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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by cpallen79 on February 16, 2004, at 10:22:51
In reply to Re: Effexor: Long Term Effects!!!, posted by BJlass on February 15, 2004, at 15:55:47
Hello, I do believe that Effexor may have long withdrawal syndrome symptoms that are not yet fully understood. I myself have been off the med for about 3 months, but recently suffered from a horrible series of anxiety attacks that continue even now, making it difficult for me to function. My first reaction was that I was suffering from an anxiety disorder. However, upon reading and listening to other people's stories, I've been hearing that often times there seems to be a "rebound effect" (just like benzos, i.e. Xanax) with SSRI's and SSNRI's that is part of the long term withdrawal process which shows up a couple months after you've tapered off or stopped. My brother for example, went through the exact same thing I did a couple months ago. He's been med free for about 4 to 5 months now, but also gets the "spacy" sensations you mentioned, though his anxiety has been alleviated for the most part. I don't think the meds have a permanent effect on the brain (then again I'm not a doctor)... I think it's just the brain rewiring itself after being coaxed into doing something that it doesn't do on its own... suddenly the brain is "confused" so to speak and needs to adjust. I'm hoping this happens soon because uncomfortable would be an understatement to describe how i'm feeling now!
> I'll ask again as no one answered my question but added other interesting info. Has anyone had a weird "spacey" sensation in their forehead after being off Effexor for at least 6 months or more? It's hard to explain-- it's a definite physical sensation.
>
> I think the Effexor has done something permanent to my brain! My doctor (new) says I could have a brain scan but that wouldn't show any damage to neurotransmittors.
>
> Is there any way to find out if this drug has caused change or damage to brain neurotransmittors?
Posted by aimeeb on February 16, 2004, at 11:46:28
In reply to effexor withdrawal - what i did, posted by fastblackZZR on February 4, 2004, at 13:43:51
I've been on 150mg of Effexor for maybe 4 or 5 months now. I've been on and off several different meds for years now and I want to get off of the Effexor. I want to be able to see if I can be a functioning adult without this crap. So far I haven't taken the Effexor since Thursday. I've been feeling rather weird. It's a fuzzy feeling, somewhere between feeling numb and dizzy. It starts shortly after I wake up in the morning and lasts all afternnon. By evening I feel pretty decent. I actually feel good for awhile in the evening. It's like a glimmer of the old me for a couple hours. Then by 10:00 I'm exhausted and need to crash. I was wondering if anyone has been able to get off this stuff cold-turkey? The reason why I decided to do it without tapering is because I don't want to make these withdrawal symptoms last longer than they have too. Am I setting myself up for disaster by trying it this way?
Posted by Raggy on February 16, 2004, at 11:53:00
In reply to Has anyone gone cold-turkey?, posted by aimeeb on February 16, 2004, at 11:46:28
Do NOT get off this drug cold turkey.
Posted by aimeeb on February 16, 2004, at 12:19:00
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on February 16, 2004, at 11:53:00
> Do NOT get off this drug cold turkey.
WHY? Is there really any difference other than prolonging the symptoms?
Posted by baddog55 on February 16, 2004, at 16:17:37
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by aimeeb on February 16, 2004, at 12:19:00
ABSOLUTELY! You will never be more miserable if you don't taper. I am in my 3rd month of tapering, having tried cold turkey. I only started at 75 mg, then went to 37.5, then to 18 3/4, now on 9. Tried to go with none after the 18 3/4, and the brain zaps came back. Even on 9, they are under control. If I have to, I will taper to 1 mg to get off. I'll keep you posted, but there's no reason to torture yourself during the process by going cold turkey.
> > Do NOT get off this drug cold turkey.
>
> WHY? Is there really any difference other than prolonging the symptoms?
Posted by Raggy on February 16, 2004, at 17:16:09
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by aimeeb on February 16, 2004, at 12:19:00
> > Do NOT get off this drug cold turkey.
