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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by fayeroe on January 31, 2004, at 17:47:57
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by Shanooska on January 30, 2004, at 3:45:37
I did not take nearly as much daily of Effexor as you did, but it took me a very long time to get through withdrawal. I tapered off gradually with my pharmacist's help. (the doctor didn't think that the 38 lbs I lost was caused by the med...of course it was....i'm healthy again!!!)
So hang in there and I'll keep you in my thoughts. Fayeroe
Posted by MeggE on March 9, 2004, at 19:43:01
In reply to Effexor Symptoms, posted by sick of being sick on January 4, 2004, at 21:01:22
I am so incredibly relieved to see all of this talk about Effexor withdrawl and the symptoms, because everything that has been said, especially by you, defines exactly how I have been feeling ever since I stopped taking it. It's insane, and unfair, and the worst part about it is, I heard it can take up to a few weeks for the symptoms to go away. I actually had to go to the hospital about a week ago after(for the second time within days) I sort of 'flipped out' and was extremely tense, with chills, terrible thoughts, hysterical crying, this wierd twing kind of feeling running through my body nonstop(like the electrical shock you speak of)..i thought i was dying. And of course, going to emergency, it took about two or three hours for the doctor to actually come see me, and by that time, i had fallen asleep because they gave me some muscle relaxers and benadryl to help calm me down. I couldn't even explain what I went through, because it had already passed. All they wanted to know was if I had thoughts of suicide..or plans of how to kill myself. This was ridiculous to me, because the problem was the withdrawl..I was afraid that I was going to die, and I didn't want to! Since then, I've had similar (but less intense) feelings, but everyday it gets a little better. I'm still getting those twings..kind of like..I can feel my pulse through my head and my whole body, but different. My dreams have also been incredibly vivid ever since about a month or two ago, when I started to ween myself off. I just haven't felt right..but it's comforting to know that it's very likely everything happening to me is because of the withdrawl, and hopefully it will all be over soon. I already hated the feeling of being on anti-deppresants, but I hate this feeling even more, which leaves me in sort of a predicament. I don't want to go back on them, and I'm trying to be strong..but I feel as though I am going through withdrawl from Heroin, or some heavy drug, which is why I will now say..DO NOT take effexor if these side effects and withdrawl symptoms are not worth it.
I have gone through hell in the past few weeks trying to get this out of my system, and with all the other stuff I am hearing, I cannot understand why they haven't taken this drug off the market. I know they just started saying nobody under 18 should be on it, because it can possibly increase suicidal thoughts, but what about the withdrawl? Are doctors completely unaware of this?
Posted by fayeroe on March 9, 2004, at 20:21:16
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » sick of being sick, posted by MeggE on March 9, 2004, at 19:43:01
Not one doctor has ever mentioned the withdrawal to me!! Hang in there.......you'll feel so much better when it is totally out of your system.
Posted by Jetta on March 10, 2004, at 7:55:24
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl (nm) » john, posted by Jetta on March 10, 2004, at 7:53:02
This is confusing me! I think I ticked the wrong box. Anyhow if anyone wants my attachment which might help them with tailing off the Efexor, then email me jetta_222@yahoo.co.uk Computers really baffle me : )
Posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:19:34
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » Shanooska, posted by fayeroe on January 31, 2004, at 17:47:57
how long did it take for you to feel normal? I'm on day 57 and still feel like crap
Posted by fayeroe on March 11, 2004, at 18:13:04
In reply to fayroe -Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:19:34
> how long did it take for you to feel normal? I'm on day 57 and still feel like crap
It was probably 90 days before I knew that it was completely out of my system. In the meantime, I went back on Prozac 20 mg a day. That was about 20 days before I was totally off the Effexor. Everyone is different and I think it has to be completely out of your system before you feel better. Good luck!!
