![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 240 to 264 of 735. Go back in thread:
Posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:10:17
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » jiggitykid, posted by Ieva on March 10, 2004, at 11:20:33
I agree totally with what you have said. Why anyone would say that we are the minority doesn't have the facts! Please anyone if you haven't signed this do so now:
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
email your media and inform them of the TRUTH of these antidepressants and place this in your signature at the bottom of your emails to everyone:
FYI - Anti-depressants are addictive, cause weight gain
and horrible withdrawals when you get off them!
Drug companies are lying to us!
Want more info? Email me.
Posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:12:25
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by DepNYer on March 10, 2004, at 9:16:28
who are you to say what the FACTS are???? so you are claiming to be an expert??? Why be here and make everyone angry? This is suppose to be for SUPPORT not agruements. Frankly if you want to make people angry you have suceeded, are you happy making people in pain angry?
Posted by Laurajean on March 11, 2004, at 21:17:28
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:12:25
Hi everyone,
First, hope all is well out there and w/d symptoms are not too horrific. I am down to 75 mg from 300, after six weeks of tapering, and I am still quite ill. I will next go to 37.5 (tomorrow). I'm still feverish, fluey, fatigued, and having crazy, crawly feeling inside my skin. It's awful. I can't wait to be rid of this drug.As for the debate ensuing here, to DepNYer, I can understand your point about a drug that helped you and I'm sure has helped many. My whole "disagreement" is with the fact that many of us were NOT allowed to make an informed choice because the information out there, and given out by prescribing physicians does NOT address the severity of withdrawal. I was NOT in a position of having severe, treatment-resistant depression, and my psychiatrist is one that is higly regarded and doesn't yet push pills, yet she prescribed me this drug that in turn has made my life a living hell. If I had known, I definitely would have made other choices. This was not a case of quacky or undereducated physician, or patient with no other options, this was a case of taking a drug that ultimately has caused severe, and all too common (NOT the .0001 % who have rare bleeding or soemthing)withdrawal symtpoms that far outweigh any benefit I might have had on treatment.
I am not a newcomer to psych meds or other protocols...I'm 28, have been through two rounds of chemotherapy for a life-threatening illness, and am on a cocktail of life-sustaining drugs for medical issues. I can say that effexor withdrawal surpasses chemo side-fx from my vantage point. It's that bad...and I'm someone who doesn't flinch at a spinal tap or other fun procedures.
Anyway....I am angry that on top of everything else I deal with, in terms of living with illness, I now compound that with the withdrawal syndrome from a drug I would never have elected to take had there been more accurate literature out there regarding the potential side-effects. When I go on chemo, I KNOW that it can cause xyz and I know the chances for developing xyz, and I know that I am making an informed choice about the risks versus benefits. With this, however, there is no solid research, and what is out there, is propaganda from the drug companies and other stakeholders. It's unethical and our voices need to be heard, not to remove the drug, but to disseminate accurate information so that consumers and physicians can make better choices.
Laura
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 12, 2004, at 0:36:35
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:12:25
> YOU do NOT know the facts!
>
> You make us angry when you state something as if it's fact and you do not know it's fact! ... you probably have an invested interest in the drug companies for your to have said that to use in pain!> Why anyone would say that we are the minority doesn't have the facts!
> Why be here and make everyone angry? ... Frankly if you want to make people angry you have suceeded, are you happy making people in pain angry?
Please don't jump to conclusions about others or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down. I've asked you to be civil before, so now I'm going to block you from posting for a week.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or email me, or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration after your block is over.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 12, 2004, at 0:49:51
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » DepNYer, posted by jiggitykid on March 10, 2004, at 9:52:11
> I think DepNYer offered a very respectful, compassionate, and intelligent opinion. You, on the other hand, come across as being in need of medication.
>
> Jon> This drug is evil.
>
> MeggE> Anyone who defends this drug has the right to do so, only don't do it here, nicely or not. No one here wants to hear this.
