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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by alan38 on July 16, 2004, at 5:48:28
In reply to Re: It does get better-I'm living proof, posted by itsrick on July 14, 2004, at 16:55:51
How Long did your process take. I still am experiencing the occasional "Zap" but I am taking 1/2 of a claritin D 3 times a week. I am day 32 totally of Effexor. I know this season will end but like they say "Enjoy the process"!
Posted by alan38 on July 16, 2004, at 5:52:58
In reply to Re: to worm- how long, posted by LynnM. on July 15, 2004, at 14:23:55
I am on day 32 or beginning of week (5). Brain zaps have decreased substantially. However, I am still taking 1/2 of a claritin D 3 times a week (don't have problem doing that). Totally eliminates the fogginess, residual zaps, dizziness, etc. I am with you that this may take a few months to totally clear up.
question- I was on 3 different ADs prior to Effexor over a (1) yr period. Do all ADs have the ability to produce the Brain Zaps withdrawl....
Posted by alan38 on July 16, 2004, at 5:58:17
In reply to to worm- how long, posted by snake on July 13, 2004, at 8:15:03
Question- I primarily feel the Zaps ( when I do feel them) in the morning, same time... Does anyone else experience that?
Posted by lorily on July 16, 2004, at 8:16:19
In reply to Re: to worm- how long, posted by alan38 on July 16, 2004, at 5:52:58
We get the zaps because effecor has such a short half life. the others stay in your system for much longer enabling your brain to adjust slowly
I tried benadryl for the zaps, seems to help, I can't take antihistamines. They mess me up
Posted by Larry Hoover on July 16, 2004, at 14:36:29
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now » Larry Hoover, posted by SLS on July 14, 2004, at 7:06:34
> > I've been studying the literature, and plan to write a review article on the subject of antidepressants and suicide.
>
> I look forward to reading it (as much as my depression will allow). Where will you be submitting it?I was going to do it for my own edification. I hadn't even thought of publication. Ya think I should post it here?
> > Overall, suicide rates are declining, while SSRI prescription rates are increasing. There are two distinct effects, but the summary statistic is that suicides are reduced by SSRIs, notwithstanding temporary increases in susceptibility.
>
> I know. Even if antidepressants do exacerbate depression in vulnerable individuals, the net effect of their use in the general population is, thankfully, a reduction in the rate of suicide. However, beyond the bottom line of the *interpretation* of statistics is the fact that these drugs do lead to the commission of suicide in certain individuals who would not have done so were they not to have been treated with a provocative medication. Everyone *must* recognize the fact that there exists such a thing as IATROGENIC SUICIDE. Hopefully, this can be accomplished without using any one drug unjustifiably as a scapegoat.I think we're in the process of remedying the situation, right now. It is wholly improper for a doctor to prescribe e.g. an SSRI, and then do nothing more than make an appointment for three months hence.
> I am very glad to see that you have chosen to come back. I only wish that I could read the volume of the posts you write.
>
>
> - ScottWell, after your post on Admin, I had reason for second thoughts. :-)
Lar
Posted by itsrick on July 16, 2004, at 15:03:15
In reply to Re: to worm- how long, posted by lorily on July 16, 2004, at 8:16:19
> We get the zaps because effecor has such a short half life. the others stay in your system for much longer enabling your brain to adjust slowly
>
> I tried benadryl for the zaps, seems to help, I can't take antihistamines. They mess me upi have heard the following should be tried to decrease the withdrawal effects:
benadryl
sam-e
claritanany opinion on what is best?
r
Posted by alan38 on July 16, 2004, at 19:57:39
In reply to Re: to worm- how long, posted by itsrick on July 16, 2004, at 15:03:15
I have been using claritin off and on as needed for about 3 weeks with good results. I don't know how long I will need to take it. I have heard so many varying posts on the length of time the zaps last. I feel good however. This too shall pass!
Posted by SLS on July 16, 2004, at 20:04:16
In reply to Re: antidepressants and suicide » SLS, posted by Larry Hoover on July 16, 2004, at 14:36:29
> > Everyone *must* recognize the fact that there exists such a thing as IATROGENIC SUICIDE. Hopefully, this can be accomplished without using any one drug unjustifiably as a scapegoat.
> I think we're in the process of remedying the situation, right now. It is wholly improper for a doctor to prescribe e.g. an SSRI, and then do nothing more than make an appointment for three months hence.
