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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Broken on March 9, 2005, at 8:05:11
First of all, I am very aware of the risks involved with these drugs, and I don't suggest anyone else give this a try.
However, here's the deal. At 7pm Monday evening, 3/7/05 I stopped taking Lamictal, 200mg a day, cold turkey. Basically looking at 36 hours off the drug right now. So far, perfect. No withdrawal effects whatsoever. I have been at this dosage about 3 months.
Yesterday, Tuesday, March 8th, I stopped Effexor XR at 7am. 300mg per day, in 2 doses of 150mg, once in the morning, once in the evening. So 24 hours so far. Right now, no withdrawals at all. I've been taking it for approximately 6 months.
I'll keep anyone interested informed daily.
Withdrawal effects of Lamictal sudden cessation can include seizures. So again, my suggestion is don't try it at home kids.
Chris
Posted by zander on March 9, 2005, at 8:41:58
In reply to One more withdrawal journal, Effexor and Lamictal, posted by Broken on March 9, 2005, at 8:05:11
Chris,
Given that you know what events may occur with sudden cessation of the medications you have been taking, I am curious as to why you have decided to go 'cold turkey'. I sincerely hope that you are one of the fortunate who has no consequences (I know that there are some people who report no cessation/withdrawal effects). I hope that my question is not taken as an offense or as judgement, but I honestly want to know why you chose this method if you care to share - if not, it is respected and accepted. I wish you the best and will be watching your postings to see how you are doing - just please be safe!Marie
Posted by Broken on March 9, 2005, at 10:00:47
In reply to Re: One more withdrawal journal, Effexor and Lamic, posted by zander on March 9, 2005, at 8:41:58
Absolutely no offense taken. It's a valid point for sure.
Two Main reasons.. more than 2 but these were the driving factors.
First, of the myriad of drugs that I have taken over the last 10 years, I have never had any withdrawal effects that I am aware of. My personality may have reflected the sudden change, but there has never been any physical sickness or discomfort that I can attribute to the drugs. Given that it's a roll of the dice, I've just been extremely lucky. I'm betting on my luck holding out one more time, since if there is any way possible, I'll never touch another drug again.
The second reason is fairly straightforward. My Pdoc, during our last visit, said that he just "couldn't understand" why these drugs weren't working. I was "doing fine and all of a sudden, the drugs didn't work". I took that as an accusation, which irritated me beyond belief. I really get on a roll when I get started on that conversation, so I'll cut it short, and say that I have no plans to return to him for any reason. There is no other Pdoc in this town, and quite a long drive to the next closest one, so there was not really an option to do much in the way of tapering down anyway. I could have opened capsules and measured out a certain amount, but I dont have the patience. The lamictal could have been divided into sections, but why bother extending the effects.
I don't claim to be totally rational in my decision making, but with my history of withdrawals, I have to admit I am very interested in seeing how I react to a drug like Effexor, when I know there have been alot of problems experienced by so many people.
Posted by Readersleaders on March 9, 2005, at 10:19:07
In reply to One more withdrawal journal, Effexor and Lamictal, posted by Broken on March 9, 2005, at 8:05:11
Stopping any antidepressant cold turkey may result in no withdrawals now, but there is a *high* possibility that in 6-8 months you will have withdrawal and far worse than if you tapered your doses. Get back on your meds. (maybe at a lower dose) and taper.
RL
> First of all, I am very aware of the risks involved with these drugs, and I don't suggest anyone else give this a try.
>
> However, here's the deal. At 7pm Monday evening, 3/7/05 I stopped taking Lamictal, 200mg a day, cold turkey. Basically looking at 36 hours off the drug right now. So far, perfect. No withdrawal effects whatsoever. I have been at this dosage about 3 months.
>
> Yesterday, Tuesday, March 8th, I stopped Effexor XR at 7am. 300mg per day, in 2 doses of 150mg, once in the morning, once in the evening. So 24 hours so far. Right now, no withdrawals at all. I've been taking it for approximately 6 months.
>
> I'll keep anyone interested informed daily.
>
> Withdrawal effects of Lamictal sudden cessation can include seizures. So again, my suggestion is don't try it at home kids.
>
> Chris
Posted by zander on March 9, 2005, at 10:52:50
In reply to Re: One more withdrawal journal, Chris, posted by Readersleaders on March 9, 2005, at 10:19:07
> Stopping any antidepressant cold turkey may result in no withdrawals now, but there is a *high* possibility that in 6-8 months you will have withdrawal and far worse than if you tapered your doses. Get back on your meds. (maybe at a lower dose) and taper.
>
> RLRL- Could you please explain why the 6-8 months in your statement...why that long? What is the medical reference/sustantiation in this case. I don't understand. I ask because I do not understand/know about the long term effects of these medications on the human body. Thank you in advance for explaining what you mean.