> That was offensive to me
>
> jiggitykidPlease don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down, exaggerate or overgeneralize, or jump to conclusions about others. Different points of view are fine, and in fact encouraged.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration.
If you haven't already, posting something about your own issues and their possible role in your reaction might be an interesting exercise -- and might help others respond to you supportively.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by DepNYer on March 12, 2004, at 8:40:28
In reply to Update on w/d and my 2 cents on debate, posted by Laurajean on March 11, 2004, at 21:17:28
Laura,
I'm sorry to hear what a rough time you're having. I have no doubt what you are experiencing is real and painful. I stongly agree (as I hope I've made clear in prior posts) that you, indeed all, deserve to know the facts about any substance we take, and make an informed decision about our care. I understand that when you had to undergo chemotherapy, you knew what to expect (and I hope you are doing well after that ordeal), and you shoud have had the same right to be aware of what to expect from Effexor.
I hope you understand that my statements here are made with the intent of helping others make the right decisions about AD use. I personally believe they are overprescribed, frequently for the wrong reasons (and this has nothing to do with your personal need for help which had you turn to AD at the time you did). I do believe, however, that for those truly in need, ADs are lifsavers, even when considering the risks. I believe many people read these threads to understand what choices in treatment are available, and how they work for others. I just believe that while individuals deserve the right and neccesity of knowing about your experience with a given drug, I am merely afraid some who could be helped are scared away from choices which could benefit them. I beleive that our society encourages us to look to pills to solve our problems as easy way out. The drug cos. do little if anything to discourage that view. Some people are mislead into seeking help from these medications without understanding their strength in altering brain chemistry, or knowing that other choices than medications are available to help them with their problems. But for those with serious mood disorders, medications can be, and are, lifsavers. We just all deserve to know the facts about medications we put into our bodies, and make informed choices from there.
Posted by prodgirl on March 13, 2004, at 0:00:16
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by metro8268 on March 8, 2004, at 20:47:40
We're talking about coming off Effexor - did you quit AD's or meds cold turkey or switch to other meds? I am going to taper off my Effexor and Trazadone next week and start on Lamicital, as I have been diagnosed as BPI. I have had horrible w/d just from the short half life of effexor, and NOT looking forward to getting off of it. Any advice or experience changing from the evil e to a mood stabilizer?
Posted by metro8268 on March 13, 2004, at 10:09:19
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by prodgirl on March 13, 2004, at 0:00:16
Take it one day at a time. Make sure you can take some time off work during the first week. And make sure you're cable TV is working :P
Also be ready for it to be awhile before you start feeling normal. I'm on day 22 and I still have the jolts and shivers every now and then, along with some looming depression that comes and goes. I'm hoping the 1 month marker will be the light at the end of the tunnel...
Posted by RobinLee on March 13, 2004, at 22:17:09
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by metro8268 on March 13, 2004, at 10:09:19
I am in the process of getting of effexor and never thought it could make me so sick. I am dizzy, sick to my stomach, diarrea, sweats, jitters, shakes, chills, hot flashes, massive crying meltdowns, body aches, head aches and the list can go on. This is horrible and I was suppose to go onto Wellbutrin and did 2 pills for 2 days and I have just decided that I will not take anymore of these anti depressants if I can help it. Going off of Celexa and Zoloft was a walk in the park. Going off Effexor is a walk in HELL! It scares me to think what these drugs do to your brain and body if these are the withdrawal symptoms. I pray I can just suck it up and keep off of these pills. Best to all of you that are going through what I am. I have had the past 2 weekends off from grad school and am so darn sick that I cannot function. Thank god my mom is here to help me out and take care of my dogs. Best to all. And thanks for this website - I thought I had something terminal or was losing my mind!
Posted by Sachikon on March 13, 2004, at 22:54:23
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - I did it, so can you » soshie, posted by Cetacea on November 22, 2003, at 22:48:46
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the links!
I'm on day 5 having gone cold-turkey off of 150mg dose. It has been difficult to find relevant and helpful information.
I'm sorry that anyone else is experiencing these feelings but am relieved not to be alone in this experience.
