Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 44. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Brenn on July 31, 1999, at 13:57:26
After taking effexor for years I heard somewhere that it can cause some sexual side effects. Since I was having the same problems the drug can cause I figured it was the medication and not me after all. My doctor tapered my effexor dose and prescribed a different AD. (Quit that one after day five due to side effects.)
From the first day I went completly without the effexor I felt awful. The worst is that I can't move my eyes without hearing a click click sound in the next room. I'm also lightheaded and dizzy and just don't see normally. This was so bad I didn't dare drive for almost a week.
I read here about using Benadryl to help with these symptoms and tried it. It helped a great deal with the dizzy feeling but not the eye problem or the click click. So thanks to those who posted that.
Today is day nine of this and while it has gotten better I am wondering how long before I feel like my old self physically? My doctor just keeps saying it will be three or four more days and to call in on the third day.
This is the only place I've found to get straight answers about this. And I do have to say that had I known it would be this miserable to quit this drug I probably would never have taken it. I really feel someone should have said "While this may make your depression better when and if you quit taking it you will feel really horrid for days on end."
So can anyone give me at least an estimate on how long this takes to go away? Tell it like it is please I hate sugar coating and double talk.
Posted by Brenn on July 31, 1999, at 14:40:51
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Brenn on July 31, 1999, at 13:57:26
> After taking effexor for years I heard somewhere that it can cause some sexual side effects. Since I was having the same problems the drug can cause I figured it was the medication and not me after all. My doctor tapered my effexor dose and prescribed a different AD. (Quit that one after day five due to side effects.)
>
> From the first day I went completly without the effexor I felt awful. The worst is that I can't move my eyes without hearing a click click sound in the next room. I'm also lightheaded and dizzy and just don't see normally. This was so bad I didn't dare drive for almost a week.
>
> I read here about using Benadryl to help with these symptoms and tried it. It helped a great deal with the dizzy feeling but not the eye problem or the click click. So thanks to those who posted that.
>
> Today is day nine of this and while it has gotten better I am wondering how long before I feel like my old self physically? My doctor just keeps saying it will be three or four more days and to call in on the third day.
>
> This is the only place I've found to get straight answers about this. And I do have to say that had I known it would be this miserable to quit this drug I probably would never have taken it. I really feel someone should have said "While this may make your depression better when and if you quit taking it you will feel really horrid for days on end."
>
> So can anyone give me at least an estimate on how long this takes to go away? Tell it like it is please I hate sugar coating and double talk.Sorry to have bothered everyone with what is a redundent question. After reading the archives I am convinced effexor should be taken off the market. Now I am really hot that I was given this drug at all.
I guess blaming the 60 pounds I gained, being tired all the time etc. wasn't from the depakote after all.
Posted by saintjames on July 31, 1999, at 21:42:59
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Brenn on July 31, 1999, at 14:40:51
.
>
> Sorry to have bothered everyone with what is a redundent question. After reading the archives I am convinced effexor should be taken off the market. Now I am really hot that I was given this drug at all.
>
> I guess blaming the 60 pounds I gained, being tired all the time etc. wasn't from the depakote after all.
James here....Please think twice b4 you wish for these things...Effexor is the only AD that works for me.
Sorry you had a bad time with it but I tolerate it with few problems. Go to bob's tips and tricks and read up on Effexor w/d, some find a dose or 2 of Prozac totally stops the problems you are having.james
Posted by janey girl on August 3, 1999, at 20:15:39
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by saintjames on July 31, 1999, at 21:42:59
Brenn,
I'm going through Effexor withdrawal right now, too. In addition to what you've described, I've been throwing up, nauseated, feel like things are crawling under my skin, insomnia, diarrhea... and the list goes on. It is pure and utter hell.
Effexor is the only thing that has worked for me.. and I take 300 mg SR in the morning. My doctor doesn't have any samples of Effexor (but has everything else), and can't contact her Wyeth-Ayerst rep. We both have checked the Wyeth-Ayerst web site and can't find anything on compassion programs for that company.
I lost my job six months ago, and finally began a permanent position yesterday. Insurance doesn't kick in for a couple of months. In the meantime, she is trying me on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg to help take place of my long-lost Effexor.
Donut, I know exactly how you are feeling. My father is a millionaire, and it was so hard having to ask him for money this past Sunday, not to mention the family grapevine and judgments that went along with it. And the lecture I got! If I hadn't been faced with being evicted in 10 days, I would never have asked. I have lived off of my savings since my position was "eliminated". I was signed up with three temporary agencies, an outplacement company, plus sent out an average 8 resumes a week from ads in the newspaper, and 10 or more a day through job sites on the web. In six months, the three temp agencies didn't give me more than two months of work TOTAL in six months.
