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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 63. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jubilee on February 14, 2005, at 7:52:53
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 18:52:58
My heart so goes out to all of you suffering with the very painful affects of effexor withdrawal. Hang in there and give yourselves alot of credit for surviving withdrawals..
I have been off effexor for over a month and the only thing I am suffering from is a total identity crisis. The last 4 years on effexor I was hypermanic and a serious insomniac fighting sleep with every ounce of strength ,even though I took a strong med to go to sleep , like serequil.
My son once explained to me once why people on crank(speed) don't sleep. He said the speed tells them that they are dying and and feel the need to get things done , so they stay up days. The way I fought sleep was insane. Now I enjoy sleeping alot.now I am very calm but not really motivated much about anything. I am on welbutrin . I am eating more . I am having very few angry outbursts now and I am in alot more control to use the energy for something possitive like cleaning my house. I am not overemotional anymore.
So thats where I am at. Again I suggest going as slow off effexor as possible . I was blessed to have a large bottle of meds when I decided to go off, and I got hope on the internet one day as I almost died from a stroke one time. Really scared me. The other time I almost got locked up for swearing at a Dr. as I tended to swear alot in withdrawal. I had tripple vision 2 weeks that time and couldnt drive. It came on me on a long blank piece of freeway and I was all over the road and lucky I didn't kill myself.
One guy said 4 months with trancs as I was literally stuck on that med.
I wish you all the best. Jubilee
Posted by dancingstar on February 15, 2005, at 11:52:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 18:52:58
Thanks, Damos. I'm actually doing pretty well, I'd say about 85 percent better than where you are.
You want to really laugh and cry, check this one out. I found it in the middle of the night when I was feeling as bad as you are now:
http://www.socialaudit.org.uk/_disc//messages/23/83.html?SundayDecember2620040253am
Feel better soon!!
Posted by brainshiver on February 15, 2005, at 11:52:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Damos, posted by dancingstar on February 13, 2005, at 20:35:46
Hiya! Brainshiver is back. I'm on Day 10 of switching from 150mg to 75mg. I'm happy to report I'm doing MUCH better now. Most of the disgustingly horrid withdrawal symptoms I felt on days 3,4,and 5 are pretty much gone. Still got the dyslexia going on though. And trouble communicating basic thoughts. I can handle that though.
Still am having amazingly vivid bizarre dreams. And last night I woke up 3 or 4 times absolutely SOAKED with sweat. The first time I woke up I had to remove my clothes. The second time I had to move over to the other side of my bed because my sheets were so wet!! I even needed to grab a different pillow! The third and fourth times I just sucked it up (okay I got a little angry) tossed and turned and managed to fall back asleep in my now very swampy bed.
I'm a bit pooped out today, and I reason that it's because of last night's marathon I apparently participated in while I was sleeping. What I'm wondering is how many of you dealt with this sweating issue and how long did it last?
Also, my plan was to be on 75mg for about a month and taper again and/or get off this evil drug. Any suggestions as to what I should do? Should I go down to 37.5mg for a month or go from 75mg to 0? I understand that it might be better to taper to 37.5, but then I get the pleasure of dealing withdrawals 2 more times. EEEEEEEEK! How many of you out there went from 75mg to 0?
Take care everybody!
Keep doin' it one day at a time, and keep hope alive!
Posted by SLS on February 15, 2005, at 14:29:25
In reply to Sweatin' like a son-of-a-gun!, posted by brainshiver on February 15, 2005, at 8:03:04
> Hiya! Brainshiver is back. I'm on Day 10 of switching from 150mg to 75mg.
Maybe a 50% drop is too much for you. It would have been interesting to see how you would have done at 112.5mg instead or 75mg. 50% is a big number.
Likewise, going from 75mg to 37.5 is a 50% decrease. You could try going to 18.75 three times a day for a week and then to 18.75 twice a day. If you can manage it, you could cut the tablets even smaller (I nibble off small pieces) and continue 2-3 times a day until you are ready to take the last step to 0mg. The idea is to avoid the withdrawal syndrome completely until full cessation, wherein the magnitude of the final withdrawal symptoms are minimal. Of course, this is might not work for you.
Alternatively, you can discuss with your doctor using Prozac to help wean you off of Effexor. Prozac acts like a surrogate for Effexor. Because its half-life is as long as a week (compared to 5-7 hours for Effexor), the taper is much less steep. Some people can actually take a single 20mg dose of Prozac followed by a 10mg dose a week later. I wish I could give you a personal account of how best to do this, but I've never needed to use this strategy.