Exactly.
- Scott
Posted by itsrick on July 16, 2004, at 21:14:49
In reply to Re: to worm- how long, posted by alan38 on July 16, 2004, at 19:57:39
> I have been using claritin off and on as needed for about 3 weeks with good results. I don't know how long I will need to take it. I have heard so many varying posts on the length of time the zaps last. I feel good however. This too shall pass!
that's encouraging! how many claritans per dose?
Posted by lorily on July 17, 2004, at 14:55:08
In reply to Re: to worm- how long, posted by itsrick on July 16, 2004, at 21:14:49
Ive been using benadryl, working ok. Plus, I have a cold so it's doing double duty! Day 3 effexor free. I went 2 without, then took about 6 granules from a capsule, now 3 days without.
Posted by lorily on July 17, 2004, at 15:23:53
In reply to Re: to worm- how long, posted by itsrick on July 16, 2004, at 15:03:15
Forgive me, I can't take decongestants, THEY mess me up. sorry. I've heard alot of people take claritan, I had none, just benadryl and that causes some sleepiness for most of us. sam-e is questionable because it acts as an AD and there is some controversy as with any natural supplements on how good they really are for you, of course your body can develop a dependance I've ehard.
I discussed with a Mica counselor friend of mine who says allegra would be best because there's no drowsiness sick effects. It's weird how an antihistamine could restore my equilibrium. Maybe I should try dramamine?????????????
Posted by boatsie on July 19, 2004, at 20:35:46
In reply to Re: to worm- how long, posted by itsrick on July 16, 2004, at 15:03:15
Over pat 6 weeks i've tapered from 300 to 225 then to 180s.... made jump to 150 after only about 3 days at l80 and i'm feeling horrible. that sense of being just on the brtink of slipping into the twilight zone again, numbness and tingling in left leg, foot, arm fingers, sweating, exhaustion.... i am so afraid i'm going to slip back to where i was before i started on meds. my therapist has cautioned that once the depression takes hold again it will be like a wildfire in my brain.... God, I just want to feel what it felt like being me again i have been so tired of the distance, the blackness in the back of my brain, the lack of motivation, tiredness, lack of feeling....
Posted by itsrick on July 19, 2004, at 21:35:20
In reply to Re:I really need h elp, posted by boatsie on July 19, 2004, at 20:35:46
> Over pat 6 weeks i've tapered from 300 to 225 then to 180s.... made jump to 150 after only about 3 days at l80 and i'm feeling horrible. that sense of being just on the brtink of slipping into the twilight zone again, numbness and tingling in left leg, foot, arm fingers, sweating, exhaustion.... i am so afraid i'm going to slip back to where i was before i started on meds. my therapist has cautioned that once the depression takes hold again it will be like a wildfire in my brain.... God, I just want to feel what it felt like being me again i have been so tired of the distance, the blackness in the back of my brain, the lack of motivation, tiredness, lack of feeling....
we all know where you are boatsie. we'll hold the light at the end of the tunnel
Posted by Ultramundane on July 20, 2004, at 11:29:08
In reply to Re: to worm- how long, posted by lorily on July 17, 2004, at 15:23:53
I take sam-e and it does wonders for my mental well being. After only 3 days all withdrawl symptoms were gone and I felt much better. After a week I ran out of the sam-e and a few days later everything was back. The brain zaps, fogginess, dizziness, trembling, rapid heart beat. So, I started taking the sam-e again immediately and felt better the next day. This is just my experience with sam-e and I do not know of any major problems currently associated with the over the counter drug.
As you mentioned though, more study of sam-e is necessary.
> Forgive me, I can't take decongestants, THEY mess me up. sorry. I've heard alot of people take claritan, I had none, just benadryl and that causes some sleepiness for most of us. sam-e is questionable because it acts as an AD and there is some controversy as with any natural supplements on how good they really are for you, of course your body can develop a dependance I've ehard.
> I discussed with a Mica counselor friend of mine who says allegra would be best because there's no drowsiness sick effects. It's weird how an antihistamine could restore my equilibrium. Maybe I should try dramamine?????????????
Posted by lorily on July 20, 2004, at 13:24:30
In reply to Re: it does get better, posted by Ultramundane on July 20, 2004, at 11:29:08
Well, I did try the dramamine. I don't know if it made any difference or not, I just had a tiny bit of that dizzish feeling when turning my eyes. Didn't use it today and feel good, just a little lightheaded, just a little. Now, I AM dealing with a cold that's bothering me, so that could be it.
