Posted by vilneram on June 19, 2005, at 20:08:01
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Jom on May 29, 2005, at 9:56:16
When I was on effexor, I felt normal for the first time in years. I had forgotten what it felt like to not feel depressed. It was well worth the side effects of dry mouth and constipation. Unfortunately I had a very rare side-effect of a myopathy, and had to get off it. Effexor is like all of the SSRI medications, you have to go off SLOWLY, by doing that I had very little in the way of side effects: 225 mg for a week, then 185,5 mg, then 150mg, etc.
> > I got on effexor because I could see a layoff coming at work and my wife was diagnosed with breat cancer and I was having a lot of difficulty dealing with everthing. I was not able to concentrate at work and was very depressed and irratable and angry. Not good for a large ex-football player like myself.
> >
> > I was on effexor for around 41/2 months.
> >
> > I have been off effexor for 4 days now. Followed my doctors instructions to decrease dossage to get off of it. Went from 225mg down to 37.5 over 4 weeks. My withdrawal symptoms are just like yours. Very bad dizziness with head movement and feeling that my eyes need to catch up to my head. The hot flashes are worse now also. Not great when I was at the full dosage either, but worse now. The feeling like I am high on something is the only way to express it. Been dizzy since I started dropping down on the dosage, but this is bad. I space out driving to work and feel like I am disconnected. But I must work, so drive as carefully as I can. I will not go back on anything again. Will try to deal with things as best as I an with counselling.
> >
> > > Nice to see everyone on these message boards....
> > > helps to know one is not alone.
> > >
> > > I have been on effexor xr for about 1 year - 150mg)
> > > and it has really helped me with my depression!!!
> > >
> > > BUT I have found - from missing doses - that the
> > > withdrawal effects are real. For me, they have
> > > included strange effects in my brain. A feeling
> > > of electricity or shocks, also vertigo when I move
> > > my head from side to side or up and down. Then it
> > > feels like my head has moved too fast and my eyes
> > > take a few seconds to catch up. This prohibits
> > > driving, makes me dizzy and feels very bizarre.
> > >
> > > Muscular tension and knots in my leg and hip -
> > > where I previously had bursitis - GREATLY
> > > increased when I decreased my dosage from 325 mg
> > > back to 150mg od.
> > >
> > > The side effects, that I can live with, are
> > > weird dreams plus a LOT of twitching and
> > > involuntary movements of arms and legs when in bed.
> > > These wake me up lots of times, but that is much
> > > preferrable to the weight of depression.
> > >
> > > This drug is wonderful for some,
> > > and disasterous for others.
> > > Worth a try if you really want to be rid of
> > > that dreaded pit of despair!!!
> > >
> > > Maggie
> >
> >
>
> I am glad to have found this board...I was beginning to think I was crazy....stopped taking 150 mg Thursday - thought using Buspar would help the withdrawal...but after 4 days of vertigo I am beginning to think I made a mistake...Dr apt on 7th and I know I will get a scolding. Prescribed for hot flashes and insomnia - but the 12 lb weight gain is more dangerous, I think, than any relief - which by the was was minimal. Started at 75 than to 150 mg...and hate it.
> Does this muzziheadedness go way any time soon?
> I REALLY do not want to take any more of this drug....it has caused joint pain, sleepiness, but no sleep, weight gain. I was taking 10 mg Buspar for work related stress/anxiety and Dr. thought Effexor a better fit for the stress and menopausal symptoms.
>
> So...how long does it take to REALLY get off this drug....and be symptom free ?? I am almost afraid to drive.
>
poster:vilneram
thread:457503
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050611/msgs/515656.html