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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3 to 27 of 113. Go back in thread:
Posted by jclint on April 20, 2005, at 8:18:50
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by med_empowered on April 18, 2005, at 13:13:32
Hi mate. Firstly I would be cautious of cross tapering with prozac as you're supposed to wait 5 weeks before an MAOI from Prozac, due to its exceptionally long half life. Might delay your nardil starting time. You probably know this though.
I've posted my experience before - after 2 yrs on 150mg, I ramped down fairly rapidly to nothing in about 2 weeks. I had quite a lot of 'brain zaps' but little else really.
Posted by ed_uk on April 20, 2005, at 8:18:50
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by jclint on April 18, 2005, at 13:20:22
Hi!
>Benadryl
The Benadryl that the Americans refer to contains diphenhydramine. Here in the UK, OTC Benadryl contains acrivastine- a completely different drug. I'm sure that you already know this but I thought it was worth posting just in case!!
In the UK, the brand name for diphenhydramine is Nytol. Generic diphenhydramine is also available OTC for the treatment of insomnia.
Kind regards,
Ed.
Posted by Phillipa on April 20, 2005, at 8:18:51
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by med_empowered on April 18, 2005, at 13:13:32
Hi Ed! I didn't know they were different. Fondly,Phillipa O
Posted by canadiangirl3 on April 20, 2005, at 16:35:38
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by jclint on April 18, 2005, at 13:20:22
I am a success story usig Prozac to accelerate my withdrawal off Effexor.
Posted by Mariqua on April 24, 2005, at 11:42:59
In reply to How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by The_Resistance on April 18, 2005, at 12:44:49
Hi there,
I am really all messed up. I am new to this and just hope you will maybe help as far as knowing I will live thru this.
I started tapering my EffexorXR from 150 to 112 for a week, then to 75 for a week, then 37.5 for a week. That was three days ago. Yesterday I had none and I thought I was going to die! Crying, lightheaded, shaky, nausea, and not leaving the couch.
My husband split a 37.5 capsule this morning and counted it out so I took half. I feel a little better but not great. I figure if I can take it three times per day for awhile I could at least return to work.
I don't know how I can get thru this!!!
Thanks for listening!Mariqua
p.s.Doc also has started me on Wellbutrin 150 when the weaning began and increased it to 300 two weeks ago. Could it be the two just fighting each other or just the Effexor or maybe the Wellbutrin????? Haven't been to a full day of work since last Monday.
Any reply would be appreciated. :-( Sorry for babbling.
Posted by Mariqua on April 25, 2005, at 7:10:47
In reply to How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by The_Resistance on April 18, 2005, at 12:44:49
Hi there,
It's me again. Just thought I would update you on what's going on. I made it thru another day and I have to admit I did break down and take a 37.5 dose yesterday. After laying on the couch and thinking and analyzing everything, I came to the conclusion that the drop from 75 to 37.5 must have been too big of a drop for me,(sounds funny I know) I think I just needed a little stepping stone in between there. Because this all started after I went to 37.5.
So, to make a long story short, the more I think of it now, I am pretty upset with my doc. All she would have had to do was call me and tell me that it sounds like bad withdrawal especially after the third or fourth day and tell me to get some of it back in my system. I wasn't in my right mind to figure that out. I will call her today, hopefully I can stress how I truly feel about the situation.
So I have come up with my own treatment plan for now. I will take a 37.5 and also a half of one that would make it what...18.75. So that is about 56 right?
If I take that for like a couple of weeks or so and then down again a bit I hopefully will make it okay.
Ya think?Mariqua
p.s. The way I feel right now I think I can return to work tomorrow!!!! It is GREAT to feel halfway normal again!!
Posted by SLS on April 25, 2005, at 7:55:01
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by Mariqua on April 25, 2005, at 7:10:47
> Hi there,
> It's me again. Just thought I would update you on what's going on. I made it thru another day and I have to admit I did break down and take a 37.5 dose yesterday. After laying on the couch and thinking and analyzing everything, I came to the conclusion that the drop from 75 to 37.5 must have been too big of a drop for me,(sounds funny I know) I think I just needed a little stepping stone in between there. Because this all started after I went to 37.5.
> So, to make a long story short, the more I think of it now, I am pretty upset with my doc. All she would have had to do was call me and tell me that it sounds like bad withdrawal especially after the third or fourth day and tell me to get some of it back in my system. I wasn't in my right mind to figure that out. I will call her today, hopefully I can stress how I truly feel about the situation.