Posted by prodgirl on March 12, 2004, at 23:53:14
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » sick of being sick, posted by MeggE on March 9, 2004, at 19:43:01
I completely understand where you are coming from. I get withdrawl symptoms every day, especially if I don't take my Effexor the minute I get up. It has a short half life, which is horrible. My pdoc will be changing my meds next week (pending blood work) and I am NOT looking forward to the taper period and extreme withdraw! Good luck to you as well!
Posted by Foobee on March 16, 2004, at 3:05:31
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by prodgirl on March 12, 2004, at 23:53:14
I've been on Effexor for over two years, and I FINALLY feel like I'm not alone with this. While it seems like every other person I know is on or has been on antidepressants, I have never known anyone else who has taken Effexor. It's such a relief to have confirmation and to have answers from you all!
Regarding withdraw...When my psychiatrist prescribed Effexor a few years ago, she failed to stress the seriousness of withdraw. While I knew of its potential, I never considered it a threat because I didn't know to take it seriously. Consequently, if I missed a dose, I just attributed what happened next to other things going on in my life at the time. I often worried that I was really slipping back into depression. Fortunately, I've recently realized that this is not the case.
I am relieved that withdraw may also explain a mysterious sleep ailment I've had for the past year. When I get too much sleep in one night (usually 10 hours), I wake up with a pounding headache, nausea, and dizziness, which last all day despite taking the max. dose of Ibuprofen. I also get incredibly irritable and anxious, and I struggle to do anything at all...just like old times. Until now, I never associated this with missing a dose of Effexor or not taking the dose in time--if I get too little sleep I'm temporarily a zombie, so I assumed that the converse could also be true. Perhaps not, though.
I am now keeping track of these occurrences, and I hope to have confirmation soon.
Posted by 4hope on April 6, 2004, at 15:24:52
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by nancy lotfi on November 27, 2003, at 16:59:55
I am taking 75 mg of Effexor XR (capsule). I have been doing so since November. I want to wean off the drug because I will try to start getting pregnant. My doctor gave me 35 mg of to take for two weeks. Do you think I will have the withdrawls that are described here in this forum?
Or are the withdrawls with the higher dosages. Please response with your thoughts.
Posted by twiggy on April 7, 2004, at 11:53:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by 4hope on April 6, 2004, at 15:24:52
My advice:DEFINATELY see how you feel after your 100% off Effexor WEEKS before you try getting pregnant. Not only for health reasons - but for mental health reasons. Unless you're depressed because you wanted a baby - bringing one into this mix isn't the most intelligent decision.
Posted by robz on April 8, 2004, at 19:03:27
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » Patrick James, posted by selene on January 28, 2004, at 17:15:54
Out of everything that I have learned about this stupid anxiety and depression shit, I know that missing doses and not tapering off is like the worst thing people can do. Man I feel so bad for you. I know those scary feelings and averyone is different. Please try not to miss a dose and when you do come off it, which you will! Dont Just quite cold turkey, TAPER!!!
Good Luck! Robyn
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 8, 2004, at 20:49:24
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by robz on April 8, 2004, at 19:03:27
> Out of everything that I have learned about this stupid anxiety and depression sh[*]t...
Sorry to be such a prude, but please don't use language that could offend others.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by TanyaJean on April 8, 2004, at 23:58:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » CMG, posted by Cam W. on December 20, 2001, at 11:55:29
"I believe that the appearance of withdrawl symptoms is (partially) an indication that the depression (or anxiety or obsessive/compulsive symptoms, etc.) has not resolved and the SSRI should be continued. In other words, the body has not started to produce enough serotonin on it's own, meaning that the situation that caused the depression has not been resolved (ie. in the case of a reactive or exogenous depression - not genetic depression - one has not dealt with and resolved the issues that caused the depression in the first place - usually through some sort of cognitive psychotherapy).""I believe that the appearance of withdrawl symptoms is (partially) an indication that the depression (or anxiety or obsessive/compulsive symptoms, etc.) has not resolved and the SSRI should be continued. In other words, the body has not started to produce enough serotonin on it's own, meaning that the situation that caused the depression has not been resolved (ie. in the case of a reactive or exogenous depression - not genetic depression - one has not dealt with and resolved the issues that caused the depression in the first place - usually through some sort of cognitive psychotherapy)."
