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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Raggy on February 27, 2004, at 22:47:25
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by fastblackZZR on February 27, 2004, at 17:52:01
My daughter in law was on effexor xr, and started having seizures, took her off this drug and a month later she committed suicide. This is a very dangerous drug. She was never suicidial before. After getting off this drug she became more depressed.
Posted by jerseydevil on February 29, 2004, at 15:34:47
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on February 27, 2004, at 22:47:25
Some people seem to have no problem going off of Effexor, others go through withdrawl and others need to step down, ie, wean from the dosage over a period of time. I'm happily on my second day free of Paxil since beginning my wean in November 2002. I am still on a small dose of Effexor and a larger dose of Welbutrin, and a couple of mood stabilizers, etc. Getting off of Paxil has been really tough for me. In about two days I will most likely become very antisocial and have nasty headaches and again enjoy withdrawl from an ssri. But I had to do all this to get to today. Sorry for your loss, I've lost friends through suicide and tend to talk other friends down on a regular basis. I cannot judge what happened from you have written here. If you feel your loved one was miss treated, see an attorney who specializes in this area. Good luck to all.
the devil
> My daughter in law was on effexor xr, and started having seizures, took her off this drug and a month later she committed suicide. This is a very dangerous drug. She was never suicidial before. After getting off this drug she became more depressed.
Posted by fastblackZZR on February 29, 2004, at 20:41:17
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by jerseydevil on February 29, 2004, at 15:34:47
> Some people seem to have no problem going off of Effexor, others go through withdrawl and others need to step down, ie, wean from the dosage over a period of time. I'm happily on my second day free of Paxil since beginning my wean in November 2002. I am still on a small dose of Effexor and a larger dose of Welbutrin, and a couple of mood stabilizers, etc. Getting off of Paxil has been really tough for me. In about two days I will most likely become very antisocial and have nasty headaches and again enjoy withdrawl from an ssri. But I had to do all this to get to today. Sorry for your loss, I've lost friends through suicide and tend to talk other friends down on a regular basis. I cannot judge what happened from you have written here. If you feel your loved one was miss treated, see an attorney who specializes in this area. Good luck to all.
>
> the devil
>
> > My daughter in law was on effexor xr, and started having seizures, took her off this drug and a month later she committed suicide. This is a very dangerous drug. She was never suicidial before. After getting off this drug she became more depressed.
>
>
i hear you , devil. i ceraintly wasn't sucicdal before the effexor. it was only after having gone OFF of it - expeiencing horrid side affects- that i began to see suicide as a "nice thing. better than this present hell". you're right, raggy. it's dangerous. far too many of us have come forward saying so.
Posted by jerseydevil on March 1, 2004, at 9:38:05
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by fastblackZZR on February 29, 2004, at 20:41:17
That having been said, some people benefit tremedously from this class of ADs. Untreated depression or BP can kill ya too. There are success stories on other threads of this site. And the tv adds seem to be changing for this class to mention the "side effects" that can happen when going off the med. (Day three of no paxil for me and the zaps are starting earlier than normal, too bad I'm used to them by now.)
the devil
Posted by fastblackZZR on March 1, 2004, at 11:28:38
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor (or Paxil) Withdrawl now, posted by jerseydevil on March 1, 2004, at 9:38:05
true, definitely true. i have sister who is on effexor. she has suffered for around 30 years with mental illness. her pdoc just put her on the effexor and she is benefitting greatly. my prayer is that she doesn't miss meds or have to go off of it.
how are you sleeping, devil? nights were the worst for me in the paxil w/d.
Posted by MADMAN3070 on March 1, 2004, at 12:33:56
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor (or Paxil) Withdrawl now, posted by jerseydevil on March 1, 2004, at 9:38:05
Its been 5 weeks and Im still having dizziness and nausea, vision problems and headache. How long does this last? Should I see a neurologist? My symptoms are not as bad as the first week I was off Effexor but they are still here. Any advice from someone who has beat the big E would be appreciated. Madman
Posted by fastblackZZR on March 1, 2004, at 12:38:17
In reply to How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by MADMAN3070 on March 1, 2004, at 12:33:56
madman
it took me about 5 or 6 weeks to stop feeling the withdrawal symptoms and i had only taken effexor for 3-4 weeks.! have you completely stopped the med or have you been tapering or what?
Posted by MADMAN3070 on March 1, 2004, at 12:56:56
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by fastblackZZR on March 1, 2004, at 12:38:17
> madman
> it took me about 5 or 6 weeks to stop feeling the withdrawal symptoms and i had only taken effexor for 3-4 weeks.! have you completely stopped the med or have you been tapering or what?Fast:
I have been totally off Effexor for 5 weeks. My Dr. told me to stop cold and start Welbutrin. I havent taken it though. Im to afraid.
Posted by fastblackZZR on March 1, 2004, at 13:19:27
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by MADMAN3070 on March 1, 2004, at 12:56:56
Oh my dear God. I cannot believe he told you to cold turkey it. I am surprised you are still with us. I don't blame you a bit for being afraid of the wellbutrin, but you know it may help to give it a shot. Supposedly it's nothing like effexor (a.k.a.demon from hell) Are you able to sleep at night? SHEESH!!! I still can't believe he let you do that!! You should hear some of the stories!
Posted by caritasrainbow on March 1, 2004, at 13:39:24
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by fastblackZZR on March 1, 2004, at 13:19:27
help! someone please tell me there is something i can do.
i'm off effexor xr for day two now. i tapered from 450mg a day, which i discovered later is way more than the normal high recommended dosage.
i've gone cold turkey off paxil before and it was bad and took about a week.
this is way worse. horrible.
i had nightmares all night with shakes and hyperventilating. literally i was up about every fifteen minutes throughout the night.
now i've got the zings, only this time they never stop in between times. i have uncontrollable tears and dizziness. can't think, can't walk straight.
tell me there's something i can do.
i've taken just about every drug there is to take and i'm still on lamictal.
now i just want off it all because all i can think is that if it's this awful now what the hell is it doing to me when i'm on it? i've taken effexor for about the last year and a half.
okay, sorry if i don't make sense or i'm babbling. just really looking for some kind of help. anything.
btw- my dr wants to put me on wellbutrin next also and i think i'll refuse. this is hell. and WAY worse than paxil withdrawal which i thought couldn't be beat.
one more thing-- i asked my dr to get off effexor in the first place because a friend told me it had sexual side effects. i thought i was just weird that way. i must say that on day one of no effexor all the sexual side effects disappeared completely. of course, the withdrawal symptoms were not as bad yesterday as they are today. lol! don't think i'll be able to test that theory out again any time soon...
rain
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