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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1132 to 1156 of 1313. Go back in thread:
Posted by roobie on November 9, 2004, at 5:44:02
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by TrinityX1 on October 30, 2004, at 19:26:06
Wow! thanks so much for your note on Effexor. I have written in this forum before and read a lot to get other users valuable input. But yours kinda hit home.
I started with Paxil a few years back, which was great but later I was very apathetic, un-orgasmic and put on about 15 pounds. I asked my g/p about an alternative (a friend was on Effexor) so she said that was fine.
Well the weight did NOT decrease but the orgasms DID return and I had a little more 'spring' in my step.
Now that some of the stress (except for my husband :) who totally thinks ME taking these meds is for HIS well-being...) has dissapated. I figured let me see if I can taper-off some. I too was 'only' on 75mg twice a day, so I simply discontinued the dosage in the evening. I thought about splitting one pill, but I typically forgot the evening one anyway and took it off-schedule.
Well the very first morning I had the weird sensation in the head, which now I think I understand the meaning of 'brain-zaps' or 'brain-volts'. I woke up today with cramps and was like I JUST got over my period... what's up with that.
So THANKS for pointing out some of those side affects. It's espeically helpful to relate when someone is on a similar dosage. Don't get me wrong, this med HAS helped me as it has others that I have read in posting; but I also see the long term issues and horrible withdrawl experienced by many. I have been very carefully trying to see if I have 'changed' and I suppose my 'sarcasm' has kicked in again (some things I find funny, others may not).
I would like to ask as well, has acne been an issue? I usually only break out one-a-month, but have noticed more blemishes in my lower cheek area to my jaw-line.
I do try to exercise a couple days per week, minimum 30 minutes and I hope this tapering-off will show some weight loss.
Input appreciated...thanks!!!
Posted by ladyofthelamp on November 9, 2004, at 9:39:24
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by roobie on November 9, 2004, at 5:44:02
I too was only on 75mg and yep spots and bumps under my skin on my face which i have never had before even in my teens.I think effexor messes up your hormones if you are a woman as i do not really have a sex drive and do not feel sexy very much.I too am more sarcastic now i am withdrawing and a bit overcritical but hope this will go soon.The best bit for me is i have my sense of humour back at last.I don't think i had a really good laugh in the 4 years i was taking effexor.The oddest thing is i have suddenly started fancying men who are going bald or thinning quite a bit in the last week or so!!!!Got a real thing for them at the moment.What's that all about then!!!!????.Any one beat that for a silly side effect of effexor withdrawal???
Posted by ladyofthelamp on November 9, 2004, at 9:44:22
In reply to Re: Effexor and extreme thirst! » ladyofthelamp, posted by jujube on November 8, 2004, at 19:08:33
Thanks for the suggestion on electrolytes.I haven't been back to my doctor yet but i will make sure i get lots of tests done, but my doctor is a bit too laidback for his own good so it will be a battle to get him to do anything!!!
Posted by ABCDee on November 10, 2004, at 16:04:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal & side effects, posted by Dave K. on November 28, 1998, at 12:58:34
I have been on effexor since nov. 03 after prozac no longer worked. Was on 75mg.xr. Worked great for awhile but in feb. 04 had to increase to 150 mg. still had issues, so added wellbutrin xl 150 mg. seemed to help, but SE from effexor was bothersome esp. sexual SE and sweating which is bad enough when you are 43 and premenopausal. In summer 04 i decided to decrease effexor to 75 mg and increase wellbutrin to 300 mg. That really helped, but still had sweating and sexual SE. On oct. 4, I began a 2 week weaning with 37.5 mg my last dose was oct 17. 2 days later the withdrawl set in big time! Shock-like electrical sensations were the first. I felt like I could shoot sparks out of my fingers & toes! It happened every time I moved my head or eyes,dozens of times a day. that I could deal with,even joked about it. then the real shit kicked in. nausea and vomiting were the worst esp. when you are so thirsty but cant drink much for fear of puking. Eating a little helped, but I was on the pot 15 min. later with diarrhea. I also couldnt think worth a damn, which is worse when you already have add. Now for the good news folks. this too will pass. Last fri, 11-5 I hit rock bottom. Cried several times that day and finally let it all out to my husband that night in the hot tub and he finally understood what i was going through. The next night, I went out with a gf to see male strippers and boy the timing couldnt have been better. It was just the catharsis I needed to start the healing process. My moods are gradually getting better, shocks are gone, thinking is getting clearer nausea almost gone, and diarrhea has decreased somewhat. Hang in there and dont blame the dr. medicine is not an exact science, esp. when dealing with the brain. My daughter and I know this firsthand. I truly wish you all luck. the hell will end.
