![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 26 to 50 of 63. Go back in thread:
Posted by CarlaL48 on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:47
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 14, 2005, at 15:02:19
February, 24, 2005
I am on Day 17 of cold turkey withdrawal from Effexor XR 150, after five years on the drug. The withdrawal has been hell, but getting progressively better by the week - the tiredness, brain fog, diarrhea, nightmares and headaches are less.
But yesterday, I began feeling so achy, like I was getting the flu. I almost called my husband to take me to the hospital, but went to bed, instead. Fortunately, was able to sleep without the same degree of vibrant nightmares, and do feel a little better today.
In the past, I tried withdrawal, but after a week, while feeling somewhat better, I was so down, I went right back to Effexor. At the time, I didn't know that I was still experiencing withdrawal, or I never would have gone back.
This drug was slowly killing me. Sure, I didn't feel depressed. Fact is, I didn't feel much of anything. Just lethargy and killing time until tomorrow and then tomorrow and then tomorrow. I didn't feel like doing anything. I didn't want to get out of bed in the morning because I'd have to look at more time to kill and call it a day. (I didn't recognize this as depressing, because I never felt sad or cried all the time.)
Anyway, even with this hellish withdrawal, my mind is finding things to do (when withdrawal symptoms allow)that give me joy and a purpose to get out of bed. From that standpoint alone, this withdrawal is worth it.
I hope I will be able to spend the rest of my life free of psychotropic drugs, however, should I need something in the future, it surely won't be Effexor.
God bless you all.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by CarlaL48 on February 24, 2005, at 12:27:14
It is so wonderful to hear that you are coming out of the tunnel of hell!! Enjoy life as it comes back to you in all of its technicolor beauty! Take care!
> February, 24, 2005
>
> I am on Day 17 of cold turkey withdrawal from Effexor XR 150, after five years on the drug. The withdrawal has been hell, but getting progressively better by the week - the tiredness, brain fog, diarrhea, nightmares and headaches are less.
>
> But yesterday, I began feeling so achy, like I was getting the flu. I almost called my husband to take me to the hospital, but went to bed, instead. Fortunately, was able to sleep without the same degree of vibrant nightmares, and do feel a little better today.
>
> In the past, I tried withdrawal, but after a week, while feeling somewhat better, I was so down, I went right back to Effexor. At the time, I didn't know that I was still experiencing withdrawal, or I never would have gone back.
>
> This drug was slowly killing me. Sure, I didn't feel depressed. Fact is, I didn't feel much of anything. Just lethargy and killing time until tomorrow and then tomorrow and then tomorrow. I didn't feel like doing anything. I didn't want to get out of bed in the morning because I'd have to look at more time to kill and call it a day. (I didn't recognize this as depressing, because I never felt sad or cried all the time.)
>
> Anyway, even with this hellish withdrawal, my mind is finding things to do (when withdrawal symptoms allow)that give me joy and a purpose to get out of bed. From that standpoint alone, this withdrawal is worth it.
>
> I hope I will be able to spend the rest of my life free of psychotropic drugs, however, should I need something in the future, it surely won't be Effexor.
>
> God bless you all.
Posted by Damos on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by CarlaL48 on February 24, 2005, at 12:27:14
Hang in there Carla! Wishing you well with the rest of the withdrawal, hopefully the worst will be over soon. I too share you hopes for a drug free future.
Take good care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you.
Damos
Posted by CarlaL48 on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » CarlaL48, posted by Damos on February 24, 2005, at 19:47:25
Thanks so much, Damos. Now that I know you and the rest are here, it definitely buoys my courage.
God love you all.
Carla
Posted by Tuna on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by CarlaL48 on February 25, 2005, at 9:38:00
Does anyone think these symptoms are from withdrawal? Do they compare with what others have experienced?
-Strange headache, unlike any other I've ever had. I get a sudden wave of pressure and pain when I turn or lift my head which passes quickly. The annoyance is in its frequency- every couple of minutes. It is mostly on one side of my head, but not like a migraine. It almost feels like my brain is moving inside my skull but at a slower pace than my head- I turn my head and then my brain has to catch up.
