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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Benbetter on January 26, 2006, at 20:12:14
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor » Benbetter, posted by sleepygirl on January 26, 2006, at 18:33:55
> geez ben! why put yourself through this torture?! Why not taper down slowly? It sounds hellish!
Funny, I dont know.... But as I read others post I dont think weening sounds any easier. My mom just called... and I fell apart? I dont get this stuff. But now I am feeling good.... Any Idea on how long this fun lasts? Off to Austin Powers I go
Posted by sleepygirl on January 26, 2006, at 20:12:14
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by Benbetter on January 26, 2006, at 19:49:17
I haven't a clue how long it lasts, but I take that stuff and if I miss a dose - I know it!
It sounds like a wild ride. I remember the wicked moodiness when I went of zoloft, and that didn't have all the lovely physical withdrawl symptoms of effexor
this post will likely get redirected to the withdrawal board - plenty of info there, LOTS of stuff about effexor - seems a nice little benefit for the drug manufacturer eh?- having to keep taking the drug primarily to stay out of withdrawal
hang on tight ;-)
Posted by benbetter on January 27, 2006, at 9:38:25
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor » Benbetter, posted by sleepygirl on January 26, 2006, at 19:55:22
So anyhow, Last night was great. Wathched a dumb movie. made me laugh. I turned down the lights and kept my brain straight. It was about as good as it could have been. My best guess is That is how I will deal with the next few days.
This morning all is well so far no real snaps or fire crackers. just mild disy(sp) spells. I am ok with these. Work so far is good . I read something about the coffee. It said... stay away and that is what I am doing and guess what so far I think they are right. I will keep in touch.
Posted by Benbetter on January 27, 2006, at 18:17:24
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on January 27, 2006, at 9:38:25
I just read my post from this morning... It was early sorry.
All day long I have felt at least 50% better than yesterday. I didnt have any coffee or tea. I drank alot of water. The Funny thing is that the cold water gives me the brain snaps. so I have gone to luke warm it is much easier. Staying out of the bright light helps alot. Staying well rested really seems to help also. Other things that I am realizing is keeping my brain occupied on other things like a dumb movie or any tv or radio.. news paper... or talking to a freind about anything other than the way my brain is scrammbled helps. Sure i know that talking out problems helps but thinking about how bad it really is and doubting my sanity... does nothing for me.. Infact that is when the breakdowns and stiffness and zaps really kick in the most.
Posted by benbetter on January 28, 2006, at 20:40:47
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by Benbetter on January 27, 2006, at 18:17:24
So now I am on day...8 I think. I think today was a bit tougher than yesterday. Big head ache. Lots of spins.
I tried a claritin and an asprin. I think it helped alot. the spins slowed down and I feel much better. I also slept a little to slow down the external noise.
I only am writing this so that others can know what to expect. I know each case is different that is why I gave a breif history. and why I was on these stupid drugs to begin with.
Another thing to note is I have not been drinking any booze at all during this period. I wanted to be sure I feel every thing with out outside buzzes to mask. But yes I feel like I am walking out of the woods now.
More later
Posted by Camille Dumont on January 28, 2006, at 22:55:13
In reply to Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by Benbetter on January 26, 2006, at 18:21:27
I was on Effexor 300 and Celexa 20 and suddenly found myself out of meds for 48h. I refilled the prescription but it dawned to me "this isn't so bad, maybe I should stop". And so I did. And I lasted 5 days ... spent mostly between my bed and the bathroom to puke my guts out.
But on the fifth day the dizzy / disorientation was too much. The trip to the bathroom was to treacherous and I started to think of ways to off myself. So I just popped a celexa and TADA! 4h of sleep later, all teh withdrawal symptoms were gone. Celexa masked ALL the symptoms. After a couple of months I started to taper the Celexa and it was pretty easy. If anything, this has given me a healthy dose of respect for drug addicts who quit because I now know how it feels to be so sick day in and day out and know that just popping one little pill will take all the misery away.
I'm sure it can be done but seriously, unless you can take time off for a few weeks and have people looking after you, it's going to be very very very hard and long.
Good luck.
