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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ckkd on April 1, 2004, at 12:47:33
In reply to Withdrawl comparison, posted by Davez on April 1, 2004, at 12:20:17
> I started Effexor XR a little about a month ago and am up to 75mg a day. I've seen a lot of people posting that the withdrawl is really bad. I quit smoking a year ago and thought that was tough.
>
> In comparison to other drugs, alcohol or whatever how is Effexor withdrawl?
>
> Could supplements help like alpha lipoic acid, acetyl-L Carnatine, Choline, etc?
Davez,
The message I posted today was really my reaction last night. I too quit smoking (5 years ago) I went from one pack a day cold turkey .. that was nothing.. I hate to make you leary.. Effexor did for me what it needed to: May of 2003 I was supposed to be an excited bride to be.. but could not get out of bed. My job is high stress and wedding planning - well try it.. anyway it helped me get back on my feet again :) However; in November I told my doctor I wanted off, but since I had just been switched to the night shift and was going to be on opposite schedules as my husband, she wanted me to stay on as I would be a prime candidate for SADD. So I stayed on the stuff 75mg a day. (ow am I fat 30 pounds in 6 months by the way.) With her approval I also started using tanning beds (in moderation) since I never get to see the sun.
I got frustrated because I know I am over the event that Effexor needed to help me with & for some reason was still taking it. So I weaned myself down to 1 - 75mg pill every 48 hours. Boy if I went beyond that though.. UGH the withdrawls just hit me full force: confusion, the shocking feeling, balance problems, hot flashes (at 29!) you name it.
The next time I went in I TOLD the Dr. that I was going to quit and would like her help. She gave me 14 sample pills for 37.5mg and a perscription for more. AND NOT ONE INSTRUCTION ON HOW TO DO IT!!!!
I used the 37.5mg pills everyother day without withdrawls *unless I went a millisecond over 48 hours. I got fidgety along with all the other junk. So I spent another 3 weeks extending that time by 1 hour (of misery) each dose. The withdrawls were just as severe each time period. I have been cold turkey now for about 3 days and am still miserable. I get a little relief by taking 5mg of Diazepam, but it only lasts 4-8hours and I am back to jittersville. The only thing that really numbs the effects FOR ME is alcohol (which I am now saving for special occasions as it seems to be and addictive withdrawl reliever)
Davez - This stuff is tough. I won't say it didn't help me, but if its an option, seek other treatments before becoming addicted to antidepressants; cuz coming down - wow, I have never felt anything this awful!Sorry so grim,
ckkd
Posted by Davez on April 1, 2004, at 15:29:52
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by ckkd on April 1, 2004, at 12:47:33
I'm not sure if missing days or extending the time between pills would really work. From what I understand XR stands for Extended Release. This means that over a given time it will gradually absorb into your system. Skipping days would be like going without a ciggarette for a day then smoking a pack the next day and repeating that cycle. I know from my experience quitting smoking that that would only make me feel worse. You should consult your doctor rather than self medicate. I think that your doctor woul tell you to take the 37.5mg dose daily for a while then, if there is an option, go down to a lower dose then quit all together. Your way gives you a roller coaster effect that can't be good for your system or your mind.
Posted by Putford on April 1, 2004, at 16:43:53
In reply to Re: My withdrawl...., posted by Davez on March 31, 2004, at 14:53:22
I read both messages about exercise helping.I have been off cold turkey from 37.5 mg. and I tried to go running yesterday,no way.I started to sweat and puff after about 15 min into my run.I hope it works for you,but I can't seem to find anything that will help.I can't believe the withdrawl effects these pills are dumping on me. The worst experience in my life so far.I don't know how long it will last? Anyone out there have an idea what one can expect?
Posted by Emma Smith on April 1, 2004, at 20:30:26
In reply to Re: My withdrawl...., posted by Putford on April 1, 2004, at 16:43:53
I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles. Did you quit from 37.5 immediately, or did you take it every other day, every 3rd day, and so forth. I'm on day 6 effexor free after taking 37.5 every 3rd day.