-Dizziness, unlike the postural hypotension I experience with fibromyalgia. I am dizzy even just sitting or lying still.
-Fatigue, worse than what I experience with the fibro. If any of you have or are familiar with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, you have an idea of what I might mean.
I wasn't sure that I would experience withdrawal symptoms, nor was my doctor, because I was on a relatively small dose (75mg) for nine months. My doctor prescribed it last May or June for some situational anxiety and I probably would have stayed on it longer despite the sexual side effects, but my normally borderline total cholesterol shot up to 268. This is the funny (NOT) part- my doctor was going to send me to a nutritionist even though I already eat mostly vegetarian (fish and chicken once each a week, fat free yogurt the only dairy) until I read Wyeth's own premarketing studies on Effexor and cholesterol. I told him I wanted to quit the Effexor, was worried about withdrawal so he had me drop down to 37.5 mg for ten days. That ended four days ago. Now yesterday these weird symptoms started and they are worse today.
Any ideas, comments anyone?
Thanks in advance,
Tuna
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Tuna on February 25, 2005, at 13:38:03
Welcome to the club! These symptoms are part and parcel, but if you're concerned that something else might be going on, please call your doctor. I have fibromyalgia, too, and I TOTALLY understand the fatigue. Give yourself two weeks to get it all out of your system. After that, if you go according to the "average" calendar here, you'll begin to shake them, perhaps sooner if you're lucky. Just be careful driving, be careful on stairs, etc., because the dizziness is really something.
> Does anyone think these symptoms are from withdrawal? Do they compare with what others have experienced?
>
> -Strange headache, unlike any other I've ever had. I get a sudden wave of pressure and pain when I turn or lift my head which passes quickly. The annoyance is in its frequency- every couple of minutes. It is mostly on one side of my head, but not like a migraine. It almost feels like my brain is moving inside my skull but at a slower pace than my head- I turn my head and then my brain has to catch up.
>
> -Dizziness, unlike the postural hypotension I experience with fibromyalgia. I am dizzy even just sitting or lying still.
>
> -Fatigue, worse than what I experience with the fibro. If any of you have or are familiar with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, you have an idea of what I might mean.
>
> I wasn't sure that I would experience withdrawal symptoms, nor was my doctor, because I was on a relatively small dose (75mg) for nine months. My doctor prescribed it last May or June for some situational anxiety and I probably would have stayed on it longer despite the sexual side effects, but my normally borderline total cholesterol shot up to 268. This is the funny (NOT) part- my doctor was going to send me to a nutritionist even though I already eat mostly vegetarian (fish and chicken once each a week, fat free yogurt the only dairy) until I read Wyeth's own premarketing studies on Effexor and cholesterol. I told him I wanted to quit the Effexor, was worried about withdrawal so he had me drop down to 37.5 mg for ten days. That ended four days ago. Now yesterday these weird symptoms started and they are worse today.
>
> Any ideas, comments anyone?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Tuna
Posted by SLS on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Tuna, posted by Jiggitykid on February 25, 2005, at 13:55:04
Someone on the WITHDRAWAL board reported that using Claritin D worked to ameliorate withdrawal symptoms. Others have used Benadryl. The advantage to using Claritin is that it doesn't produce the sedation that sometimes accompanies Benadryl. However, Benadryl has been recommended by many for quite a while. If you do decide to go with Claritin D, be aware that the "D" stands for decongestant, for which pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient. Hopefully, regular Claritin would work just as well.
Please submit a report on the Withdrawal board if you discover anything that you find helpful.
Thanks.
Good luck!
- Scott
Posted by psi-chick on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » CarlaL48, posted by Jiggitykid on February 24, 2005, at 15:56:43
Great to find you here! Been on E for 5 years. Dropped from 75 to 37.5mg three weeks ago and now going to every other day to complete weaning.
IMO it is much better to wean, than cold turkey. Last time I stopped for 4 days I thought I was doing great, then realized I was manic-y as hell. A very good friend/therapist explained the "half-life" effect of this drug, and said you can come crashing down as much as two months after stopping, not realizing it is still withdrawal symptoms and not necessarily you.