I do understand what this person is saying. It just doesn't totally agree with me and absolutely no disrespect intended. You're obviously well educated. I can only go by what I've been through. 10 years ago I took Imipramine for about 6 months for depression. They weaned me off this drug slowly and I had no withdrawal symtoms. I know that imipramine is a tricylic, not an SSRI. To me, a drug seems very dangerous when it can have this effect. I'm a very practical, reasonable person. When I forgot the drug for a day and "crashed" (very distraught, crying and moody, nearly suicidal which I have never been in my life), it was a dangerous situation. The withdrawal method with prozac seems very reasonable and I wish I was given that option. It brings up another point. Many physicians do not know enough about this drug to even offer such a withdrawal method. Cam. W seems to know his drugs. It frustrates me that any doctor can prescribe this and obviously not know the ins and outs of it. A lot of regular physicians, or say a rheumatologist in my case, do not get a great education with these anti depressants.
Posted by kirsty2207 on May 3, 2004, at 14:13:23
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » Patrick James, posted by selene on January 28, 2004, at 17:15:54
... just wanted to say thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences on the withdrawal of Effexor, this is my third time of tring to get off these drugs and each time in the past I thought the way I was feeling was how I was without the drugs and had not realised that they were withdrawal symptoms. I thought I was pretty much in sane. It is so reassuring that these head shakes, aches and pains, dreams, etc is the effects of the drugs and it's not just me. I sympathise greatly with anyone going through the withdrawal process. It is probably the hardest thing I have ever done. I have been on anti-depressants for 7 years, started with Prozac, then Roboxetine and then Effexor for the last 3 years and I am now on Day 5 of been completely drug free. I am struggling but am determined this time to see it through. Does anyone know how long these horrible withdrawal symptoms will last? ... does anyone know if there has been any evidence of permanent damage following these head shakes?
Posted by Foobee on May 3, 2004, at 14:30:35
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by robz on April 8, 2004, at 19:03:27
Last month I tapered down from 300 mg/day to 225 mg/day, and I was surprisingly fine. At 300 mg/day I constantly experienced awful withdrawal symptoms when I overslept or missed a dose. Naturally, I was apprehensive about going off Effexor XR considering my experiences. However, at a lower dose, Effexor has yet to weild its ugly head. This month I'm at 150 mg/day, and I'm thrilled that my dependency may soon come to an end (although my psychiatrist is a cheerleader for staying on meds, I'm determined to at least attempt the feat of ending my 8 year relationship with anti-depressants).
Effexor XR has, at times, been an enemy--on the days I've woken up nauseous, dizzy, with a migraine. However, it did save my life, so kudos to that!
Good news!!! My psychiatrist informed me that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures Effexor, will soon have a competitor that is finalizing an anti-depressant that works in a similar manner to Effexor--hopefully without all of the unbearable side effects. I guess we'll find out soon!
Posted by SLS on May 3, 2004, at 14:37:43
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by Foobee on May 3, 2004, at 14:30:35
> Good news!!! My psychiatrist informed me that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures Effexor, will soon have a competitor that is finalizing an anti-depressant that works in a similar manner to Effexor--hopefully without all of the unbearable side effects. I guess we'll find out soon!Do you know the name of this drug? Do you think you might be confusing it with Cymbalta?
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Prozac, is supposedly very near final approval of a drug called duloxetine (Cymbalta). Like Effexor, it is a dual action antidepressant that works to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Lilly still says that they expect to see it approved this summer. I have my doubts. It looks like a good drug, though.