>
> WHY? Is there really any difference other than prolonging the symptoms?It does say if you stop this drug, without tapering off you get more depressed and suicidal. My daughter in law stopped without tapering, on doctors orders because she was having seizures on it, became more depressed and took her life. Please follow the directions. Am keeping all of you in my prayers and also praying they can stop giving out this drug to so many without more trials on it.
Posted by BJlass on February 16, 2004, at 18:55:57
In reply to Re: Effexor: Long Term Effects!!!, posted by cpallen79 on February 16, 2004, at 10:22:51
Some interesting info at the link. I do realize some people who read this message board really do NOT want to hear the "bad" things about drugs including Effexor. So... my advice is: Don't read it if all you want to hear is "good" stuff. But it's not good to live your life sticking your head in the sand or in denial. There are powerful sources who would probably love to shut down this wonderful website of Dr. Bob's. :)
Posted by cpallen79 on February 16, 2004, at 20:17:52
In reply to Re: Effexor: Long Term Effects!, posted by BJlass on February 16, 2004, at 18:55:57
That link was EXCELLENT!!! A msut read for those taking any type of anti depressant
> Some interesting info at the link. I do realize some people who read this message board really do NOT want to hear the "bad" things about drugs including Effexor. So... my advice is: Don't read it if all you want to hear is "good" stuff. But it's not good to live your life sticking your head in the sand or in denial. There are powerful sources who would probably love to shut down this wonderful website of Dr. Bob's. :)
>
> http://www.power-surge.com/transcripts/shipko3.htm
Posted by jayt243 on February 17, 2004, at 14:44:26
In reply to Re: Effexor: Long Term Effects!, posted by cpallen79 on February 16, 2004, at 20:17:52
Ok everyone's talking about Effexor withdrawal... I'm interested in upping my dose ;-) I've been on 37.5mg for about 2.5 months and when I first started for about 3 weeks it made me really really tired so I just wanted to lie in bed all day. I started taking it at night to help with that, and now that the side effects are wearing off I'm having trouble falling asleep. I was thinking of going back to taking it in the morning, but wondering if i go up to like 75mg will the side effects come back? Any input is appreciated.
Posted by antigua on February 17, 2004, at 17:18:11
In reply to Effexor - raising dosage and side effects?, posted by jayt243 on February 17, 2004, at 14:44:26
I've found that each time I up the dose I go through a tired period, but it usually settles down after a while. The last time it didn't so I dropped back down again (went from 150 to 225). I hate feeling like a zombie.
antigua
Posted by jimmygold70 on February 17, 2004, at 17:59:14
In reply to Effexor - raising dosage and side effects?, posted by jayt243 on February 17, 2004, at 14:44:26
You're taking a very low and ineffective dose of effexor. Taking the XR formulation (once a day) is better tolerated.
You shopuld START in 37.5 morning+evening and wait till the side effects subsides. Sleep problems go away after a week or two. You can use sleeping pills if you like.
At higher doses (above 150mg) effexor is more stimulating as it becomes noradrenergic too.
Jimmy
> Ok everyone's talking about Effexor withdrawal... I'm interested in upping my dose ;-) I've been on 37.5mg for about 2.5 months and when I first started for about 3 weeks it made me really really tired so I just wanted to lie in bed all day. I started taking it at night to help with that, and now that the side effects are wearing off I'm having trouble falling asleep. I was thinking of going back to taking it in the morning, but wondering if i go up to like 75mg will the side effects come back? Any input is appreciated.
Posted by cpallen79 on February 17, 2004, at 19:45:18
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by pala on December 13, 2003, at 16:28:19
Hi Pala,
I too am experiencing withdrawal hell on Effexor. I was on a very mild dose for about 13 months... I endured the withdrawal symptoms (i.e dizziness, "shock" sensations) for about 1 1/2 months (took me about 3 weeks to get off of it) ... but then about 2 months later... I've begun to experience rebound hell. Dizziness, anxiety, lack of coordination, panic, you name it, I've been there. It's like my brain is out of control and confused. Did this happen to you? If yes, how long did it last? Any suggestions on how to counter this? Before takign this drug, I didn't have anxiety problems like this! I defientely don't want to go back on the drug as this appears to be a vicious cycle that can occur if I cave in and go back to them.
