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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Jiggitykid on January 29, 2005, at 16:14:44
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - going through it, posted by Dal on January 29, 2005, at 15:46:41
First of all, welcome! Second, I'm stunned and pleased that your psy. actually KNEW about the symptoms and bothered to tell you! Most of us here were not so lucky, and thought we were either losing our minds or dreadfully sick.
For me, the severe symptoms (I mean SEVERE) lasted about two weeks. The major ones lasted about a month, and the rest of them hung on for another couple of months. It took a while until I felt "normal." Even now, over a year after I quit effexor, I still have vision difficulties and the occasional nightmare with the electric shocks. How long have you been completely off effexor?
> I am so glad I found this thread! I was told by my general Dr to get off of Effexor immediately, as he thought it might be affecting my ALT liver enzymes (anyone else have this problem), and I have to go in for surgery in a few weeks. I called my psychiatrist, told her of the issue - and she told me how HORRIBLE the side affects were going to be. LOVELY! Well, I went from 225mg - 150mg for 5 days, and was doing ok, so I simply quit. I'm doing ok - not SO horrible. But I do feel like my reality is a bit warped. And the dreams of the devil, alien invasions, and nuclear war are so much FUN!! :o) I was on effexor XR for almost exactly a year. I guess my question would be - how long should I expect the symptoms to go on? It's easier to get through, because I know the feelings I'm having aren't facts - but it is very bothersome. I'm tired of crying at work emails! :o) Sorry for the long winded post. I'm just grateful that I've been able to read all of your posts - it's helping a lot to know that I'm not unique in this. - Dal
Posted by Damos on January 31, 2005, at 22:03:13
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - I did it, so can you, posted by Petra on January 21, 2005, at 12:35:16
G'day from Down under,
Thank God, or should I say the creaters of the web for forums like this. I've been cutting down my Efexor-XR for a couple of weeks now and will be stopping completely (if courage doesn't fail me after reading all this) in about another two. Until this morning I thought I was suffering from a bunch of strange but unrelated symptoms. I don't feel nearly so weird now about having sat up in the dark the other night trying to work out where the flickering light was coming from - never occurred to me it was inside my head!
I just want to thank you all for being here and sharing your experiences. It really helps. I actually spoke to my Dr after reading this and he was unaware of any of these problems.
Don't get me wrong this drug was the best thing that had happened to me in 25 years, especially coming on the heals of a week of Zoloft which only made my desire to kill myself exponentially worse but had the added effect of making me want to take others with me. I've come a long way in the two years I've been on it.
My heart truly goes out to you all.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 1, 2005, at 7:38:25
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - I did it, so can you, posted by Damos on January 31, 2005, at 22:03:13
I'm glad you found this area and now understand what you are experiencing. Your testimony underscores the point all of us here are trying to make: The medical community and the patients are not informed from the drug company about the effects and the withdrawal nightmare of this drug. We want information and accountability.
Please take care of yourself!
> G'day from Down under,
>
> Thank God, or should I say the creaters of the web for forums like this. I've been cutting down my Efexor-XR for a couple of weeks now and will be stopping completely (if courage doesn't fail me after reading all this) in about another two. Until this morning I thought I was suffering from a bunch of strange but unrelated symptoms. I don't feel nearly so weird now about having sat up in the dark the other night trying to work out where the flickering light was coming from - never occurred to me it was inside my head!
>
> I just want to thank you all for being here and sharing your experiences. It really helps. I actually spoke to my Dr after reading this and he was unaware of any of these problems.
>
> Don't get me wrong this drug was the best thing that had happened to me in 25 years, especially coming on the heals of a week of Zoloft which only made my desire to kill myself exponentially worse but had the added effect of making me want to take others with me. I've come a long way in the two years I've been on it.
>
> My heart truly goes out to you all.
Posted by Damos on February 1, 2005, at 14:57:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - I did it, so can you, posted by Jiggitykid on February 1, 2005, at 7:38:25
Thanks Jiggitykid,
Having suffered chronic depression since my early teens (now 40), punctuated by severe depressive episodes, the last couple of years have been a revelation. As for the withdrawal symptoms I'm just taking them as they come - though the itchiness and dizziness are getting really annoying, especially at work. The zapps and the flickering lights are cool in a strange kind of way. Fortunately I have some good people around me here who I've told about what's going on and they keep on eye on me.
My Dr was/is really good. We had a long conversation about it and since Zoloft is his first choice AD he's going to update his notes for the other couple of patients he has put on Efexor since he prescribed it to me. We mutually decided not to add any other drugs to the mix and to just take it one day at a time.
I did notice in my "Googling" in some research from the U.K. that the drug company's trials showed no significant withdrawal symptoms were experienced, but that every other trial did! Gee I'm shocked - NOT.
