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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KennyBingo on May 2, 2004, at 23:11:24
In reply to I've found it fantastic..., posted by nephron on May 2, 2004, at 7:05:33
Hey All,
Just another affirmation of Effexor's mixed blessings. I've been on it (75 to 150 mg)steadily for a year and a half and feel none of the fogged desperation and underwater weightiness that I hitherto had experienced most of my life, particularly in the cold, academically-burdened winter months.
That's the good news.
The bad news is that I too have noticed a significant increase in blood pressure--currently 145/100. That's troublesome, but a compromise I'm willing to make in order to live a more empowered and contented existence. To see if I can get the BP managed, my Psy-doc may titrate down my Effexor dosage this summer, while supplementing the balance with Prozac. No cold turkey for me...I know all too well those damnable brain chills and dizzy spells from missed doses. The "rain stick" sensaaaaation is particularly apt. Anyway, enough about me. My question:
Could we possibly have two threads? One for those of us not yet in the weaning-off phase of our journey, and one for those engaged in the long tipsy farewell to the venerable venlafaxine HCL? I read with great interest postings from both camps, but find the discussions referring to Effexor therapy, rather than withdrawal, most relevant.
k
Posted by Tancred62 on May 3, 2004, at 11:36:46
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Skorpius60 on March 8, 2004, at 8:12:38
I've posted several messages regarding Effexor-related dreams and dream states and have found that MANY people note this side effect. For me, the dreams come on like gangbusters if I miss a dose, but they also occur when I'm maintaining my mgs. As you probably agree, they are not your average dreams: very vivid, lots of aural components, strange themes and ideas that don't seem to relate to your life or worries, and for me, they have led to actual physical movement of my body (flailing arms) and talking/shouting in my sleep. I also noted that I often am aware that I'm dreaming while I'm dreaming, which can lead to either an internal struggle to get out of the dream or a struggle to control the dream. This latter aspect can be quite fun, sort of like producing your own movie while you go along. However, the former struggle of trying to get out of a bad dream is very scary. This is the stuff of the Twilight Zone here. Night sweats, tremors, amnesia, are all also associated side effects for me. Good luck.
Posted by headachegirl on May 3, 2004, at 22:16:24
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by Douglas T. on May 1, 2004, at 17:54:35
I'm off and relatively side-effect free. I just can't believe it! Went slowly down from 75 mg, took a half of that, then a third, then a quarter. (Pulled the pill open and eyeballed the dots.) After a few days at a quarter, I stopped! Just a bit of brain zappiness and re-emergence of the chronic depressive feelings. (Not helped by current world events I must say.)
Now I want to start cognitive therapy and decide if I can go without drugs.
Good luck all!
Posted by CourtneyM on May 3, 2004, at 22:29:49
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by headachegirl on May 3, 2004, at 22:16:24
Well that's the best getting off Effexor story I've heard, thank goodness!
I've posted twice tonight concerning weening myself off of Effexor. I am on 75 mg. as well.
Please chack my post: CourtneyM entitled "Effexor and knowing when to get off" or something like that. I do not want to be addicted to this drug. I also want to go into cognitive therapy. I started the AD to help me through a specific situation and now I feel that with all the changes I've been able to make, with thanks to the Effexor, I may not need the drug. I usually opt for the natural alternative.
Did you yawn all the time when you were on the drug? did you literally count out the little beads?
Thanks for any input and again, congratulations. It gives me hope!
Posted by Zarry on May 4, 2004, at 8:45:32
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by headachegirl on May 3, 2004, at 22:16:24
Congratulations Doug on your recovery from Effexor - therapy for what and why you were on ADs to begin with is a good idea. As my new doc said, a pill isn't going to "fix" the problem, but "help" you cope with it while you learn how to fix the prob.
Some people, as we have read here NEED the AD while some are using it to cope with some difficult times in their lives.
Good luck to you all.