At this time, I pray that my electric isn't turned off for another two weeks... just long enough to make a payment. The phone is ready to be turned off, too. Between losing the job, having to go off my meds and the accompanying withdrawal, not being able to afford to live, and the depression, I just cry... I have no one to talk to; no one who understands. My doctor can't really see me because I can't afford to pay. She does let me talk briefly on the phone, and she does understand. She has checked on me through this horrible withdrawal, too.
I'm so lost, and sad.... and I wonder if it ever will get better. 41 and no one wants me... my family, my friends, or a partner. I just don't see any end in sight.
Posted by PL on August 4, 1999, at 11:37:34
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal, Donut's situation & comp.progm, posted by janey girl on August 3, 1999, at 20:15:39
Have you tried finding out it there are any programs in your town or county to help? Sometimes there is free counseling available.
It sounds like most of your problems stem from a family situation. It's hard to go to people and ask them for money, but your dad has it. And he is your dad! You should ask him how much you are worth to him. Have you told him about your withdrawal problems from Effexor. Have you told him how bad you feel? It sounds like your worried about the "family grapevine and judgements that go with it". Don't. It sounds to me like you have some judging to do. If you were your dad would you give you the money and without all the hassel it seems your getting? If you say yes then you are a far Better Person than your father is and if the rest of your family is so judgmental then you rank high above them too! Don't put yourself down.
I can identify with you to some extent. I lived alone for quite a few years. I had no savings, made low wages and took a bus or walked to work. But my parents were dead. When I asked by older brother (who had a house, 2 cars, wife, family, vacations, etc.) for a small loan he said he didn't have any money. Then he turned around and gave his son $50 to go out partying.
Anyway, you have a new job. Things are looking up! The side effects of the Effexor will pass. And if you can, tell your father how you feel, even if you are judged by your family. Who knows, maybe they'd judge in Your Favor!
Posted by glenn on August 4, 1999, at 12:25:47
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal, Donut's situation & comp.progm, posted by janey girl on August 3, 1999, at 20:15:39
> Brenn,
>
> I'm going through Effexor withdrawal right now, too. In addition to what you've described, I've been throwing up, nauseated, feel like things are crawling under my skin, insomnia, diarrhea... and the list goes on. It is pure and utter hell.
>
> Effexor is the only thing that has worked for me.. and I take 300 mg SR in the morning. My doctor doesn't have any samples of Effexor (but has everything else), and can't contact her Wyeth-Ayerst rep. We both have checked the Wyeth-Ayerst web site and can't find anything on compassion programs for that company.
>
> I lost my job six months ago, and finally began a permanent position yesterday. Insurance doesn't kick in for a couple of months. In the meantime, she is trying me on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg to help take place of my long-lost Effexor.
>
> Donut, I know exactly how you are feeling. My father is a millionaire, and it was so hard having to ask him for money this past Sunday, not to mention the family grapevine and judgments that went along with it. And the lecture I got! If I hadn't been faced with being evicted in 10 days, I would never have asked. I have lived off of my savings since my position was "eliminated". I was signed up with three temporary agencies, an outplacement company, plus sent out an average 8 resumes a week from ads in the newspaper, and 10 or more a day through job sites on the web. In six months, the three temp agencies didn't give me more than two months of work TOTAL in six months.
>
> At this time, I pray that my electric isn't turned off for another two weeks... just long enough to make a payment. The phone is ready to be turned off, too. Between losing the job, having to go off my meds and the accompanying withdrawal, not being able to afford to live, and the depression, I just cry... I have no one to talk to; no one who understands. My doctor can't really see me because I can't afford to pay. She does let me talk briefly on the phone, and she does understand. She has checked on me through this horrible withdrawal, too.
>
> I'm so lost, and sad.... and I wonder if it ever will get better. 41 and no one wants me... my family, my friends, or a partner. I just don't see any end in sight.
im so sorry you are having this reaction from family and partner, if only there was a way they could experience this if only for a short period they would soon understand that you cant just pull yourself out of it, no more than a diabetic can pull themselves out of diabetes, and this is in many ways like diabetes, a chemical imbalance that for some goes away on its own, some need lifestyle changes and some need medication
there are lots of out here who do understand so if you need some support post , and you will get it!
glenn
Posted by janey girl on August 4, 1999, at 12:34:42
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal, Donut's situation & comp.progm, posted by glenn on August 4, 1999, at 12:25:47
I already asked the family for money... got the lectures... "no reason for me to be out of work for six months," "you're 40 years old and there's no excuse for you to be in this position," "i don't want to hear about your G-D medicine", "I'll give it to you, but it's probably just money pissed away", "you better never ask for this again." "You make Dad feel like a bank," "why do you think he'd give you anything for your birthday after this?", "I'll loan you some money to help pay the rent, but you're on your own for the utilities."
