![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 6174 to 6198 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by PoohBear on January 21, 2004, at 20:52:01
In reply to Re: Nightmares » becka, posted by sasha71 on January 21, 2004, at 20:10:19
I couldn't agree more.
I've had NO, make that NO withdrawal symptoms when coming back down to 75mg of Effexor XR fro 225mg. NONE.
I think like was said above, it depends greatly on the individual.
TR
Posted by Zellie on January 21, 2004, at 20:59:40
In reply to Re: Nightmares » becka, posted by sasha71 on January 21, 2004, at 20:10:19
I feel as though I could "ditto" your posting. I, too, will be on an antidepressant the rest of my life....gratefully. After having lived for 42 years with major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and ADHD, I find that the depression has been the most debilitating. To now be on Effexor and find myself for the first time in my life feeling that the horrible, heavy ball-and-chain has been finally taken away, is beyond words to describe. I am so grateful.
I agree that the medication alone, is not the answer. Yet the other strategies without the medication were not sufficient to remove the ball-and-chain either. It is, indeed, the combination of medication, talk therapy, support group sessions, close friendships and a deep relationship with God that work all together to make the difference for me.
Incidentally, I have been a very committed Christian for 15 years, striving with all my heart and soul to love and to live for God. I am deeply protective of my relationship with God, and find great peace in it. Yet, even in all my deep love for God, there has always been the ball-and-chain weight of depression that has followed me. God has been there with me through it all, but he has not miraculously corrected the chemical imbalance in my body that causes the depression...the medication has corrected that. Yes, God is with me even as I take my medication.
I share this to say that, people who say that those who are depressed are just lazy, or they are just selfish, or they just need God in their life, or they just need to get over it, or they just need to get grateful for the good things they have in their life...they have no idea what they are talking about. I have always been an extremely grateful person for all that I have. But the gratitude didn't remove the ball-and-chain, because it's not circumstantial depression that I suffer from, but rather, a chemical imbalance in my brain.
The ball-and-chain are finally gone (well, a few days a month I still feel it somewhat, but that's unbelievably more bearable than previously having to deal with the weight 365 days a year, all my life).
I am now on Wellbutrin, too (100mg) in addition to the Effexor XR (150mg), in hopes of further reducing symptoms of my ADHD and reducing some of the sexual side-effects of the Effexor. I plan on asking my pdoc when I next see him, whether we could up the Wellbutrin a little, and down the Effexor a little, in hopes of further curtailing the problem of the delayed or even non-existent climax that the Effexor has caused. We'll see...
I'd rather, however, put up with whatever I can and must in the way of side-effects, than to ever return to the horrible depression that I am finally free of now.
Kindest regards,
Zellie
> I talked to my dr. about some of these issues and basically his response was: every person is
> different and responds differently to medications. If these things I am reading, upsets me, then quit
> reading. Otherwise, take it as "possibilities" and be prepared, learn more, and make intelligent choices.
>
> I've been on 225mg Effexor XR for almost 2 years. As long as I stay on it, don't forget a dose, and all that, it's great.
>
> It gets me to my level playing field where I can get out of bed and function.
>
> The nightmares and other side effects seem to become a problem when I forget to take my meds - which makes sense if you think about it.
>
> I don't have any plans in the foreseeable future to come off Effexor. So I may end up being a guinea pig for those missing long-term studies. That's
> fine with me. Because for now, it works. I accept that I will be on medication for my depression probably for the rest of my life along with therapy and
> lots of support from friends and family. That's the combination that works for me. I take one away, and the rest can't seem to make up the difference.
>
> I see lots of people who start taking AD with the attitude of "it's only temporary". And for them, it might be. But unfortunately, about the time it's beginning to
> really make a difference for them, they decide they don't need it anymore. And then they cry about the withdrawal effects. Imagine withdrawing from insulin. Or blood
> pressure medication. Or glaucoma meds. When a medicine is doing its job, your body needs it and when you tell it to do without - there are going to be
> repercussions. Especially cold-turkey.
>
> Anyway, just some thoughts.
>
>
Posted by BH on January 21, 2004, at 21:34:11
In reply to Re: Nightmares » becka, posted by sasha71 on January 21, 2004, at 20:10:19
I have just been switched over to effexor (DEC)for Prozac which just wasn't working anymore(started @ 37.5- up to 75. then a trip to emergency led them to up to 150mg + some adivan for the time being.)