Posted by dancingstar on January 29, 2006, at 11:26:16
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by Camille Dumont on January 28, 2006, at 22:55:13
I quit taking EffexorXR cold turkey 16 months ago. As it happens, Effexor actually caused me to have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, but I didn't know this until after I stopped taking it. The hellish withdrawal, in my case, lasted that long as Effexor as it damaged my body quite badly.
I was about ready to give up as I couldn't seem to do anything to make myself heal when I finally found an amazing doctor, Kent Holtorf, at the Hormone and Longevity Center, www.hormoneandlongevitycenter.com, who is the first person who has helped me to feel better, so very much better. They have offices all over the country.
If you find that your body is beyond stressed from Effexor and that you absolutely cannot heal no matter what you try, you might want to check these people out. It is not at all what they specialize in. I just know that for the first time in years, literally years now, I'm laughing again. No drugs. And the horrible stiffness, especially in my neck and upper back, that I've had even though I exercise all the time has started to ease up for the first time since I stopped taking Effexor in September of '04.
I hope that no one ever has to go through what I did...but if you do, I just wanted to tell you that these people are actually helping me, and I'm convinced that they can help you as well without throwing you onto another drug. I only wish I had found them sooner.
Best of luck to everyone!
Posted by benbetter on January 29, 2006, at 15:31:12
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by dancingstar on January 29, 2006, at 11:26:16
Day 9 or 10
All is well, So far this is the best day I have had. I still have the spins but today I went out and ran errands. I cleaned my house and I feel pretty good. I dont know if it is just me wishfull thinking or if I actually feel like a little of the grey mask came off today. What i mean is, today I dont feel sluggish. I am not just talking about the last 9 or ten days either. I cant explain it but things are good today. I dont have an answer.
Again this morning I took a claritin and an asprin.
Still no coffee.
Lots of water.
The person who posted in front of me said something that kind of hit home. I am stiff... I think it is from laying around alot though.
Every one that I know has told me it isnt safe or possible to quit cold turkey... They have told me that I will end up shooting myself. Guess what... I like myself to much. I had a situational bout with depression. That is the only time i can ever remember feeling like that... This is why I need to get away from this drug... it helped and now I need to go on W/O it.
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 30, 2006, at 3:00:04
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on January 29, 2006, at 15:31:12
benbetter,
omg! Thank you for your posts. Today is like day 5 or 6 quitting effexor cold turkey for me too. I was on it for just less than a year (4 pills less to be exact) and just decided I'd had enough. The last few days have been...how do you describe losing your mind and having no clue as how to stop it? Bad, the last few days have been bad. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that your first post about going cold turkey actually made me smile and laugh! Thank you for sharing your journey from out of the abyss. Tina
Posted by benbetter on January 30, 2006, at 23:13:28
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 30, 2006, at 3:00:04
So Here I am again.. Still not sure what day of quitting I am on... But I want to keep a consistant post. Things are pretty good today but I still feel like screaming OLI- OLI- OXIN FREE. I want to stop playing this stupid game. I have a feeling some day I will I hope it is before i retire.(20 years) I cant complain like I did on some of those really tough days. But, It would be nice when I get up in the night to take a whiz... and turn on the light that I dont feel like I whized in the light socket. Some thing about the sudden bright light reminds you that the game isnt over. And That little reminder is enough to make you feel sh*tty all over again for a short time.
I found that the grocery store is the worst place on the planet if you have withdrawls...The lighting..cart noise..freaky people asking you to sample some stinky frozen something.. I mean ..give me a break!"
Diet is the same as yesterday. I am finding I am a little more quick to snap at people again just like the old me...
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 31, 2006, at 1:56:41
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on January 30, 2006, at 23:13:28
I just read the post I sent replying to your original post and do I sound like an *sshole or what?
I really just wanted to get across that I was happy to read your posts, to see someone document what they were going through, and that you seem to be taking this well, with an intact sense of humor. The way you described some of the sh*t you are going through made me laugh even though what you're going through sucks big time. I'm a few days behind you on the cold turkey kick and am getting serious sh*t from people around me for not going through a dr to quit. Oh well. Can you go over what otc meds actually helped? I've been popping midol like it's candy and drinking pepto once or twice a day, yet I'm still having withdrawl and I don't think meds other than effexor will stop them, so I'm riding it out, but would love any help i can get. Thankx, Tina
Posted by benbetter on January 31, 2006, at 2:54:14
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by wifeofarmyguy on January 31, 2006, at 1:56:41
Hey no problems...