I am noticing the HUGE impact that nutrition is having on my moods, especially sugar. I get angry, tired, and depressed, and can even "pass out" from too much, just like alcohol. (Stopped drinking nearly 20 years ago.
Just read a great article in Alternative Medicing magazine about a study done with Omega 3 fatty acids and depression. Very positive results for this and many other things.
My experience and belief too - we "depressives" are often very sensitive - emotionally, spiritually, and psychically - and there are many ways to use this sensitivity to our advantage, rather than medicating what can be a great asset.
Blessings and best wishes to all of you connecting to your true selves! Julia
Posted by debinfl on February 27, 2005, at 11:25:32
In reply to Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2005, at 7:55:48
hi everyone, i am on my second day without effexor. my doctor prescribed me wellbutrin. Has anyone tried this. I am having some of the withdrawal, like dizzy/cloudy head, nausea, itching (oh my gosh, does this drive you crazy?) I am glad to be getting off of this stuff but am not looking forward to what is to come. Why don't doctors tell patients of these withdrawal symptons and let us decide for ourselves whether we choose to feel this way? I am glad that this site is here, otherwise I might be going crazy about now. Debinfl
Posted by SLS on February 27, 2005, at 13:16:10
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by debinfl on February 26, 2005, at 15:36:43
How much Effexor had you been taking before you stopped completely?
You might be better off reintroducing the drug and tapering gradually off of it. The withdrawal symptoms really get worse three days after discontinuing the drug abruptly.
- Scott
Posted by msmardigra on February 27, 2005, at 15:01:29
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by debinfl on February 26, 2005, at 15:36:43
> hi everyone, i am on my second day without effexor. my doctor prescribed me wellbutrin. Has anyone tried this. I am having some of the withdrawal, like dizzy/cloudy head, nausea, itching (oh my gosh, does this drive you crazy?) I am glad to be getting off of this stuff but am not looking forward to what is to come. Why don't doctors tell patients of these withdrawal symptons and let us decide for ourselves whether we choose to feel this way? I am glad that this site is here, otherwise I might be going crazy about now. Debinfl
Hi Deb, and everyone else. I am new to this board but have read almost every post since the first one in 2003 in order to educate myself and learn if I was just crazy or if my feelings as of late were were related to the Effexor. A little history of my Effexor,XR history is this: I began E in Nov. '03 after the sudden, unexpected death of my partner (I have a history of chronic mild depression). At that time my pcp put me on 75mg, and after several months she upped it to 150mg (supposedly to help me sleep). Afer I informed her that I saw no difference between the 75 and the 150mg, she returned me to 75. I began counseling with a social worker in March, 2004 and still go. About 2 months ago my counselor suggested that I see a psych. dr to determine how my meds were interacting together ( I also take Lamictal daily for migraines, and Imatrex and Percoset for when I get headaches). I have had migranes since my teen years (I am now 52) and have battled being overweight since my early 20's. I saw the psydr. last month and gave him a history but also told him I was doing much, now seeing someone, but unhappy with my weight gain and the loss of my sex drive. He suggested I switch from Effexor to Wellbutrin. He gave me samples of 150 mg of the W and gave me a script for 37.5 mg of E, explainig that I would phase the E out as I phased the W in. After one week the W was increased to 300mg and I was to keep taking the new dosage of E for a month. This past Tues. (2/22) I saw the dr again and reported that everything was going great. He told me therefore to quit taking the Effexor, which I did. By the next afternoon I was geeting teary and fussy, and by Friday (day 3) almost all of the symptoms I have read about here had begun (except the eyeball thing). I didn't attribute it to withdrawals since my psycdr had mentioned NOTHING. Howeverafter screaming at my girlfriend yesterday, and crying uncontrollably much of yesterday and then again today from when I woke up until just a couple of hours ago. Fortunately, my gf had thought I was hving withdrawals, and had already gotten online and found this site. Today is Day 5 for me. After catching up, and reading the post of Effexor and Wellbutrin, I felt compelled to join and write this post. So thanks for bearing ith me through this long post, and please know how very grateful I am for each and everyone of you posting about your own experiences with Effexor. Thanks to you, I now understand where all this is coming from.