I am quoting my father and sister from this past Sunday.
Posted by Brenn on August 4, 1999, at 20:02:17
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal, Donut's situation & comp.progm, posted by janey girl on August 4, 1999, at 12:34:42
janeygirl I am sorry to hear about the way your family reacted to you not having a job or money. Sorrier still to know you went through withdrawals because of finances. I don't think that should happen to anyone.
brenn - who isn't sure sorrier is a word but it sounded good so...
Posted by janey girl on August 8, 1999, at 10:55:36
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal, Donut's situation & comp.progm, posted by Brenn on August 4, 1999, at 20:02:17
Many thanks to Brenn, glenn, PL and Saint James.
The "family" is still doing their number on me -- I think
they get kicks out of it. While my P-doc advises me
not to "isolate" as I usually do when it gets too intense
to handle, she believes I need to push the family away
(AGAIN). My family is good at what they do, and this isn't
the first time. You'd think I'd have a clue by now,
but no, I'm like Sonny Liston the fighter. I just
keep coming back for more hits and knock downs.I'm hopeful the electric and phone stays on through Wednesday/Thursday,
so I can pay by then (my first "real" paycheck since February).The worst of the Effexor withdrawal is over. I still have some
odd sensations in my extremities and some occasional
lightheadedness, but the intensity has decreased significantly.Again, thank you to all for your support and encouragement.
janey girl
Posted by bob on January 26, 2000, at 19:58:23
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Brenn on July 31, 1999, at 13:57:26
this stuff is poison. I only took it for 3 months and when I tried to go off of it the eye "jangling", the flu symptoms and the emotional tempest were too much. I went back on a smaller dose and tapered down very very slowly. after 45 days off of it, the eyeballs are possibly getting better but there is a persistent ringing in my ears and my mouth is drier and with a worse taste in it than when I was on the poison. Thank god I was not on it for as long as some or at quite the maximum dose. my doctor was befuddled and pretended like i was a one in a million withdrawl case but i think not.
Posted by Elaine on March 9, 2000, at 20:38:51
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by bob on January 26, 2000, at 19:58:23
I have been off 150m Effexor XR for 3 days and am experiencing eay ringing and light headedness. How long does this last. I was given effexor for an eating disorder associated with SAD. I gained 20 lbs--mostly bloating. Since being off I have already lost 7 lbs. This stuff is wicked.
Posted by Dani on March 20, 2000, at 7:56:31
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Elaine on March 9, 2000, at 20:38:51
So glad I found this site, you guys have been life-savers. I just got off EffexorXR (150 mg/day). It has been 6 weeks and I am still sick as a dog. I am nauseous, dizzy, headachy, stomach is such a mess. So gassed up all the time and I just feel like throwing up. How long can this last? I went thru this with Xanax and Doctor Idiot says no way is it possible with Effexor. Wait til she gets copies of this in the mail. I haven't even switched to another AD yet, I wouldn't be able to tolerate the side-effects. Thanks to everyone. Dani
Posted by Vicki on March 22, 2000, at 8:36:37
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Dani on March 20, 2000, at 7:56:31
Dani,
Hang in there! After some research on the web and a good deal of soul searching, I decided to quit Effexor cold turkey. I had been on 150 mg, and after a session with my Dr. Duh, I decided that I had better take control of my own well-being, rather than lay it in the hands of someone else. So I cold-turkeyed off the Effexor. Today is Day 13 off the drug, and I'm feeling a good deal better! Please believe me that I DO NOT recommend this approach for anyone, unless you are ABSOLUTELY SURE that you can handle it. I went through the dizziness, the "electric brain shocks," and fatigue. I guess you could best describe the feeling as having the flu while going through the worst hangover of your life! But just hang in there -- it's worth it! Again, I don't recommend cold-turkey, but the symptoms do go away, once your body rids itself of the poisons.
I'm also taking a nutritional supplement that is supposed to cleanse the liver of toxins, which is vastly important since SSRI's are metabolized in the liver. That may have smoothed the way through the withdrawal as well. Be sure to drink lots of water to flush your system. You're doing great!
