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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rhonda on May 7, 2000, at 8:16:23
Its been 5 weeks, and I still have some symptoms from effexor withdrawal, such as brain pauses, thats what I call them, you know the funny feeling in your brain that last for a few seconds. Also I still have the pain and cramps in my legs. My legs feel so heavy and stiff all the time. My dr. decided friday to put me on Neurontin she says its a brain cooler. Has anyone ever heard of it? If so please tell me what you know. In so many words she kind of blew off my withdrawal symptoms, but if she didnt beleive me, then why give me neurontin?
Posted by Cam W. on May 7, 2000, at 9:48:01
In reply to Effexor withdrawal, posted by Rhonda on May 7, 2000, at 8:16:23
Rhonda - More and more, doctors are hearing of withdrawl symptoms with some of the shorter acting antidepressants (eg Paxil and especiall Effexor). I believe that they do not realize how sensitive to these effects some people can be. A vast majority of people can stop Effexor with no problem, but some people can not get off of it after six months of trying, even at ultra-low doses (you are obviously not one of these people; you are just one of the sensitive ones).I kinda find Neurontin to be an interesting choice. Your doc may be kinda forward thinking. Neurotin is an antiepileptic, but is used in many conditions (eg as a mood stabilizer and for many refractory pain disorders). It's effects can be subtle and it doesn't work for everyone, but I think it may be worth a try. A low dose may relieve your symptoms and you would only have to take it short term for the withdrawl; probably up to a month at most.
Keep us posted with your progress, this sounds like it might work. Sincerely - Cam
Posted by Cindy W on May 7, 2000, at 20:36:00
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by Cam W. on May 7, 2000, at 9:48:01
>
> Rhonda - More and more, doctors are hearing of withdrawl symptoms with some of the shorter acting antidepressants (eg Paxil and especiall Effexor). I believe that they do not realize how sensitive to these effects some people can be. A vast majority of people can stop Effexor with no problem, but some people can not get off of it after six months of trying, even at ultra-low doses (you are obviously not one of these people; you are just one of the sensitive ones).
>
> I kinda find Neurontin to be an interesting choice. Your doc may be kinda forward thinking. Neurotin is an antiepileptic, but is used in many conditions (eg as a mood stabilizer and for many refractory pain disorders). It's effects can be subtle and it doesn't work for everyone, but I think it may be worth a try. A low dose may relieve your symptoms and you would only have to take it short term for the withdrawl; probably up to a month at most.
>
> Keep us posted with your progress, this sounds like it might work. Sincerely - CamCam, I have been taking Effexor-XR 375 mg/day, and have still been trouble sleeping, even with lots of melatonin. So today, I tried decreasing to only 300 mg/day of Effexor-XR. But I don't feel any different (?). When do I start having the withdrawal? Will see how it goes, and will go back to 375 mg/day if I have to (if the withdrawal symptoms are intolerable, or if the OCD rears its ugly head, or I feel more depressed).
Posted by Cam W. on May 7, 2000, at 21:12:15
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by Cindy W on May 7, 2000, at 20:36:00
Cindy - Effexor withdrawl syndrome is probably a serotonin problem. You would not expect it to start until you are weaned to doses of less than 150mg or 225mg per day. Most people have their problems start at the 75mg or 37.5mg level, or as they are trying to take lower than this dose.Normally, the withdrawl syndrome occurs within a day or two of stopping Effexor completely. Some people are very sensitive and the withdrawl symptoms can be felt about 8 to 12 hours after a missed dose. Everyone reacts in an individual manner. You may not even experience any withdrawl symptoms. The withdrawl symptoms are generally worse and occur quicker with the regular, rather than the XR form of Effexor.
It is a good idea to play the reduced dosage thing by ear and watch for any return of OCD symptoms. Also, be sure to tell your doc that you are doing this. It is always good for someone else to know when you change a medication regimen, just in case you have an adverse reaction of some sort and are not able to tell about the dosage change after the fact (this is usually more important when you raise a dose without telling your doctor).
Hope this helps - Cam
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