The "shivers" seem almost constant right now and I'm prone to frequent crying jags which is not at all normal for me.
Effexor helped at a time when I really needed it but none of the "homework" I did before deciding to take the drug prepared me for anything like this.
If you are considering Effexor please, Don't take it unless you really need it and be aware that as wonderful as it is for a while this drug is not a forever answer.
I've been on effexor for almost 4 years and I believe that for at least the last year (probably 2) it was doing more harm than good.
Extreme fatigue and lethargy became a real problem but it crept up slowly enough that it was shocking to realize that my medication was actually making my life worse instead of better.
Good luck to everyone and thanks for taking the time to share information.> THANK YOU SO MUCH!
>
> I've been having 'brain shivers' and just thought I was "losing it", my term for the feeling! I had thought I was "lucky" not to have them. Oh well: Live and learn!
> ***********
>
> > Here is a series of articles on Brain Shivers that taught me a lot....
> >
> > http://depression.about.com/cs/venlafaxine/a/brainshivers.htm
> >
> >
Posted by MeggE on March 16, 2004, at 0:13:21
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by RobinLee on March 13, 2004, at 22:17:09
I felt exactly the same way(worrying that i had a terminal disease or was losing my mind) before I found out all of this information about the withdrawl. It's really sick to think that there are thousands of people having similar thoughts, and will continue to be, until this drug is taken off the market. I have been off of Effexor for a good two and half weeks now, and I am still feeling the symptoms..which scares me..because I am afraid that they will never go away. Now, I know this is not realistic, but I can't help but worry that there has been permanent damage done to my brain and body. What upsets me the most is that we all sound like we're going through a withdrawl from Heroin, or Coke, or some street drug (something that most people know what they are getting in to when they start doing.) But sadly, that is not the case. Most of us were just suffering from mild to serious depression, and needed an answer. We put our trust in the doctors that are supposed to help us, and ended up with more on our hands than we ever thought we'd have to deal with. What I wonder about most, is whether or not most doctors are corrupt (meaning they are aware of all of this when giving out the medication, but choose not to tell us). What makes a lot more sense to me, though, is that they didn't, and don't, take a lot of precaution when giving out this medication, because they assume it is similar to other anti-depressants, and the withdrawl symptoms are not THAT severe. If they only knew... Not to mention! Wyeth-Ayerst has kept all of the information about the effects of Effexor (ironic name, huh?) a secret to the public, most likely so they can make more money off of all the patients and their addictions to this terrible drug. I've developed quite a conspiracy theory here, and so have many others..I don't see any fault in it either..which is scary.
Another example of how everything really is..
All about the money.And if you haven't already..Sign the Petition.
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/
We can all only hope that this will not be taken lightly, and cause the removal of Effexor from the market as soon as possible.
I honestly don't believe that this drug could benefit anybody in the long run..Even if it helps for the time being, the fact that the withdrawl symptoms have hurt so many..it just doesn't seem worth it..when there are so many other drugs that aren't half as severe. If you(in general) are going to start taking it, you should be fully aware of EVERY possible withdrawl symptom way before you take the first dose. Even if you are...ah, I just don't think anybody could fully understand what the withdrawl is like until they have gone through it. and THAT is why Effexor should not be on the market. haha.
The End.
Posted by jiggitykid on March 16, 2004, at 7:35:24
In reply to Reply to RobinLee, and to all., posted by MeggE on March 16, 2004, at 0:13:21
>>>Most of us were just suffering from mild to serious depression, and needed an answer. We put our trust in the doctors that are supposed to help us, and ended up with more on our hands than we ever thought we'd have to deal with. <<<
Bingo. You summed up the entire problem in two succint, beautifully worded sentences. The angry responses that the person who posted a "caution" about frightening away people who might benefit from this drug were all trying to say exactly what you just said. Your fears are justified. I took my last Effexor in October, and I can say that almost all of the problems it caused me (physically) are gone. The only remaining problem for me is blurry vision. It's not horrible, but it is worse than it was before the Effexor. It would be impossible to prove, I imagine, that the Effexor caused the vision damage because other factors could also be the culprit. I feel certain, though, that it was the Effexor.