Vicki
Posted by Morgihed on April 10, 2000, at 19:29:24
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Vicki on March 22, 2000, at 8:36:37
I am trying to get off effexor from a 4 year affair with the stuff. It basically stopped working. I am thinking about taking a multi-pronged approach involving tapering it down for a week or two, a little acupuncture, some diet changes, and some nutritional suppliments - any ideas?
any suggestions?
Posted by Cam W. on April 10, 2000, at 20:44:06
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Morgihed on April 10, 2000, at 19:29:24
> I am trying to get off effexor from a 4 year affair with the stuff. It basically stopped working. I am thinking about taking a multi-pronged approach involving tapering it down for a week or two, a little acupuncture, some diet changes, and some nutritional suppliments - any ideas?
>
> any suggestions?Morgihed - After 4 years of Effexor, it may be wise to taper over a longer period of time (esp. if your dose is 225mg daily or more). A taper period of 4 to 8 weeks would be better, in order to try to avoid withdrawl symptoms. Acupuncture may help ease some of the withdrawl symptoms, but I cannot say for sure. A balanced diet (eg the food guide) would probably be as good as any diet. As for a nutritional supplement; maybe B-complex vitamins to help maintain the integrity of the myelin sheath on the neurons. A healthy myelin sheath (a type of glial cell, I believe) conducts the electrical current down a neuron faster and more efficiently. Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by Judye on June 20, 2003, at 16:45:23
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Vicki on March 22, 2000, at 8:36:37
After reading Vicki's posting, although it has been a few years ago, it gives me hope that I too will make it. It is day 4 for me and I have all her symtoms. I thank God that I am only on 75 mg a day. I don't know if she still visits this posting board but I do hope so. I was almost to the point to taking another effexor pill in hopes that I would feel better, but now I have come this far I can keep on going. I would also be interested to know what supplements she took to cleanse out the toxins in the liver, and how she is feeling now after all this time.
Thanks to you.
Posted by ELENI4 on June 23, 2003, at 16:37:38
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Brenn on July 31, 1999, at 13:57:26
My withdrawl symptoms were also horrible. I was extremely irritable, couldn't see straight, felt dizzy and mentally cloudy. I couldn't think or concentrate. I had a horrible headache that woudln't let up and nausea with occasional vomiting. However after about two-three weeks it was better...relatively. I really need to be back on some kind of medication for whatever it is I have. I also noticed that with Effexor XR, if I missed even one does, I'd start to feel foggy and get a bad headache. However on regular Effexor, it was fine to even miss a week's worth of dosages.
Posted by KimberlyDi on June 24, 2003, at 13:01:07
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by ELENI4 on June 23, 2003, at 16:37:38
Interesting. Has anyone experienced withdrawal symptoms from Regular Effexor? I discontinued taking Effexor last year & had no withdrawal, but I was, like ELENI4, on the regular version, and not the XR.
> My withdrawl symptoms were also horrible. I was extremely irritable, couldn't see straight, felt dizzy and mentally cloudy. I couldn't think or concentrate. I had a horrible headache that woudln't let up and nausea with occasional vomiting. However after about two-three weeks it was better...relatively. I really need to be back on some kind of medication for whatever it is I have. I also noticed that with Effexor XR, if I missed even one does, I'd start to feel foggy and get a bad headache. However on regular Effexor, it was fine to even miss a week's worth of dosages.
Posted by nihil on July 28, 2003, at 0:24:07
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms » ELENI4, posted by KimberlyDi on June 24, 2003, at 13:01:07
I've been on 300mg of Effexor XR for a little over a year and just stopped taking them about 3 days ago. So far I've experienced shaking, dizziness, my mind races at night when trying to sleep, and my emotions are all messed up. Also been hearing things like knocking when I move suddenly but don't know if that's related or not. Any information on how long the withdrawls last and ways to help them would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 28, 2003, at 16:09:13
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by nihil on July 28, 2003, at 0:24:07
nihil?
You stopped Cold Turkey? No tapering off by gently lowering levels in 4-day intervals, getting to a final low starting dosage where you ultimately end up taking a small dosage every other day? Advice? Don't quit cold turkey. I experienced 1 missed dosage and was dizzy and ill enough to frighten me. Some people get added relief by being put temporarily on a small dosage of another Anti-Dep to ease the withdrawal. See your doctor. Or tough it out and keep us informed. <smile> Good Luck!