> So I have come up with my own treatment plan for now. I will take a 37.5 and also a half of one that would make it what...18.75. So that is about 56 right?
> If I take that for like a couple of weeks or so and then down again a bit I hopefully will make it okay.
> Ya think?
>
> Mariqua
>
> p.s. The way I feel right now I think I can return to work tomorrow!!!! It is GREAT to feel halfway normal again!!
What you can try is to cut the pills in as small pieces as you can and use them like aspirin as a PRN. When you feel witdrawal symptoms coming on, just take as little as is necessary to get you through the next six hours or so. You should find that you need smaller and smaller doses to last 6 hours or that the smallest doses extend further and further the time period between doses. This is a flexible-dosing strategy that has worked for a few people in your situation. It is not a good idea to allow the withdrawal syndrome to persist unmitigated for any great length of time. It might kindle the system to remain in a constant state of withdrawal for weeks after discontinuing the medication.
- Scott
Posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 25, 2005, at 14:13:32
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last? » Mariqua, posted by SLS on April 25, 2005, at 7:55:01
Scott is so right! And just from my very short, very limited time of trying to get off this mess, take a small amount and you will be amazed that it can and will make the zaps and all go away! Atleast your Dr told ya to taper. Mine told me to do the every other day bit! I dont have the option of missing work so this would not do. I was out one day--deathly ill!
Good Luck! Keep tapering and stepping down!
~Dizzy
P.S. Scott! When will this tiredness go away????
Posted by Mariqua on April 25, 2005, at 16:08:56
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last? » SLS, posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 25, 2005, at 14:13:32
You guys are great! If it wasn't for this forum and all the info on it, I don't know how I would have made it thru this weekend.
I called the doctor this morning. She is out sick today and tomorrow. I got a little short with the nurse and told her I feel abandoned! She said that isn't it but I guess they just leave it up to the patient. I don't know.
Anyway, I wasn't sure how to take a half of a capsule. I get the free samples from the doc and my husband has a paper plate and knife so he can split them and count them for me.
One thing though, we were just taking the one half and throwing it away. I didn't know you could put it in yogurt or applesauce.That is a good thing!
Hopefully, maybe, I can go to work tomorrow. I'm not sure. We need the money but....I feel better than yesterday but still feel weak like I am getting over the flu, ya know?
Well, sorry I babbled again. I just get on here and it just pours out of me!Thanks alot,
Mariqua
Posted by SLS on April 25, 2005, at 17:47:45
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last? » SLS, posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 25, 2005, at 14:13:32
Hi Dizzy.
> P.S. Scott! When will this tiredness go away????
What exactly are you experiencing?Where are you as far as medication is concerned?
How have you been sleeping?
- Scott
Posted by kcjuggler on April 28, 2005, at 9:53:48
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last? » Dizzy in Dixie, posted by SLS on April 25, 2005, at 17:47:45
Wow - thanks for these posts. I've been experiencing similar effects. It's nice to know I'm not alone, and/or unique in these experiences. I've been trying to "gut it out", thinking (okay hoping) the symptoms would end in the next day or 2. I was taking 300mg of effexor. 3 weeks ago, my doctor had me downsize using 37.5 pills starting by taking 3 pills for 1 week, 2 pills the next week, and so on. I didn't have any side effects until I got down to 1 pill a day. The 3rd day of that I started experiencing the dizziness, light headedness and tiredness. My doctor provided a similar non-specific answer ("increase it"). I was frustated that I had to press him to be more specific. He said try increasing 1 pill every other day. Since his response was to basically to "experiment", I decided I'd try "gutting it out". The 1 pill a day symptoms started to improve after 2 or 3 days. Then I went down to 0 pills. I'm on my 4th day of no pills, and the dizziness, and lightheadedness are awful. I feel horrible. I can NOT recommend the "gutting it out" approach. This has been a horrible experience. I didn't know I could take half a pill. I forced myself to go to work today, thinking that I should be able to "suck up" the dizziness symptoms, that I shouldn't be such a "wimp". Then I couldn't concentrate, so started surfing, and found this thread. It has made me feel much better - emotionally. I'm sorry others are going thru similar experiences, but am grateful to know I'm not the only one. Thanks to ALL whom have posted. You have helped me tremendously.