I wanted to talk about the nightmares... I have had some horrible, horrible graphic nightmares and I wake up not knowing if they are real or just a dream. I was really hoping that this medicine was for me, but I am getting just a bit freaked out. Any comments?
Posted by PoohBear on January 22, 2004, at 10:24:03
In reply to Re: Nightmares » sasha71, posted by BH on January 21, 2004, at 21:34:11
I have some comments...
First to the issue of nightmares:
I've had exactly the kind of dreams you're speaking of, but mainly when just starting out and ramping up in doseage (on Effexor XR). All of my dreams for the last three months have been far more graphic and colorful, sometimes unpleasant, than I can ever remember having in my life. And, when you think about it, it really makes sense: You're providing the brain a chemical that enables it to make neural connections that have either been missing or impaired, so an increase in activity in this area, at least in my mind is to be expected.
All of the drugs I've tried have done this, especially Trazadone for sleep. It did nothing for my sleep but everything for uncomfortable dreams. But again, this makes sense: Trazadone is an antidepressant and would have the effect described above.
To Zellie:
What a wonderful post! You made my day!
I too am a Christian who has wrestled with many of the same issues as you, and at 46 am just now really trying to put this piece of the puzzle in place. I appreciate your candor and willingness to share your experience and feelings.
Thanks!
TR
Posted by ZAPPA on January 22, 2004, at 23:44:25
In reply to Re: Electrical shock-like sensations » ZAPPA, posted by Mercedes on January 19, 2004, at 20:50:41
> Zappa,
> I cannot beleive, well yes I do, that your doc told you to stop cold turkey.
>
> I too was on 300 mgs of Effexor and weened myself down. If I remember right, cause my memory was affected too, I went down to 225 for a week then 150 for two weeks, then 75 for a week, maybe two, don't remember, then 37.5 for two weeks, then nothing. Each decrease from the 150 had the brain zaps, with eye movement, even typing, was a brain zap with each keystroke.
>
> Then the REAL zaps and dizzyness and confusion and.... started and it took me 5 weeks to finally be free of Effexor. That was my experience in weening down.
>
> Good luck and push your doc to research what you're feeling. That's why he/she get's paid.
>
> Mercedes>I spoke to my therapist regarding this web site and how other people are also experiencing these so called "brain zaps". He immediately spoke to my psychiatrist. The doc put me on Lexapro 10 mg. per day. The "zaps" stopped the next day and I have not had one since (it has been three days now). I feel human once again! I can actually drive my car for the first time since I discontinued the Effexor XR. I will keep you posted.
Thanks....ZAPPA
Posted by ZAPPA on January 23, 2004, at 0:26:59
In reply to Just started, posted by Caligula on January 20, 2004, at 23:46:26
> I just started the 37.5mg XR this morning. I hadn't slept for a couple days because I was out of trazadone. Now, with 40mg of celexa, .5mg of xanax, and 50mg of trazadone on top of the Effexor, I can't sleep at all. I am not tired. I have heartburn. My jaw is really tight. I think my vision is less blurry. My head feels (painlessly) like it's going to explode. So, um, usual start-up fun, really. I'll post back in a couple weeks when I have a better idea.
It really helps to keep a daily diary of how you feel or if you feel "wierd" or different (good or bad) in any way. Never discount how you feel, and always talk to your pdoc about any changes. I say this in hindsight. I did not realize that some of the things that I was experiencing was directly related to the meds that I was taking.
Good Luck....ZAPPA
Posted by ZAPPA on January 23, 2004, at 1:02:48
In reply to discontinuing Effexor, posted by Katies1 on January 21, 2004, at 13:16:02
> Well, I have been on Effexor for about 4 years. I have been on 37.5 for the last 2. Lately I decided to take myself off of it. I just want to be free of medication and don't want to get pregnant on it. I am a registered nurse so I read up on it and decided to get off this stuff. I have been on it for anxiety. I started taking it everyother day for about 2 months and the every two or three days. I am on day 6 of nothing. Feeling a little weird, nauseated in the morning, anxious, mainly a really odd feeling. My husband is a doc (not a psychiatrist) so he has been a great support. I guess I am really scared of not being on it anymore. I have been dreading the discontinuation symptoms for a long time. I just had to do it. I would recommend having a doc monitor you during the withdrawal. I don't have one right now so I am just watching myself. I biggest fear is the risk of seizures when stopping. I hope the is on really high doses. Anyways, I just needed to get this out. I hope someone who has been through this can give me some encouragement. I know God will get me through. Thanks.