Posted by Damos on February 27, 2005, at 15:12:01
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by psi-chick on February 25, 2005, at 22:45:39
Hi,
Just wanted to say that I'd heard the same report about Omega3. I've actually been seeing an energetic healer (Reiki and the like) for a while now and find whatever she does really helps. Also been using Australian Bush Flower Essences and liquid Chlorophyll (blood tonic) and have found all of them help in there own way.
Take care hey.
Posted by CarlaL48 on March 1, 2005, at 10:14:22
In reply to Re: Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey » mintsi1v3r, posted by ladylizbug on February 21, 2005, at 13:24:57
I am on Day 22 of cold-turkey withdrawal from Effexor XR 150. Today and the last couple of days, I feel like I've reverted back to the end of week 1.
The brain fog won't quit. I'm still achy, my stomach hurts and the diarrhea seems worse. While the nightmares aren't as frequent or severe, they are still here - and I'm having trouble getting to sleep at night.
I have no energy and don't feel like doing anything.
I know this must still be withdrawal, but I need reassurance - so I don't run to my doctor and ask for some other mind-numbing antidepressant to get me through this.
God love you all.
Carla
Posted by Damos on March 1, 2005, at 14:50:42
In reply to Re: Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey, posted by CarlaL48 on March 1, 2005, at 10:14:22
Hi Carla,
I'm at day 24 now and the last few days have brought me a few new sensations that I can only put down to withdrawal as there is nothing else that has changed recently.
If you can imagine having a mobile (cell) phone that's set to vibrate in your right shoe and having it go off every few seconds zzzzzzzt, zzzzzt, zzzzzzt, that's one of the newys, usually lasts about 4 hours first thing in the morning. The other that hit Friday, Saturday and Sunday was like someone had reached inside and was wringing out everything in the right hand side of my torso like a wet dishcloth. This was accompanied by the sensation of molten metal being poured in to my chest cavity. Very pleasant. Actually spent a good hour on the floor each day the pain was so bad. The rest of the day just felt like someone had punched a hole between my shoulder blades and ripped all my organs out through the hole. Apart from that I had a lovely weekend :-)
Happy to report that the last fews apart from the foot thing have been good. Sleeping much better now and feeling less emotionally wobbly.
A leap from 150 is a big thing so I imagine your body is going to make absolutely sure you know it's not happy and to never ever do that to it again.
Hang in there and take good care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you.
Damos
Posted by heatheratx on March 1, 2005, at 23:48:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Heather33 on October 4, 2003, at 21:27:27
I have been taking Effexor XR for almost 4 years, and have worked up to a dose of 200 mg a day and i also have been taking Paxil 60 mg day for almost 2 years. If i wait too long between doses (LIKE NOW) because I WANT TO STOP having to take anti-depressents It feels like SH*T...numbness, tingling cold hot waves, a disconeected floating feeling...a BAD HIGH...so do I ran home and take the meds and feel better in a few hours??? I feel like an addict
Posted by SLS on March 2, 2005, at 8:09:54
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Heather33, posted by heatheratx on March 1, 2005, at 19:45:07
Hi.
Are you trying to discontinue any medication? I'm a bit confused by your post. Which drugs do you want to discontinue?
- Scott
> I have been taking Effexor XR for almost 4 years, and have worked up to a dose of 200 mg a day and i also have been taking Paxil 60 mg day for almost 2 years. If i wait too long between doses (LIKE NOW) because I WANT TO STOP having to take anti-depressents It feels like SH*T...numbness, tingling cold hot waves, a disconeected floating feeling...a BAD HIGH...so do I ran home and take the meds and feel better in a few hours??? I feel like an addict
Posted by debinfl on March 2, 2005, at 9:04:29
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » debinfl, posted by SLS on February 27, 2005, at 13:16:10
Hi, i have been off the effexorXR 150mg once a day for six days now. I called my doctor, told him of the symptons - he acted like he had never heard of having withdrawal from effexor. Do most doctors act like you are crazy, or just mine?