>>>I honestly don't believe that this drug could benefit anybody in the long run..Even if it helps for the time being, the fact that the withdrawl symptoms have hurt so many..it just doesn't seem worth it..when there are so many other drugs that aren't half as severe. If you(in general) are going to start taking it, you should be fully aware of EVERY possible withdrawl symptom way before you take the first dose. <<<
I agree with you. I'd love to see Effexor disappear from the face of the earth. I doubt that will happen. Wouldn't it be cool if some of our testamonies were put in the PDR and in the patient info leaflets?? LOL! I imagine that there would be only one or two who would find their depression worth the risk of this drug. Some have argued that they've tried everything and that E is the only thing that has worked. Most likely, though, they'll be back within a year, complaining that they feel worse than they did and now they're scared to stop taking it. It's a horrible situation.
Posted by Shalala on March 24, 2004, at 1:15:55
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by RobinLee on March 13, 2004, at 22:17:09
Hey, I'm on 300mg XR per day and I start to get withdrawal symptom @ just about the 24 hr mark from the last dose. My doctor just had me divide the dose. It seems my brain can't deal without it, I'm oversensitive, crying, headachey, spacey, I don't look forward to going off it. You've confirmed my suspicions that it would be a rough ride.
Posted by prodgirl on March 24, 2004, at 1:40:25
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by Shalala on March 24, 2004, at 1:15:55
I had the exact same responce - the spaciness, I say that my head feels swimmy. The worst is when I have to shut one eye to focus; it feels like I've had WAY too much to drink and I can't stand up. I'm in the process of weaning off Effexor, and winding up with Lamictal. The headaches are still really bad, but it's just the first week. I still have the swings - what you described, oversensitive, crying, etc. I know it takes along time to get the right cocktail...good luck to you, and all of us trying to get off this E-vil drug.
> Hey, I'm on 300mg XR per day and I start to get withdrawal symptom @ just about the 24 hr mark from the last dose. My doctor just had me divide the dose. It seems my brain can't deal without it, I'm oversensitive, crying, headachey, spacey, I don't look forward to going off it. You've confirmed my suspicions that it would be a rough ride.
Posted by elvenfae on March 31, 2004, at 13:33:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by meaux on March 7, 2004, at 0:16:22
> Wyeth is a disgrace. To know that they were and are fully aware of the physiological addiction of Effexor XR and have not made such information publically available is sickening. When starting Effexor a year ago, I was brought up to a dose of 300mg/day. I was not told of any withdrawal syndromes or addictive potentials of this drug - I checked WebMD and of course that site says nothing because who sponsors it but the pharmecutial companies themselves. My pharmacist knew nothing of its addictive potential and had not heard of the effects of Effexor on simple things like circulation (blood pressure and 'tingling' extremeties). The fact simply remains : Effexor IS PHYSIOLOGICALLY ADDICTIVE. It may be 'non habit forming' because it does not provide the user with a feeling of euphoria - but studies have proven Effexor's addictive qualities. Mothers who took Effexor for brief periods of time during the pregnancy had neo-natal fetuses suffering from Withdrawal Syndrome. Who was on Effexor withdrawal but Andrea Yates herself when she drowned her children (supposedly, anyways). I have tried three times unsuccessfully to taper Effexor. The last time I tapered to 265 mg/day for a week and it was miserable - I know what it feels like now to be an addict going through rehab. I was crippled with nausea, vomiting, headaches, spinning head, vertigo, the 'electrical' impulse feeling (like I could sense my nervous system conducting action potentials when my eyes would move). Several lawsuits exist currently to fight this evil - some that involve sufferers who experience seizures and neuropathy because of this shit. SIGN THE PETITION, GET YOUR VOICE ACROSS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. We can not let the pharmeceutical companies reap the benefit of getting addicts to their medications. Is there no justice? I am 19 years old. In college and graduate school concurrently; I must take off my fall semester and find a way of support to get myself off this medication starting immediately this summer... after 3 days cold turkey one time I was about to physically die from the withdrawl effects - I could not get out of bed, kept hearing buzzing in my head, had a fever of over 102 and hot/cold spells. My breathing was depressed, and I was at my wit's end. THIS CAN NOT CONTINUE TO PLAGUE INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO FIGHT DEPRESSION, NOT ADD A DRUG ADDICTION TO THEIR LIST OF WORRIES.
