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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by happytailsintx on May 17, 2004, at 23:34:19
In reply to Re: effexor side effects/withdrawl, posted by Zarry on May 5, 2004, at 20:05:02
Ohmigosh!! This site is awesome! I quit Effexor cold turkey about a week ago and I thought I was going nuts. I have been on Effexor for about a year and out of necessity (no money) I've had to quit. I have been so dizzy and the "brain zaps" (thank you to whomever put a name to this phenomenon) are terrible. I have also been very tearful, easily aggitated and sleeping seems like the only relief from the symptoms. I know one isn't supposed to cold turkey it, but since I don't have any other choice, I have to continue this course.
My question is...when do these symptoms stop? Is there anything I can do to ease them (besides sleep)? I read some others are taking other meds to help the weaning process. I have an old bottle of Zoloft...does anyone have an opinion about using this? I also have about 4 remaining Effexor pills (150mg). Should I start trying to wean by dividing these up? I can't afford my Rx plan copay or for that matter, a dr's visit copay (college life is a poor life), so going to them for help isn't an option. Any advice out there?
wolfsongs, I've been off Effexor for a month now (cold turkey) and the worst was probly the first week. As most ppl have stated here, one shouldn't go cold turkey, but wean off. I think ppl still get the brain zaps no matter how they do it.
>
> Hang in there.
Posted by GradPsychStudent on May 18, 2004, at 0:00:45
In reply to Re: effexor side effects/withdrawl » Zarry, posted by happytailsintx on May 17, 2004, at 23:34:19
Are they 37.5 Effexor XR, or just Effexor. If XR, take one a day until done. If not XR (non gelcap) cut them into 4's. One when you wake, and one in evening. Should last ya 8 days
Posted by happytailsintx on May 18, 2004, at 0:19:25
In reply to Re: effexor side effects/withdrawl, posted by GradPsychStudent on May 18, 2004, at 0:00:45
The Rx is for Effexor XR 150mg-taken once daily. Can I still divide them?
Posted by GradPsychStudent on May 18, 2004, at 4:23:36
In reply to Re: effexor side effects/withdrawl » GradPsychStudent, posted by happytailsintx on May 18, 2004, at 0:19:25
I just wrote the longest reply it got erased, lemme sum it up.
Try to back on it through ur insurance, check the fees again. Explain your situation. Im sure they have a person who handles ur school.
Do not open your XR gelcaps to take a smaller dose. No matter what u hear.
Uve gone 2 weeks without, keep going.
Have a coffee (not too late before bed , unless coffee makes u very edgy, dont)
#1 EXERCISE hit some weights man, and do some running or fast walking. Do u have a school gym?
Good luck> The Rx is for Effexor XR 150mg-taken once daily. Can I still divide them?
Posted by ku4ns on May 18, 2004, at 9:14:47
In reply to Re: effexor side effects/withdrawl » happytailsintx, posted by GradPsychStudent on May 18, 2004, at 4:23:36
Try to get prozac (it's cheap)to help you wean off of the effexor if you are still having trouble with the withdrawal. Prozac worked very well for me in the weaning process and is inexpensive. The prozac is also easy to stop or change doses unlike the effexor. John
Posted by cbogus on May 18, 2004, at 15:50:34
In reply to Re: effexor side effects/withdrawl, posted by ku4ns on May 18, 2004, at 9:14:47
Good news, guys: there is light at the end of the tunnel! It's been a week since I last posted, and the symptoms I described have all but subsided. It wasn't easy, and my Dr. doesn't even believe they were real. But as you all know, they are very real, and I just want you to know, they're also temporary. I think my case was better than most, and I feel lucky. I was on 150mg once a day for about a year and a half. I stepped down to 75 mg for three days, then 37.5 for three days. (I have to be SSRI-free for 90 before the FAA allows me to pilot solo, so no other drugs were used to help me off, and we did it rather quickly.) Best of luck to all of you, my hopes and prayers are with you!
Posted by Vittoria on May 21, 2004, at 8:53:06
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by jon0667 on May 14, 2004, at 7:59:33
My goodness! Guys! You frightned me to death!