Posted by roobie on November 10, 2004, at 16:10:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by ABCDee on November 10, 2004, at 16:04:39
Whoa!! Thanks so very much! I had the nausea worse yesterday morning, but nowhere near what you described. I totally felt like I was going to puke and when I turned my head, my vision took an extra five seconds to follow.
I am trying to pay close attention to my moods and if I get snippy. I also better get my butt in gear to see if I can decrease some of these pounds.
Thanks again for writing. I was almost thinking, if this is how it will be, I just stay on it and deal with my liver and other s/e down the road! The 'diary' of events (not diareah :) ) offers hope!
roobie
Posted by TrinityX1 on November 10, 2004, at 16:25:38
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by ABCDee on November 10, 2004, at 16:04:39
OK .. finally after 10 days I am free of the side effects of EFFEXOR. Im not saying that it did not help for my :issues" for the 3 moths that I did take the medicine, BUT .. it really was not worth the withdrawl. I felt worse comming off the medicine then I ever did previously. But that is only my opinion. I am just entering this thread to ensure that the side effects DO GO AWAY :) :) For those of you going through the terrible side effects ... have faith and hope .. stay off the Medicine and the effects will go away. hang in there.
Posted by anna1banana on November 24, 2004, at 10:30:02
In reply to Finally FREE, posted by TrinityX1 on November 10, 2004, at 16:25:38
I am so glad I found this site!!! I have been reducing Effexor over the last three weeks and am on my first drug free day. The whole experience has been horrific. Shivers, dizziness, extreme emotions and dreadful depressive like tiredeness.I phoned my doctor last week in despair and he told me I shouldnt have any side effects and that it was surprising that I was!! I have spent all day today crying and thinking the original reason for going on the drug was returning. Having read all the posts I know its not and can smile through my tears at least knowing that it should go eventually. Good luck to you all and thankyou.
PS I am from Scotland, nobody talks here like you guys do!! Anna xxx
Posted by dancingstar on November 26, 2004, at 17:28:33
In reply to thank you!!!!, posted by anna1banana on November 24, 2004, at 10:30:02
Hey Anna,
Hang in there. It's been just over two months for me and I did this cold turkey. It doesn't seem as though there is much difference if you feel the way I did at three weeks...and it sounds like you do.
I've been better yesterday and today. Before that I had a two-day migraine and the stomach stuff that goes along with the headache. People that know me say that I am getting better, but I still take the children's doseage Benadryl for nausea. I don't know why some of us are hit so hard. I don't even drink alcohol almost ever cause I am kind of health conscious and don't like the way it makes me feel. In fact, I kind of wonder about that. When I do have a rare drink, I don't feel great, which is why I almost never drink in the first place. Maybe my body just doesn't like chemicals of any sort.
I've started buying almost all organic foods :-). Oh, you know what? Potatoes! I've been cooking small, red potatoes and stopped eating all raw foods. My stomach seems happy with this. Maybe it will work for you, too. Nothing spicy. (I don't know what you eat in Scotland :-).)