Dear Katies1,
In my darkest hours I felt that God had lost me. I felt so alone, even with my family surrounding me with love and compassion. More often than not their support made me feel worse because I could not explain why I could not be the wife, mother, sister or daughter that I felt they wanted me to be. Would I have felt this way if I was suffering from an illness that manifested itself more apparently such as, God forbid, cancer, etc. I really don't think so. I just knew that I had to fight this illness any way that I could. My resolve was reinforced by the support from my family. So I did fight and I am still fighting. I have hit a few snares but my husband says that I am like a -diamond in the rough- the more it is rubbed, the brighter it shines. As for God loosing me, no way. It is his light that now shines through me!
Hang in there....I will keep a good thought for you! ZAPPA
Posted by PoohBear on January 23, 2004, at 10:29:58
In reply to Re: discontinuing Effexor, posted by ZAPPA on January 23, 2004, at 1:02:48
> In my darkest hours I felt that God had lost me. I felt so alone, even with my family surrounding me with love and compassion. More often than not their support made me feel worse because I could not explain why I could not be the wife, mother, sister or daughter that I felt they wanted me to be. Would I have felt this way if I was suffering from an illness that manifested itself more apparently such as, God forbid, cancer, etc. I really don't think so. I just knew that I had to fight this illness any way that I could. My resolve was reinforced by the support from my family. So I did fight and I am still fighting. I have hit a few snares but my husband says that I am like a -diamond in the rough- the more it is rubbed, the brighter it shines. As for God loosing me, no way. It is his light that now shines through me!
> Hang in there....I will keep a good thought for you! ZAPPAZAPPA:
Interesting that you should post this, as I faced some of the same issues this week. I wonder the same thing, because my wife DOES have cancer: she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer the same week that I started treatment for depression. (She's on chemo and doing okay...).
The point is this:
We had an argument the other day because I picked up ANOTHER prescription, and because of our deductible, had to pay nearly full price, even with insurance. She went off on why did I need another prescription, how many more was I going to need, etc. My answer was AS MANY AS IT TAKES TO GET IT RIGHT.
I'm in this for the long haul. I WANT TO BE WELL. What she doesn't understand is that i have a disease that can be just as DEADLY as her cancer. The only reason it hasn't resulted in death so far is my faith, though this doesn't work for everyone.
I'm not minimizing the seriousness of her illness, but I want her to give mine the same consideration, not the same short shift is gets from most of society because mental illness is "out of sight, out of mind".
I hope to be able to explain in-depth what my PDoc and I are trying to achieve tonight when we have some time without the teens around.
Funny, my 17 year-old daughter understands perfectly, but my 51 year-old wife doesn't get it...
Best Wishes,
TR
Posted by Lokisdream on January 24, 2004, at 14:49:51
In reply to Re: How long would these withdrawal symtoms last?, posted by readingboy on January 14, 2004, at 23:35:36
>
> Wow. It's good to find a group to discuss these issues with. I couldn't imagine going what I went through without finding these posts.
>
> I've had a difficult time with my psychiatrist and decided to stop seeing him and find another. Previously, he prescribed Effexor XR and I've gradually gone to 150 mg. dosage, which did wonders for my depression and pain through my break up and divorce (a couple years ago). I stopped going to my psychiatrist recently, thinking that I'd find another soon enough. It hasn't happened and my prescription ran out yesterday morning.
>
> Holy Mother of God! -- brain-flashes, dizziness, a slight nausea, and my skin began to feel electrified. I wasn't warned about these being side effects (not that I remember several years after being prescribed it), but knew it was Effexor withdrawal. It came on struck increasingly over a few hours. I didn't notice at first, the main is the dizziness and brain flashes, which happened when I'd move. When it really began to hit, I had to excuse myself from work. There wasn't any way I could be in public feeling like this.
>
> I went home, found the phone number, asked my former psychiatrist for help telling him what I was experiencing, got a refill, and several hours later I'm recovered from the symptoms. It really scared me. I couldn't last a day of normal life with the intensity of the effects when they hit full force. I don't understand how I made it to the pharmacy and back (I walked since I couldn't trust myself driving).