Posted by Damos on March 2, 2005, at 15:21:29
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by debinfl on March 2, 2005, at 9:04:29
> Hi, i have been off the effexorXR 150mg once a day for six days now. I called my doctor, told him of the symptons - he acted like he had never heard of having withdrawal from effexor. Do most doctors act like you are crazy, or just mine?
The consensus from what I have seen would be most. Stopping cold form 150mg is not a good idea if you want to avoid the worst of the side-effects, the most effective strategy is to wean off very slowly over a period of weeks months. Others have used other drugs to ease the withdrawal but I just wasn't going to introduce anything else into the mix.
You can do it cold, aint much fun but it can be done Jiggitykid did it from 300mg and survived and her experience and support has a huge help to so many of us. You'll know what you can and can't cope with. It's your body and your health so don't just leave the decisions up to your Dr. Print some of the posts out and take them with you if you need to just make sure the choices that are made are right for you.
Good Luck, Damos
Posted by debinfl on March 3, 2005, at 6:43:25
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » debinfl, posted by Damos on March 2, 2005, at 15:21:29
Thanks so much for your input. I, luckily have a very supportive family and have all read what this prescription "drug" can do to you. I guess what I am scared of, is if I, at this point, reintroduce this monster into my system, I will start all over again. I am just now starting to feel and think (a little bit better than six days ago). I have thought about starting 75 mg once a day but am so scared to. I guess what I do not understand, is why, if we as non doctors can find this information, why don't doctors? Are doctors so "tied up" in the pharmacutical companies that they don't even think or care about the research needed for their patients. I hope all of your are finding today better than yesterday. God bless - Debinfl
Posted by dotz on March 5, 2005, at 16:47:20
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by debinfl on March 3, 2005, at 6:43:25
Hi Dotz here.
Am on Effexor XR 18 months at 375mg for severe depression and post herpetic neuralgia. In my treatment release plan my Psychiatrist recommended being on it until later 2006 early 2007.
Interestingly, the psychologist suggested tapering off taking nearly a year, keeping a very simple diet with exercise - additionally he suggested staying on a tiny dosage at the end for an indefinite time, says for two reasons,
1. tiny dosage will help if their is a recurrence.
2. Will help with transition to next generation of SNRIs which will be a lot safer.This guy is good, (the Psychologist) but the psychiatrist was usless.... my 2c...
Posted by nickolai on January 4, 2006, at 22:45:25
In reply to Rest or Exercise while withdrawing??, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:13:51
I just happened to come across your message and it was as if I had written it myself. I went cold turkey off of my Effexor (was taking 112 mg daily) and haven't been able to do a decent workout in weeks. Everything you describe is exactly what I've had (but also horrible fatigue, like I could sleep all day). I forced myself back to the gym yesterday and did a less intense workout than usual, but still felt like I had no energy and like I'd never be able to workout the way I usually do. I know it's been quite awhile since you posted, but I'd love to know how it turned out for you and if you were able to get back to working out regularly.
> Hey there again. I normally love working out and do so about 5 days a week. However this is day 5 of my tapering experience, and I haven't worked out since I started tapering because I've been dizzy, nauseous, and my head has been killing me. I was thinking today I should try to get back at it just to keep up on my normal routine, but I am wondering if it is smarter to rest and take it easy. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!!
Posted by Wandabobonna on January 5, 2006, at 13:01:09
In reply to Re: Rest or Exercise while withdrawing?? » brainshiver, posted by nickolai on January 4, 2006, at 22:21:46
> I just happened to come across your message and it was as if I had written it myself. I went cold turkey off of my Effexor (was taking 112 mg daily) and haven't been able to do a decent workout in weeks. Everything you describe is exactly what I've had (but also horrible fatigue, like I could sleep all day). I forced myself back to the gym yesterday and did a less intense workout than usual, but still felt like I had no energy and like I'd never be able to workout the way I usually do. I know it's been quite awhile since you posted, but I'd love to know how it turned out for you and if you were able to get back to working out regularly.
