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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1082 to 1106 of 1313. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by LynnM. on August 11, 2004, at 16:33:05
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by carissa on August 11, 2004, at 14:34:25
carissa,
I promise it DOES get better. Hang in there. I've been off Effexor about 1.5 months, now. My withdrawal symptoms are slowly "withdrawing". I only feel a few brain zaps now and then, but I am still trying to cope with the impaired memory. It's slowly coming back, I hope.
Posted by Andy2004 on August 12, 2004, at 14:27:27
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by janey on November 1, 1998, at 16:30:34
A _sincere_ note of thanks to all of you who have shared their withdrawal experiences from the slow poison known as Effexor XR. Being in my second (or is it third or fourth?) day of cold-turkey from 225mg ... I now understand that these symptoms of brain-zaps, vertigo and violent bursts of crying are common ... tomarrow may be the worst day, maybe the day after.
I am finding that trying to remain still is very helpful, as is plenty of good clean water and a supply of kleenex ... and the awareness / remembrance that these are the effects of poison and not my final days on Earth.
How did this stuff ever make it to market ?Never to take AD's again,
--Andy2004
Posted by pandareina on August 13, 2004, at 10:54:41
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by pandareina on July 10, 2004, at 23:39:18
I first wrote on 7/10 regarding my attempt to leave Effexor behind. I am not good at writing, but I have been following the thread ever since. This place provided me the support and assurance that I am not alone ... thank you all!
Well I am still taking very small amounts of Effexor XR ... I am at about 25 pellets right now ... yep - 25 pellets of the hundreds in each 75mg capsule ... and I still get withdrawal symptoms when I skip a day! Sometimes I think I am over doing the slow detachment from this drug, but the symptoms are there to remind me that despite of the amount you take, your body reacts in a negative manner when you deprive it of this "medicine".
So my strategy has been been 3-4 pellets less per every couple of days. So far so good, I still have a couple of wekks left before I am done ... My fiancee tells me that I will be down to one pellet and will not be able to let it go ever!!!! :) Let's hope not.
I tried stopping cold turkey at the 32.5 mg mark and suffered for about 10 days, each being worse than the day before ... I could not do it any longer and I popped a pill in ... :(
This is my experience that I wanted to share with you ... once I am free of this drug I will write again to make a summary of how long it took me ...
God Bless and good luck to you.
V.
> I have been reading this thread - may have read most of it, actually ... and I want to share my story:
>
> I have been taking Effexor for over 4 years - usually 150 mg a day, and I was taking 225 mg a day for the last couple of months.
>
> I am one of those "for-lifers" in this med, as per my doctor (I have chronic depression). However, I want to start a family and want to do so drug free. I have been reducing my intake every 7 days or so (225 to 150 to 75 to 1/2 a capsule (37.5 approx) to none).
>
> I have to say that when I was down to 37.5 I started saying 'I do not get this thing about having a terrible time getting of Effexor" because I have had none of the feelings I experienced when I used to forget taking a pill for a day or so ...then I stopped altogether taking effexor ... 24 hours later - the shocks, and all those other well known symptoms started creeping up. Then I realized that it does not matter the size of the dosage ... my ears go zoom-zoom, my brain falls behind when I turn my head ... the nausea ... the poopies ... the confusion ... But thank God, I have no depression - on the contrary, I cannot sleep. I am hyper, happy (too happy), calm and in control.
>
> This is my 4rd day without Effexor - the symptoms are now stronger than yesterday, and I am starting to feel a bit fed up with them. I want to tough it out - I do not want to take another type of pill or take some Effexor to take the edge off. I am looking forward to my crazy dreams ...or nightmares ... they can be fun and very scary too.
>
> Has anyone out there though it out - cold Turkey, can it be done? Will I go crazy before I succeed? I keep reading the thread - I have so many meds I can take - from Claritin to Vicadin to Clonapin (spelling) to pot to 5HTP and Omegas and good Vitamins ... the need for relief grows with every passing hour ... How much stronger the symptoms will/can get?
>
> I am so shocked with the addiction level of this med ... Effexor has saved me, after trying so many failed antidepressants. How sad to know now the price I have to pay for being saved by it.
>
> Ok, enough rambling - I am going to try to sleep some.
>
> Sorry for the grammar and spelling and rumbled thoughts - this is my brain ...this is my brain freshly out of Effexor! :)
>
> V.