If you decide to drop from 75mg to 0mg, perhaps you can try using something to mitigate the withdrawal symptoms. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) has been suggested. I have seen others, but I would rather hear from others regarding what have been their personal experiences.
I don't think it is necessary for you to suffer through two more severe episodes of withdrawal. You can either taper more slowly, use Prozac as a temporary substitute, or treat the symptoms using other medications.
- Scott
Posted by Damos on February 15, 2005, at 23:42:03
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by brainshiver on February 11, 2005, at 7:07:25
Day 10 and emotionally flat as. Feel like if anyone even looks at me the wrong way (any way) I'm gonna go to pieces. Could be not having slept more than 2 hours any of the last 10 days. Can't exercise as my balance is still a little off. Can't meditate because of the zapps and flashing lights. Can't read more than a couple of pages without my eyes and head hurting something severe. Yep, the novelty has definitely worn off.
Hope you're all doing okay as I think of you often.
P.S: Sorry for such a grumpy post =0)
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 15, 2005, at 23:42:03
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 15, 2005, at 16:25:15
Seems like it always gets worse before it gets better. Remember, take each day, each hour or minute, as it comes. Feel free to scream at the screen if you want to :-). It takes a while for your system to readjust. Don't be angry with yourself or your body - this isn't your fault. Just take care of yourself, and keep us posted.
BTW, grumpy is fine. You're entitled!
> Day 10 and emotionally flat as. Feel like if anyone even looks at me the wrong way (any way) I'm gonna go to pieces. Could be not having slept more than 2 hours any of the last 10 days. Can't exercise as my balance is still a little off. Can't meditate because of the zapps and flashing lights. Can't read more than a couple of pages without my eyes and head hurting something severe. Yep, the novelty has definitely worn off.
>
> Hope you're all doing okay as I think of you often.
>
> P.S: Sorry for such a grumpy post =0)
Posted by Damos on February 15, 2005, at 23:42:03
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Damos, posted by Jiggitykid on February 15, 2005, at 17:04:49
Thanks! =0) For a sneak peek at my most secret self:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/write/20050211/msgs/458328.html
Posted by dancingstar on February 15, 2005, at 23:49:44
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Damos, posted by Jiggitykid on February 15, 2005, at 17:04:49
I'm having a meeting tomorrow.
:-)Hoooooooraaaaayyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!
Bebe0217@aol.com. I'll send out details afterwards. Write me if you need to know and you are not on my list.
Posted by Damos on February 20, 2005, at 16:26:28
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by dancingstar on February 15, 2005, at 23:44:10
Well, here we are at Day 15 and life has returned to its normal abnormality. Still having the occassional zapps and still got some eye troubles but have been reading again for a few days with no major problems (there is a God!). Tried a little exercise yesterday and it took around 2 mins for my eyes to go out of focus and they stayed that way till about 30mins after I'd finished (gentle walk on a treadmill). Apart from that I'm feelling a little aggro on occassions, which is something I've never experienced before. Oh and I think my current 15 year relationship is now officially damaged beyond all repair - but that's life I guess.
Hope you're all doing okay. Take care
Posted by hotdogger69 on February 21, 2005, at 5:53:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jubilee on February 13, 2005, at 21:38:02
Hi all
I am joining the club in the Effexor withdrawal bandwagon.
It's a most unpleasant experience and I would not wish it on anyone. I have been on effoxor for over 6-7 years since it was released. And I have been taking 37.5 mg during that eraly period. The last 3 years have been only a maintenance dose ov half a tablet. I have never taken the Effexor XR. The doc has said that the amount I have been on has only been enough to stop the side effects and that his all.
I am 1 month into my final tapering regime. I am on a pathetic 1/8 of a tablet and every 2 days and still feel the effects of it due to the longevity of my useage....bottom line I get the usual symptoms, brain zaps, cant see propely, light prolbe,mm shales, cant frive, headaches, nasuea imbalance and cant find the right words to say in certain situations.in fact I am surprised I can even type this... ;-) NEVER take it again, never recommend it to anyone,,its a dog of a drug that never helped me anyway.........Wyeth need a class action lawsuit on this one....