I've been on 75 mg. Effexor for about 3 months: the last 2 weeks I've been feeling lethargic and nauseous and I decided to go off.
I started yesterday and my doctor put me on 37.5 mg.for 1 week. Then 1/2 tablet for another week and then I can discontinue it.
I hope I will not have to go through all the withdrawal symptoms you described!
Is anyone there which had a smooth sailing through this????
I never been on any psychiatric medication before and I was put on Effexor because of anxiety symptoms related to pre-menopause syndrome.
I am healthy and well balanced and I normally do not take ANY medication!
What should I realistically expect?
Will I be able to normally carry on with my life?
I have a family which I love very much and I do not want to disrupt our harmony because of some medication: is absurd!!!
Please, some helpful suggestions...
Posted by headachegirl on May 21, 2004, at 9:02:58
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by Vittoria on May 21, 2004, at 8:53:06
Don't let us scare you. As you probably noticed many of the posts with the heavier side-effects are from those of us who took it upon ourselves to go cold turkey or wean ourselves off.
Once I remembered that I eased on the stuff and went the route of easing myself off, I did fine. Minor side effects but nothing all that disruptive. You're doing it the best way, with your doctor. I really don't think you'll have too much trouble.
Posted by Vittoria on May 21, 2004, at 9:13:12
In reply to effexor withdrawal IS FINE, posted by catri on June 25, 2003, at 9:50:04
> Hi, I just wanted to say that if done properly, effexor withdrawal is problem free, if supervised correctly..... Here's my story - I've been on effexor 75mg for half a year and before that, prozac for another half year. This summer I had decided that if there was at all a time to be myself again and come off the meds, then now is it. First of all, my doc lowered me onto 37mg a day for (get this) a month, followed by another month of 37mg on alternate days. Toward the end of this month I begin to feel as if enough was enough and actually just quit. The first week med-free the only withdrawal symptons I got were a weird 'whoosey' sensation if I turned my head too fast, and that has since long gone. I'm posting this as a reassurance to people out there who are scared of withdrawing, that its fine done in a controlled (by the doc) and tapered way....and also for people who are scared to go on the drug because of the withdrawal effects. Perhaps its a bit different in England where I live, because we have free healthcare, so its no expense at all having these long withdrawal periods. And I guess that everyone is different, so perhaps I was just fortunate. Good luck to anyone coming off, no matter how easy or difficult they find it. Now I have to cope with the anxiety I had before instead, but I want to give it a go using natural methods (exercise, diet) rather than meds.
Thank you! Your message was really encouraging!
I've just started the 37.5 mg. week and I confess: reading many of those posts scared me!
Posted by Vittoria on May 21, 2004, at 9:14:40
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy- Vittoria, posted by headachegirl on May 21, 2004, at 9:02:58
> Don't let us scare you. As you probably noticed many of the posts with the heavier side-effects are from those of us who took it upon ourselves to go cold turkey or wean ourselves off.
>
> Once I remembered that I eased on the stuff and went the route of easing myself off, I did fine. Minor side effects but nothing all that disruptive. You're doing it the best way, with your doctor. I really don't think you'll have too much trouble.Thank you! :-)
Posted by Zarry on May 21, 2004, at 10:18:36
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by Vittoria on May 21, 2004, at 8:53:06
Vittoria, my suggestion, as others have posted, is to get your doc to prescribe Prozac. I personally didn't take Prozac, but now I'm Effexor free, after going cold turkey. Even though I did, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone - I wouldn't want to go through the affects again.
Good luck, and again, get some prozac, it seems to help others.
Posted by happytailsintx on May 21, 2004, at 10:37:50
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by Zarry on May 21, 2004, at 10:18:36
I am fealing much better these days...If you remember, I quit cold turkey 2 weeks ago...the first week was really rough..day 7 was the worst, but then it started getting better. Today is day 14 and the brain zaps are almost completely gone, I don't want to injure anyone anymore (:-)..really the only symptom left is dizziness and that is getting better each day. Thanks to all who wrote back...I was panicking, but now I'm much better!