Regards,
Marie
Posted by ed_uk on March 9, 2005, at 12:56:47
In reply to One more withdrawal journal, Effexor and Lamictal, posted by Broken on March 9, 2005, at 8:05:11
Hi Chris :-)
>Withdrawal effects of Lamictal sudden cessation can include seizures.
I think it would be best to avoid driving for a few weeks in case you have a seizure. Perhaps you could restart the Lamictal and do a relatively rapid taper over a few weeks.
I look forward to reading your journal. I also withdrew from Effexor without tapering, it was unpleasant but it was tolerable.
Best of luck,
Ed.
Posted by Broken on March 10, 2005, at 7:39:27
In reply to Re: One more withdrawal journal, Effexor and Lamictal » Broken, posted by ed_uk on March 9, 2005, at 12:56:47
First, thanks for the well wishes Marie, and good to hear from you Ed!
Today promises to be interesting. My luck with no withdrawal effects finally failed.
I am *extremely* light headed. While sitting I am pretty good, anything else and I have to pay attention the best I can, or risk falling as hard as the grandma in those old Lifealert commercials. "I've fallen and I can't get up!"Had a little bit of a problem with nausea last night. Ate dinner and all was good there. Lots of vivid dreaming, but not nightmares, just really weird dreams about vacationing in Mexico. I have no idea why that was the subject, I have no desire to vacation in Mexico, I haven't even been to Mexico.
I woke up several times during the night also, so I'm tired as well as being dizzy.
Emotionally, eh, I don't know. I feel as if I am on the verge of something, but hell if I know what it is.
Still, no sickness or discomfort yet, or seizures ofcourse. I'm not ruling out anything at all anymore, and I have made people aware of my situation at work incase anything serious comes up. Gotta admit, I wasn't expecting this. Right now, I'm good.
Posted by zander on March 10, 2005, at 10:21:06
In reply to March 10th, posted by Broken on March 10, 2005, at 7:39:27
Dear Chris,
I am sorry that your expectations were not met...I hope that you have a Plan B in case things start heading south (especially, if you have a rapid onset of symptoms). I think letting other people know of your situation is a good idea and I hope that they are reliable in a critical situation. The reason I mention this is that I had a 'black out' while working with my supervisor (who knew I was having problems) and she did NOTHING!!!!! Go figure.
I sincerely wish that you had decided to discontinue one medication at a time - especially since you could identifiy which was causing difficulties (if any). Perhaps you might consider taking the Effexor for a while longer until your body gets used to being off the Lamictal. Then decrease the Effexor.
Has been over three hours since your post. How are you doing at this point? Please let us know.
You are in my thoughts - please be good to yourself!
Regards,
Marie> First, thanks for the well wishes Marie, and good to hear from you Ed!
>
> Today promises to be interesting. My luck with no withdrawal effects finally failed.
> I am *extremely* light headed. While sitting I am pretty good, anything else and I have to pay attention the best I can, or risk falling as hard as the grandma in those old Lifealert commercials. "I've fallen and I can't get up!"
>
> Had a little bit of a problem with nausea last night. Ate dinner and all was good there. Lots of vivid dreaming, but not nightmares, just really weird dreams about vacationing in Mexico. I have no idea why that was the subject, I have no desire to vacation in Mexico, I haven't even been to Mexico.
>
> I woke up several times during the night also, so I'm tired as well as being dizzy.
>
> Emotionally, eh, I don't know. I feel as if I am on the verge of something, but hell if I know what it is.
>
> Still, no sickness or discomfort yet, or seizures ofcourse. I'm not ruling out anything at all anymore, and I have made people aware of my situation at work incase anything serious comes up. Gotta admit, I wasn't expecting this. Right now, I'm good.
Posted by Broken on March 10, 2005, at 15:35:58
In reply to Re: March 10th, posted by zander on March 10, 2005, at 10:21:06
Yeah, it got pretty rough after that post actually. Vertigo was a real pain. I was still doing ok when we had a problem at my job and I had to go out and do a bit of work. It went downhill from there. Motion sickness took over, and I couldn't hang at work. Was able to drive home, took some meclezene (I dont have the bottle here and I am NOT getting up to see how it's spelled) and it helped. I'm not gonnna give in, after tomorrow there is the weekend so I can be sick at home if it comes to that.
Trying to keep my sense of humor about this, but hey, again I admit it, this stuff is flat kicking my *ss. It has given me a new respect for the way addicts suffer.
Posted by zander on March 10, 2005, at 21:15:16
In reply to Re: March 10th » zander, posted by Broken on March 10, 2005, at 15:35:58
> Yeah, it got pretty rough after that post actually. Vertigo was a real pain. I was still doing ok when we had a problem at my job and I had to go out and do a bit of work. It went downhill from there. Motion sickness took over, and I couldn't hang at work.