You will make it, honest! It is the most horrible experience I have ever had, and I don't understand why the doctors don't know how bad it is or why there isn't something that we can take to make this less devastating. If you need to, please write me at Bebe0217@aol.com. I'm sure you will be okay, but I also know how truly awful you feel. I believe that at three weeks was right about the time that I thought I might die, honest.
In the US, I think the very first step we should take is to file a claim with the FDA. I am not sure what you should do; but right now, just get some rest. Nothing else you can do anyway.
Kindest regards,
Bebe
Posted by ctheg on November 28, 2004, at 1:01:42
In reply to Re: thank you!!!! » anna1banana, posted by dancingstar on November 26, 2004, at 17:28:33
Hi - This is my first day reading this message board and my fourth day of withdrawl from Effexor. I thought I was on my way to ahaving a heart attaack - but reading all the p[osts about the electrical current feeling - made me feel better - and I now know I'm not alone in this.
I took Effexor to help relieve panic attacks I was having on the freeway - after a car accident 2 years ago. The panic feeling left right away. so did my sex drive, and any deep feelings about anything.
But I HAD do drive on the freeway for work so it felt ok with me to go through the other issues in order to deal with driving.
I also have another docotr for a hypothyroid issue that was diagnosed around the same time - and I've been on steroids and T3 at the same time.
I've gained 20 extra pounds since starting both of these medications - which in turn caused very deep depression to the point of not wanting anyone to see me this big and one day I put myself in bed and "hid" which I never do.
So I went to see a therapist who told me to stop the effexor and take Wellbutrin which could help me with eating.
I was so excited about this that I went to my pychiatrist that week and told him what I wanted to do. he went ahead and gave me the 37.5 dosage for 2 weeks and wellbutrin at teh same time - and told me that it would help the withdrawl symptoms.
But if THIS is suppose to be BETTER then what it woud be like WITHOUT the Wellbutrin...I can't IMAGINE what it would be like! I am having an awful time.
Nausea, dizzy, and exhausted from the electrical current and buzzing when I move my eyes and head or talk or walk or type!
Also have been very weepy or emotional - but I also started my period today on day 4 without Effexor so I thought it was PMS related.
I'm very hot tempered - although that has been common for me anyway- but I seem to be even more quick to judge and be angry and yelling.
Reading that this can go on for WEEKS made me cry.
I keep thinking that it would go away the next day - and it doesn'tI would feel this way if I ever missed taking a dose of my effexor - and whenever I would go take it - the symptoms would go away almost immediately.
I'm very lucky that I am self emplyed and don't have to deal with co-workers or drive.
I drove my car last night and almost flipped the car because the visual issue with the electrical shock made it impossible for me to really figure out depth perception and I went home the same way I always do but couldn't figure out how far I was from the wall on the freeway as I went into a curve. It was so frightening!!!
Glad I made it home safely and that I don't have to drive anywhere for a long time.
I do have a business trip that I was going to drive to - it's a 2 hour drive on the freeway - but now that I'm so sick and feel so bad - I will either cancel - or take the train.
Luckily there is a train that will take me directly there.
I do have to deal with clients tomorrow - but only for an hour and they are coming to my home so I don't have to do much accept sit there and ask questions.
I can't afford to cancel client meetings.
2 weeks ago I was in the ER for food poisoning - and I've never experienced that before and it was 13 hours in the ER. I feel like I just am not getting any better now that I decided that Wellbutrin would be a great idea....and I'm experiencing such a horrible reaction.
I'm just glad to read your posts and not feel so alone!!!!
So thank you.
I hope this ends soon and we can share about how amazing life is without a drug!!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
ctheg> Hey Anna,
>
> Hang in there. It's been just over two months for me and I did this cold turkey. It doesn't seem as though there is much difference if you feel the way I did at three weeks...and it sounds like you do.