][ce
My heart so goes out to all of you suffering with the very painful affects of effexor withdrawal. Hang in there and give yourselves alot of credit for surviving withdrawals..
>
> I have been off effexor for over a month and the only thing I am suffering from is a total identity crisis. The last 4 years on effexor I was hypermanic and a serious insomniac fighting sleep with every ounce of strength ,even though I took a strong med to go to sleep , like serequil.
> My son once explained to me once why people on crank(speed) don't sleep. He said the speed tells them that they are dying and and feel the need to get things done , so they stay up days. The way I fought sleep was insane. Now I enjoy sleeping alot.
>
> now I am very calm but not really motivated much about anything. I am on welbutrin . I am eating more . I am having very few angry outbursts now and I am in alot more control to use the energy for something possitive like cleaning my house. I am not overemotional anymore.
>
> So thats where I am at. Again I suggest going as slow off effexor as possible . I was blessed to have a large bottle of meds when I decided to go off, and I got hope on the internet one day as I almost died from a stroke one time. Really scared me. The other time I almost got locked up for swearing at a Dr. as I tended to swear alot in withdrawal. I had tripple vision 2 weeks that time and couldnt drive. It came on me on a long blank piece of freeway and I was all over the road and lucky I didn't kill myself.
>
> One guy said 4 months with trancs as I was literally stuck on that med.
>
> I wish you all the best. Jubilee
Posted by SLS on February 21, 2005, at 7:39:16
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by hotdogger69 on February 21, 2005, at 5:53:39
Hi.
> It's a most unpleasant experience and I would not wish it on anyone.
> I am 1 month into my final tapering regime.
> I am on a pathetic 1/8 of a tablet and every 2 days and still feel the effects of it due to the longevity of my useage
I think you would be better off either taking very small amounts of Effexor twice a day or quit it all together. I believe you are just protracting your withdrawal syndrome and suffering unnecessarily.
Some people have suggested taking Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to mitigate the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. I never tried it myself.
- Scott
Posted by pyromelana402000 on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:29
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by brainshiver on February 10, 2005, at 7:12:21
Anybody: Help!: Just found this site. I have been on 375 for about a year. Quit cold turkey. Didn't think twice about it. Idiot me failed to call my already cool doc first...didn't want to bother him. Thought I was getting sinus infection. Didn't know there were any withdrawl sypmtoms. Thought I had flew for last 4 days. Can barely type this thing. Is that what is going on withdrawls?? Yikes. I can't hardly take care of myself. Should I go back on ASAP on call doc manana??? HELP I feel like I should be in the Hospital or something..never felt this bad my entire life!!!!!!!!!!!P
Posted by Damos on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:29
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by pyromelana402000 on February 20, 2005, at 15:38:28
Hi, hope you're doing okay. As you'll see from the other posts here cold turkey is not a good idea at any dose, but at 375mg it is a seriously bad idea. Yes what you're experiencing is likely to be withdrawal and if you've read our other posts you'll see that there is a lot of other stuff aside from the flu feeling. Yes, I would talk to your doc. You need to be real careful how you get of this stuff.
Stay in touch hey!
Posted by pyromelana402000 on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 20, 2005, at 15:55:02
Me again, those darn flu/flew(whoops) symptoms. I was never supposed to go off Effexor. I think I better stay on it until I speak to my Doc tomorrow. I NEVER knew until today that people were having these problems. What is Claritin "suposed" to do? Thanks
Posted by Damos on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by pyromelana402000 on February 20, 2005, at 16:21:19
Hiya,
Claritin is an antihistamine so helps with the itching, headaches and runny nose etc. I you are gonna cut down (after talking to your doc) do it real slow okay.
Take care Damos
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by pyromelana402000 on February 20, 2005, at 16:21:19
Pray your doctor believes you and knows about the withdrawal. Many of us here have had NO support from the medical community. Print out some of the testimonials here and take them to your doctor. If your doc doesn't believe you, find a new doc.
Hang in there! I stopped cold-turkey and went through hell.
> Me again, those darn flu/flew(whoops) symptoms. I was never supposed to go off Effexor. I think I better stay on it until I speak to my Doc tomorrow. I NEVER knew until today that people were having these problems. What is Claritin "suposed" to do? Thanks
Posted by Braveheart on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » pyromelana402000, posted by Jiggitykid on February 20, 2005, at 16:56:28
My Doctor here in Scotland wouldn't accept advice off this or any other site so am doing it myself - am down to one 75mg every 2nd day now - but very very angry girl - and was quite down yesterday - it is as if i'm depressed again - but know full well i'm not!!