>
> I'm so glad to see others are working their way off with success. Really, finding this board helped immensely. I think with my divorce passed and things in my life beginning to look better, I'm probably ready to try life without Effexor XR. I will find another psychiatrist and ask to be taken off this medicine. To be fair, Effexor helped lift my depression and allowed me to live my life at a time when I was worried I couldn't. But now that things have improved, I don't want to stay on this drug forever, but the withdrawal symptoms are startlingly bad for me. If there was no way to get off but go through days of that, I would be taking Effexor for the rest of my life.
>
> I now see that lowering the dosage gradually (it wasn't clear about the dosages and length of times though) along with taking mini-dosages of Prozac as needed is helping some work their way off it. I will definitely suggest this to my new psychiatrist if he or she is unaware of the process.
>
> Thank you all for posting. And thanks Dr. Bob for putting this site up. You all have made a frightening episode much less scary in posting and explaining a lot of things.
>
> -- readingboy
>
>
> Ye Gods! So many people with such similar problems with the same stuff. I have 2 brothers-1 is a GP and the other is a counselor. A family has to have a black sheep so here I am. I am an epileptic taking Dilantin and Neurontin with mild tinnitus and slightly bad knees. I cracked when I found out my wife of less than 6 mos. was sleeping around and left me. Bro.#2 hooked me up with a nut who's answer for everything seemed to be take another Effexor. The tinnitus got almost unbearable but I didn't know what was causing it. My depression was still present but I just can't feel it-or much else-and I have open wounds that wouldn't heal because I couldn't feel them. I told Bro#1 that I didn't think it was doing any good and he said 'you don't know what you've got till it's gone.' Understatement. So I kick it and almost immediately start having seizures,every nerve ending felt scraped raw,at times have had trouble remembering my name,and ringing so loud can't hear much,needless to say, sleeping is out of the question. But, I can feel the pain, and life is nothing but different kinds of pain. It's our choice, hopefully. I have no ultimate answer. Just a warning-be very careful, esp if you have a seizure disorder or any form of tinnitus. It could be very unhealthy for your dr. LOKISDREAMp.s. There may be an upside to this-I've dropped 35+ pounds in around 3 months(gets kinda fuzzy back around Oct.) from forgetting to eat-I didn't feel hungry.
Posted by vilkas on January 25, 2004, at 0:22:56
In reply to Be VERY careful with Effexor Re: » readingboy, posted by Lokisdream on January 24, 2004, at 14:49:51
Hi all.
I just thought I'd throw in my experiences with effexor xr. Have just started being treated for depression. by just started, I mean probably 3 or 4 months. Anyway, I was on effexor xr for probably close to 3 months, and dose was ramped up to 375mg.
I couldn't say I saw too many positive effects. Intensity of suicidal thoughts *did* decrease, but at the same time my motivation and concentration was worse than ever. On a positive note, I was having plenty of weird dreams, which I always enjoy. But I just found that I really wasn't getting any better on these pills, and decided with my pdoc to try fluoxetine hcl (aka prozac). After reading about other's withdrawal experiences, I was interested to see what would happen. So, on day 1 of withdrawal, I cut back to 225mg, day 2 150, days 3+4 75mg, days 5+6 Nothing, then started on 20mg of fluoxetine on day 7. I know that I wasn't going completely off the drugs, but I will say that I really didn't have any bad times during the switch. Maybe it's because effexor really didn't do anything for me to begin with. I have had some strange auditory hallucinations, late at night, but that's OK.
One thing I will say, though, coming off the effexor, i feel much more motivated, and less sleepy, and have much less brain fog. When I was on effexor, I just felt like a zombie. I was breathing and sometimes eating, and that was about it. But, as we know, one drug is not going to benefit 100% of the population...
we'll see what the fluoxetine does.take care,
vilkas
Posted by KimRN73 on January 25, 2004, at 0:52:19
In reply to Effexor and, posted by vilkas on January 25, 2004, at 0:22:56
Hi all
Well i went to my doctor the other day to talk about getting off of Effexor. I currently take 75mg twice a day. She told me to stop taking it and she is starting me on Zoloft 50mg daily. I asked about weaning off , she said i shouldnt have to due to Zoloft being a similar medication so therefore I should not have any withdrawel problems but if i did, i could take 37.5mg of Effexor for a week or two in addition to the Zoloft. Has anyone tried taking Zoloft when getting off Effexor?!?!? Im nervous to try this, but I have to...sick of the dizziness, and "out of it" feelings. Write back !