I have driven when I shouldn't have - sometimes taken me 2-3 times as long to get where I needed to go. In retro was a dangerous thing to do - especially that I was given to black outs...not so smart on my part, but have no one else to rely on and my husband does not drive (no elaboration) - no bus system....was plain fortunate that I did not hurt myself or anyone else - would not drive without my husband in the vehicle though. I think I wore his poor legs out & noticed that he does have a few more grey hairs!
>Was able to drive home, took some meclezene (I dont have the bottle here and I am NOT getting up to see how it's spelled) and it helped. I'm not gonnna give in, after tomorrow there is the weekend so I can be sick at home if it comes to that.
I hope that the 'meclezene' continues to help - I have taken it before...sure makes me sleepy though! That could be good?! Is there someone who will be with you at home through this? I don't feel it is a good idea for you to be alone just in case....keep us posted through out the weekend so that we know you are okay, please!
> Trying to keep my sense of humor about this, but hey, again I admit it, this stuff is flat kicking my *ss. It has given me a new respect for the way addicts suffer.
I've had the same thoughts myself, about those addicted and have gone through withdrawal... well, I hope you have good dreams tonite - wonder where you will travel to?!!!! At least enjoy your journey!
Posted by Broken on March 11, 2005, at 11:39:53
In reply to March 10th, posted by Broken on March 10, 2005, at 7:39:27
Remember in that first post when I said "I dont recommend anyone else doing this"?
Let me be the first to repeat myself.
I still recommend that no one does it cold turkey. Work out a schedule and taper it, again, just my opinion.
The Lamictal w/d was no problem. Dangerous yes, problematic for me, no.
The Effexor however, has proven to be a pain in the *ss. If I had a week without work, I wouldn't worry with it. The first 48 hours were no serious problem. I'm gonna keep this short. There is no way in hell I was coming into work today without taking an effexor. It was not a question of desire, it was not physically possible. Vertigo was still out of control, and that was making me violently ill. I couldn't stay on my feet long enough to walk anywhere. So, I popped 1/2 of my previous daily dose. Guess what.. I can walk and function again. The time off from work was too costly to continue my little experiment, so I suppose I will taper off now. Disappointed that I didnt hang in here longer, but I just have to much to do other than spend my day laying on my *ss so I dont throw up.
Chris
Posted by zander on March 12, 2005, at 6:22:43
In reply to March 11th, posted by Broken on March 11, 2005, at 11:39:53
Well, at least the lamictal is not a problem for you!! And am glad for that. As for the effexor, at least you know that you gave it your best effort!!!
For some people it is not a problem....but tritrating down seems that it will work for you - which you have seen to be the case. Maybe if you gave yourself more time on your current regimen, you could then stop the effexor - possibly letting your body get used to not having the lacmital, then working on completely stopping the effexor. At times, though frustrated, I found that I just had to have patience! Whole lot better than feeling very ill!!!! Sometimes I had to go two weeks at a particular dose, even though one week was recommended. Everyone is different, so I just listened to my body....
Again, keep us posted, so that we may know how you are doing!
Posted by SLS on March 12, 2005, at 14:35:38
In reply to March 11th, posted by Broken on March 11, 2005, at 11:39:53
> Remember in that first post when I said "I dont recommend anyone else doing this"?
>
> Let me be the first to repeat myself.
Have you thought about using a flexible dosing schedule as I have described in some of the other threads?
- Scott
Posted by TamaraJ on March 13, 2005, at 18:06:15
In reply to March 11th, posted by Broken on March 11, 2005, at 11:39:53
I know, I know - stupid question! :-) I hope you are hanging in there and that the Effexor withdrawal is not getting the best of you. My thoughts are with you.
Take good care of yourself, take it nice and slow (if you can stand it), and be safe and well. You'll get through this.
Tamara
Posted by Broken on March 13, 2005, at 19:48:20
In reply to Broken - How are you doing? » Broken, posted by TamaraJ on March 13, 2005, at 18:06:15
:) Doing fair, thankyou for asking.
Just doing the one dose a day now. 150mg in the morning, as opposed to the 300. I just plan on hanging there for a while, see what I feel like in a week.
Not as fast as I wanted, but it will work, sooner or later.
Posted by TamaraJ on March 13, 2005, at 21:25:28
In reply to Re: Broken - How are you doing? » TamaraJ, posted by Broken on March 13, 2005, at 19:48:20
> :) Doing fair, thankyou for asking.
>
~~~ Glad you are hanging in there :-)> Just doing the one dose a day now. 150mg in the morning, as opposed to the 300. I just plan on hanging there for a while, see what I feel like in a week.
>
~~~ Sounds like a good plan. You'll know when you are ready and able to further reduce.> Not as fast as I wanted, but it will work, sooner or later.
~~~ Perhaps not as fast as you would have liked, but you do have to function and have a life. You'll get there eventually, don't worry :-) Remember "The ox is slow, but the earth is patient".
Take care of yourself. My thoughts are with you.
Tamara
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