This kinda crap makes me laugh.. Like who the f am I or any of us to try cold turkey. Especially all the weird posts out there.. I have never really liked the internet either until I started reading these flippen post...It is like crack or what I guess crack would be like. Thats my next thing to quit cold turkey.(the internet). Maybe I will smash my fingers in a DOOR put soap in my eyes...
Back to your question..OTC... Truthfully... as little as possible
claritin... I still have no idea why
Asprin... It help the head..
Dark rooms...sun glasses
As far AS THE TROTS i think it is funny because I never get the trots so I am letting them be... they make me laugh... Not for much longer though... my bathroom is cold.
All stimulants like coffee... makes everything worse... I say stay away...eh.
cold water sucks i only drink room temp... no dairy... I have not tried dairy but some one said it was not helpfull so I dont really have the curiosity to find out why.mostly laying aroundin my "my little pony" pjs (when i dont have to work)... I like turning off the lights and watching anything that keeps my brain focused...( i suggest a marathon of mythbusters on discovery)... i hope your adventures are way less eventfull than mine... Keep in touch I want to hear other peoples pains too. You can leave out the comments about white things in your bm.. If you dig deep into these blogs you will get what i am talking about.
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 1, 2006, at 1:24:33
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on January 31, 2006, at 2:54:14
Sadly, I did "dig" deep enough into the posts to read the one about the little white friends...If I can stop laughing for a second, I'll try to type some more...
I'll have to try the Claritin (we are talking about for allergies right?) and see if that helps with anything the midol (wonder drug imho)isn't touching...
It's funny you mention the room temp water, I can't handle anything cold but soda and I'm trying to be good and stay off the soda for now.
Are you finding the headaces/moods/various insults your body is throwing at you, coming in waves? I'll be fine for awhile then *BAAM* two or three things will hit me at once. (right now it's feeling queezy and a wonderful headace all the way to my teeth.)
Okay, I'm behind the times or we're from different areas because I have no clue as to what a trot is... I'm guessing it's a bodily function that requires the bathroom from your mention of yours being cold...
What are your thoughts on the posts that talk about withdrawl symptoms lasting as long as you were on the drug? Anyone feeling my pain on that one? God, I hope that's not the case I really do not want to spend another year of my life on autopiliot...
Well, I too need to go cold turkey off the net, these boards have been an obsession since I found them a couple of nights ago, I'm amazed I didn't think to check out Effexor this way BEFORE i popped the first pill. Too much trust in the medical establishment at the time I guess.
One final note, Little Pony PJ's? Which ponies are on them???
Posted by benbetter on February 1, 2006, at 3:47:16
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 1, 2006, at 1:24:33
Day 11-12? remember post 1? I didnt ever think day 12 would come... Sure as hell I am here feeling all new.. People are asking what is up... Ive been on the effexor duhhh... for to long.. I swear ... I can really tell I got a peice of me back. I wonder how i will feel in 12 more days. Honestly though I feel like it is tough to get the words out when having a conversation...I dont know but i think suddenly i think fatser than I can put words together... Back to your Q's...
Uh.. Yeah.. I didnt want to say devo pjs... Puts you on target for a good whip it joke. So yeah total waves of bs but they leave pretty quickly for me.... But today almost nothing for me no waves or spins... I could have done some ty bo. I really feel good today.. Although the tax guy is in 5 hours and I MIGHT NEED TO HIT THE EFFEXOR AGAIN. My head aches actually were tough(behind my ears and base of my skull) but asprin was enough... And I dont get it but the claritin.. Allergy stuff really helps out on the spins.. The trots it is polite or slang for the screamin diareahaha. It is now gone.( the trots). I cant believe it every day gets better as far as the DT's.. Maybe I am a lucky one... I feel like the worst part is over.. At this point I dont think that the visits from the withdrawl monster are likely. Or at least They are not going to be as bad as some of the other folks have had. screw knockin on wood... I dont believe in luck.. Possitive attitude goes a long way.
Hey I hope you are well.. let me know whats happening.
Posted by benbetter on February 1, 2006, at 16:50:45
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 1, 2006, at 3:47:16
I am starting to sound like a broken record... but once again today is better then yesterday...no head aches... only a hint of the spins this morning. still not 100 % but feeling good.