Posted by Zarry on May 21, 2004, at 11:42:47
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy » Zarry, posted by happytailsintx on May 21, 2004, at 10:37:50
Glad to hear you're doing much better and hopefully nobody got injured :o) in the process.
Wouldn't it be nice if our bodies would cooperate and we wouldn't need all this medication?
Gee, what would we do with all the money we would save from not buying meds? hmmmmmm
Posted by Vittoria on May 21, 2004, at 12:30:25
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy - happytailsintx, posted by Zarry on May 21, 2004, at 11:42:47
Well, I'll give it a try ;-)
I do not think I'll be taking another antidepressant medication to counteract Effexor's side effect: I had enough! I was already worried about it: there are so any controversial opinions! I even read some doctors calling antidrepressant a "chemical lobotomy"!
I sure do not feel like I've been lobotomized, but I certainly wonder about the above mentioned side effects: brain shivers....? Dizzy spells? Nausea? Paranoia!
Why? What is the scientifical explanation for it?
It is sure intriguing....If this medication is supposed to be therapeutic and harmless, how can it have such extreme withdrawal effect?
I do not have those answers and I think I do not want to be the guinea pig for some drug related trial!
Thank you all, good luck and good health!
:-)
Posted by Spinxxie on May 21, 2004, at 13:24:08
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by GradPsychStudent on May 15, 2004, at 2:01:00
I am having to go off effexor because I started getting excrutiating headaches.. migraine in nature.. omg.. it has disabled me.. I am down to 75 from 225 (which i had awful side effects on), and as of tomorrow, I will be at 37.5 caps.. I can't wait to get off this med.. it was great at first.. but.. now the side effects... causing me more depression then the original problem.. I need AD's, and have finally admitted that.. but. this one.. shakes head.. is not worth it. The only prob is, which drug is next? I have been on luvox, wellbutrin, zoloft - sinequan - disipramine - and lithium.. all the ssris pooped out.. and.. lithium made me a zombie.. sinequan the same. I have tried a combination of the meds.. had dexidrine added.. which helps with the energy level.. I am getting frustrated. My shrink wants to try wellbutrin on its own.. to see if that helps.. but I am tired of being tired.. and guinea pig like.. I have had dysthemia with major depression on top of it.. and now I guess I am classified as resistant depression.. what to do? I am hoping that slowing coming off the Effexor will not be as devastating as going cold turkey..
thanks for this thread.. been wonderful to see everyone's input.. hugs
S
Posted by happytailsintx on May 21, 2004, at 14:48:07
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy - happytailsintx, posted by Zarry on May 21, 2004, at 11:42:47
Well, being the typical poor college student, getting off these 2 meds means I can buy groceries and dog food this month!! This makes my "girls" (Snickers and Chili) very happy!! ;)
Posted by KennyBingo on May 24, 2004, at 20:11:57
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy - Everyone!, posted by Vittoria on May 21, 2004, at 12:30:25
> Well, I'll give it a try ;-)
> I do not think I'll be taking another antidepressant medication to counteract Effexor's side effect: I had enough! I was already worried about it: there are so any controversial opinions! I even read some doctors calling antidrepressant a "chemical lobotomy"!
> I sure do not feel like I've been lobotomized, but I certainly wonder about the above mentioned side effects: brain shivers....? Dizzy spells? Nausea? Paranoia!
> Why? What is the scientifical explanation for it?
> It is sure intriguing....If this medication is supposed to be therapeutic and harmless, how can it have such extreme withdrawal effect?
> I do not have those answers and I think I do not want to be the guinea pig for some drug related trial!
> Thank you all, good luck and good health!
> :-)
>
>
>
>Vittoria--
I've been on Effexor at the level of 75mg-150mg for a year and a half now. I must say it has made a tremendous difference in giving me a certain emotional clarity and confidence that had always eluded me before. I do not feel lobotomized or fogged or otherwised mentally compromised in any way.