>
> > Hey there again. I normally love working out and do so about 5 days a week. However this is day 5 of my tapering experience, and I haven't worked out since I started tapering because I've been dizzy, nauseous, and my head has been killing me. I was thinking today I should try to get back at it just to keep up on my normal routine, but I am wondering if it is smarter to rest and take it easy. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!!
>
>Hello,
It has been a long time since a post has been sent to my email. But I know exactly what you are going through. This is just advice that I am giving but it is what helped me out. I had to taper down from 375 mg. I honestly thought I was going to die. At one point of time for about a week straight, I was locked in my room, lights out blinds closed, I wanted dark and quite. I had no appitite, I was throwing up anything I tried to get down, my head felt like it was going to fall off, I would get this feeling that I can only describe as it felt like my brain was being jolted every couple of minutes. That part honestly lasts the longest. I know you are on a lower dose, but withdraws are withdraws no matter what dose you are at. Finally it got to a point where I wanted to be put out of my misery, so I went to my doctor and he gave me 1mg of adivan. I swear that stuff saved me. It is addictive so you only want to use it when you need to, but if you are are having the same symptoms I had including not being able to sleep even though you want to so bad. I was also having night terrors or nightmares and heavy night sweats that I had to change my clothes in the middle of the night or even during a nap in the day. Adivan takes the edge off while you are going through the withdraws. It is also good to keep around ecspecially because with you getting off of effexor, you might have bad days as far as depression goes and instead of really feeling like you are going crazy, it will calm you down. If you decide to talk to your doctor and you do ask for adivan, take it responsibly and stay at a low dose like .5 mg or 1 mg. and only use it when you really need it. I know you probably don't want to start taking any more drugs, but it promise it really helps during this hard time. Props to you if you are still able to make it to the gym, but I know I had NO energy during that period of withdraws. So take it easy if you need to because the gym will be there when you feel better. I hope this post helps you. I know I wouldn't have made it through if I didn't find it. Because I thought I was the only one going through it, but just remember you are not alone. Feel free to ask me anything else and I will try to help you. GOOD LUCK!!!
Posted by nickolai on January 6, 2006, at 21:07:55
In reply to Re: Rest or Exercise while withdrawing??, posted by Wandabobonna on January 5, 2006, at 13:01:09
> > I just happened to come across your message and it was as if I had written it myself. I went cold turkey off of my Effexor (was taking 112 mg daily) and haven't been able to do a decent workout in weeks. Everything you describe is exactly what I've had (but also horrible fatigue, like I could sleep all day). I forced myself back to the gym yesterday and did a less intense workout than usual, but still felt like I had no energy and like I'd never be able to workout the way I usually do. I know it's been quite awhile since you posted, but I'd love to know how it turned out for you and if you were able to get back to working out regularly.
> >
> > > Hey there again. I normally love working out and do so about 5 days a week. However this is day 5 of my tapering experience, and I haven't worked out since I started tapering because I've been dizzy, nauseous, and my head has been killing me. I was thinking today I should try to get back at it just to keep up on my normal routine, but I am wondering if it is smarter to rest and take it easy. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!!
