrawal symptoms are almost totally gone now. I say almost because the 'zaps' were back again last night but not anywhere near as bad as before. You just need to hang in there. You are at the point where the symptoms will start going away now...the first 5 days were the worst! Don't go back! Benedryl does help. And I would also take 600 mg of Ibuprophen which seemed to help with the body aches.
Posted by Peter03 on November 12, 2003, at 6:36:37
In reply to Re: I need help fast...before 4:30 today, posted by HisOwn on November 12, 2003, at 0:47:26
i'm curious to know why alot of you are going off effexor. Is it because it no longer helps you or you are only going through a period of depression. I've suffered depression for nearly 13 years, during that time i have tried numerous treatments most of which made me feel like a damn zombie. I've found effexor has limited side effects, apart from the obvious interference with ones sex life.
Posted by Roomy on November 12, 2003, at 7:15:01
In reply to why are u people going off effexor?, posted by Peter03 on November 12, 2003, at 6:36:37
> i'm curious to know why alot of you are going off effexor. Is it because it no longer helps you or you are only going through a period of depression. I've suffered depression for nearly 13 years, during that time i have tried numerous treatments most of which made me feel like a damn zombie. I've found effexor has limited side effects, apart from the obvious interference with ones sex life.
Peter, 'if it aint broke; dont fix it!!!'
Effexor was my friend for the past 5-6 years! It effects everyone differently and everyone has different priorities in life. If your depression was making your life miserable, and you find that effexor helps, by all means..go on it, stay on it. For me, it was good a first but I had to have the increased dose and with the increase in drug, came the increase in side effects; side effects you may not have or may not find to be a problem. I gained weight and was tired ALL the time on it! Some people are thin and full of energy...for them the drug would be great!!! It raises the blood pressure in some...I have very LOW blood pressure so that side effect was actually a PLUS for me. As for the lack of sex drive....hmmmm what can I say and try to be positive on this one...spouses probably are not too kean on this sede effect but at least they can be assured that we wont be out sleeping around on em. :)
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 12, 2003, at 7:40:25
In reply to why are u people going off effexor?, posted by Peter03 on November 12, 2003, at 6:36:37
I think it is important to remember that everyone is different, and reacts to meds differently.
This board is to get experiences from others, support and information. No one here is a doctor, but we have experience with mental ilness and different medications...
I don't think we need to question why someone is doing something, but to answer their questions as best we can, offer our experiences, support and advice...
Posted by pixygoth on November 12, 2003, at 7:52:26
In reply to why are u people going off effexor?, posted by Peter03 on November 12, 2003, at 6:36:37
I am in a similar position to Roomy - I've got fat and it stopped helping and started hindering.
Also I feel that although I was really anxious before, Efxr has made me more likely to actually freak out, rather than it just being "low-level" anxious.
No offense taken at the question!
S
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 12, 2003, at 11:25:30
In reply to why are u people going off effexor?, posted by Peter03 on November 12, 2003, at 6:36:37
I have to quit because Effexor raised my blood pressure too high. Other than that, it was great for me.
KDi in TX
> i'm curious to know why alot of you are going off effexor. Is it because it no longer helps you or you are only going through a period of depression. I've suffered depression for nearly 13 years, during that time i have tried numerous treatments most of which made me feel like a damn zombie. I've found effexor has limited side effects, apart from the obvious interference with ones sex life.
Posted by april8 on November 14, 2003, at 15:12:01
In reply to Effexor and Zyprexa, posted by Peter03 on November 11, 2003, at 7:42:29
Hi, what is zyprexa? is it another anti-depressant? what is your diagnosis, I have a friend who is bi-polar and really needs suggestions!
thanks!> Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has had any exprience with the combination of effexor and zyprexa? I've been on effexor for about 4 months now. I reached a dose of 225 mg before having to drop back down to 150, after becoming increasingly agitated. I had reached a point where I was no longer depressed but severly lacked energy. The doctor I am seeing suggested zyprexa as a booster if you like. I am now experiencing a sense of awakening, feelings like I have never felt before. I spent the best years of my life depressed. For the first time in my life I feel like I have real control over my life. The way I think is even different, i'm more alert, no longer feel fuzzy in the head, no longer feel and look as though I spent the previous night smoking dope. I'm interested in hearing other peoples stories, I guess i'm really looking for reassurance that the long term benefit of this combination is fairly consistant.