I am having a bit of trouble today with the dizziness, but my 2 mile run after work really helped.
Hang in there.....
Posted by Emma Smith on April 1, 2004, at 20:48:28
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by Davez on April 1, 2004, at 15:29:52
I see your point and agree with your reasoning. However, it has worked for me to go every other day (for about 2 weeks)and then every 3rd day for (about a week and a half). I don't know why other than I compare it to labor in child birth. I know sounds crazy, but in my experience with child birth, when my body went into labor by itself and opposed to being induced, I was able to build up a tolerance for the pain and make it through without any drug intervention for pain. I "got used" to the contractions and new what to expect. I knew I made it through the previous one and I could make it through the next one. I look at the withdrawal the same way. I've been allowing my tolerance for these symptoms to build and somehow make it through. I have only been "effexor-free" for 6 days now, but I am literally taking it hour-by-hour functioning with my part-time job and full-time job as wife and mother of 2 energetic boys.
I think withdrawal is going to affect everyone differently the same as the medication affects everyone differently.
Posted by ckkd on April 1, 2004, at 22:46:04
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by Emma Smith on April 1, 2004, at 20:48:28
OK now I am really in trouble... I have tried valume + alcohol... the withdrawls have found their way through.. Please please please has anyone found anything wholistic or otherwise that will REDUCE my suffering? I will try anything!! I am NOT NUTS I am NOT a drug addict, but I DO need help. My father is a physician and when I presented my problem to him, he just shrugged and watched me slug down my wine (whine?)
HOW do I get through tomorrow? I am supposed to go to work and be the supervisor of a 911 dispatch center from 10pm to 6am..
I am not sure what to do next, all I know is I am supposed to be able to handle my job while drug free.
Suggestions...????
Please.
and Thank You.
ck
Posted by MP on April 2, 2004, at 12:07:45
In reply to Re: Effexor XR and weight gain, posted by newgirl on April 1, 2004, at 9:28:32
Newgirl how do you feel after being off the Effexor?
Posted by MP on April 2, 2004, at 12:19:39
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by ckkd on April 1, 2004, at 12:47:33
I just went to my doctor yesterday (4-1-04) and told him I wanted off the Effexor. He was very gracious and explained to me how to wean myself off it. I am supposed to take 75mg for three weeks and then 37.5mg for three weeks. Then get re-evaluated. I guess I will see it if works.
Posted by stevie b on April 2, 2004, at 13:41:54
In reply to Withdrawl comparison, posted by Davez on April 1, 2004, at 12:20:17
Been all over the net on effexor and haven't heard much in the way of success stories on effexor withdrawal. I've tried a bunch of times. Not bashing the drug, 'cause it helped me, but now has turned on me much like Paxil did, but although difficult, withdrawal from both Zoloft and Paxil was a cakewalk compared to effexor.
Any body out there who now 'feels good' long term after finishing effexor withdrawal?
stevie
Posted by Putford on April 2, 2004, at 14:53:24
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by Emma Smith on April 1, 2004, at 20:48:28
It's encouraging to hear that some of you have been able to survive the trip.I quit smoking and drinking many years ago,but neither had the horrible sensations I felt the other day. I took a pill today,and a few hours later,presto, I felt better.It is scary that a drug can take over your body and mind and one can't see a way out.Last night I gave in because I got into this crying fit and had these strong thoughts of ending it all...real scary stuff. It is great stuff and it helps but You'd think the drug company would find some antidote.
Posted by Davez on April 2, 2004, at 14:58:19
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by Putford on April 2, 2004, at 14:53:24
Why would they want to make it easier to quit??? Keeping you hooked makes them more money. If they could make it impossible to quit they would. The almighty dollar is the decoding factor.
Posted by Putford on April 2, 2004, at 15:00:24
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by Emma Smith on April 1, 2004, at 20:48:28
I've been on the pills for over a year and want to try it like a normal person. I'll try your sugestion.I was on the 37.5 for 2 weeks and decided to try getting off.It worked for four days.I thought I had caught a bad flu bug and the aches and pains were part of that.Was I ever in the wrong planet!! Thanks.