Kim
Posted by EFFEXED on January 25, 2004, at 8:55:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I JUST STARTED EFFEXOR 2 WEEKS ON IT SO FAR ALL IS WELL JUST THIS LOCKED JAW FEELING MY TEETH ARE KILLING ME IS THIS NORMAL THIS IS MY FIRST AD I AM 24 JUST FOUND OUT I AM DEPRESSED FOR FIRST TIME ALL THIS STUFF I HAVE BEEN READING IS SCARY I AM ON 75 EFFEXOR NOW WAS ON 37 FOR 2 WEEKS THAT WENT WELL AFTER THE DRY MOUTH , SHAKES LOSS OF APPATITE WENT AWAY THIS IS DAY 2 OF 75 AND THAY MAKE ME A LITTLE MOODY A BIT SHARP WITH EVERY ONE HOPEFULLY THIS TO WILL PASS SORRY TO GO ON AND ON JUST DONT HAVE ANY ONE TO RELATE TO AT THIS TIME
THANKS FOR HEARING ME OUT
EFFEXED
Posted by ZAPPA on January 25, 2004, at 11:35:06
In reply to Re: Effexor and, posted by KimRN73 on January 25, 2004, at 0:52:19
> Hi all
>
> Well i went to my doctor the other day to talk about getting off of Effexor. I currently take 75mg twice a day. She told me to stop taking it and she is starting me on Zoloft 50mg daily. I asked about weaning off , she said i shouldnt have to due to Zoloft being a similar medication so therefore I should not have any withdrawel problems but if i did, i could take 37.5mg of Effexor for a week or two in addition to the Zoloft. Has anyone tried taking Zoloft when getting off Effexor?!?!? Im nervous to try this, but I have to...sick of the dizziness, and "out of it" feelings. Write back !
> Kim>Hi Kim,
I tried quitting Effexor "cold turkey". Bad idea. My pdoc put me on Lexapro, 10mg per day(he says it is similar to Zoloft but Lexapro is covered under my insurance). So far it is working like a charm! I feel great for the first time in a very long time. At this point the only side effect is dry mouth, so I keep a water bottle with me all the time. I hope this is helpful.
Good luck....ZAPPA
Posted by KimRN73 on January 25, 2004, at 11:40:34
In reply to Re: Effexor and, posted by ZAPPA on January 25, 2004, at 11:35:06
> > Hi all
> >
> > Well i went to my doctor the other day to talk about getting off of Effexor. I currently take 75mg twice a day. She told me to stop taking it and she is starting me on Zoloft 50mg daily. I asked about weaning off , she said i shouldnt have to due to Zoloft being a similar medication so therefore I should not have any withdrawel problems but if i did, i could take 37.5mg of Effexor for a week or two in addition to the Zoloft. Has anyone tried taking Zoloft when getting off Effexor?!?!? Im nervous to try this, but I have to...sick of the dizziness, and "out of it" feelings. Write back !
> > Kim
>
> >Hi Kim,
>
> I tried quitting Effexor "cold turkey". Bad idea. My pdoc put me on Lexapro, 10mg per day(he says it is similar to Zoloft but Lexapro is covered under my insurance). So far it is working like a charm! I feel great for the first time in a very long time. At this point the only side effect is dry mouth, so I keep a water bottle with me all the time. I hope this is helpful.
> Good luck....ZAPPA
>ZAPPA..... So you totally stopped the Effexor, and then replaced it with Lexapro and it was ok???