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 2, 2006, at 14:24:29
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 1, 2006, at 16:50:45
Good for you!
I have no idea what day I'm on, sorry. Like 1 1/2 weeks I think. I'm still really struggling with bouts of nausea that come out of nowhere. I feel like I did when I was pregnant with my son, sick to my stomach all the time. Yee f*cking Ha. Headaces still hitting too. Thank goodness they are both in waves and go away once in awhile.
Have you experienced muscle pains at all?? I've been battling with really sore muscles, like after a really hardcore weight lifting session...Since the begining. It's basically what I was taking the midol for, I may switch to advil and see how that works...
I had the spins last night too. The only thing I did differently yesterday was I gave in and had a soda and I ate crap (mcdonalds). Probably added to the problem more than helped... I think I'm going to beef up on vitamins, starting with B vitamins since I've heard so much about them and moods. And then add from there as I see if/what changes adding them causes.
I'm getting ready to do grocery shopping and seriously thinking of going to Whole Foods and going organic/more health concious with my food purchases...Don't think my kids will like it, but I've read a lot (on these boards) about diet change drastically improving moods/symptoms of withdrawl... Hope all is going well out there!
Posted by benbetter on February 3, 2006, at 0:53:55
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 2, 2006, at 14:24:29
Yes I have had days with really sore muscles.. The backs of my arms and my neck.. But that went away a while ago... You are right though I still feel a little fluish.. Not really bad but I definately know it is there. I And today was not as good as the to days before. The mood is fine no real swings in a while. Just the physical. Mostly a loose brain.
Do you feel like you have more energy?
If yoou are going to try health food you should consider fish pils.. Many people tell me it helps. some say that the kirkland brand at costco are cheap and really good.. A quick hint... Freeze them before you take them... it helps prevent the nasty fish burps... I am not being funny either.. But the fish oil pills do sooooo much for you brain and your general health... It is a good match with your vitamin b's. Also look up how much to take.. I think you can take 3-4 at a time... yogurt fruit and granola really great brain food in the am.I think friday today is day 14.. More later
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 3, 2006, at 1:16:35
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 3, 2006, at 0:53:55
I did buy the fish pills from Costco awhile back but could not make myself take them after I smelled them!!! I wonder if there is anything else out there that works as well but does not smell??? I'm so sensitive to smells lately...
Today was the worst day in so many ways...Why the hell can't it just get better and better and not go back and forth???? (I'm sorry guys, I'm feeling sorry for myself today.) I had a great morning, went and planted native plants on the sand dunes, went on a dune hike and scavanger hunt. I felt wonderful after being outside all morning! Then I prepared a presentation/request for our school, offering to do a program for National Reading Month, they were totally unreceptive, I was not the okay, I'll take your sh*t and smile while I find another way to get it done kinda person I normally am. I actually got rude with the principal and voiced my opinion to the room (like 6 people, big whoop). Rude for me is not real rude, it's just not taking no for an answer... Anyway, my point, things went drastically downhill from there, I got home and was MAD, at the world, at the school, at stupid people, at my family, at me. And I COULD NOT controll it. Like, I was thinking "settle down, it's not a big deal" but I couldn't. I went on a rampage through the house. If you were in front of me, I found something to scream at you for. I slammed a painting on my wall sideways and knocked a sconce off the wall. I threated to leave and not come home. I tried to go to sleep (at 8pm and I'm a night owl!) That didn't work, I could still hear everyone talking and doing things throughout the house, that pissed me off. So I got dressed cussed my family out some more and took off in the truck blaring 3 doors down, smoking and wanting to go somewhere, do something, but there was nowhere to go and nothing to do. So I drove to my old job, talked to two of my "friends" and calmed down a bit. It's been three hours and I'm still really unsettled...Now I just feel like sh*t, and totally guilty. When the hell is this rage going to stop? Has anyone else had anything else like this happen? PLEASE, PLEASE share. Before taking effexor, I was NEVER, EVER like this. The most yelling I did was scolding my kids, or yelling to get their attention. The effexor was only to treat depression, and now I'm having attacks of rage??? What gives guys?