Hi I just read a thread by you regarding Effexor XR withdrawl. I am trying to come off of it right now and I was wondering if you were ever able to do so? Did the capsule counting work? I am only two days in and having a horrible horrible time. I will not sit here and complain to you but I am real scared. My husband is thank goodness hoem today to take care of our son (8 mo old). I can't do this.
Another thing is- I did experience a horrible time when I had my son -two different doctors told me Effexor XR was safe to take and my son ended up being born dehydrated AND had withdrawl symptoms. Can you imagine a baby experiencing what we have??? I have been so disgusted with this medicine....I just have no words.
I did sign the petition today though-
Thanks for your time,
Jamie
Posted by jerone Farrow on April 2, 2004, at 4:50:09
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by elvenfae on March 31, 2004, at 13:33:12
I have vertigo and I acn even feel the herat beat all the way to my feet. why can I not overcome this. I cant even set here with out feeling like I am reeling and just feeling lousy. how long will this take I stooped effexor 4 days ago I don't know what to do. I am suppose to go on vacation in 7 days. I feel like the DOctor didn't tell me everything about withsrawal. I also had a seizure 5 days ago I believe from Effexor. then I was stopped COLD TURKEY
Posted by jiggitykid on April 2, 2004, at 7:33:23
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jerone Farrow on April 2, 2004, at 4:50:09
Bless you, jerone. You weren't told the truth, and that stinks. The problem is, many doctors don't know the truth. The drug companies are "allegedly" sitting on the reality of what this drug does. All of the symptoms you are naming are normal withdrawal. I, too, went Cold-Turkey. It was horrible, but it was the way that worked for me. You might need to taper or to read through these boards about some of the other techniques that others here used (other drugs like Prozac, etc.,) and discuss this with your doctor. I suggest that you print out some of the statements here about withdrawal symptoms and make it clear to your doctor that these are very real and are not the occurrences of an unhappy minority. I spoke to someone yesterday whose sister is taking Effexor, and I told her that she needs to watch her sister for changes, and to urge her sister to get help if she decides she needs to quit. I described some of my symptoms to her, and told her to take care.
As for how long; it varies from person to person. My experience was that the first two weeks were the worst. Try to avoid driving at night if possible - I found that the vision problems created halos around the lights and I had trouble seeing. I drove one night - and vowed that I would not do it again until I was better. After the first month, I began to feel more normal. My vision is still not what it was before the Effexor. Disturbing and vivid dreams are also a part of the withdrawal effects, so be prepared. Don't let anyone tell you that this is all in your mind or that you are a "rare" case. There are too many documented cases right here to dispute that. There is also a petition that is being signed by thousands of people asking that the drug company reveal all of this information NOW to consumers. If you have someone close to you that can help support you during all of this, please explain to that person what is going on and suggest that he/she visit this site to read the first-hand accounts.
Please, take care of yourself. Don't be angry with your body during all of this. Be patient with yourself. It takes time. Know that you are loved and supported right here.
> I have vertigo and I acn even feel the herat beat all the way to my feet. why can I not overcome this. I cant even set here with out feeling like I am reeling and just feeling lousy. how long will this take I stooped effexor 4 days ago I don't know what to do. I am suppose to go on vacation in 7 days. I feel like the DOctor didn't tell me everything about withsrawal. I also had a seizure 5 days ago I believe from Effexor. then I was stopped COLD TURKEY
Posted by jiggitykid on April 2, 2004, at 7:41:10
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by elvenfae on March 31, 2004, at 13:33:12
Hi Jamie,
What happened to your baby is so sad and so preventable if the drug companies would stop HIDING the truth and get it to the doctors! No one should have to go through this horror of withdrawal, especially a tiny baby. I hope that your child is okay now!!
