Posted by ensenbachg on March 7, 2005, at 14:10:14 [reposted on March 7, 2005, at 18:45:37 | original URL]
In reply to Reply to Blucky re Effexor withdrawal, posted by Troubled1 on February 12, 2005, at 21:04:01
> Sorry I haven't updated lately re my effexor withdrawal as I've been caught up in the hypothyroid discussions. I've lost track of how many days it's been since I went cold turkey after reducing dose of 225 to 75 (I think it's been about 6 days now). After about 3 days on 75,even though I was feeling a bit dizzy and nauseous, I just threw my effexor in the garbage. Read my above posts re how I felt for first few days. Since last post re that, my irritability has improved but not completely gone away. It takes a really annoying person to set it off though. Doesn't seem to be there consistently i.e. I'm not looking for a target, I prefer to be tranquil, but a certain family member who has been emotionally abusive throughout my whole life, will send me into a screaming match easily. Perhaps I should have done more of this before instead of bottling it up and getting sick over it. The interesting thing about the withdrawal symptoms is that I feel a bit differently each day. It is very strange. First just physically sick, then more irritable, then really climbing the walls restlessness, but this could be alleviated by simply taking a short drive to the store. Once I returned home, I could relax. Today, after an argument with above person, I am feeling extreme anger towards this person (with good reason). Physically, I am still nauseous and a bit dizzy but Gravol and eating regularly keeps this under control. The only mood-related symptom that seems to be consistent so far is crying. I am crying far more easily than I had been but have not retreated into the heavy duty depression that caused me to be placed on Effexor originally. I will NEVER go back on Effexor. I would be far more willing to go back on Zoloft or Welbutrin as neither of these caused the horrific physical problems for me that Effexor has. I was not the least bit fatigued or foggy on the others, I just didn't feel that my depression was lifted as much as should be possible, although, my mood did improve on them. Of course, since each person is different, these drugs may be worse for others than Effexor. Can't see how you can get much worse than Effexor side effects, though. I will be seeing a new GP next week who hasn't been out of med school that long and is just opening up her own practice here. I am very interested in seeing what she recommends for my condition as opposed to my older, more experienced doc who didn't want to listen to me when I suggested that my physical symptoms may be due to Effexor or my hypothyroidism. I was so ticked off at him that I didn't even consult him re going off Effexor. He doesn't even know yet. Anyway, best of luck with getting off Effexor. Don't be too tempted to go back on just because withdrawal is difficult. You will never know for sure what is the drug and what is you naturally until Effexor is completely out of your system. I've heard that it could take about a month after completely being off of it to feel "normal" again. If you are feeling unable to cope or God forbid, suicidal, seek emergency help. They can likely give you something other than Effexor to take edge off. Remember, we are all here for you as well to help you through. Take care of yourself and keep us updated, please.
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> KarenI am also Hypo and trying to get off of this awful drug! I was first on paxil and after a few years had withdrawal while still on it and the Dr. decided to up the paxil so the effects would go away but they just came back so he changed me to Effexor XR and over the years kept uping the dose. Well to make a long story short I was on it to block pain and mild depression. Final dosage was 150 mg. daily and was on that for approx. 3 years. Over that time I have gained about 100 pounds and was so lazy I didnt even want to go to work! I lost my job and now have a job that has no health ins. so I cant afford the Effexor XR and want to go off anyway! So I have slowly dwindled down to not taking it and am having sever withdrawal! I am about to leave for Walmart to try what I just read about Benedryl! God I hope it works!!! I dont like feeling like my eyes are jumping all over and dizzy!!! It is really scary to drive in this condition! But I have to. Thank You for all of the info and I will try to read these posting often to see how things are with all and try to keep my symptoms updated to all also!
poster:ensenbachg
thread:457503
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050228/msgs/467940.html