>
Posted by itsrick on August 13, 2004, at 12:21:04
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by pandareina on August 13, 2004, at 10:54:41
hi,
trick to reduction (according to my new doc who helps people get off this garbage) is to go slow, reduce in increments once every two weeks and reduce not in equal parts but in equal % to the whole. so one week you might reduce 20 pellets and two weeks later remove 30 and two weeks later 35 etcr
> I first wrote on 7/10 regarding my attempt to leave Effexor behind. I am not good at writing, but I have been following the thread ever since. This place provided me the support and assurance that I am not alone ... thank you all!
>
> Well I am still taking very small amounts of Effexor XR ... I am at about 25 pellets right now ... yep - 25 pellets of the hundreds in each 75mg capsule ... and I still get withdrawal symptoms when I skip a day! Sometimes I think I am over doing the slow detachment from this drug, but the symptoms are there to remind me that despite of the amount you take, your body reacts in a negative manner when you deprive it of this "medicine".
>
> So my strategy has been been 3-4 pellets less per every couple of days. So far so good, I still have a couple of wekks left before I am done ... My fiancee tells me that I will be down to one pellet and will not be able to let it go ever!!!! :) Let's hope not.
>
> I tried stopping cold turkey at the 32.5 mg mark and suffered for about 10 days, each being worse than the day before ... I could not do it any longer and I popped a pill in ... :(
>
> This is my experience that I wanted to share with you ... once I am free of this drug I will write again to make a summary of how long it took me ...
>
> God Bless and good luck to you.
>
> V.
>
>
> > I have been reading this thread - may have read most of it, actually ... and I want to share my story:
> >
> > I have been taking Effexor for over 4 years - usually 150 mg a day, and I was taking 225 mg a day for the last couple of months.
> >
> > I am one of those "for-lifers" in this med, as per my doctor (I have chronic depression). However, I want to start a family and want to do so drug free. I have been reducing my intake every 7 days or so (225 to 150 to 75 to 1/2 a capsule (37.5 approx) to none).
> >
> > I have to say that when I was down to 37.5 I started saying 'I do not get this thing about having a terrible time getting of Effexor" because I have had none of the feelings I experienced when I used to forget taking a pill for a day or so ...then I stopped altogether taking effexor ... 24 hours later - the shocks, and all those other well known symptoms started creeping up. Then I realized that it does not matter the size of the dosage ... my ears go zoom-zoom, my brain falls behind when I turn my head ... the nausea ... the poopies ... the confusion ... But thank God, I have no depression - on the contrary, I cannot sleep. I am hyper, happy (too happy), calm and in control.
> >
> > This is my 4rd day without Effexor - the symptoms are now stronger than yesterday, and I am starting to feel a bit fed up with them. I want to tough it out - I do not want to take another type of pill or take some Effexor to take the edge off. I am looking forward to my crazy dreams ...or nightmares ... they can be fun and very scary too.
> >
> > Has anyone out there though it out - cold Turkey, can it be done? Will I go crazy before I succeed? I keep reading the thread - I have so many meds I can take - from Claritin to Vicadin to Clonapin (spelling) to pot to 5HTP and Omegas and good Vitamins ... the need for relief grows with every passing hour ... How much stronger the symptoms will/can get?
> >
> > I am so shocked with the addiction level of this med ... Effexor has saved me, after trying so many failed antidepressants. How sad to know now the price I have to pay for being saved by it.
> >
> > Ok, enough rambling - I am going to try to sleep some.
> >
> > Sorry for the grammar and spelling and rumbled thoughts - this is my brain ...this is my brain freshly out of Effexor! :)
> >
> > V.
> >
>
>
Posted by carissa on August 13, 2004, at 16:04:23
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by LynnM. on August 11, 2004, at 16:33:05
thanks for the words of encouragement lynn. it is the dizziness and brain zaps that get to me the most, although lately it has been headaches and nausea that have been worrisome. i just started a new job and can't afford to be taking time off, so most of the time i go to work feeling like crap...uuuugh!!!
Posted by carissa on August 13, 2004, at 16:13:09
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by carissa on August 13, 2004, at 16:04:23
oh my goodness! someone mentioned wooshimg in the ears. i noticed that too. i thought i was just being a hypochondriac. it sure helps to know that i'm not alone. however, i wish all of you well in recovering from this. my doc told me that some people have trouble coming off the drug, but i had no idea.