Posted by pekostar on April 3, 2004, at 5:41:34
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by Davez on April 2, 2004, at 14:58:19
I have now been off Effexor for almost 3 weeks. I made it through the physical withdrawls. I find myself still dealing with some emotional issues. I am going to give it about 3 months before I decide to try another medication. For all of you that effexor has been a blessing....thats great. I know how the battle can be. But please be aware of what you are taking. I have never been on any medication that had that much of an effect on me if I missed a dose.
Good luck to all of you
Posted by mp on April 3, 2004, at 9:07:21
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by pekostar on April 3, 2004, at 5:41:34
> I have now been off Effexor for almost 3 weeks. I made it through the physical withdrawls. I find myself still dealing with some emotional issues. I am going to give it about 3 months before I decide to try another medication. For all of you that effexor has been a blessing....thats great. I know how the battle can be. But please be aware of what you are taking. I have never been on any medication that had that much of an effect on me if I missed a dose.
> Good luck to all of you
>
So pekostar how did you do it? I would like some advice. polkmichelle@aol.com
Posted by Mina on April 4, 2004, at 11:15:44
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by stevie b on April 2, 2004, at 13:41:54
I've been on Effexor for a little over a year and I was on my way to weaning off of it and made it down to 37.5. I was supposed to stop after 2 weeks of that dose which I did 2 days ago and OH MY...WHAT A FREAKIN' NIGHTMARE! Yesterday was the 2nd day I was off of it totally and I have never felt such out of contol creepiness. The hot flashes/sweats, trembles, uncontrollable sobbing. It was so bad that I went to the pharmacy and refilled the 37.5 and took one and it looks like it helped because this morning I'm back to myself. What an awful cycle. Effexor did help me for that certain period of about a year but enough already...I feel like an addict who can't quit. If I knew this was going to be THIS bad I wouldn't have gotta on it...I'm sure there's other similar meds without the crazy withdrawals. Ok...thanks for listening anyone out there...I hope there's some sort of hope in quiting this crap.
Mina
Posted by headachegirl on April 4, 2004, at 12:22:50
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by Mina on April 4, 2004, at 11:15:44
I have been taking Effexor for close to a year now and have reached the point where I just want to be free of it. If I forget a dose, I suffer from a headache that feels like the top of my head is tightening in a vice-like effect, nausea, some dizziness, flashing effects on vision. I absolutely hate it and my work is severly impacted. I am going to get off it. I've just started looking at this site for suggestions. I can't believe I left Prozac for this stuff... It's awful.
Posted by Zarry on April 4, 2004, at 13:12:43
In reply to does this go away? Is this normal, posted by outofcontrol on February 3, 2004, at 17:14:38
I'm trying to get off Effexor cold-turkey because of one of the side effects that some doctors aren't aware of - at least my doctor didn't know. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. It is stated in the warnings, if one does research. My BP was running in the 170s and 180s over 110s. The doc was concerned about that and put me on HCTZ for the BP. I did some research on the net about High BP. There was a comment about ADs and so I investigated Effexor - sure enough, there it was, a warning about Effexor and high BP. I sent the info to my doc and he said I should quit Effexor. Geeze, the brain chills or whatever everyone describes them is unbearable.
There's two warnings in this message, don't assume your doctor is aware of everything, and monitor your blood pressure.
I wish the withdrawls would go away - my question, is how long do I have to endure these "brain chills"?
Posted by Pluto on April 5, 2004, at 2:05:42
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by pekostar on April 3, 2004, at 5:41:34
Just curious here. If anybody can tell me, how they will compare effexor withdrawal to benzo withdrawals? Which is more endurable?
Percy
Posted by sira on April 7, 2004, at 17:12:50
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I was wondering if anyone has found any medications that interact with effexor. I get seasonal allergies in the spring and summer. My dr is checking on which meds are ok but said it could take a while. I was wondering if anyone here knows of a website or from personal experince if there are certain drugs to stay away from. I usually use claritin and advil.