Posted by wwolfsongs2 on May 5, 2004, at 12:24:45
In reply to effexor side effects/withdrawl, posted by kckboxgrl on March 25, 2001, at 23:15:03
> Hi all, just stopped effexor, having terrible electric shock sensations in my head hands and feet. How long does this last. Thanks
Posted by Spinxxie on May 5, 2004, at 17:32:27
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats (nm), posted by Spinxxie on May 5, 2004, at 17:30:12
ooops.. mistake
I have learned the hard way not to drink on this medication.. I had two ciders over a 5 hour period.. could barely move the next day.. it was soo not worth it.. keeping to my gingerale from now on.. hugs Spinxxie
Posted by Zarry on May 5, 2004, at 20:05:02
In reply to Re: effexor side effects/withdrawl, posted by wwolfsongs2 on May 5, 2004, at 12:24:45
wwolfsongs, I've been off Effexor for a month now (cold turkey) and the worst was probly the first week. As most ppl have stated here, one shouldn't go cold turkey, but wean off. I think ppl still get the brain zaps no matter how they do it.
Hang in there.
Posted by headachegirl on May 5, 2004, at 20:56:58
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by CourtneyM on May 3, 2004, at 22:29:49
I think the key is to taper off, not go cold turkey. You get the side effects to a much lesser degree, and quite manageable.
I did count the little beads at first, I think there were a hundred of them. But then I got to the point I'd just "eyeball" the amount I would take. Someone on this thread talked about putting them in applesauce. I just dumped the beads in my mouth and swallowed with OJ.
I found cognitive therapy very helpful in the past and want to start again. As a matter of fact, I first started taking AD under psychiatrist care, then much later just with a prescrption from the nurse practioner. (That's how I got on Effexor.) I found the most helpful for me was Prozac.
I want to go back to the cognitive and re-think the AD. I've gone alot further in life (Harvard grad with a good job) than I thought I would at one point and I owe it to mental health assistance.
The hard part is finding the right mental health professional to work with. You can be barely functional and have to make these important decisions about how to get help. Catch-22 for sure.
Good luck!
Posted by doristoo on May 5, 2004, at 23:31:03
In reply to Re: bizarre dreams, drinking on effexor, sweats, posted by Lizzy7711 on March 10, 2004, at 22:24:17
bizarre dreams too, sweats that are bizzare and embarassing...all my friends think i am going thru the change at 40!!!! trying to get off this med as it is not doing my any good but the dizzy spellls are unbearable
Posted by scullycat on May 6, 2004, at 11:25:29
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by headachegirl on May 5, 2004, at 20:56:58
Hi. It was me talking about the applesauce. I got that info right from the Effexor website. For the same reason you are not supposed to chew it, your aren't really supposed to break it open either 'cause it is a specialized time release capsule that releases the meds over a certain period which is made possible by the type of capsule it is (a lot of time meds have a little hole at either end that you can't see and that is how it slow-releases). I guess you might be able to do it with any kind of food probably...my pharmacist friend says it is just to sort of slow it down in your metabolism. If you just pop them all in your mouth with a liquid (especially on an empty stomach) you're throwning it all into your system at once and probably making withdrawl worse.
So far, I am having a great experience with effexor, and I would really recommend that if you're looking for advice to get off of it when it is time to do so, talk to your pharmacist. They always know a lot more than your doc - your doc only goes to school to learn how to prescribe meds after all. Pharmacists know EVERYTHING about the drug or can find out for you. I often find their advice with any meds to be the most useful.
Hope that helps a little bit.
Posted by headachegirl on May 6, 2004, at 22:05:11
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by scullycat on May 6, 2004, at 11:25:29
Well, good advice on the food. I may have gotten off lightly with the side effects because I would eat breakfast right after swallowing the beads. So probably not the best way but it was manageable for me.
I hated the horrific side effects when I forgot a dose, so the weaning probably seemed like nothing in comparison. I never could have stood cold turkey though.
If Effexor had been a good fit for me, I might have thought longer before going off it. But it wasn't and then on top of it the weight gain and blood pressure elevation was making it scary. But then I had good results with Prozac and I know others haven't.
I still think the key is somewhat trial and error. You have to find the right plan for you. And I strongly believe in talk therapy along with the drugs.