You take care too okay =0)
Posted by PW on February 1, 2005, at 15:13:27
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
I have been on 75mg of EffexorXR for a year and two months. Had never used any other meds before, except for allergies.
I initially went on it because anxiety had gripped a hold of my life, inexplicably and out of the blue.
EffexorXR worked like a charm, and I never experienced any side effects while on it.
My gynecologist suggested that since I am doing so well, since I never had any prior history of depression, that I might want to taper off of it and see how I do.
I started half doses three days ago and have experienced no adverse effects whatsoever. She recommended I do 37.5 daily for two weeks, then every other day for two weeks, then be off completely.
Would I have felt side effects by now, or is it too soon? I am dreading, from all I've read on this board...
~Pat White
Posted by Damos on February 1, 2005, at 17:03:44
In reply to No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by PW on February 1, 2005, at 15:13:27
Pat, no doubt you'll have noticed that a lot of us are coming down from higher doses and in many cases a long history of dark places and other medications. I can only speak for myself here and while I had a few symptoms while I was cutting down the dosage my problems have only started since I've gone to every other day doses and the symptoms vary in severity on the off days - today being pretty good (so far but it's only 9:45am). Don't start looking for things that aren't there or worrying about what might happen or you'll undo all the good work. Just take it one day at a time, and stay in touch with your doctors. Like you I'm an allergy sufferer and initially put the itchiness down to that. It's annoying but nothing compared to some of the reactions I've had where I've scratched till I've bled and needed several injections to ease it. Just take it easy and watch out for the dizziness - I've had a couple of minor falls (fortunately only at home). And remember we're all here for you too.
Take care.
Posted by Dkscully on February 1, 2005, at 19:15:30
In reply to No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by PW on February 1, 2005, at 15:13:27
> I have been on 75mg of EffexorXR for a year and two months. Had never used any other meds before, except for allergies.
>
> I initially went on it because anxiety had gripped a hold of my life, inexplicably and out of the blue.
>
> EffexorXR worked like a charm, and I never experienced any side effects while on it.
>
> My gynecologist suggested that since I am doing so well, since I never had any prior history of depression, that I might want to taper off of it and see how I do.
>
> I started half doses three days ago and have experienced no adverse effects whatsoever. She recommended I do 37.5 daily for two weeks, then every other day for two weeks, then be off completely.
>
> Would I have felt side effects by now, or is it too soon? I am dreading, from all I've read on this board...
>
> ~Pat WhiteHonestly, I'm a horrible example for effexor withdrawal because I went off it fast at the instruction of my doctor--150 mg every other day, then done. NOT a good idea.
But, when I was taking the 150 every other day, and even for a day or two after I stopped completely, I didn't feel any withdrawal symptoms and thought I was doing great. Day 3--OUCH. It all started, and I've been having issues for the past 5 weeks now. Fun times.
At any rate, it is possible that if you go off effexor as slowly and carefully as you seem to be, you may be fine. It seems to vary, so hopefully things will continue to go well for you! Best of luck!
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 11:19:39
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms? » PW, posted by Dkscully on February 1, 2005, at 19:15:30
I am coming off effexor after taking it for nearly 4 years. I'm suffering from dizziness and headaches but thats not the worst thing.
Before I started effexor I used to suffer from sleep paralysis but it seems the drug stopped that happening, now the SP is back and I hate it! It is the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced. I want to stay on effexor forever to to stop the SP. Is this a good idea?
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 11:29:41
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 11:19:39
Hi,
While you were taking Effexor, did you experience any side effects?
Ed.
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 11:48:07
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms? » Marg, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 11:29:41
Only dizziness if I was late taking the tablet, but didn't ever have SP while on it.
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 11:58:23
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 11:48:07
Hi,
Maybe it would be best to continue Effexor then. Why did you decide to stop Effexor?
Ed.
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:02:24
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms? » Marg, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 11:58:23
My doc decided I should come off them. (He doesn't even know why I went on them in the first place as I was at a different surgery when I started.)
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:17:27
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:02:24
Hi,
Have you felt better since you've been on Effexor? Can you afford to continue taking it? .....assuming that you have to pay for your prescriptions.
Ed.
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:18:51
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 11:19:39
Btw, what dose are you on? Are you on any other medication? Do you suffer from any medical or psychiatric conditions?
Ed.
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:20:08
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms? » Marg, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:17:27
Oh yes, feel miles better since taking it and have been on the lowest dose for a while now. I don't pay for them so that's not a prob.
But I don't know how I'd talk the doc into letting me stay on them?
Could there be problems in taking them for life?By the way, thanks for listening.
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:22:58
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:18:51
I take a salbutamol inhaler several times a day but that's all.
And I have eczema (under control at the moment)
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:34:06
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:20:08
Hi!
>Could there be problems in taking them for life?