> Jennifer,
>
> You are absolutely right, because your eyes get strained so much during the withdrawal,
> you can't read anything, this is all part of these deadly medications, we will
> have to ask these Psychiatrists first to experience this and then prescribe to others, they just victimize us.
>
> But certainly your mental shocks (or zaps) will totally vanish after 3 or 4 months, mild dizziness will remain for some
> more time, but all other symptoms will vanish too.
>
> If you have developed post nasal drip which I did, this takes good 6 to 7 months before you see
> this subsiding, try not to loose temper during these withdrawal days as it can be nasty as mental
> ups and down are pretty intense during this period.
>
> Start with mild exercise, don't breach excessively, as lack of co2 in the body may certainly cause
> you panic and more dizziness, once you are normal after few months, you can
> do intense exercise, which is exactly I am doing, you will feel awesome and your mind will not even
> think of touching those horrible medications.
>
> I wish you good luck and certainly you will need somebody's help when you are going though this
> withdrawal hell.
>
> Please, anybody who is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, I can offer some good suggestions
> which makes things more manageable as I have gained good experience going through this personally.
>
> pala
>
Posted by Raggy on February 24, 2004, at 15:35:19
In reply to Re: Effexor: Long Term Effects!!!, posted by BJlass on February 15, 2004, at 16:12:29
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by fastblackZZR on February 25, 2004, at 11:29:15
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by fastblackZZR on February 15, 2004, at 14:29:36
i would like to hear from anyone who took effexor for a very short time period. i took it 3-4 weeks.
i am several weeks into withdrawal, with brain zaps and some vomiting happening now. can i really expect months more of this?!
Posted by jerseydevil on February 25, 2004, at 12:22:43
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by fastblackZZR on February 25, 2004, at 11:29:15
Should only last a total of 2 to 4 weeks. If it goes longer, see your pdoc. Are you on anything else?
> i would like to hear from anyone who took effexor for a very short time period. i took it 3-4 weeks.
> i am several weeks into withdrawal, with brain zaps and some vomiting happening now. can i really expect months more of this?!
Posted by fastblackZZR on February 25, 2004, at 12:40:42
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now » fastblackZZR, posted by jerseydevil on February 25, 2004, at 12:22:43
> Should only last a total of 2 to 4 weeks. If it goes longer, see your pdoc. Are you on anything else?
>
> >
not amymore. any suggestions as to natural helps for the symptoms? i feel hot - then cold. brain zaps, nausea, some vomiting at night. this is my 6th day with NO effexor whatsoever. maybe only a week more of this mess?
>
>
Posted by jerseydevil on February 26, 2004, at 13:56:55
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by fastblackZZR on February 25, 2004, at 12:40:42
Benedryl and Ibuprofin, I've heard, can help. Take a good B complex or Stress formula vitamin (don't take either close to bed time because they will keep you up or make you dream vividly). Try some Sleepytime or Camomile tea. Don't do stressful things. You will get through it because this too shall pass.
the devil
Posted by fastblackZZR on February 26, 2004, at 14:20:48
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by jerseydevil on February 26, 2004, at 13:56:55
> Benedryl and Ibuprofin, I've heard, can help. Take a good B complex or Stress formula vitamin (don't take either close to bed time because they will keep you up or make you dream vividly). Try some Sleepytime or Camomile tea. Don't do stressful things. You will get through it because this too shall pass.
>
> the devilit's always an eye-opener when the DEVIL tells you "this too shall pass". heh
when did you go through this? how long did it take? i am 7 days out (no effexor at all) and having a pretty good day. it's been over a month of hell, though. if i'd only known....
i thought nothing could top paxil withdrawal. HA!