All the best but get straight back to Docs - don't go Cold Turkey!! - its hard enough coming down - i'm down from 225mg a day in a month and thats been hard enough.
All the best anyway.
Posted by boatsie on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Braveheart on February 20, 2005, at 17:03:19
oh it was so good to log into my email and see all these posts. I have been tappering off effexor since june, down from300 mgs and am now at 112.5., this started 1 1/2 weeks ago. I am diagnosed with severe recurrent depression and have been on meds f/t for 10 years. i have oterh drugs to come off once i whip this one
today is the worst day. i feel so depressed and lethargic. my doctor (psychiatrist) is so afraid that i will replapse and that the depressin will rear its head even worse than before ... she speaks of a wildfire in my brain and that this is what i am playing with. i trust my doctor and she has reluctantly supported me through this experience.
i am just really hating myself today. i thoughty the weight wold come off at least a little by now but instead i am eating sweets and drinking coco cola more than ever and smoking! i feel as tho i am trying to destroy myself.i keep thinking that the people who chat here don't have as severe a case as I had .... is there anyone out there who was SEVERELY, at times psychotically depressed?
I have little support, divorced last year (i'm convinced now that all the meds destroyed my marriage) and my daughter is off in college and who wants to worry her? she has some signs of depression emerging now which terrifies me.sorry to vent like this. i just feel terrified and so alone.
> My Doctor here in Scotland wouldn't accept advice off this or any other site so am doing it myself - am down to one 75mg every 2nd day now - but very very angry girl - and was quite down yesterday - it is as if i'm depressed again - but know full well i'm not!!
>
> All the best but get straight back to Docs - don't go Cold Turkey!! - its hard enough coming down - i'm down from 225mg a day in a month and thats been hard enough.
>
> All the best anyway.
Posted by Braveheart on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:32
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by boatsie on February 20, 2005, at 17:11:37
> Listen Boatsie - Use the site all you need - we've all been there in some form or another - the most important tool you have to beat this is 'YOU' - every time u have a negative thought - try and reverse it and make it positive - that is the key to beating depression. As for drinking and eating - i am grossly overweight - but small changes help - swap the coke for diet coke - better still caffeine free diet coke - treat yourself to a smoothie maker and some exotic fruit and make some amazing smoothies - makes u feel so much better than chocolate - and that is advice from the world's no.1 chocaholic!! If your psychiatrist is going on about fearing a re-lapse - change dr.s - she should be being positive with you - negativity is and causes depression - have you read the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy book by Dr.Burns - super book - saved mine and many, many other lives - especially as we all become drug free!!
All the best - and keep that positivity flowing!!
PS - and stop beating yourself up about the smoking - one thing at a time!
Posted by pyromelana402000 on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:32
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Braveheart on February 20, 2005, at 17:31:42
Thanks for the input everyone. I had no idea. I was put on Effexor to try and ease physical pain associated with a broken back(secondary indication?). I agree that if this is somewhat common there is a real issue of "informed consent" in my book. This is crazy!!! It sounds like a lot of folks are better off treating depression without this crap. Does anyone have a feel for how widespread these withdrawls are??? I just checked the P.I. and the company does not shy away from the fact that you could have all these withdrawl symptoms....severity is obviously not addressed....P
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:33
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Braveheart on February 20, 2005, at 17:31:42
Not to mention the new 7up Plus. I really like it. It gives me the fizzy kick I want, but has calcium, vitamin C, no sugar, no caffeine, a great flavor; I also like the sugar-free Hershey's candies that are available in most grocery stores now. I also found a great replacement for Cheetos. It is called Pirate Booty (I know, weird name) and it is GOOD. It actually has FIBER in it, is low carb, low fat, sugar-free; yummy.
>
>
> > Listen Boatsie - Use the site all you need - we've all been there in some form or another - the most important tool you have to beat this is 'YOU' - every time u have a negative thought - try and reverse it and make it positive - that is the key to beating depression. As for drinking and eating - i am grossly overweight - but small changes help - swap the coke for diet coke - better still caffeine free diet coke - treat yourself to a smoothie maker and some exotic fruit and make some amazing smoothies - makes u feel so much better than chocolate - and that is advice from the world's no.1 chocaholic!! If your psychiatrist is going on about fearing a re-lapse - change dr.s - she should be being positive with you - negativity is and causes depression - have you read the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy book by Dr.Burns - super book - saved mine and many, many other lives - especially as we all become drug free!!