>
> I've been better yesterday and today. Before that I had a two-day migraine and the stomach stuff that goes along with the headache. People that know me say that I am getting better, but I still take the children's doseage Benadryl for nausea. I don't know why some of us are hit so hard. I don't even drink alcohol almost ever cause I am kind of health conscious and don't like the way it makes me feel. In fact, I kind of wonder about that. When I do have a rare drink, I don't feel great, which is why I almost never drink in the first place. Maybe my body just doesn't like chemicals of any sort.
>
> I've started buying almost all organic foods :-). Oh, you know what? Potatoes! I've been cooking small, red potatoes and stopped eating all raw foods. My stomach seems happy with this. Maybe it will work for you, too. Nothing spicy. (I don't know what you eat in Scotland :-).)
>
> You will make it, honest! It is the most horrible experience I have ever had, and I don't understand why the doctors don't know how bad it is or why there isn't something that we can take to make this less devastating. If you need to, please write me at Bebe0217@aol.com. I'm sure you will be okay, but I also know how truly awful you feel. I believe that at three weeks was right about the time that I thought I might die, honest.
>
> In the US, I think the very first step we should take is to file a claim with the FDA. I am not sure what you should do; but right now, just get some rest. Nothing else you can do anyway.
>
> Kindest regards,
> Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on November 28, 2004, at 3:09:07
In reply to Re: thank you!!!!, posted by ctheg on November 28, 2004, at 1:01:42
I, too, have had my own business since 1988 and have also had to drop out of two classes that I just cannot make it through this quarter because of the withdrawal symptoms.
Please consider joining me in pursing taking action against the makers of this drug for not alerting us to the dangers before we took it. I don't know about you, but I just wish I had been informed that this were possible so that I could have made an intelligent decision about whether or not I wanted to take a risk like this with my health.
In any event, may you recover quickly!
Posted by ctheg on November 28, 2004, at 10:41:21
In reply to Re: thank you!!!!, posted by dancingstar on November 28, 2004, at 3:09:07
I'd be very interested in taking some sort of action.
*c> I, too, have had my own business since 1988 and have also had to drop out of two classes that I just cannot make it through this quarter because of the withdrawal symptoms.
>
> Please consider joining me in pursing taking action against the makers of this drug for not alerting us to the dangers before we took it. I don't know about you, but I just wish I had been informed that this were possible so that I could have made an intelligent decision about whether or not I wanted to take a risk like this with my health.
>
> In any event, may you recover quickly!
Posted by dancingstar on November 28, 2004, at 10:48:26
In reply to Re: thank you!!!!, posted by ctheg on November 28, 2004, at 10:41:21
I've posted my email address in a few of my posts. Others have been advised to not overdo repeating themselves; so I don't want to push it.
Posted by ctheg on December 9, 2004, at 20:01:34
In reply to Re: thank you!!!!, posted by dancingstar on November 28, 2004, at 10:48:26
Well I did what some folks on this thread did - and i went to the health food store, bought a detox formula that cleans all systems - and got some homeopathic stuff - then I also got some motion sickness stuff at a local pharmacy. WOW do I feel better now.
The symptoms started on 11.27 or 28 and I not longer suffer from ANY of them.
The docotr told me I should go back on the meds and to wean off more slowly but the thought of going through it all over again made me just deal.
I couldn't drive the entire time I was withdrawling and it was horrible walking down the street. felt like I was about to fall over.
Thank you for sending the remedies through this forum. It really helped me geet through it all.
*C
Posted by roobie on December 9, 2004, at 20:38:52
In reply to Re: thank you!!!!, posted by ctheg on December 9, 2004, at 20:01:34
Well, I tried... I dropped the Effexor from 2x daily of 37.5mg down to just in the morning. I had the dizzy, nausea ... then it passed. I only lowered it because I thought my stress decreased and a friend suggested 'maybe I didn't need it anymore'. Well, the major aggression set back in and my nerves have been on fire. My g/p had allowed me to go from Paxil to Effexor because I thought it would help reduce the weight gain and apathy. No luck on the weight.