Posted by jerseydevil on February 26, 2004, at 16:22:03
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by fastblackZZR on February 26, 2004, at 14:20:48
Actually, I haven't had to go through withdrawl from Effexor yet, but I've had pretty bad withdrawl each step down on Paxil, which is five steps now. Just finished a step, took about three weeks to really start feeling human again. I just tell people close to me at work that I'm going through another step of Paxil withdrawl and they pretty much stear clear of me for a while. ;-)
Posted by fastblackZZR on February 27, 2004, at 8:25:43
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by jerseydevil on February 26, 2004, at 16:22:03
yeah, my friends and family have been very understanding as well. none of them have been through it, either, so that says a lot for their character. paxil was a killer for me. i got pregnant while on it and had to quit cold turkey. i remember sitting straight up in bed shaking and crying - paranoid someone was coming in to get me. it was crazy. and the brain shocks....you get that with effexor, too. joy joy joy.
Posted by jerseydevil on February 27, 2004, at 13:20:58
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by fastblackZZR on February 27, 2004, at 8:25:43
I know the fun, I just saw my pdoc and talked to my boss, I think my last step to 0 mg of Paxil begins tommorrow. So by about Tuesday or Wednesday I should be raving. I have a settlement conference on a case Wednesday afternoon, I hope I don't scare anyone... We all get through it, if we stay with it. And, posting here helps alot. I also go to Double Trouble meetings from time to time. They are associated with the other 12 step addiction programs, but from people who are dealing with multiple issues. Sometimes its good just to hear someone say, "been there, did that, I'm here today." Best wishes,
the devil
Posted by fastblackZZR on February 27, 2004, at 13:58:55
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by jerseydevil on February 27, 2004, at 13:20:58
ohhhh. i'm glad you told me you'll be without as of tomorrow. i will be praying for you big time.
each step-down i had with effexor, it'd be 3 days in and i would be hit hard. crying uncontrollably (i am not a crier), horrid dizziness and brain shock, nausea, feelings of doom, wanting to die...blah blah blah. i'd think i was through it and then it's start all over again.
honestly, i am feeling pretty good these last 2 days. i have had no effexor or anti-d's of any kind for a week now. not bad, eh? and yes, i think you (and I) WILL get past this and it'll all be a memory. have you had other addiction problems? (you don't have to answer that.)
i am to the point i wish i'd never seen a pill...
Posted by Raggy on February 27, 2004, at 16:01:47
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by jerseydevil on February 27, 2004, at 13:20:58
> I know the fun, I just saw my pdoc and talked to my boss, I think my last step to 0 mg of Paxil begins tommorrow. So by about Tuesday or Wednesday I should be raving. I have a settlement conference on a case Wednesday afternoon, I hope I don't scare anyone... We all get through it, if we stay with it. And, posting here helps alot. I also go to Double Trouble meetings from time to time. They are associated with the other 12 step addiction programs, but from people who are dealing with multiple issues. Sometimes its good just to hear someone say, "been there, did that, I'm here today." Best wishes,
>
> the devilDevil,
Is this a settlement conference for Effexor. I would like to start one for my daughter in law, she didn't make it through her withdrawal.
Thanks,
Raggy
Posted by Raggy on February 27, 2004, at 16:02:51
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by jerseydevil on February 27, 2004, at 13:20:58
> I know the fun, I just saw my pdoc and talked to my boss, I think my last step to 0 mg of Paxil begins tommorrow. So by about Tuesday or Wednesday I should be raving. I have a settlement conference on a case Wednesday afternoon, I hope I don't scare anyone... We all get through it, if we stay with it. And, posting here helps alot. I also go to Double Trouble meetings from time to time. They are associated with the other 12 step addiction programs, but from people who are dealing with multiple issues. Sometimes its good just to hear someone say, "been there, did that, I'm here today." Best wishes,
>
> the devilDevil,
Is this a settlement conference for Effexor. I would like to start one for my daughter in law, she didn't make it through her withdrawal.
Thanks,
Raggy
Posted by fastblackZZR on February 27, 2004, at 17:52:01
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on February 27, 2004, at 16:02:51
raggy - would you tell me your daughter-in-law's story? i'm so sorry...
jean - 33 yrs. old. mother of 3. aka fastblackzzr
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