>
> All the best - and keep that positivity flowing!!
>
> PS - and stop beating yourself up about the smoking - one thing at a time!
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:33
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by pyromelana402000 on February 20, 2005, at 17:44:47
It doesn't shy away NOW. Back when most of us were taking it for the first time, there was NO mention of withdrawal, nor was there mention of any of the side-effects that most of us experienced. As awful as what you are going through/facing is, you're lucky that you have the opportunity to draw on our vast experience and wisdom (LOL). Seriously, though, this is a wonderful, supportive community, and I'm glad you've found it. Please, look through the archives and sign the petition.
> Thanks for the input everyone. I had no idea. I was put on Effexor to try and ease physical pain associated with a broken back(secondary indication?). I agree that if this is somewhat common there is a real issue of "informed consent" in my book. This is crazy!!! It sounds like a lot of folks are better off treating depression without this crap. Does anyone have a feel for how widespread these withdrawls are??? I just checked the P.I. and the company does not shy away from the fact that you could have all these withdrawl symptoms....severity is obviously not addressed....P
Posted by boatsie on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:35
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Braveheart on February 20, 2005, at 17:31:42
thank you so much for responding. i am doing all the work i possibly can in terms of meditation, food supplements, exercising. when i have days like this one, when i am totally all alone all day becuase of depression it is hard to have any hope... i just keep thining its coming back, its coming back. oh my god its coming back and as much as i try to believe all of your i just think it won't work for me. thank you.
>
>
> > Listen Boatsie - Use the site all you need - we've all been there in some form or another - the most important tool you have to beat this is 'YOU' - every time u have a negative thought - try and reverse it and make it positive - that is the key to beating depression. As for drinking and eating - i am grossly overweight - but small changes help - swap the coke for diet coke - better still caffeine free diet coke - treat yourself to a smoothie maker and some exotic fruit and make some amazing smoothies - makes u feel so much better than chocolate - and that is advice from the world's no.1 chocaholic!! If your psychiatrist is going on about fearing a re-lapse - change dr.s - she should be being positive with you - negativity is and causes depression - have you read the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy book by Dr.Burns - super book - saved mine and many, many other lives - especially as we all become drug free!!
>
> All the best - and keep that positivity flowing!!
>
> PS - and stop beating yourself up about the smoking - one thing at a time!
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 21, 2005, at 8:18:44
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » pyromelana402000, posted by Jiggitykid on February 20, 2005, at 19:09:29
> the petition.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding petitions to Psycho-Babble Social. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050215/msgs/461194.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by ladylizbug on February 21, 2005, at 20:37:14
In reply to Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey, posted by mintsi1v3r on February 4, 2005, at 20:11:27
Hey I am going through about the same thing you are. I think I have a good mind set for quitting effexor. It is mid-Monday and I haven't taken my effexor since Saturday. I feel perfectly fine. I would like to talk to you if you don't mind e-mailing me at ladylizbug@yahoo.com or giving me your e-mail address. Thanks!
> I just want to let everyone know that it has been 3 days since i cut off effexor cold turkey and i have been doing great. Things are getting better and better, which is alot different from the posts that i have been reading from others.
>
> I was on effexor dosage of 225 mg and have been on it for almost 2 years. It has been 3 days, and yes, there are withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, brain zaps, stomach pains.. all of which are minimal when comparing to how i feel mentally - GREAT. I AM HAPPY AND RELIEVED to be finally off the drug. I know it has only been 3 days but the symptoms are already starting to wear off.
>
> The best advice i can give to someone considering to stop taking the medicine is to keep a positive mind set. I know it sounds cliche but like with everything else in life, a situation is as good as u see it, and u are only as happy as u make urself be. All i am trying to say is that it is 90% mental. Things will look alot better if u focus on a positive.
>
> I was almost going to panic a couple days ago when i read posts about people saying it was the "worst part of their life" or they were about to go crazy. So if u are planning to quit effexor, i'd suggest to not read those posts are take it very lightly, for if i can do it, so can all of u.
>
> GOOD LUCK and god bless.
>
>
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Script revised: February 4, 2008
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