- Scott
Posted by CourtneyM on May 3, 2004, at 22:18:08
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by Foobee on May 3, 2004, at 14:30:35
I started taking Effexor 6 months ago (75 mg.)and it helped me get through a difficult life transition that created heightened levels of anxiety, depression, etc. I'd never taken an AD before and in fact, I was opposed to them.
I now want to be Effexor-free. I'm always tired and I get plenty of sleep, eat well, and exercise. I yawn all the time! You know those kind where your eyes seal shut! I don't feel much of anything anymore...kind of dull. I'm not depressed, but I don't feel that euphoric feeling I had when I first started taking the drug. I hear the withdrawal symptoms are HORRIBLE. On only 75 mg. for 6 mo. I'm thinking it may not be as severe. I'm a school teacher and school finishes at the end of this month. In July I move to a new city where I begin an exciting new job. Should I plan to be in physical hell and brain shiver delirium for all of June if I start weening off here in the next few weeks? I have a dr. appt. later this week, but I started this drug without much investigation and I'd like to go off of it a little more prepared.
Thank you for your insights.
Posted by kirsty2207 on May 4, 2004, at 18:30:32
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by CourtneyM on May 3, 2004, at 22:18:08
Courtney, I'm glad, by the sounds of things you are quite on top of how you're feeling (apart from the tiredness), and I think that that will certainly help you overcome the withdrawal. I think most importantly, in answer to what your asking the time to come off the pills is when you feel ready and strong enough. A new job may be a good focus for you whilst experiencing the withdrawal symptoms, or you may feel you need to stay on the pills whilst you settle into your new job as this can be quite an anxious time too. My personal advice, although obviously we are all diferent would be to try and come off the pills before hand as I have already had to miss days off work due to withdrawing off them and I have certainly not been completely focused in the days that I have been in. Please also don't be totally scared of all the things that have been written on here about withdrawing off them... as I'm sure we probably all handle it diferently. I'm now on day 6 of been completely effexor free and have gone through some hellish times over the past few weeks but todays not too bad. Alot of the symptoms are still there but I have coped with them today. I think the thing to remember whenever you chose to come off them is to stay focused on coming off the tablets and remember that any feelings or symptoms will pass. Good luck and stay strong!
Posted by 4hope on May 13, 2004, at 0:09:05
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » CourtneyM, posted by kirsty2207 on May 4, 2004, at 18:30:32
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to let you guys know I am finally off of Effexor. It was 4 days of hell and then it went away. The brain zaps were the worst part of it all. But what I did was go to acupuncture, detox massage, I worked out everyday (even when I felt like not moving) and took all my vitamins. Basically I did everything I could to get it flushed out of my system.
I am NEVER EVER going to go on Effexor again. Withdrawing is tough but I think if you focus on recovering and helping your body rather than the withdrawl symptoms it will help a lot.
THanks for your help.
Hope
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 28, 2004, at 0:57:42
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » CourtneyM, posted by kirsty2207 on May 4, 2004, at 18:30:32
Re: Effexor Symptoms
Posted by Runner on May 27, 2004, at 11:59:32
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » CourtneyM, posted by kirsty2207 on May 4, 2004, at 18:30:32
I just got off the phone with my psychologist who suggested (after consulting with the in-house psychiatrist) trying an over the counter drug with scopalomine for the dizziness symptoms I am encountering during the Effexor withdrawal. He had originally suggested Benadryl but I broke out in hives. So now I am taking Claritin for the hives and going to the store to find something with scopalomine in it...does anyone have any suggestions?
--
Re: Effexor Symptoms » Runner
Posted by partlycloudy on May 27, 2004, at 12:12:37
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by Runner on May 27, 2004, at 11:59:32
I have only heard of it as a skin patch for nausea. i don't know if it's OTC or whether the pharmacist might be able to help you.