I checked in with my mom's p-doc who said that due to other circumstances, I probably have a lot of stress and 37.5mg is very low dosage and I should go back to 2x per day.
I suppose as with anything, some things work very well for people, while others cannot tolerate it.
Any positive support for Effexor... not to pick on it, but I hear so much of the concerns which I TOTALLY understand... but I could use some positives as I HAVE to believe there are some good experiences out there.
thnx.
Posted by pandareina on December 10, 2004, at 8:19:54
In reply to Effexor - again - any positive input?, posted by roobie on December 9, 2004, at 20:38:52
I tried many pills before getting into Effexor, and for me it was the drug that changed my life, for the best. It help with my depression, anxiety, apathy, self confidence and turned me into a positive person, always looking forward to the next challenge ahead. It did not help with my weight, I did not gain any, but did not loose like my doctor said it may. My doses varied from 75 mg to 225 mg a day through the 4 years I was on Effexor. I stopped a couple of months ago because I want to start a family and I am doing fine.
Good luck to you!
v.> Well, I tried... I dropped the Effexor from 2x daily of 37.5mg down to just in the morning. I had the dizzy, nausea ... then it passed. I only lowered it because I thought my stress decreased and a friend suggested 'maybe I didn't need it anymore'. Well, the major aggression set back in and my nerves have been on fire. My g/p had allowed me to go from Paxil to Effexor because I thought it would help reduce the weight gain and apathy. No luck on the weight.
>
> I checked in with my mom's p-doc who said that due to other circumstances, I probably have a lot of stress and 37.5mg is very low dosage and I should go back to 2x per day.
>
> I suppose as with anything, some things work very well for people, while others cannot tolerate it.
>
> Any positive support for Effexor... not to pick on it, but I hear so much of the concerns which I TOTALLY understand... but I could use some positives as I HAVE to believe there are some good experiences out there.
>
> thnx.
Posted by Jenna Starrett on December 18, 2004, at 3:15:23
In reply to Re: Worm - Antidepressants and suicide, posted by PoohBear on July 12, 2004, at 10:08:19
Hi, my name is Jenna, and I am trying to detox from Effexor. I have suffered from depression since 1997 and have success with A/D's to alleviate it, however kept switching due to numerous side effects. My Doctor was trying to switch me from Effexor to Wellbutrin, so he cut my 300mg dose to 150mg after I was on 150mg of Wellbutrin for about a month. I was having terrible side effects from Effexor, "volts" in my body if I waited too long between doses, major thirst and frequent urination, weight gain and overall, it made my depression worse. I had only been on Effexor for about 6 months.... but during this time I got so depressed I held a knife blade under a flame and seared my skin, I guess just to make sure I was still alive! (This is crazy! it was a 3rd degree burn!). Well, 6 days after the reduction of Effexor, it unexpectedly hit me. I woke up after sleeping about 12 hours (not normal for me)and thought I was dying. I began to cry uncontrollably and felt severe "volts" through my whole body (I recognized this feeling from times I didn't take my dose on time) so I assumed I was having a withdrawal from Effexor. I took a pill of Effexor and ate, thinking it would help me feel better, but it was too late. I got a SEVERE headache and began to vomit. I called my Doctor to confirm this was withdrawals, and he said it was (I wish he would have informed me of this before!!!) By this time I had already called my friend because I was too confused and sick to care for myself. I ended up at the ER with morphine in my IV. After this, they placed me on the psych ward for 72 hours so I could be monitored for the withdrawal(my visit to the psych ward cost $900.00!!!). The most ironic thing about this is that I was not depressed at the time (I think the Wellbutrin was really starting to help). I was really hurt that my regular Doctor did not come up to visit or call me (I haven't heard from him since). While in the hospital, the ward Psych Doctor took me from 150mg of Effexor to 0mg. Well.... I am coming up on day 6 again and feeling major "volts". I am too scared to take Effexor for one more moment. I am preparing for pure hell and really scared (but ironically not depressed). Please pray for me... and I will pray for all of you. Thank you, Jenna
Posted by TrinityX1 on December 18, 2004, at 9:02:33
In reply to Thanks for listening to my story :), posted by Jenna Starrett on December 18, 2004, at 3:15:23