Posted by sha on August 13, 2004, at 23:23:55
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by itsrick on August 13, 2004, at 12:21:04
i actually stopped taking effexor cold turkey it is going on three weeks. The first week was terrible but i have to say thank god i feel better now. Dont get me wrong i have my days and i do get depresed i just try and focus on other things like i joined weight watchers because i feel effexor contributed to my weight gain i would like to lose about 20 pounds. I also started seeing a therapist which i never thought i do and i began excersising. I am trying my best so that is all i can do it is tough dont get me wrong. I found this site to be very helpful and a lot of very nice people. Write back i would love to know how you are doing and why did you go on in the first place? talk to you soon
Posted by lorily on August 14, 2004, at 6:21:41
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by carissa on August 13, 2004, at 16:13:09
The enormity of this withdrawal is frightening. Probably one of the reasons it took me a while to attempt getting off. I am so happy that I did it. Off the depakote (which me and my therapist never thought i needed anyway) and the effexor. still need to take about 25 mg of trazadone or i'm up and down all night. The ONLY problem with not taking all these meds is that I forget to take my thyroid medication!!!!!!!
Today I'm quitting, or have quit rather, smoking. I put the patch on about 2 hours ago, so far so good. Normally I'd have had at least 5 get the day going cigarettes. I know this is going to be tough.
The thing with the effexor, you don't crave it like cigs and alcohol. Nothing is like the alcohol detox, effexor was a piece of cake compared to that.
It's been a solid month since no effexor at all, I weaned off of 37.5 for about 2 weeks, 1/2 to a little less every couple days, then every day the granules got halfed. Reading posts here, I was scared the side effects would have been a lot longer, but i really feel good. Good luck to you and anyone getting off.
Posted by lorily on August 14, 2004, at 6:24:50
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by carissa on August 13, 2004, at 16:04:23
try dramamine for the nausea, maybe it's your equilibrium that makes your stomach sick. It seemed to help me, I hated that feeling that the elevator had suddenly stopped when you turned your head or even your eyes, LOL Still having the headaches ehre and there but I think it's from smoking *which I quit today)
Posted by carissa on August 14, 2004, at 12:19:12
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last? » carissa, posted by lorily on August 14, 2004, at 6:24:50
lorily-
hmmm.. dramimine...that makes sense. i think i'll try it. thanks for the tip. good luck with the smoking. as far as the effexor withdrawl, it sounds like you're over the worst of it. i am now taking welbutrin which actually took away my urge to smoke. i haven't smoked for two weeks. maybe some of my symptoms are related to that. but i'm not turning back. hopefully it's uphill from here. i have found clonapin to be helpful, but they are extremely addictive so i use them sparingly. well, good luck to all.
Posted by lorily on August 15, 2004, at 14:52:20
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by carissa on August 14, 2004, at 12:19:12
Thanks for the encouragement. I considered strongly asking my doctor for welbutrin for the smoking thing, but I just got off AD and you know............
Today is day 2 without a cigarette. Yesterday was a breeze. Today is like the storm rolling in. I was bored and dying for a cig. I did my bills, balanced the checkbook, did the budget for the coming weeks, cleaned out all the old receipts and outdated paperwork from my desk, vacumned the apartment and took the dog for an hour walk. I'm using the patch which I know doesn't come near the same nicotine level as if I were smoking, but it does help with the physical effects. I'm just dying to get that burn sucking on a cigarette!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
Posted by carissa on August 15, 2004, at 15:32:10
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last? » carissa, posted by lorily on August 15, 2004, at 14:52:20
lorily-
LOL wow, sounds like you've been very busy!!! well, all i can say is try and hang in. it will be worth it. today my digestive tract is giving me hell. i went to brunch with a friend and had to go straight home. uuuuugh...good thing i have a drs. appt. on monday. sending positive energy to you all. peace-christine
Posted by lorily on August 16, 2004, at 8:23:34
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by carissa on August 15, 2004, at 15:32:10
Digestive problems---got those too. I have an allergy to wheat, Celiac's Disease. Have to be on a gluten-free diet for the rest of my life. You'd think, OK, so I just don't eat bread and pasta, no biggie. WRONG. No wonder they have support groups for this. Gluten is found in everything, under disguised names of course, like caramel coloring, food flavorings, and many many more.