Granted, it IS powerful stuff. You'll notice that, if you miss a dose, you'll start feeling the dizzies and perhaps even the dreaded brain freezes about 30 hours after the previous dose. That's why I always carry an extra capsule in my backback.
And that's ABSOLUTELY preferable to carrying a cyanide pill in my backpack, which is what I likely would've been doing at this time were it not for a capable therapist and the good folks at Wyeth labs. Yeah, a lot of contrasting opinions. Just keep in mind that's what they are. I think much of the advice (e.g., get off Effexor and on to Prozac)needs to be recognized as a personal testimonial, rather than gospel truth. I gather you know this already. Anyway, hang in there. Best of luck to you!
ken
Posted by Tony P on May 25, 2004, at 6:07:46
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by Spinxxie on May 21, 2004, at 13:24:08
Re other A/Ds to try, ask your pdoc about Lamictal (lamotrigine). It is only recently becoming known as an effective anti-depressant. My pdoc uses it quite a lot, and his patients report mood-stabilizing, anti-depressant AND anti-anxiety effects. I have dysthymia on top of occasional major depression (also GAD), and I am finding it mild but quite helpful at 300 mg/day for last few months. Unless you get the dreaded rash :-(, usually avoided by s-l-o-w dose escalation, it has very few side effects. Lamictal plus a small dose of Effexor might be even more effective.
I am likely also BP3 - the new suggested diagnostic category for those who have had (hypo-)manic episodes only when on regular antidepressants. Wellbutrin alone at common doses (300 mg/day) made me literally crazy, according to my family, not to speak of anxious and insomniac, so it may not be the best choice by itself for dysthymic people like us. It made my natural highs into hypo-manic episodes or anxiety attacks. I had to take substantial amounts of clonazepam (Klonopin) and zopiclone (Imovane - related to Ambien & Sonata) to deal with the side-effects.
I am still on too many benzos as well as the Lamictal, but my MD wants to go slow on reducing them. I really want to know what I feel like on just the Lamictal, but am following doctor's advice!
Tony P
-----------------------
> I am having to go off effexor because I started getting excrutiating headaches [...] The only prob is, which drug is next? I have been on luvox, wellbutrin, zoloft - sinequan - disipramine - and lithium.. all the ssris pooped out.. and.. lithium made me a zombie.. sinequan the same [...] I have had dysthemia with major depression on top of it.. and now I guess I am classified as resistant depression.. what to do? > S
Posted by ku4ns on May 25, 2004, at 14:55:35
In reply to STARTING Effexor BEFORE you stop it » Vittoria, posted by KennyBingo on May 24, 2004, at 20:11:57
My personal testimony related to stopping effexor, not as using prozac as an alternative. I used effexor for about a 1.5 years also and had very good use of the drug except for an increased heart rate. I had a terrible time trying to stop the effexor so my doc prescribed prozac to help with the side effects. The prozac removed all side effects after stopping effexor which also reduced my anxiety, which was the reason I started effexor. Effexor is a good drug, but I don't believe that all physicians that prescribe the medication know of its need for tapering as all of us do. John
> > Well, I'll give it a try ;-)
> > I do not think I'll be taking another antidepressant medication to counteract Effexor's side effect: I had enough! I was already worried about it: there are so any controversial opinions! I even read some doctors calling antidrepressant a "chemical lobotomy"!
> > I sure do not feel like I've been lobotomized, but I certainly wonder about the above mentioned side effects: brain shivers....? Dizzy spells? Nausea? Paranoia!
> > Why? What is the scientifical explanation for it?
> > It is sure intriguing....If this medication is supposed to be therapeutic and harmless, how can it have such extreme withdrawal effect?
> > I do not have those answers and I think I do not want to be the guinea pig for some drug related trial!
> > Thank you all, good luck and good health!
> > :-)
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> Vittoria--
>
> I've been on Effexor at the level of 75mg-150mg for a year and a half now. I must say it has made a tremendous difference in giving me a certain emotional clarity and confidence that had always eluded me before. I do not feel lobotomized or fogged or otherwised mentally compromised in any way.
