Posted by mvaureen on May 20, 2001, at 22:33:20
In reply to 28 days Effexor-free, posted by Violalloyd on May 20, 2001, at 19:25:08
> Tomorrow I will be 28 days effexor-free, and I STILL have shocks, severe headaches, and dyslexia-like symptoms.
> I still have cravings for sweets and carbs. (didn't before taking effexor), and have not lost any of the weight I gained while taking it.
>
> I still have trouble thinking, as in planning things to do (sounds crazy, but I have to concentrate so hard to come up with each step involved in completing any task.)
>
> I was referred to a psychiatrist, who prescribed Klonopin for the shocks. It reduces the intensity some, so that my body does not 'jump' when it hits, but I still have maybe 40 or more a day.
>
> I am extremely frustrated, and hope that eventually all these symptoms will FINALLY go away.
>
> Any comments or advice?
> Thanks
> ViolaViola, I am so sorry that you are still feeling so bad. I have not had a brain zap in several days, almost 5. I've been off of Effexor for 14 days. My p-doc gave me Wellbutrin and a stimulant. I've had a slew of odd withdrawal symptoms, and have spent many moments of many days handling them. I drank a lot of Gatorade for a few days because I read someone's testimony that electrolytes are depleted during this type of withdrawal. I've taken tons of zinc, ginseng, vitamins, and have maintained my use of Prilosec. I found that I couldn't smoke cigarettes anymore without nausea and dizziness. I found that I had to eat smaller amounts at shorter intervals to treat the vertigo, which felt a lot like morning sickness. I have been craving carbs like mad!! I, also, never wanted them before. No weight loss for me, yet, either. Something worked somewhere around the seven day mark because I was going to go back on the drug. I drank water a lot, although it was unappealing to me. I realized that the "zzzt" sensations had lessened. Today, I have had none. The hardest thing to do is to refuse my body and brain the ludicrous amount of sleep they want. When I finally did that, finally made myself take the stimulant, I could get up and stay up a normal 16 or more hours. That was right around the time I felt that I might make it through. It's a struggle to balance a system that has had to be jolted out of depression by a very strong drug. I want to tell you that you will stop getting the sensations when the balance is reached within your body and nervous system. I'm a weak-willed person, and I made it this far. You can, too. Many posts on this site tell of ways to deal with the withdrawal symptoms. The only thing I haven't tried is a system-cleaner from the health food store. I'm going to do that soon. Good luck!
Maureen
poster:mvaureen
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010515/msgs/63763.html