Sira
Posted by Flipsactown on April 7, 2004, at 17:44:19
In reply to Medication and Effexor, posted by sira on April 7, 2004, at 17:12:50
Try www.drugs.com
FST
> I was wondering if anyone has found any medications that interact with effexor. I get seasonal allergies in the spring and summer. My dr is checking on which meds are ok but said it could take a while. I was wondering if anyone here knows of a website or from personal experince if there are certain drugs to stay away from. I usually use claritin and advil.
> Sira
Posted by ku4ns on April 7, 2004, at 20:17:15
In reply to Medication and Effexor, posted by sira on April 7, 2004, at 17:12:50
I used both of those you speak of while on effexor and did not have any side effects. John
Posted by 8008hopeful on April 7, 2004, at 22:26:02
In reply to Re: Ah, food and whoopee..., posted by AngelDoe on March 31, 2004, at 14:03:28
I just started taking Effexor a month ago. I was at 37.5 for a week, 75 for about 2 weeks, and then was put up to 150 for 2 more weeks. I think the side effects are worse than my original problems and want to get off of it but am very nervous about the withdrawal after reading the threads. Any suggestions?
Posted by BR549 on April 8, 2004, at 0:31:41
In reply to Re: Withdrawl comparison, posted by Mina on April 4, 2004, at 11:15:44
I began taking anti-depressants in 1997. After being burned out on Prozac, according to my family MD and "this can happen" according to him, I was "upgraded" to Effexor XR about a year ago. Just like with the Prozac, I felt relatively good for few months with both meds and then settled into what I call an emotional drone mode.
My prescription for Effexor XR expired 4/2. I had previously e-mailed my family MD the day earlier for a refill with no reply.. What a strange trip its been the past 5 days.
Nausea was almost immediate 4/3 and lasted a couple more days. My equilibrium is still off and I must use total concentration when driving or operating power tools. Zip or zap noises inside my head mostly at night and it feels like my eyeballs are twitching when closed. I don't sleep well at all and mood swings are frightening. I'm a 48 year old male and have cried more the past few days than when my dad passed away last summer. Plus deeply buried feelings are being expressed verbally and causing great discomfort and concern for my wife and kids.
I've had enough of the pysch meds and despirately want to get through life now without them. With the exception of a few unprescribed drinks now and then to take the edge off when needed..
Gotta finish though with Thank God for this site. I wanted answers about why I was so freaking messed up and I wanted them now. Not a week or two later.. Thanks for the support out there.
Posted by DirtyLowDown4 on April 8, 2004, at 7:59:54
In reply to Medication and Effexor, posted by sira on April 7, 2004, at 17:12:50
Try this link:
http://www.accessmednet.com/prescription-drug-information/effexor-venlafaxine.html#interactions
> I was wondering if anyone has found any medications that interact with effexor. I get seasonal allergies in the spring and summer. My dr is checking on which meds are ok but said it could take a while. I was wondering if anyone here knows of a website or from personal experince if there are certain drugs to stay away from. I usually use claritin and advil.
> Sira
Posted by Zarry on April 8, 2004, at 8:22:20
In reply to Just started and want to get off Effexor, posted by 8008hopeful on April 7, 2004, at 22:26:02
If you're not happy with the results of just starting Effexor, talk to your doctor. I went cold-turkey and I think the withdrawals are worse than the weight gain and high blood pressure - physically. The side-effects you don't see, you don't feel, therefore out of mind. The withdrawals are horrendous. I've been off Effexor for about a week now and the "brain chills" or "rain stick" feeling in the head is as bad as the depression. I went cold turkey because of the extreme high blood pressure. The doctor was unaware that Effexor can cause high blood pressure.
Be Careful!!> I just started taking Effexor a month ago. I was at 37.5 for a week, 75 for about 2 weeks, and then was put up to 150 for 2 more weeks. I think the side effects are worse than my original problems and want to get off of it but am very nervous about the withdrawal after reading the threads. Any suggestions?
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