>
> Granted, it IS powerful stuff. You'll notice that, if you miss a dose, you'll start feeling the dizzies and perhaps even the dreaded brain freezes about 30 hours after the previous dose. That's why I always carry an extra capsule in my backback.
>
> And that's ABSOLUTELY preferable to carrying a cyanide pill in my backpack, which is what I likely would've been doing at this time were it not for a capable therapist and the good folks at Wyeth labs. Yeah, a lot of contrasting opinions. Just keep in mind that's what they are. I think much of the advice (e.g., get off Effexor and on to Prozac)needs to be recognized as a personal testimonial, rather than gospel truth. I gather you know this already. Anyway, hang in there. Best of luck to you!
>
> ken
Posted by Beta on May 25, 2004, at 19:09:28
In reply to Re: STARTING Effexor BEFORE you stop it, posted by ku4ns on May 25, 2004, at 14:55:35
I am currently prescribed 150mg Effexor XR and 0.5mg Risperdal to combat my PTSD symptoms; predominantly extreme anxiety. The Risperdal is someewhat new to me, I have been on the Effexor XR for 3 months.
I have read about, and recently began to experience the nighttime sweats daily. This is not at all fun.
Can anyone tell me if this stops, or if it's a long term side effect. The dry mouth has been bearable, but this sweating isn't.
Thanks for any insight you can provide. =)
Posted by ku4ns on May 26, 2004, at 9:31:12
In reply to Do the Effexor XR night sweats ever stop?!, posted by Beta on May 25, 2004, at 19:09:28
I experienced the night sweats a few times and that was during a dose change, after that things settled down. I was taking effexor only at the time. John
Posted by NatureGirl on May 27, 2004, at 3:14:38
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy - alternatives » Spinxxie, posted by Tony P on May 25, 2004, at 6:07:46
I've been on Paxil about a year, and I saw my psych doc today asking to try something new. He recommended Effexor XR. I am suppose to start weaning off the Paxil tomorrow and start on the Effexor XR in about a week. What can I expect for symptoms upon starting (starter kit)? And for how long will it last? I've got some important things to do in the next 2.5 weeks...and I'm wondering if I should hold off on starting the Effexor XR until things are a little quieter in my life.
Posted by Johnpaul Q on May 27, 2004, at 8:42:22
In reply to Tell me about starting on Effexor XR, posted by NatureGirl on May 27, 2004, at 3:14:38
Hi naturegirl,
I've been on Effexor 75mg for 6 days, so am fresh with the start up symptoms.
I am having the following (from day one)
Disrupted sleep (but it wasn't great before), can't seem to sleep past four/five hours regardless of how tired i go to bed.
Dry mouth and thirsty with related needing to pee (from all the water) sometimes once an hour.
Constipation I haven't been since I started..
Sexual insensitivity, but I'm going to see that as a glass half full. I haven't lost any sex drive.
Low level tiredness through the day, probably related to the lack of sleep.
Involuntary swallowing occassionally. This is the least pleasant side affect.
Some muscle restriction in my arms
Night sweats
But to the good news, I'm not anxious anymore, the general depression appears to be lifting, tho that maybe a placebo thing.
I'm less bothered by peoples opinions than I used to be, and I'm feeling less self-critical. I changed from berating myself loudly for my clumsiness and errors in judgement, to just thinking, "Oh, Johnpaul."
Funny thing, I also don't get the energy crash after lunch that I used to.
I hope that helps.
Posted by Zarry on May 27, 2004, at 8:42:32
In reply to Tell me about starting on Effexor XR, posted by NatureGirl on May 27, 2004, at 3:14:38
well, for one thing you'll have some fun getting off Paxil - as far as starting on Effexor, it's hard to say - some ppl have no probs, some don't
Good Luck
Posted by husschick on May 27, 2004, at 12:28:32
In reply to Re: Tell me about starting on Effexor XR, posted by Zarry on May 27, 2004, at 8:42:32
For me the biggest side effects I have had is dry mouth, nausea, and loss of appetite. But for me the good out weighs the bad
good luck
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