In any event, today is day 6 with no effexor and I couldn't be happier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by lorily on July 21, 2004, at 8:26:41
In reply to Re: it does get better, posted by Ultramundane on July 20, 2004, at 11:29:08
Well, I did take the dramamine for a couple days and I don't know if it was from that but I was feeling ok, I took the "less drowsy" tablets. I'm getting over a cold, too, so I'm not sure how much of the cloudy-head part was from which. My head is feeling clear.
No effexor in 7 days!!!!!!!!!!!!
I go to the pysch today, won't she be surprised!
How is everyone doing on their withdrawing?
Posted by itsrick on July 21, 2004, at 8:56:33
In reply to Re: it does get better, posted by lorily on July 21, 2004, at 8:26:41
> Well, I did take the dramamine for a couple days and I don't know if it was from that but I was feeling ok, I took the "less drowsy" tablets. I'm getting over a cold, too, so I'm not sure how much of the cloudy-head part was from which. My head is feeling clear.
>
> No effexor in 7 days!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> I go to the pysch today, won't she be surprised!
> How is everyone doing on their withdrawing?i am on day 6 of removing 20 balls from my effexor xr capsules (37.5 mg) each day. oddly i'm feeling withdrawal it more today than days ago. don't want to use sam-e because it seems to be just a crutch replacement (?) will try claritan
Posted by Finchi on July 21, 2004, at 12:38:44
In reply to Re: it does get better, posted by itsrick on July 21, 2004, at 8:56:33
If things get better... I have been off for 2 month now.. While weaning off I had extreme moods and everything everyone else has written about but nothing so extreme that I felt like I had to go back on until this past week.
I start the day out fine but by lunch time I just want to cry at anything.... Its a joke with my boyfriend that going to the salad place and not getting the right salad can bring me to tears.
Has anyone here been off them for more than 7 weeks and still feel wacked out. The side effects of the drugs you get while on them are gone but my moods are crazy... Prior to going on the drugs I was never this extreme with my moods and was never one to cry very often... I had experience some anxiety in the past under extreme stress but I get these anxiety attacks, want to cry and having hard time focusing... Has the drugs totally screwed up my chemical make up?
I dont want to go back on anything but I also wondering if this is what happens when you go off the drugs. I have an appt with my Dr next week but I dont really know if he has any answers except putting me on some other drug.
Has anyone heard how long you can feel wacked out after going off? I am not in a position in life where I can hide and lately, general interaction with people can bring me to tears for no reason.
I am headng on vacation tomorrow so hopefully a week of some sun, good friends and relaxing will help but advice from you all would be greatly aprreciated.
Posted by snake on July 21, 2004, at 18:38:21
In reply to Does it get better?, posted by Finchi on July 21, 2004, at 12:38:44
> If things get better... I have been off for 2 month now.. While weaning off I had extreme moods and everything everyone else has written about but nothing so extreme that I felt like I had to go back on until this past week.
>
> I start the day out fine but by lunch time I just want to cry at anything.... Its a joke with my boyfriend that going to the salad place and not getting the right salad can bring me to tears.
>
> Has anyone here been off them for more than 7 weeks and still feel wacked out. The side effects of the drugs you get while on them are gone but my moods are crazy... Prior to going on the drugs I was never this extreme with my moods and was never one to cry very often... I had experience some anxiety in the past under extreme stress but I get these anxiety attacks, want to cry and having hard time focusing... Has the drugs totally screwed up my chemical make up?
>
> I dont want to go back on anything but I also wondering if this is what happens when you go off the drugs. I have an appt with my Dr next week but I dont really know if he has any answers except putting me on some other drug.
>
> Has anyone heard how long you can feel wacked out after going off? I am not in a position in life where I can hide and lately, general interaction with people can bring me to tears for no reason.
>
> I am headng on vacation tomorrow so hopefully a week of some sun, good friends and relaxing will help but advice from you all would be greatly aprreciated.