Jenna,
I will pray for you and I can definately relate with you on the "volts" going through your body ... so can every one else comming off of Effexor .. the withdrawl symptoms really SUCK !! It took me 7-8 days to have relief from those annoying volts and I was only on 75 mg so I can only speculate on how much worse yours were. But not to worry, they go away, just hang in there and WELBUTRIN does work very well. I am not on anything anymore for my depression but a frien of mine did switch from Effexor to Welbutrin and says that the Welbutrin is SO MUCH BETTER for her. I do pray that it will work much better for you as well. Depression SUCKS and it will ruin your life IF YOU LET IT so stay stron and work from within. One thing to always remember ... You are a divine and unique manifestation of GOD and he does not make mistakes, so take care of yourself just as you would if you had to answer to GOD tomorrow. Be good to yourself and know that you are getting better every day. Hang in there and make sure that you have a lot of support when you need it, and not just from medications, people can give you thinkgs that medicine can not. Know that you are perfect the way you are and GOD will be there to help you take care of the rest. God Bless you.
Posted by dancingstar on December 18, 2004, at 12:19:27
In reply to Thanks for listening to my story :), posted by Jenna Starrett on December 18, 2004, at 3:15:23
Jenna,
If you can get out of the house, try to get some Benadryl. It's really the only thing that helps. I've tried everything. The other thing that hasn't harmed me is SAMe.
A week ago I started to take L-Tryptophan, but in the same week my throat has been kind of closing up on me, and I've been having an allergic reaction to something. I haven't changed anything else. Last night I simply forgot to take it, and I woke up feeling better. All I mean by this is that you have to be careful cause we are all different, and different things work well for some of us and not for others. The Benadryl, though, seems to be universal on this drama. I say this cause you're getting the Wellbutrin anyway; so you really just need to counteract whatever effect removing the Effexor is having on your system. Please post your reaction with the FDA when you have the strength to do it. I will post the link for you.
I've been doing this for three months. You'll be okay, honest!! My heart truly goes out to you. If you ever decide you want to join my list of people that are considering pursuing legal action against Wyeth for misrepresenting Effexor to us because we have been so sick, please drop me a line at Bebe0217@aol.com and I will add you to the list.
If not, try to hang in there. Write here. Everyone is really supportive cause so many of us have had a hard time with withdrawal from Effexor, though you may be at the top of the list ;-) Go slowly. Treat yourself gently. The doctors do seem to be less than understanding abou this, which is why I think you should -- we all should write the FDA.
-Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on December 18, 2004, at 12:21:58
In reply to Re: Thanks for listening to my story :) » Jenna Starrett, posted by dancingstar on December 18, 2004, at 12:19:27
Here is the link to the FDA so that you can tell them what happened:
Posted by Jenna Starrett on December 21, 2004, at 22:35:54
In reply to Re: Thanks for listening to my story :) » dancingstar, posted by dancingstar on December 18, 2004, at 12:21:58
Thank you for the support :) I hope everyone feels better today. I am taking one day at a time. I can't take benadryl because it makes me feel jittery for some reason (of course jitters is Disney World compared to Effexor). I did get a box of Claratin D (24 hour) however, and it seems to really help! I still have some "volts" in the day but I can function. It scares me though that when the Claratin wears off I still feel very sick....major VOLTS, nausea (really dizzy), headaches.... Does anyone know when this will go away? I am on Wellbutrin and my depression is better but I am seriously getting afraid of taking all these chemicals. I am really shocked and afraid at how strong they are! I hope Wellbutrin isn't strong like this too. When I get bad withdrawal moments I just try to get real still and pretend an angel has his beautiful warm fluffy wings wrapped around me. I know I won't get too sick then... and feel safe. P.s... thank you for the FDA web site. I am going to sit down one day when I can think clearly and fill it out. I would also like to do whatever I can to get Effexor taken off the market, or at least labeled with very clear warning labels about the withdrawls. I have to go look for my angel now... Jenna.