It's possible, but if Effexor's really helping you and you're not having any side effects I very much doubt that you'll run into problems. Effexor does increase the risk of bleeding in the gut so it's not ideal for people who suffer from stomach ulcers or other gastro-intestinal conditions. Also, Effexor is not particularly suitable for people who suffer from heart disease, severe high blood pressure, liver disease, renal failure, epilepsy, glaucoma or bleeding disorders. Do you have any of these conditions?
Effexor is best avoided if you need to take warfarin, daily aspirin or daily NSAIDs. It can be problematic for people who have bipolar disorder (manic-depression). It should not be taken during pregnancy or breast feeding.
Do any of the above conditions apply to you?
Why were you initially prescribed Effexor? Depression? Anxiety? Sleep paralysis? I think you should tell your doctor that Effexor gets rid of your sleep paralysis.
Do you take 75mg/day?
Ed.
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:46:42
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 12:34:06
>it's not ideal for people who suffer from stomach ulcers or other gastro-intestinal conditions. Also, Effexor is not particularly suitable for people who suffer from heart disease, severe high blood pressure, liver disease, renal failure, epilepsy, glaucoma or bleeding disorders. Do you have any of these conditions?
No, I don't have any of those.
>Effexor is best avoided if you need to take warfarin, daily aspirin or daily NSAIDs. It can be problematic for people who have bipolar disorder (manic-depression). It should not be taken during pregnancy or breast feeding.
None of the above apply.
I was taking 37.5mg a day,for depression, I'm taking it every two days and have a constant headache, bad dizziness on the 2nd day without a tablet and SP.
Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 13:11:44
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:46:42
Hi,
I think you should go back on 37.5mg/day. It was helping you without side effects. You do not have any contra-indications to the use of Effexor.
>I'm taking it every two days and have a constant headache, bad dizziness on the 2nd day without a tablet and SP.
Effexor needs to be taken daily, even during tapering. It is not logical to take it on alternate days because it has a very short duration of action in the body. Many doctors tell people to take it on alternate days, it's not a good idea though!!!
Are you taking the tablets or the capsules?
If you do decide to stop Effexor, try taking half a tablet/capsule daily rather than one tablet on alternate days. If you still have withdrawal symptoms you could try taking three quarters of a tablet/capsule daily- you could then reduce the dose gradually every few weeks. You'll have to get good at chopping tablets or opening capsules and dividing the contents!! Effexor capsules contain 'pellets' of venlafaxine, as a result you can gradually reduce the dose.
Ed.
Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 13:31:25
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 12:22:58
Eczema is one of the side effects of effexor. It kind of came and went with me for a while and then I could'nt get rid of it at all until I stopped taking effexor. I was on it for 7 years and have a lenghty list of side effects that I had. Most of them cleared up when I stopped taking it, but I still have anxiety and liver disease that will not go away. Good Luck.
Sammi
Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 13:36:11
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2005, at 13:11:44
You can take the granules from the capsules and mix them in orange juice or any other liquid when you cut your dose in half. Save the granules for the next day.
Sammi
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 14:06:56
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms? » Marg, posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 13:31:25
I had eczema before taking the tablets.
Thanks for your input though.
Posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 14:08:29
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms? » ed_uk, posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 13:36:11
> You can take the granules from the capsules and mix them in orange juice or any other liquid when you cut your dose in half. Save the granules for the next day.
> Sammi
I take the tablets nd 37.5 is the lowest dose so if I'm supposed to take a tablet everyday how do I ever come off them?My head hurts! LOL
Posted by S. Bartel on February 4, 2005, at 14:19:45
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 14:08:29
Break the tablets in half and then quarters. If this is a problem ask your Dr. for the 37 1/2 capsules and open them up and split them that way. Don't come off effexor too fast and the withdrawls won't be so bad. It took me 2 months to stop from 75mg and I think that was too fast. I've been off 3 months now and feel so much better. While going through the withdrawls I was tempted to start taking it again just to end the horrible effects of the withdrawl, but I am so glad now that I didn't. I have so much energy now. Hang in there, it does get better.
Sammi
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 4, 2005, at 14:29:35
In reply to Re: No Withdrawal Symptoms?, posted by Marg on February 4, 2005, at 11:19:39
Odds are that you won't be able to stay on it forever. Effexor requires more and more to be effective. Eventually, you'll be at the max dose and it won't work, and you'll have to come off it then. The withdrawal will likely be exponentially worse then. Getting off now is a good idea. As for the sleep paralysis, I occasionally experience that and it is terrifying. I don't have any suggestions, but hope and pray you'll find something that will help. Take care!
> I am coming off effexor after taking it for nearly 4 years. I'm suffering from dizziness and headaches but thats not the worst thing.
> Before I started effexor I used to suffer from sleep paralysis but it seems the drug stopped that happening, now the SP is back and I hate it! It is the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced. I want to stay on effexor forever to to stop the SP. Is this a good idea?
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