KDi in TX> I've been on 300mg of Effexor XR for a little over a year and just stopped taking them about 3 days ago. So far I've experienced shaking, dizziness, my mind races at night when trying to sleep, and my emotions are all messed up. Also been hearing things like knocking when I move suddenly but don't know if that's related or not. Any information on how long the withdrawls last and ways to help them would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by ELENI4 on July 29, 2003, at 15:22:57
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by nihil on July 28, 2003, at 0:24:07
I've experienced major withdrawl symptoms with both Effexor XR and Effexor. The difference: with Effexor, the symptoms were less severe and had more to do with mental cloudiness. However with Effexor XR, the symptoms were more pronounced and included nausea as well as extreme mood swings. My emotions were just all over the place. With both though, the symptoms lasted two to three weeks.
> I've been on 300mg of Effexor XR for a little over a year and just stopped taking them about 3 days ago. So far I've experienced shaking, dizziness, my mind races at night when trying to sleep, and my emotions are all messed up. Also been hearing things like knocking when I move suddenly but don't know if that's related or not. Any information on how long the withdrawls last and ways to help them would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by aimee fay on August 1, 2003, at 6:22:45
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by ELENI4 on July 29, 2003, at 15:22:57
my doctor suggested going off effexor slowly, to avoid side affects.
Posted by aimee fay on August 1, 2003, at 6:28:24
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by aimee fay on August 1, 2003, at 6:22:45
i'm going off of effexor and haven't experienced any side effects. i was on 150mg and cut down to 75 for 2 and a half weeks. I am now on half that again for another 2 and a half weeks. In the past i have been on several different antidepressant (since 1999) and i think going off them to fast was 99% of the reason i started back on them agian. I heard that the withdrawals themselves can actually feel like depression but are infact part of the withdrawal affect. (wish i knew that AGES ago) maybe you could cut down very slowly. Good luck
Posted by aimee fay on August 1, 2003, at 6:31:59
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by aimee fay on August 1, 2003, at 6:28:24
i think my last message said 99% of the reason i ended up back on medication, that was probably an over estimation! Here's some good advice - find yourself a good partner who is caring and supportive about your illness! its doing me wonders. (I got rid of the absolute arsehole i was with - that probably started the whole thing- and things are a hell of a lot better).
Posted by TrishaTreasure on August 2, 2003, at 5:55:56
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Brenn on July 31, 1999, at 14:40:51
I have been on Xanax for 16 years for PAD and agoraphobia. Many doctors I saw over the years suggested an AD but I didn't want one. I finally caved in and decided to give one more than a 3 day try. That AD was Effexor. My father and sister are on and seem OK so I wasn't afraid of it.
HA! I started out at 18.50 mg and felt terrible. Every increase, I felt like death. EVENTUALLY, I got up to 75 mg and then 150. It was then that I noticed a urinary problem and I went to my doctor thinking I had a bladder infection. After a lot of messing around with tests, we realized it was the Effexor causing urinary retention and urgency.
So...I started down the hill to 75 from 150. Welcome to hell! It was AWFUL So awful that, as much as I wanted to get off the stuff, I stayed on 75 for a year. Finally, I decided to get off it and mapped out a plan with my doctor to do so. Oh my Lord. It was so bad. Every dose decrease was like I was going to die. I never felt so bad. The brain shocks were so loud that I could hear them as if they were church bells and I was standing inside one. They also made blinding light flashes. Plus headaches, stomach problems, dizziness, you name it.
It was the same every dose change. It was slow too. Not fast, we knew I would have some withdrawal. But this was just insane. At 37 mg I almost gave up and took a 75 because I hated feeling like death. I didn't do it though and eventually I got off it completely. I had brain shocks and other symptoms for weeks after my last pill.
Now I am just on Xanax once again and won't go on another SD. I feel so much better. Effexor kicked my butt! I was so tired and unmotivated, Now I am doing so much better. Of course, this, after a manic episode when getting off Effexor. I never had one before and I am not MD. But WOW. Every time I used to hear that people were manic I thought it must be cool to have all that energy. Um, no. Mania is so not cool. I was out of my gourd.
I am at 4-5 mg of Xanax a day and would like to cut down to 2-3.
My doctor gave me a RX for a 4 mg XR -- scared of it.
I knew it is the same thing but does it really last all day and night? I find it so hard to believe. Plus Xanax is my crutch. Knowing it is there and IMMEDIATELY will help the panic is such a comfort.
But I am going to do it and then, maybe, will be able to cut back. The fog lifted 100000 times since getting off Effexor but I would like it to lift a bit more by lowering my Xanax dose.
Will I panic? Oh yeah. Do I now? Yup. Not as much and it isn't as scary but it's there.
Anyway, I just wanted to 1) tell you that Effexor is horrible to get off and caution everyone who does go off to be prepared and so very very slowly
and 2) ask if anyone has been on the Xanax XR and if it seems to be the same (or better?) as short acting Xanax.
Thanks! :)
Trish
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