Posted by dancingstar on December 22, 2004, at 1:55:34
In reply to Re: Thanks for listening to my story :), posted by Jenna Starrett on December 21, 2004, at 22:35:54
Hang in there Jenna. I quit cold turkey three months ago. There's not much left of the original pain except for the brain thing in the morning and the bathroom drama, I can't leave it sometimes. Besides that, I'm completely fine. And I've had it as bad as anyone that I've read so far. I went shopping tonight, and I didn't get home until 11:00 p.m. I can function, pretty much. Okay, so I've skipped most Christmas parties, I'm a little more anxious than usual, but honestly the storm is truly over. I can take a deep breath. The sweating is gone, I can exercise. No more real pain. No fever, and I'm not afraid I will die before morning.
You'll be okay. You won't have to take the Claratin forever, though I get that it feels like you will. I even thought I would have to take the Benadryl forever. Just be patient. Very patient. Lots of water and maybe add lemon to it, like I was told. We're here for you, promise. If you want to, write to me, and I will give you my phone number in case you freak out in the middle of the night. I think I wish someone had done that for me, though I would not have called. It's just nice to know that you can in case of an emergency.
Bebe
bebe0217@aol.com
Posted by nelke on December 30, 2004, at 21:14:57
In reply to thank you!!!!, posted by anna1banana on November 24, 2004, at 10:30:02
I am so thankful for all the support and info on this message board!
I have been taking Effexor 75mg daily for just 4 month to help me through some tough times (lost my son). Told my PA that I was ready to get off and her advise was to do the weaning "thing" over a 6 week period. Well, I did not take my pill on Tuesday and did not feel to bad. Decided to skip the next day too and just go cold turkey. Today is my 3rd day off Effexor and I am soooo sick. I have all the withdrawal symptoms mentioned in the posts but I will never ever again take another dose of Effexor!!!!!
I saw that someone suggested taking Benedryl to ease the symptoms - will try to get to the store :) and get some tomorrow.
Any idea how long the withdrawal period could be?
I don't have to be back to work until Monday which would be the 7th day off Effexor for me.Thanks
Nelke
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 21:45:55
In reply to Effexor - how long is the withdrawal period?, posted by nelke on December 30, 2004, at 21:14:57
75 mg for only 4 months shouldn't be too terribly long...but if you feel flat out rotten, you may consider following your doctor's advice and cut back slowly.
Basically what I am saying is to do as I say and not as I did cause what I did was not the "recommended" way to stop taking Effexor, and if a doctor actually advised you otherwise and you feel really terrible -- I dunno, it was just so darn hard. Since you only took E for four months, you might not have that difficult a time, and it could be over more quickly -- with any luck within a week or two, but there's no point in stressing your body if it gets to be too hard. k?
I guess I'm bit confused here. I can't tell if people that wean off the drug have it any easier...or not. It seems like some don't have any trouble at all and others go through hell. I don't understand why or if there is a difference in the chemical makeup of some people than of others and if so, what that difference is. I even wrote to a friend today that is a scientist that works with drugs to see if he might be able to help me in any way, and I was incredibly disappointed with his reaction. I felt as though I had been slapped across the face. Here is a line from his response to me:
"you do know e.g. that of the 1 million complaints lodged to the FCC over
the past year for indecency that most were simple repetitions of 3
letters from the same 80 people using different names. A fact checker at
the NY Times discovered this. I consider that a conspiracy."So that you know, I never mentioned anything at all about "conspiracies" to him. This comment of his was in reponse to my including a link to the numbers that you can click on to read what people have said about Effexor in the petition. I had been hoping that he could help me by breaking down Effexor and helping me to understand why it does what it does to some of us. He took my attack of Effexor as an attack on the entire scientific community and was personally insulted.