>
> Peter.
Posted by slinky on November 15, 2003, at 21:33:03
In reply to why are u people going off effexor?, posted by Peter03 on November 12, 2003, at 6:36:37
Posted by pala on November 19, 2003, at 0:13:47
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
> 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!
This is for everyone's benefit who is withdrawing from Klonopin/Effexor/Prozac
I was on all kinds of Ads, you name it, for almost 6 years, the last ones I took was Dexadrine and Klonopin
Because of terrible side effects (to name a few – terrible Post nasal drip, GIRD problem, involuntary blinking
Of eyes, short temper). I decided to withdraw from these drugs7 months ago I determined to come off these hellish drugs, first 4 months were hell,
side effects were almost unbearable, extreme fatigue, panic attacks, anxiety problems, post nasal drip, numbness
in legs, irritation in eyes, worst nightmares, spaced out feeling, electric shocks in head, elevated cholesterol), I was almost mentally impaired but I had this determination because of which I am myself, back to happy days without any of those problems
Actually I am on no medication almost for one month, all I am taking is Centrum, fish oil capsule, coral calcium and occasionally Motrin for headache, I am doing great, no panic attacks and no anxiety problems,
my health is overall better and I have the best control over my mind which never happened during last 6 years of taking these medications, I do regular exercise now, cholesterol is rapidly becoming low, concentration is awesome, superb mental control, feeling happy about myself.If possible, give it a try, taper it, you will certainly feel more anxiety and panic attacks and other severe withdrawal symptoms for few months (may be 5 months), have that determination, please take help from your friends and your family members then you will not feel these disorders again, many people will go back to the medicines during these 5 months because of unbearable side effects, I went through all this hell for almost 6 months every day and night, severe anxiety, terrible nightmares, dizziness, drowsiness, spaced out feeling, numbness in legs, lost my resistance over all, ill temper etc but as I said above I have the best control over my mind, in last one month the mind has never gone haywire
My sincere advice to you all who are taking any of these medications, please taper and stop, you will be yourself and the artificial changes in your personality and mental status of the mind brought in by these drugs will be gone for ever, any one of you who needs advice please post your questions, I will try to answer to the best of knowledge and experience.
Good luck.pala
Posted by Blissful_Girl_NOT on November 22, 2003, at 16:40:34
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by pala on November 19, 2003, at 0:13:47
I am in the midst of Effexor withdrawal as we speak. Doctor replaced Effexor with Remeron because the Effexor seemed to be making matters worse. The eltro-shock-thingy feelings are happening, and I can deal with that. Weird tweaks and twitches are bad bad bad. We switched me from 225mg of Effexor to 15mg Remeron on Wednesday night, Thursday and Friday I was dopey with mild but steadily increasing eltro-shock-thingy feelings. Today, Saturday, I've barel been out of bed. Wild wild dreams as I doze off and on. Many other problems too, flu feeling, tired, want to cry but can't, etc. Not sure what if anything I can do to ease this. Ideas? Suggestions? Please please help...not sure I can handle this alone.
Posted by micro on November 24, 2003, at 1:28:20
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » pala, posted by Blissful_Girl_NOT on November 22, 2003, at 16:40:34
> I am in the midst of Effexor withdrawal as we speak. Doctor replaced Effexor with Remeron because the Effexor seemed to be making matters worse. The eltro-shock-thingy feelings are happening, and I can deal with that. Weird tweaks and twitches are bad bad bad. We switched me from 225mg of Effexor to 15mg Remeron on Wednesday night, Thursday and Friday I was dopey with mild but steadily increasing eltro-shock-thingy feelings. Today, Saturday, I've barel been out of bed. Wild wild dreams as I doze off and on. Many other problems too, flu feeling, tired, want to cry but can't, etc. Not sure what if anything I can do to ease this. Ideas? Suggestions? Please please help...not sure I can handle this alone.
Hello! I am sorry you are having these symtoms ,but rest assured that the paresthesias [tinglings] are most likely due to a rapid decrease of effexor levels in your blood, It has definite withdrawl symtoms and can be found in most pharm articles and in a statement given by the manufacturer. been there done thatbut, please revisit the matter with your doc.
also, keep in mind you have two meds in your system, one level going up /the other down ! hope this helps- micro
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