>
> hey, i'm glad you posted. i've been off eff. for 33 days and still having problems. brain zaps , vaery emotional, dead head, some headaches,dizziness and alittle nausea. is this still part of the w/d ? my hubby said i am better than i was afew weeks ago.this is depressing and discouraging. help......thankscece
Posted by lorily on July 21, 2004, at 20:07:22
In reply to Re: to worm- how long, posted by itsrick on July 16, 2004, at 15:03:15
Here's something I copied and pasted from a site that sells Sam-E
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONARY INFORMATION ABOUT SAM-E
Interestingly, SAM-e breaks down into the potentially harmful homocysteine, which has recently made press as a substance strongly
correlated with heart disease if it is left to build up within your cells. The good news is that SAM-e, which is so good for you does NOT
have to turn into a toxic build-up of homocysteine. With the proper complement of B-complex vitamins (especially B-6, B-12 and folic acid, which are all methyl-donors), homocysteine is re-methylated into good old
methionine (used to produce S-Adenosyl Methionine) or convert to the antioxidant glutathione (also good).
IMPORTANT: If you plan on taking SAM-e, you would be well advised to supplement with B vitamins also. This will ensure good results and
prevent homocysteine build-up. One last item of note: B-complex deficiencies - by themselves - are often enough to cause low mood, giving
you one more reason to supplement your B's. And, folic acid deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world! Supplement with a B-complex, and you avoid all of these possible problems.
Interesting. The article is too big to post the whole thing at once, but I thought that was pretty important and I wonder if some B-complex vitamins could help with our withdrawals and be something we really need. I've been taking a good multi during mine and feeling pretty darn good.
Posted by worm on July 22, 2004, at 8:05:38
In reply to Does it get better?, posted by Finchi on July 21, 2004, at 12:38:44
Finchi:
The mood symptoms seem to be the ones that last the longest, at least for me. I've been off for about 4 months, and I still have times when I get a little weepy, a stupid commercial on TV, or something someone says. I also have these flares of anger over nothing. Also, the mental clarity and "searching for words" has only recently seemed to get better. I don't think it's permanent (I hope not). So hang in there!
Posted by Red al on July 29, 2004, at 5:29:13
In reply to Re: Does it get better?, posted by worm on July 22, 2004, at 8:05:38
Hi there
I've been off Efexor for three weeks now after being on 75mg for 18 months. On the up side I seem to be sleeping better, but I'm just so tired all the time and my arms and hands feel a little tingly. I also feel like I have a very short fuse at the moment. Does that ring true with anyone? I was put on the mediaction because I had a complete burnout just before my 27th birthday. Before that I was totally healthy and never had any problems like this at all. Do you think it's possible to get back in balance after you've got this stuff out of your system?
Thanks
Al
Posted by Finchi on July 29, 2004, at 10:22:16
In reply to Re: Does it get better?, posted by worm on July 22, 2004, at 8:05:38
Thanks for responding... Its good to hear I am not completely nuts. I just returned from vacation and doing much better ... I week of relaxing and sun really helped... but I head to my Dr today to talk about things with him.... Hopefully, this will all pass soon but today is a good day so I have hope.
Thanks again.
Finchi> Finchi:
>
> The mood symptoms seem to be the ones that last the longest, at least for me. I've been off for about 4 months, and I still have times when I get a little weepy, a stupid commercial on TV, or something someone says. I also have these flares of anger over nothing. Also, the mental clarity and "searching for words" has only recently seemed to get better. I don't think it's permanent (I hope not). So hang in there!
>
>
Posted by lorily on July 31, 2004, at 19:18:08
In reply to Re: Does it get better?, posted by Red al on July 29, 2004, at 5:29:13
Hi, Al. I also feel a bit short-fuse-ish. The first days completely off I had PMS and a cold, so what was from what I'm not sure. I do have a touch of irritability, more like sensitivity now, it gets better every day though. I was a little scared that I was going to be stuck going back on it and stuck there. Each day I'm soooo thankful I'm med free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted by carissa on August 11, 2004, at 14:34:25
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by cpallen79 on July 15, 2004, at 14:33:54
my goodness!
i'm so glad i happened upon this message board. i too am withdrawing from effexor (it's been about two months). i had no idea the withdrawl symptoms would persist for this long, but apparently they can. i was on the drug for about 3 yrs. i don't know if that is contributing to severity and longevity of my symptoms, but woo! i'd really like to feel "normal" again. i'm experiencing many if not all of the symptoms others have described,as well as headaches almost daily and impared memory and cognitive functioning. please tell that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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