He berated me for stopping the drug cold turkey and placed the blame for all of my problems with Effexor squarely on my doctor. I went on to explain that I lost three years to severe fatigue and fibromyalgia that doesn't exist now that I've stopped taking Effexor; that I still have stomach problems, etc., etc.; that even my internist had no idea that any of this was related to the drug...to no avail. He thinks it's a great drug. I'm still kind of reeling from his email and wondering what I said to provoke his response other than tell him what has happened to many of us.
(Deep sigh) Despite my feelings about Effexor and even your own, that's why I feel obligated to remind you to be careful about the cold turkey thing :-)....
Blessings,
Bebe
Posted by Jenna Starrett on December 30, 2004, at 22:55:20
In reply to Effexor - how long is the withdrawal period?, posted by nelke on December 30, 2004, at 21:14:57
Thanks for all the support from everyone! Once I read here that Claratin D may help with the withdrawals, I immediately went down and got some. I was taking a 24 hour Claratin D every night and I was feeling pretty good during the day. I would have some of the "volts" during the day but pretty minor. I could really tell at about the 23 hour (of my 24 hour Claratin D) that I started to feel more volts and all, so I would immediately take another one not wanting to take chances. Well, 2 nights ago I ran out and thought it had been a while, and maybe the Effexor was out of my system by now and I could get off the Claratin. BIG MISTAKE!!!!! I got thorough one day ok (minor stuff) but that night when I went to sleep I had nightmares. I woke up thinking someone was trying to kill me, and didn't even know where I was (very disoriented). I took Xanax (and lots of prayer) and slept till morning but had to force myself to get up (the first time I had these withdrawl symptoms it made me sleep until 5pm and by then they were "full blown". Anyway I drug myself to Walgreens and got more Claratin to take right away. I continued to feel disoriented, crying, aggitated, "volts", nausea and a major headache until it finally kicked in again. I guess I will be buying Claratin forever now. Nelke, I don't know if you will react like I did, but my initial withdraw (which put me in the hospital by the way) came about 3-5 days after going from 300 to 150mg. They took me off of it completely in the hospital and I refuse to take that poison ever again (I feel pretty good on Wellbutrin now, at least I have my sex drive back!!!) I would probably be going back in the hospital if it wern't for Claratin. I have no idea how long this will last but thank God I found this website! Also, I went into the hospital on the 13th of Dec so about 2 weeks and counting for withdrawls. I guess from what I'm reading it could take months. The crazy/sad/angry thing is that my Doc never told me what to expect for withdrawals, so I ended up in the ER and 2 days of voluntary psych observation to make sure I wasn't dying. All of that(and my thoundands of dollars in medical bills) could have been avoided with a little Claratin (or not putting me on the poison in the first place). God Bless, Jenna
Posted by worm on December 31, 2004, at 10:31:27
In reply to Re: Effexor - how long is the withdrawal period? » nelke, posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 21:45:55
Okay, it may be me, and someone who is better at number-crunching could tell, but is it even POSSIBLE for 80 people to generate a MILLION letters? Is this in e-mail, so that they could just mass-mail with different names? Maybe they put out a letter, and real people just signed their name to it, which is why it is word-for-word, but still a million people felt strongly enough that it represented their feelings to send it along? I would need more info before I bought into a conspiracy theory, or totally ruled it out, either way. I can just see them, "Oh yeah, these people have been taking a mind-altering drug, they must all be crazy, so let's ignore them" Bad idea, for many reasons.
JMHO,
worm
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