Posted by raster on February 7, 2005, at 15:40:17
In reply to Re: Day 4 on reduced Effexor » Troubled1, posted by tatarka on February 5, 2005, at 23:33:44
I just found this board, so I'm playing instant catch up.
My story:
I was on 2 x 75's of Effexor for 2 years of therapy and over the last 9 months I have reduced my dose to down 1 x 37.5 capsule until 2 weeks ago.
I must say that Effexor did work in the way it had been sold: it reduced stress and anxiety I suffered - from my job. But I began to suffer terrible side effects like nightmares (killing my daughter/others; escaping from other unknown killers for my own life; end of world; brutal, bloody, horrible, and grotesque violence of every kind on the human body; and other dreams not even worth mentioning). Needless to say, these side effects were mentioned to my doctor and my wife. My doctor was supportive and sympathetic. My wife was also supportive and sympathetic but also worried. There were times I was afraid to go to sleep because of the consecutive nights of absolutely terrifying dreams. Other side effects were nervous stomach, fluttery heartbeat and not caring about something important - when I should have had better judgement.
Generally speaking I was satisfied with the drug's control of my anxiety, but wanted to end this method of therapy because of the side effects. I remember saying to my wife many times how I couldn't go on taking the drug for the rest of my life because I didn't feel like I was in control but the drug was. I felt held hostage. Missing a couple of doses soon brought on the hair raising side effects.On January 27, 2005 I took the last pill. OH YEA!
But here come the side effects: Passing out while talking to clients on the phone (yet still talking..yikes!); passing out while driving (and waking up in your lane a few hundred feet later); NIGHTMARES!!!!!! (some so scary - I can understand why the kids didn't want to go to sleep in the Freddie Kruger movies); RINGING in the ears with STRONG cranial buzzing rushes; Fluttery heartbeat; Chest pains in my sleep strong enough to wake me up 3 times on one night and two on another - frightening the crap out of me - heart attack/angina?; WORRY - about what? nothing, but the feeling is strong and there is no reason; a rush of anxiety a few times a day;trembling and finally ANGER - call it what you want - but somedays it takes alot not to burst out and yell at anyone including the wife and kids -and they haven't done anything wrong at all!
It has been no picnic to say the least so far. In fact, I nodded off during another 10 minute strong sleepy side effect while typing this message - REALLY! I can only hope that in a few more weeks I'll feel better. There are a few more observations, but I've written enough for now.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Raster
poster:raster
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050207/msgs/454436.html