If that is so, that makes me a LOT less nervous about doing this !!! Let me know? Kim
Posted by kattay on January 25, 2004, at 11:56:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by EFFEXED on January 25, 2004, at 8:55:12
> I JUST STARTED EFFEXOR 2 WEEKS ON IT SO FAR ALL IS WELL JUST THIS LOCKED JAW FEELING MY TEETH ARE KILLING ME IS THIS NORMAL THIS IS MY FIRST AD I AM 24 JUST FOUND OUT I AM DEPRESSED FOR FIRST TIME ALL THIS STUFF I HAVE BEEN READING IS SCARY I AM ON 75 EFFEXOR NOW WAS ON 37 FOR 2 WEEKS THAT WENT WELL AFTER THE DRY MOUTH , SHAKES LOSS OF APPATITE WENT AWAY THIS IS DAY 2 OF 75 AND THAY MAKE ME A LITTLE MOODY A BIT SHARP WITH EVERY ONE HOPEFULLY THIS TO WILL PASS SORRY TO GO ON AND ON JUST DONT HAVE ANY ONE TO RELATE TO AT THIS TIME
>
> THANKS FOR HEARING ME OUT
> EFFEXEDIs the lock jaw feeling as if you are clenching your teeth all of the time and it's sore? I started having this almost constant headache and it seems to stem from my jaw line just below my ear. And my jaw is always achy as if i'm clenching my teeth alot. other then that, i seem to have very little side affects. i'm tired and get sore sometimes but i can't complaign much.
Posted by katies1 on January 25, 2004, at 12:05:31
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by kattay on January 25, 2004, at 11:56:34
Hey everyone
I have been off Effexor for 1 week and two days. I am doing fine now. It was difficult at first but now I am fine. I just wanted everyone to know that it can be done. I never used Prozac and Lexapro, or anything. Of course, I have been titrating down for a long time - about a year. My max dosage was 150mg, but that was 3 years ago. I went down to 75 for about a year and then 37.5. It works well if you go to taking it every other day then every 2 days and so on. This may not work for everyone though. Fortunately, I am not going to be on any meds now. Had a rough time in nursing school and finished that a while back and just never stopped the meds. It is scary to know you will be without someting you have been so dependant on for so long. But for me the freedom of not being on it is wonderful. I wish all of you the best of luck and just know it will get better. God Bless.
Posted by katies1 on January 25, 2004, at 12:07:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by kattay on January 25, 2004, at 11:56:34
About the jaw pain:
My husband is an oral surgeon and he made me a splint when I was having that problem. I was clinching my teeth while sleeping. It wouldn't hurt to see your dentist to get an eval and then maybe you can get some relief. Advil and Naprosyn worked well for me in regards to pain. Good luck.
Posted by Stryker88 on January 25, 2004, at 13:48:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by katies1 on January 25, 2004, at 12:07:59
Hello everyone I have had success on Effexor 150mg. I have been taking it over a one year period. One thing I have learned is that your diet can have a huge impact on the way you feel, and sometimes things you eat and drink can cause you to feel terrible and depressed. The fact is that you need to identify foods in your diet that effect you instead of just eating whatever. Example: For a while I was wondering why I felt so dehydrated throughout the day Answer: I was drinking way to much coffee and not enough water. I started taking Multi-Vitamins about a year ago because I discovered that I was not getting enough of them in my diet. Foods we eat can have just as much impact as Effexor.
Posted by LOKIsDREAM on January 25, 2004, at 15:42:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by EFFEXED on January 25, 2004, at 8:55:12
Please don't be offended, but some of what you're feeling sounds like jitters brought on by what you've read. Just give it a little time to let your body get adjusted. You've got a great place to talk it out here. If you'd rather, and I'm not too obnoxious, you can usually find me at yahoo or sbcglobal.net, by the same name. peace
Posted by LOKIsDREAM on January 25, 2004, at 16:22:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by katies1 on January 25, 2004, at 12:05:31
> Hey everyone
> I have been off Effexor for 1 week and two days. I am doing fine now. It was difficult at first but now I am fine. I just wanted everyone to know that it can be done. I never used Prozac and Lexapro, or anything. Of course, I have been titrating down for a long time - about a year. My max dosage was 150mg, but that was 3 years ago. I went down to 75 for about a year and then 37.5. It works well if you go to taking it every other day then every 2 days and so on. This may not work for everyone though. Fortunately, I am not going to be on any meds now. Had a rough time in nursing school and finished that a while back and just never stopped the meds. It is scary to know you will be without someting you have been so dependant on for so long. But for me the freedom of not being on it is wonderful. I wish all of you the best of luck and just know it will get better. God Bless.I'm with you on all of that! Only I'm finding that if I don't take a Remeron(although only half my pdoc's prescribed dose of 60mg a night) I'll be wired 24 a day like I'm doing pot after pot of espresso with a hit of something else in it. For now I gotta take it so I can sleep, at least until I can kick my addiction to having a wife and kids.