Posted by carissa on August 18, 2004, at 16:51:36
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by carissa on August 15, 2004, at 15:32:10
a couple of days with minimal symptoms... woo hoo
Posted by Andrew Phelps on September 10, 2004, at 21:26:42
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by janey on November 1, 1998, at 16:30:34
I am 19, I have been dealing with the symptoms of depression for possible 5 or 6 years now, and as of only two weeks ago did I try a medication. Due to illegal substance abuse through highschool my problems were not recognized, but after having nearly a year of sobriety, I find I truly need help. I recently tried Lexapro, but did not sleep for 50+ hours straight, followed by 1 hour of sleep, which I then woke up from with a migraine that lasted over 8 hours. I called my doctor and stopped immediately. As of yesterday I am trying a new medication, Effexor, which has led me to this website. I was told by my doctor that if I am to stop taking Effexor I should immediately seek medical attention. I then spoke with a friend of the family, who is a well credited psyciatrist. I asked him what he knew and he tried to explain the severity of the withdrawl. Seeking more information I searched the web for some personal responses to the withdrawl from Effexor. I am now quite worried as I am young, in great physical health, and have extensive plans for my future. Although I truly feel I need help through medication, and don't want to take the risk of not taking it, I don't want to happen to me what I have just read. Please respond to this or email me personally with advice. I am very concerned. Thankyou.
Andrew Phelps
Posted by Phamos818 on September 11, 2004, at 2:57:22
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Andrew Phelps on September 10, 2004, at 21:26:42
effexor is a hard drug to come off of after you've been on it, so you should consider that before you go on it. i've had great success with it myself, however. there are other drugs where the withdrawal isn't so bad that maybe your doc could consider first -- like wellbutrin?
what concerns me more is the reaction you had to your last antidepressant. often teenagers will present with depression as their first bipolar episode. you can usually tell if someone's really bipolar rather than just depressive if taking an antidepressant makes them manic/hypomanic. from your description of not sleeping, i would guess that's what happened to you. you should mention this to your doctor. it's very possible that if you are actually bipolar, taking antidepressants will just continue causing the same reaction. you might want to ask about lamictal. it's a mood stabilizing drug that's also been approved as an antidepressant, so it might kill two birds with one stone.
good luck! i know how hard it is to start dealing with mental illness as a teenager -- i've been there. take care of yourself.
Posted by pandareina on September 11, 2004, at 8:07:50
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Andrew Phelps on September 10, 2004, at 21:26:42
In Response to Andrew ...
I am sure many people will suggest differents paths to follow - I believe there is no right or wrong here, just degrees of healing and dependence! SO here is my 2 cents:
I have been diganosed as chornically depressed - that is, I would need to be in meds all my life. I been through many, many antidepressants which provided different levels of "normal" feelings. By far, for me, Effexor was the best of them all. Granted, at first, "the getting used to" symptoms were umpleasant - from diarrea to lack of sleep to sexual side effects ... But once that phase was over, I was in bliss and life truly became a pleasure, it remained so for years, without a relapse, without even remembering that I once was the suicidal type ...
I made the decision to stay with Effexor forever ... until I met my other half and decided to try for a baby ...Leaving Effexor behind was truly a nightmare, a lot harder that I thought it would be. It took me 4 months of trial an error until I got rid of it. Now I am clean and I am still happy (no depression) My withdrawal symptoms were purely physical, no emotional changes (Well ,I am a bit more snappy and more oppinionated, but that is it).
Should depression come back in the future I would go back to my doctor and ask him if there is a pill from the same family that creates less dependence. If the answer was no, I would go back to Effexor because this medicine saved my life and made it all better for many, many happy years. For me the price to pay to be happy was worth it - every tinny and huge withdrawal symptom was 100% worth it ... because life in Effexor is grand!
Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress and decisions.
V.
Posted by pandareina on September 11, 2004, at 8:28:14
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by pandareina on August 13, 2004, at 10:54:41
I am finally Effexor free! It has been 2 weeks now!
If I can summarize the whole ordeal I would say this:It is easy to drop from large amounts to small ones - almost no withdrawal symptoms.
It is hard to go from small amounts to none at all.
I went from 225 Mg a day to 32.5 mgs by decreasing 75 mgs on week one, 75 mgs on week 2, 32.5 mgs on week 3. When I was down to half 75 mg capsule y quit cold turkey and that did not go well at all. I returned to 32.5 mgs and started taking 10 pellets out every 8-10 days or so. When I got down to 15 pellets I stayed there for about a week and then stopped. The withdrawal symptoms were very mild and lasted almost 3 days. This place helped me very much and taught me to pace myself and that everyone's body quits the drug differently.
I started effexor early on 1999 and quit mid 2004.
Good luck to all who are getting into Effexor or out of it.
V.
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