I went cold-turkey. It worked for me, as horrible as it was, but might not be the best decision for you. Please read through the posts here (there are many!) and see how others did it. Some tapered, some counted, some used other drugs (like Prozac or Lexapro), some used marijuana (legal in Cali), some used hydrocodone - there are all kinds of stories here of withdrawal techniques. You need to discuss this with your doctor (who needs to get educated FAST) and decide what is best for you. Have you shared any of the stories here with your doc? I suggest, if he/she isn't aware of this, that you print out the symptoms here that are clearly documented and shared and give them to him/her to make the decision that is best for you. If you feel dismissed or not believed, then perhaps anothe doctor is best for you. Please take care of yourself and be patient with yourself. I hope that you've shared these REAL symptoms with your spouse. You are in my prayers.
> Hi I just read a thread by you regarding Effexor XR withdrawl. I am trying to come off of it right now and I was wondering if you were ever able to do so? Did the capsule counting work? I am only two days in and having a horrible horrible time. I will not sit here and complain to you but I am real scared. My husband is thank goodness hoem today to take care of our son (8 mo old). I can't do this.
> Another thing is- I did experience a horrible time when I had my son -two different doctors told me Effexor XR was safe to take and my son ended up being born dehydrated AND had withdrawl symptoms. Can you imagine a baby experiencing what we have??? I have been so disgusted with this medicine....I just have no words.
> I did sign the petition today though-
> Thanks for your time,
> Jamie
Posted by jerone Farrow on April 2, 2004, at 12:00:08
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jiggitykid on April 2, 2004, at 7:33:23
I just spoke with my Doctor and he is putting me back on effexor for the withdrawal 37.5 this time and weaning me off slowly. Thank God!! my goal is to get off the remeron the clonazepam the halcion slowly by September . I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome DX"D 1994 since then I have been On everything known to man kind so I am getting off. Having a seizure with all this stuff has opened my eyes and thanks to this board also.
Posted by Laurajean on April 2, 2004, at 17:37:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » elvenfae, posted by jiggitykid on April 2, 2004, at 7:41:10
Hi everyone,
I posted my first message a couple months ago...and I bagan tapering from 300 mg XR at the end of January. I went 300 to 150 to 75 to 37.5 and am now OFF (day 4). I still feel horrible....It was much better when i was 37.5 and I have been very tempted to pop one when the withdrawal seems unbearable, but I don't want to complicate matters.I did something kind of unique and I went to every other day, which seemed to help and then every three days, etc. But regardless--now that I'm completely off I feel horrible. My work is suffering--I am going but am not really all "there."
Did anyone else have crying jags or anything? I constantly feel like I am going to start crying. Given that I am a clinical social worker, this isn't the greatest thing when meeting with clients. : ) Sometimes during the day I feel "okay" (relatively) and then am hit with a wave of nausea, dizziness or shivering. Is this normal? My doc prescribed a benzo--serax--to help with w/d (apparently it calms the nervous system--is used for acute alcohol/drug w/d) but I really am not so into taking any other psychotropics right now. anythng else to combat the feverish/fluey feeling? I guess I will just have to wait it out, but it's HARD! I am tired of feeling like this.