Posted by cbogus on May 11, 2004, at 16:40:25
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by headachegirl on May 6, 2004, at 22:05:11
I'm just entering week 3 of Effexor withdrawls, and I'm still experiencing a host of symptoms. I was weaned, albeit quickly, since I am in a situation where I need to have it on my record that I'm med free as soon as possible. (Insurance companies deny my application, and the FAA won't let me enter flight school.) I'm experiencing muscle spasms, nausea, indigestion, anxiety, and a LOT of vertigo. The thing that scares me is that these symptoms have remained the same intensity for about 10 days now. I can't help but feel that this is how things will stay for a long time. Is this the usual course, or am I supposed to see them lessening?
Posted by calico cat on May 12, 2004, at 16:51:58
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by cbogus on May 11, 2004, at 16:40:25
Dear Cbogus,
Good luck to you. I am still weaning, and it has been 2 months. I am now doing 37.5 of effexor every other day. I am at the end of day 2, and I feel an uneasiness and a funny feeling in my ears. I don't know how you did this so quickly, but I think that may explain the severity of your symptoms.I take a lot of ibuprofen on day 2 to try to balance myself.
It sure isn't easy, is it?
Posted by ku4ns on May 13, 2004, at 15:35:52
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by calico cat on May 12, 2004, at 16:51:58
I think that i'm around six weeks out from my last effexor. I used the prozac 20mg to help stop the effexor and it worked very well for me. Now i'm stopping the prozac without any difficulty. If you are experiencing problems stopping effexor, try to use a different drug in conjunction so not to have the severe withdrawal symptoms. john
Posted by KimberlyDi on May 13, 2004, at 16:40:11
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by cbogus on May 11, 2004, at 16:40:25
I've been Effexor-free for several months. What I've called the brain-shivers, the tingling feeling in the tips of my fingers, etc. etc., took several months to go away even AFTER I was Effexor-free. I've heard you can take Benedryl for relief of the vertigo. Sadly, I think there is no cure but time.
Good luck!
KDi in TX
> I'm just entering week 3 of Effexor withdrawls, and I'm still experiencing a host of symptoms. I was weaned, albeit quickly, since I am in a situation where I need to have it on my record that I'm med free as soon as possible. (Insurance companies deny my application, and the FAA won't let me enter flight school.) I'm experiencing muscle spasms, nausea, indigestion, anxiety, and a LOT of vertigo. The thing that scares me is that these symptoms have remained the same intensity for about 10 days now. I can't help but feel that this is how things will stay for a long time. Is this the usual course, or am I supposed to see them lessening?
Posted by jon0667 on May 14, 2004, at 7:59:33
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy » cbogus, posted by KimberlyDi on May 13, 2004, at 16:40:11
I'm new to Effexor (3rd day all at 150 mg) but no side effects so far. Was on 60 mg Celexa previously, no side effects ever from that either. Curious if those who had bad withdrawing from Effexor also had bad side effects when they started? Sorry, a bit selfish of me, but hoping easy on==>easy off (someday).
Posted by tmott on May 14, 2004, at 9:07:30
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by jon0667 on May 14, 2004, at 7:59:33
I had no problems going on Effexor, but serious issues going off! It was a very bad thing for me.
Posted by GradPsychStudent on May 14, 2004, at 9:35:56
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by tmott on May 14, 2004, at 9:07:30
> I had no problems going on Effexor, but serious issues going off! It was a very bad thing for me.