Posted by terrics on January 25, 2004, at 16:41:45
In reply to Re: Effexor and, posted by KimRN73 on January 25, 2004, at 0:52:19
I hope this helps. I was on zoloft 200mgs for a number of yrs. Then it stopped workinf so the shrink put me on effesor. He gave me a schedule. As I was lowering the zoloft I was increasing the effexor. So I was on both at once with no side effects. [He was the best shrink I ever had.] terrics
Posted by Tiger's Dad on January 25, 2004, at 19:39:15
In reply to Be VERY careful with Effexor Re: » readingboy, posted by Lokisdream on January 24, 2004, at 14:49:51
> p.s. There may be an upside to this-I've dropped 35+ pounds in around 3 months(gets kinda fuzzy back around Oct.) from forgetting to eat-I didn't feel hungry.
I've lost 40. Only another 100 to go :( At least it was nice to have something go unexpectedly right for once in my life.
Now if I could just find the right combo of drugs. I went from 300mg Effexor to my current 187mg Effexor, 450mg Wellbutrin, 150mg Lithium. Since we added the Lithium I haven't had any of the depressive swings I usually have. Hope it keeps up.
Posted by ZAPPA on January 25, 2004, at 20:50:33
In reply to Re: Effexor and, posted by KimRN73 on January 25, 2004, at 11:40:34
> > > Hi all
> > >
> > > Well i went to my doctor the other day to talk about getting off of Effexor. I currently take 75mg twice a day. She told me to stop taking it and she is starting me on Zoloft 50mg daily. I asked about weaning off , she said i shouldnt have to due to Zoloft being a similar medication so therefore I should not have any withdrawel problems but if i did, i could take 37.5mg of Effexor for a week or two in addition to the Zoloft. Has anyone tried taking Zoloft when getting off Effexor?!?!? Im nervous to try this, but I have to...sick of the dizziness, and "out of it" feelings. Write back !
> > > Kim
> >
> > >Hi Kim,
> >
> > I tried quitting Effexor "cold turkey". Bad idea. My pdoc put me on Lexapro, 10mg per day(he says it is similar to Zoloft but Lexapro is covered under my insurance). So far it is working like a charm! I feel great for the first time in a very long time. At this point the only side effect is dry mouth, so I keep a water bottle with me all the time. I hope this is helpful.
> > Good luck....ZAPPA
> >
>
> ZAPPA..... So you totally stopped the Effexor, and then replaced it with Lexapro and it was ok???
> If that is so, that makes me a LOT less nervous about doing this !!! Let me know? Kim
>>Kim,
I did stop taking the Effexor "cold turkey" for about 5 days, but the "brain zaps" were out of control. I started the Lexapro and the zaps did stop immediately. It has been 6 days now and I still feel great. No side effects other then dry mouth. I do have more energy which could be from the Lexapro but I think it is because I feel so good. I am ME again.
Again, good luck.....ZAPPA
Posted by blueeye on January 26, 2004, at 22:45:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by LOKIsDREAM on January 25, 2004, at 16:22:41
hey all
I have been taking Effexor XR for 5 years and it has worked excellently. I have bi-polar, panic disorder and am epileptic, so it rules out the whole prozac/zoloft fam, as that sent me into a hypo-mania I will never forget. Yes, coming off Effexor is slightly hellish (I have forgotten to take it a few times), but in terms of having no side effects after a little while and it being a good option for depression, it gets two thumbs up from me. I also take trileptil and topomax for the seizures/bi-polar, and have begun abilify cuz I was having break through mania. Just remember that the meds take time.;-)
Posted by meds4life on January 27, 2004, at 14:33:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by blueeye on January 26, 2004, at 22:45:11
Hi! I have been on effexor xr for 4 months now due to deep recurring depressions and anxiety. I was hospitalized for a brief period. I realize now that I will be on medication for life to prevent a relapse. I don't like the idea, but realize that my life depends on it. I take 150 mg. of effexor xr. I started on effexor,klonopin, and ambien (for sleep) I feel great now. I have no anxiety or depression. I also discontinued klonopin and ambien without any problems. My concern is the weight gain. I have only gained 10 pounds, however when on paxil for my last depression I gained 40 pounds. My psychiatrist has talked about adding synthroid or something else to offset the weight gain side effect for me. Does anyone have any comments? Other than the weight gain, effexor has been highly effective!
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