Thanks
laura
Posted by ku4ns on April 2, 2004, at 19:01:03
In reply to OFF after taper.......still sick....., posted by Laurajean on April 2, 2004, at 17:37:12
I am also trying to stop the effexor. I have been having a tough time with it. I was on 150 mg then 75mg and 37.5 mg for three weeks. This is my second time trying to stop, and my physician started me on prozac 20mg a week before he wanted me to go cold turkey with the effexor. I went 5 days of feeling well then 1 day not so good, and the next was horrible, so I took one 37.5 mg effexor and felt fine. Now I am at the point of waiting againg to see how long I can go without the feeling of nausea, fever, headache to the point of losing concentration. I will post more later since I just found this website and see that I am not alone. Thanks John
Posted by jiggitykid on April 3, 2004, at 9:53:02
In reply to OFF after taper.......still sick....., posted by Laurajean on April 2, 2004, at 17:37:12
Cried like a baby!!! If someone told me I had gum on my shoe, I cried as if they'd hit me! Seriously, the mood swings are part of it. Since you are off completely, your body is screaming for more. The withdrawal symptoms are normal. This is part of why I went cold-turkey. I didn't want to string the withdrawal out (disclaimer: but this doesn't work for everyone, so do what's best for you). It took two weeks before I began to feel more like myself, and a full month before I was having extended symptom free times. Please be patient with yourself. Pain medication helped with the "zaps;" I would be inclined to agree with you about, "but I really am not so into taking any other psychotropics right now." There are lots of ideas here in the archives of posts about what has worked for others. Take care of yourself and hang in there!
Posted by jiggitykid on April 3, 2004, at 10:11:55
In reply to Re: OFF after taper.......still sick....., posted by ku4ns on April 2, 2004, at 19:01:03
Hi John,
You'll find a lot of helpful info and support here. I have to say that this site was instrumental in helping me through withdrawal.
Now, for the "bad" news. There doesn't seem to be anything that will erase the withdrawal symptoms. There are suggestions here for how to deal with the symptoms, but your body is going to go through it, regardless of techniques. The fact that none of us were warned is inexcusable, unethical and immoral, and the drug company bears the blame. I'm glad that you seem to have a doctor who is aware of the effects - did he warn you about this beforehand, or is he learning along with you? My doc didn't know anything, and neither did my pharmacist.
Please read through the posts in the archives. They are full of personal stories, strategies and information about the Petition. Take care of yourself, and be patient with yourself. Hang in there!
> I am also trying to stop the effexor. I have been having a tough time with it. I was on 150 mg then 75mg and 37.5 mg for three weeks. This is my second time trying to stop, and my physician started me on prozac 20mg a week before he wanted me to go cold turkey with the effexor. I went 5 days of feeling well then 1 day not so good, and the next was horrible, so I took one 37.5 mg effexor and felt fine. Now I am at the point of waiting againg to see how long I can go without the feeling of nausea, fever, headache to the point of losing concentration. I will post more later since I just found this website and see that I am not alone. Thanks John
Posted by ku4ns on April 3, 2004, at 16:50:11
In reply to Re: OFF after taper.......still sick..... » ku4ns, posted by jiggitykid on April 3, 2004, at 10:11:55
I was started on this medication by a different physician. The current physician I use was a pharmacist before he went to medical school, so I trust his judgement. Some of the withdrawal symptoms are similar to the original problems that I had when I first started effexor. My original symptoms were identified on a plane when I became ill (airsick), couldn't get comfortable, needed out of the aircraft. I could'nt go out to eat without feeling nauseated, having hot flashes, and dizzy. I couldn't ride in the car with anyone without feeling carsick. The effexor helped and I was down to 75mg feeling fine but my heart rate was nearly 100 all the time. So, I decided to stop, dropped to 37.5 mg for three weeks and experienced a migraine. I went to my physician after the migraine and thats when he put me on prozac 20mg for a week and then tried to stop effexor completely. I haven't read through many of the posts to see if my problems are similar to others or if I was even on the right medication early on. The medication did work well and I could function normally. I look forward to posts from anyone with experiences to share. Thanks John
Posted by Jerone farrow on April 3, 2004, at 22:32:04
In reply to OFF after taper.......still sick....., posted by Laurajean on April 2, 2004, at 17:37:12
Gee I am back on 37.5 at least until I get back from my trip. And I am here to tell you the few days I experienced the head bannging withdrawal I don't look forward to it then either butI will with your " alls help get through it . I suppose I will try on the 19th and p[lease if you think of anything to make this easier please let me know.
THanks JJ
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