I've been forced to come off because i failed a drug screening, and my Dr. will not represcribe until I attend outpatient rehab which I believe is once a week, hopefully not more. Obviously I could find a new Dr. to hook me up, but after many years of abuse and failed attempts at going clean, I will attend because Im now 25, and have school and life to attend to. With that said I was at 225mg to help me from going cold turkey on marijuana, cocaine, percocets, and a number of other stuff. I know many people who take well more than 225mg a day. I was told to take one a day till I run out , which is 75mg instead of 225mg. Initially I was irritated alot because of either withdrawal from effexor xr, and/or the drugs, or my generalized anxiety disorder/depression I have dealth with all my life. I dont think it is a symptom of withdrawal from the med. (I hadnt used for 3 weeks prior to coming off , so it wasnt hard drug withdrawal, because I was clean for 5 months and learned what that withdrawal was like.) I was irritable and hard to get motivated for a few days, I began working out everyday and I feel like a champ. I didn't get the "brain zaps" or extreme fatigue I thought I would get. Coming off hasnt been that bad, and its been similar to coming off of SSRIs like prozac, celexa, lexapro, zoloft (I will not include Paxil because the non controlled release form causes significant problems coming off, which has turned into a class action lawsuit against them). I am going to continue working out, and holdoff going on effexor again, hoping the gym is the cure. Although, I am sure I will still need my trazadone for sleep. Take your time coming off of it, even if u need a couple of months. Also, your chances of staying off are significantly higher if u have been or are willing to see a psychologist. Its amazing what can be learned, even I learn, a Psych student working towards my PhD. Good luck
Posted by jon0667 on May 14, 2004, at 9:49:19
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by GradPsychStudent on May 14, 2004, at 9:35:56
Thanks for the feedback. My Psych says "dont worry, you'll be staying on it indef" but I'm trying to think positive. I do see a therapist, accupunture and get some exercise, and if I do someday try to wean then yeah, it will be slooooowwww.
Posted by Zarry on May 14, 2004, at 11:34:59
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by jon0667 on May 14, 2004, at 9:49:19
As we have all seen, everyone experiences different affects to their body - some exercise, some take other drugs, some in different states of depression, but over all, our bodies/mind/soul needs help in one form or another.
I am 6 wks now off Effexor, was put on Wellbutrin 3 wks after going cold turkey off Effexor - guess what - I think I'm allergic to Wellbutrin and now am trying to get rid of the hives I have. I think the side effects of Effexor are better than the hives. Sometimes I feel I can't win for losing, but I'm persevering.
As the doc said, pills don't solve the problem of depression, just helps you cope with it. One needs to delve into the reason.
Good luck to you all and my hopes for me is that I can manage w/o any type of AD. I definately don't want hives again.
Posted by GradPsychStudent on May 14, 2004, at 13:25:14
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by Zarry on May 14, 2004, at 11:34:59
>>Wellbutrin 3 wks after going cold turkey off Effexor - guess what - I think I'm allergic to Wellbutrin and now am trying to get rid of the hives I have.
Bro, contact your wellbutrin prescriber IMMEDIATELY, or even another Dr.! A hive reaction is a very bad response. What is your dosage????
Posted by Zarry on May 14, 2004, at 19:05:28
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by GradPsychStudent on May 14, 2004, at 13:25:14
<< Bro, contact your wellbutrin prescriber IMMEDIATELY, or even another Dr.! A hive reaction is a very bad response. What is your dosage???? >>
I'm in close contact with my doc - we don't know for sure on the exact reason for the hives, but the timing sure hits the mark - I'm not sure what the next step is, but I see the doc next week for a follow-up.I WAS on 150 mg twice a day
Posted by calico cat on May 14, 2004, at 20:28:33
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by jon0667 on May 14, 2004, at 7:59:33
Only take effexor if you plan on being on it forever. It is so hard to get off, it is not worth feeling good for a while.
When I started effexor, I had an awesome experience which continued until I started the pill for medical reasons.
Unless you want to have a lifelong attachment, try another drug.
Posted by GradPsychStudent on May 15, 2004, at 2:01:00
In reply to Re: STOPPING Effexor made easy, posted by calico cat on May 14, 2004, at 20:28:33
Im just using an analogy about what u said. Your experience w/ effexor means all on effexor are same way. Its like saying "I got robbed by this person of _____ color. (That is the analogy I came up with, I am not implying you believe that, I just dont want people to fear coming off of it, plus most message board posts about meds are to complain, not to praise, it biases them, and may effect how well they think their med works, which is the key ;))They all must be like that." Everyones different, Im doing fine coming off of it, its easier to sleep which is a bonus, however, there is a variable which is I bodybuild every day , and 30 min of cardio, and i feel amazing. Good luck!
> Only take effexor if you plan on being on it forever. It is so hard to get off, it is not worth feeling good for a while.
>
> When I started effexor, I had an awesome experience which continued until I started the pill for medical reasons.
>
> Unless you want to have a lifelong attachment, try another drug.
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