Posted by benbetter on February 3, 2006, at 9:19:55
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 3, 2006, at 1:16:35
Tough day! well To start.. Freeze the fish pills.. It will help I promise... Why are you smelling them ... that is rule #1 on vitamins.. They reak! But really the fish pills are good for you.
2. I dont know what to tell you about the anger.. I have not been down the road ( from the withdrawls)... I do know that these are your kids. more importantly they should be your best friends. It sounds like( from your post) this situaton isnt like you at all... If this is true than your hubby and kids should probably accept an apology with grace. I have been pretty pissed at people through my time and the best thing I know of is the old tale of counting to ten... Sometimes it is hard but when you do it you can think things through it is much easier. Also.. Are you felling well enough to do any exersize yet? I swear to you this is the best thing you can do...It helps you rid of shitloads of stress and you feel good about yourself when you are done. I am going to start a new post ..it is a list of sh*t to do when the bottom drops out... It helped me. I thing it may be worthy. Hang in there. dont let this stuff wreck you the goal is to wreck it.
Posted by dancingstar on February 4, 2006, at 13:05:03
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 3, 2006, at 9:19:55
Ben,
If you have the patience, go back through the posts around the end September of 2004, not under withdrawal, I don't think, cause it didn't exist, just under Effexor. You'll see what I went through. When I was wide awake in the middle of the night, I found out a lot of stuff that you may find useful along the way.
I'm pretty sure that at about week three I lost it, just lost it completely cause the withdrawal hit me so hard I couldn't cope. But I'm still alive and I actually laugh spontaneously again these days; so there is a light at the end of the tunnel that isn't a freight train even if you do manage to get as sick as I did.
My heart just so goes out to you!
Posted by tizza on February 4, 2006, at 18:41:50
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by dancingstar on February 4, 2006, at 13:05:03
Just found this thread, I have been effexor free for 5 months now and I feel great. I read the earlier posts and you were right about the taper process. I did a 6 week taper from 75mg and was fine during it but as soon as I stopped, KABOOM!!! I went through exactly everything you guys did, pure hell! It lasted for about a months but I was feeling pretty good after 2 weeks, the second 2 weeks was so much better but I still got brain zaps and vertigo during this period but I was able to function fine. I just like to pop in here from time to time to let people know that it does stop and with time you will be ok. I did find benadryl liquid helped to smooth out the vertigo and spins a little but aside from that you just have to ride it out. Good luck to you all, I know what you're going through and you are not alone. Take care Paul
Posted by benbetter on February 5, 2006, at 11:19:22
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by tizza on February 4, 2006, at 18:41:50
I think I missed the post yesterday... Sorry... I forgot.
Today I think is day 16?
Well I typed out a list of what I do when the bottom drops out and then I some how lost it.... I am a really bad typer... So I had to let it slide .. Maybe I will do it tonight.
So anyhow... I am Feeling pretty good.. But as the notes before this indicate... I still have the spins and they have been slightly more active his weekend.. It is still ok... I dont feel like week 1 is coming back but... I hope I dont have to deal with this for 6 months. What ever it takes I guess. Oh yeah... I swear to you I am now getting a case of he stupids.. It is crazy.. I forget what i am saying non stop... and driving.... I am putting more miles on my car now than ever before... I can never remeber where I am going... Senile? I am not that old yet. This week has really been crazy that way..
More later BMc
Posted by benbetter on February 5, 2006, at 11:45:16
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 5, 2006, at 11:19:22
Wifofarmguy...
What is goin on? Things getting better? I hope so... Keep in touch
Posted by benbetter on February 5, 2006, at 11:50:42
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 5, 2006, at 11:45:16
Dancing star... Read yor posts.. sounds like a real hoot. I didnt read any parts of the stupids taking over your brain... Did they ever come to visit or could you fight them off?
Once they came how long did they stay? I feel like every word I have used starts with Duh..
Posted by elkat on February 5, 2006, at 23:13:30
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by dancingstar on February 4, 2006, at 13:05:03
A couple of years ago I went into a "rehab" and went off 150 mg of effexor, 4 mg of xanax XR and 30 mg of remeron cold turkey. It was very, very dangerous, and what I went through for about two weeks was absolutely incredible. No detox meds, these people would not even give me a tylenol. It was the worst. Don't let this happen to you. I don't think the remeron was any big deal, but other two - that was something else.
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