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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by anneL on January 11, 2005, at 23:55:04
A question suggested by my pdoc as I struggle and fail repeatedly to get off of Effexor.
So, I tell my Pdoc, "Because I want to." Nothing more, nothing less. I don't bother to rehash how I ended up on Effexor over five years ago because I was moderately depressed (for a very good reason) and my GP said, "Hey take these samples".
Anger and apathy are a very strange combination. Anyone who has experienced this on Effexor or any other psychopharm drug will relate. I simply cannot function with hallucinogenic nightmares and extreme, debilitating fatigue that occur with any decrease in my dose.
Although I do not know what the future will bring, when I think that I may still be on this medication until I die (I am 44 so ostensibly I have a long way to go), I feel so defeated and angry.
I feel so envious of others being able to get off of Effexor and feel what is wrong with me? Why can't I even make it to 150 mg?
Can another seratogenic drug in place of Effexor, perhaps with the addition of Wellbutrin help me get off of this medication? Thank you in advance for any insights, ideas, suggestions.
:( anneL
Posted by tensor on January 12, 2005, at 6:56:56
In reply to Why fix it if it's not broken?, posted by anneL on January 11, 2005, at 23:55:04
Hi Anne,
I took effexor in the past, i went off it very smoothly by starting remeron at the same time. No problems at all.
What kind of withdrawal symptoms do you experience?Kind regards,
Mattias
Posted by banga on January 12, 2005, at 11:27:56
In reply to Re: Why fix it if it's not broken? » anneL, posted by tensor on January 12, 2005, at 6:56:56
From what I understand, it's common practice to use another SSRI--like Prozac--to help with withdrawal symptoms of meds such as Paxil, another bugger to get off of. I can't tell you personal experience on that, but that's what I hear quite often.
Your pdoc doesn't sound very helpful. Andy chance to go to someone else?
Posted by anneL on January 12, 2005, at 15:23:34
In reply to Re: Why fix it if it's not broken? » anneL, posted by tensor on January 12, 2005, at 6:56:56
Hi Mattias,
1. Dream-awake state, very similar to sensation of "sleep paralysis". No nightmares, just a 8 hour Technicolor dream that goes on and on. Frequent awakening in order to consciously "shift" to another dream or just sleep. Restlessness with arms and legs, danger to my husband with flailing arms/legs, constant talking in my sleep.
2. Extreme fatigue due to poor sleep quality and
I would imagine decreased seratonin levels?3. Depressed mood with thoughts of suicide. Thoughts that pop up in my head for no apparent reason. The thoughts are not frightening, but very convincing that I am in the grips of an extreme depression. It takes me several hours to realize that it is the Effexor withdrawal. This is how believable the depressive state is.
I am also on Klonopin 1 mg. at night which I started at the same time as the Effexor in order to squelch the severe anxiety/panic I was experiencing due to "start-up" side effects. I am dependent on Klonopin, meaning that if I don't take it, I experience severe rebound/withdrawal.
How did Remeron help you? I have tried Wellbutrin for 30 days, but it makes me feel almost but not quite "scared". I do like the activation, makes me feel better than apathy, but caffiene makes me feel like I can't live within my own skin.
Will Remeron make me too dopey/sleepy? It is already difficult to clear my head from the Klonopin-induced AM fog.
Thank you, Mattias. :) anneL
Posted by anneL on January 12, 2005, at 15:32:11
In reply to Re: Why fix it if it's not broken?, posted by banga on January 12, 2005, at 11:27:56
Hi,
You are correct, my pdoc is not brilliant in any sense of the word. I would accept competent, but he is neither. I am stuck with an HMO which I am afraid leaves me with the left-overs and has-beens. Perhaps this sounds harsh, but this has been my experience.
I have another appt. with a new pdoc in February.
I need a plan that will put another medication in place that will allow me to gradually step down in dose. I don't mind if it takes a year.Any suggestions? My current pdoc did not know how to add another seratogenic medication to Effexor so he recommended cognitive therapy. I still fail to see how CBT will get me off of Effexor without undue suffering. :) anneL
Posted by tensor on January 12, 2005, at 15:53:43
In reply to Re: Why fix it if it's not broken? » tensor, posted by anneL on January 12, 2005, at 15:23:34
Hi Anne!
> 1. Dream-awake state, very similar to sensation of "sleep paralysis". No nightmares, just a 8 hour Technicolor dream that goes on and on. Frequent awakening in order to consciously "shift" to another dream or just sleep. Restlessness with arms and legs, danger to my husband with flailing arms/legs, constant talking in my sleep.
>
> 2. Extreme fatigue due to poor sleep quality and
> I would imagine decreased seratonin levels?
>
> 3. Depressed mood with thoughts of suicide. Thoughts that pop up in my head for no apparent reason. The thoughts are not frightening, but very convincing that I am in the grips of an extreme depression. It takes me several hours to realize that it is the Effexor withdrawal. This is how believable the depressive state is.I recognize the vivid dreams from when i was taking effexor, but not the withdrawal symptoms that you have. That sounds hoorible!! As i said maybe it could be worth a try to start remeron(30mg) as soon as you quit effexor.
> I am also on Klonopin 1 mg. at night which I started at the same time as the Effexor in order to squelch the severe anxiety/panic I was experiencing due to "start-up" side effects. I am dependent on Klonopin, meaning that if I don't take it, I experience severe rebound/withdrawal.I take klonopin too, 2mg at morning.
> How did Remeron help you? I have tried Wellbutrin for 30 days, but it makes me feel almost but not quite "scared". I do like the activation, makes me feel better than apathy, but caffiene makes me feel like I can't live within my own skin.
Remeron was very activating, a few days at 30mg and i had a complete recovery from the depression. Felt like i was pumped up with adrenalin, i later went down to 15mg which in addition to more normal noradrenaline levels didn't give me problems with weight gain.
> Will Remeron make me too dopey/sleepy? It is already difficult to clear my head from the Klonopin-induced AM fog.
I've never had problems with that, it will make you heavily sedated/drowsy but that's perfect. Taken at bedtime it also acts as a sleeping med(better than benzo-type), the sedation will subside in a couple of hours, so i experience no daytime sedation/drowsiness.
>Thank you, Mattias. :) anneL
You're welcome.
/Mattias
Posted by anneL on January 13, 2005, at 6:58:10
In reply to Re: Why fix it if it's not broken? » anneL, posted by tensor on January 12, 2005, at 15:53:43
Hi Mattias,
I want to thank you for your help and suggestions. I have never tried Remeron and maybe this could help with what I consider to be a high sensitivity to even very small decreases in Effexor.
I have heard of people experiencing severe reactions when they reach the last 37.5 mg. or forget to take a full dose, but not stepping down ever so slowly. Again, Mattias, thank you so much for your thoughtful replies. :) anneL
This is the end of the thread.
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