Posted by Robz on June 1, 2004, at 15:26:22
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by twiggy on December 18, 2001, at 10:23:22
I have been on EffexorXR for 6 months. Sometimes I drink alcohol and the next day i feel anxiouis and depressed. I know this is because the alcohol makes the Effexor less effective. Sometimes however I feel anxious and depressed when I have not been drinking. I usually just take another pill if this starts happening and that usually helps me. i just want to be off this stuff because it messes up my sex drive. Does this break through anxiety and depression happen to anyone? how long shoukd I stay on it?
Posted by smeegle on June 3, 2004, at 14:45:53
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by Robz on June 1, 2004, at 15:26:22
I have been on Effexor XR for about 3 years now and up to 300mg per day. I experience a lessening of Effexors effectiveness about every six months and subsequently have had to steadily increase my dosage. My dr has stated that although I have not had any negative side effects (i.e. blood pressure), this is as high as he wants to go for me and said that it may be time to move on and try something else (Celexa...great, I have to learn all about the quirks of yet another AD). I was on Zoloft for about 3 years prior to Effexor and it lost effectiveness as well.
Smeegs
> I have been on EffexorXR for 6 months. Sometimes I drink alcohol and the next day i feel anxiouis and depressed. I know this is because the alcohol makes the Effexor less effective. Sometimes however I feel anxious and depressed when I have not been drinking. I usually just take another pill if this starts happening and that usually helps me. i just want to be off this stuff because it messes up my sex drive. Does this break through anxiety and depression happen to anyone? how long shoukd I stay on it?
Posted by Sad Panda on June 4, 2004, at 0:11:38
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by smeegle on June 3, 2004, at 14:45:53
> I have been on Effexor XR for about 3 years now and up to 300mg per day. I experience a lessening of Effexors effectiveness about every six months and subsequently have had to steadily increase my dosage. My dr has stated that although I have not had any negative side effects (i.e. blood pressure), this is as high as he wants to go for me and said that it may be time to move on and try something else (Celexa...great, I have to learn all about the quirks of yet another AD). I was on Zoloft for about 3 years prior to Effexor and it lost effectiveness as well.
>
> Smeegs
>Your doctor sounds sensible. How good was Zoloft for you? I would be inclined to try & go back to it.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by Angel Girl on June 7, 2004, at 16:06:21
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by smeegle on June 3, 2004, at 14:45:53
> I have been on Effexor XR for about 3 years now and up to 300mg per day. I experience a lessening of Effexors effectiveness about every six months and subsequently have had to steadily increase my dosage. My dr has stated that although I have not had any negative side effects (i.e. blood pressure), this is as high as he wants to go for me and said that it may be time to move on and try something else (Celexa...great, I have to learn all about the quirks of yet another AD). I was on Zoloft for about 3 years prior to Effexor and it lost effectiveness as well.
>
> Smeegs
>Smeegs
The top dosage that I was ever at on Effexor XR was 367.5mg/daily. I've read several people on this board who have been higher.
Good luck with whatever you do. I hope you find something that will work for you. I know how you feel about having to try another med. It sucks!
AG
Posted by starrgem on June 15, 2004, at 3:52:31
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by Sad Panda on June 4, 2004, at 0:11:38
I ran out of effexor xr two days ago and cannot renew my script until my new insurance kicks in at the beginning of July. I don't know how I'm going to fare after the withdrawls I have had for the last 24 hours. I have been extremely light headed, disoriented, had periods of disorganized thoughts and speech, feelings of electricity in my brain, and numbness and tingling in me face and arms (mostly in my lips,cheeks,and gums). I have also been crying alot and have had periods of agitation so severe that I have almost been looking for a fight. I was worried I was having a stroke until I remembered my husband complained of some of the same symptoms when he missed a dose. This message board has brought me some relief (knowing I'm not having a stroke) but also makes me wonder what else I might be up against. If I end up having to wait until July 1st I don't think I will even consider going back to the effexor. It helped me through a really tough spot in my life but I never want to feel like this again if I can help it.
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