> >
> >
>
> Hello,
> It has been a long time since a post has been sent to my email. But I know exactly what you are going through. This is just advice that I am giving but it is what helped me out. I had to taper down from 375 mg. I honestly thought I was going to die. At one point of time for about a week straight, I was locked in my room, lights out blinds closed, I wanted dark and quite. I had no appitite, I was throwing up anything I tried to get down, my head felt like it was going to fall off, I would get this feeling that I can only describe as it felt like my brain was being jolted every couple of minutes. That part honestly lasts the longest. I know you are on a lower dose, but withdraws are withdraws no matter what dose you are at. Finally it got to a point where I wanted to be put out of my misery, so I went to my doctor and he gave me 1mg of adivan. I swear that stuff saved me. It is addictive so you only want to use it when you need to, but if you are are having the same symptoms I had including not being able to sleep even though you want to so bad. I was also having night terrors or nightmares and heavy night sweats that I had to change my clothes in the middle of the night or even during a nap in the day. Adivan takes the edge off while you are going through the withdraws. It is also good to keep around ecspecially because with you getting off of effexor, you might have bad days as far as depression goes and instead of really feeling like you are going crazy, it will calm you down. If you decide to talk to your doctor and you do ask for adivan, take it responsibly and stay at a low dose like .5 mg or 1 mg. and only use it when you really need it. I know you probably don't want to start taking any more drugs, but it promise it really helps during this hard time. Props to you if you are still able to make it to the gym, but I know I had NO energy during that period of withdraws. So take it easy if you need to because the gym will be there when you feel better. I hope this post helps you. I know I wouldn't have made it through if I didn't find it. Because I thought I was the only one going through it, but just remember you are not alone. Feel free to ask me anything else and I will try to help you. GOOD LUCK!!!Hi,
Thanks so much for your response. I really appreciate the time you took to write it. Your withdrawl symptoms sound truly horrible, and much tougher than anything I've had to deal with. My biggest problems have been nausea, fatigue and headaches, but those are not constants. They seem to come in waves. I might actually feel pretty good and then it comes on again. I truly hope you are having an easier time now and that your symptoms have eased up. I skipped the gym today, just didn't have the energy. But I will take your advice about taking it easy when I need to. You're right that the gym will be there when I feel better. Thanks so much for your support and I wish you good luck.
Posted by Wandabobonna on January 6, 2006, at 21:25:08
In reply to Re: Rest or Exercise while withdrawing??, posted by nickolai on January 6, 2006, at 21:07:55
Just take care of yourself and take it easy for now. All my withdraws went away from the effexor but I couldn't tell you how long it took but I do know it was at least three months. I am not saying it will be that long for you, but I do remember wondering if it was ever going to end. I am actually going through withdraws again but not from effexor. When I got off effexor my doctor put me on zoloft. I found out I am pregnant and I stopped taking it imediatly because it can cause deformaty during the development, and ever since then about three weeks now I have been having the same withdraws along with my morning sickness. So I guess what I am trying to say is, if you decide to get on another drug like these ones be sure to ask your doctor about side effects or withdraws and maybe study it before for you start a new one. I know that is what I am going to do if I have to start taking something again after the baby is born. Good luck to you and I hope you never have to go through this again.
Posted by nickolai on January 8, 2006, at 13:29:03
In reply to Re: Rest or Exercise while withdrawing?? » nickolai, posted by Wandabobonna on January 6, 2006, at 21:25:08
> Just take care of yourself and take it easy for now. All my withdraws went away from the effexor but I couldn't tell you how long it took but I do know it was at least three months. I am not saying it will be that long for you, but I do remember wondering if it was ever going to end. I am actually going through withdraws again but not from effexor. When I got off effexor my doctor put me on zoloft. I found out I am pregnant and I stopped taking it imediatly because it can cause deformaty during the development, and ever since then about three weeks now I have been having the same withdraws along with my morning sickness. So I guess what I am trying to say is, if you decide to get on another drug like these ones be sure to ask your doctor about side effects or withdraws and maybe study it before for you start a new one. I know that is what I am going to do if I have to start taking something again after the baby is born. Good luck to you and I hope you never have to go through this again.
I'm so sorry you have to go through these terrible withdrawl symptoms, plus the morning sickness, during a time that should be so happy for you. I wanted to let you know that there is a product called "SAMe" (prononced like "sammy") which acts as an anti-depressant by elevating a person's seratonin levels, and is available in most health-food stores. I've never used it personally, but my sister is a naturopath and she says the product has an excellent reputation. If you are not able to take anything during the course of your pregnancy, you could possibly do some research on the product (there are many websites devoted to it if you go to Google, but make sure to spell it exactly as I did -- first three letters as capitals and the last letter in lower case). If it's of any interest to you, then maybe you can talk to someone in a store that specializes in supplements (make sure it's a reputable one) and find out if it is safe to take during pregnancy. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping that the side effects you are currently experiencing will be very short-lived.
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