Posted by Mariqua on April 28, 2005, at 15:38:37
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by kcjuggler on April 28, 2005, at 9:53:48
That sounds just like my doc. I haven't even talked to her thru this whole withdrawal. She was out of the office four days and the day she did come in, she had her NURSE call me! All she said was that the doc said it was up to me. I could take it every other day or whatever I felt like. Only when I had to call the hospital on Saturday almost going over the edge crying, shaking, lightheaded, nauseated, etc. did I get really upset. The doc on call told me I had three options:stick it out, take 37.5 Effexor or decrease my new drug, Wellbutrin, from 300 to 150. Excuse me??? It's up to me again????
Why didn't ANYONE just tell me to increase the Effexor back up to feed the withdrawal till I would be able to handle it?????
Being that I wasn't in my right mind to make any kind of decisions on my "plan of action", I suffered needlessly for a week!!!
Finally on Sunday I came up with the idea that the drop from 75 to 37.5 was too big a drop so I should just go to a pill and a half a day. (56mg)
I have yet to talk with my doc. I don't know why I would think she would care enough to call and find out if I'm okay being that I called the office FIVE times! I have an appointment next Thursday with her and I hope I can be honest and really let her know how I felt abandoned that whole week.
Anyway, sorry I babbled AGAIN. I just start typing and it all just comes out.Mariqua
Posted by kcjuggler on April 28, 2005, at 18:03:12
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by Mariqua on April 28, 2005, at 15:38:37
Sounds like we are going thru very similar experiences. I am also on Wellbutrin, and coming off of effexor. Maybe it's a combination of these 2 drugs. I was on Lexapro and then switched to Effexor. Coming off of Lexapro was tough, but this has been much more difficult. What is sad to me, is, it seems like they don't know. They just don't know. They don't know what these drugs do, they don't know how to help people get off of them, they don't know how to be empathetic to people in pain??? They are in psychology and can't express empathy? What's up with that? Seems insane that we're told to experiment with drugs. Go figure it out yourself. Very sad. I hope that some brilliant person (or people), figures out a better way soon.
Posted by Mariqua on April 28, 2005, at 18:33:53
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by kcjuggler on April 28, 2005, at 18:03:12
I am afraid that you and I and everyone else on here are going to be the smart ones and figure this all out. Too bad we are the ones suffering too.
I have to say that since I started the 56mg of Effexor on Sunday I am not sleepy anymore(like when I was on 150mg), I have more energy, and seem to be more sharp as far as things around me. I think the Effexor held me back in a lot of ways. It feels GREAT to feel good again. I'm just afraid it won't last.
It helps to go thru this with others. Otherwise a person feels alone and abandoned. I think alot of other people(some, not all)think that I should just get off all meds and get my mind off of myself, get busy and, as my Mom said, "Get a paint by number set." Ya right!!!!!!!!!!! I love my Mom but....think of all the money I could save if the paint by number sets would work!!! Thanks MOM!!!
Anyway, take care.
Posted by 4WD on May 8, 2005, at 23:30:55
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last? » Mariqua, posted by SLS on April 25, 2005, at 7:55:01
> What you can try is to cut the pills in as small pieces as you can and use them like aspirin as a PRN. When you feel witdrawal symptoms coming on, just take as little as is necessary to get you through the next six hours or so. You should find that you need smaller and smaller doses to last 6 hours or that the smallest doses extend further and further the time period between doses. This is a flexible-dosing strategy that has worked for a few people in your situation. It is not a good idea to allow the withdrawal syndrome to persist unmitigated for any great length of time. It might kindle the system to remain in a constant state of withdrawal for weeks after discontinuing the medication.
>
>
> - Scott
>Scott,
What you said about not allowing the withdrawal symptoms to persist unmitigated really made me think. I've experienced terrible anxiety for months now after coming off Effexor. I've thought it was simply my underlying anxiety disorder having gotten worse while I was on Effexor. I've been reluctant to treat the anxiety with the Klonopin I"ve been prescribed for fear of dependency (formerly addicted to Ativan). Now I'm wondering whether the awful anxiety I'm still experiencing (since October) is truly still a result of withdrawing from Effexor too quickly? I'm now on Celexa and in the process of switching to nortriptyline (to try and deal with the anxiety).
Marsha
Posted by SLS on May 9, 2005, at 7:23:16
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last? » SLS, posted by 4WD on May 8, 2005, at 23:30:55
> > What you can try is to cut the pills in as small pieces as you can and use them like aspirin as a PRN. When you feel witdrawal symptoms coming on, just take as little as is necessary to get you through the next six hours or so. You should find that you need smaller and smaller doses to last 6 hours or that the smallest doses extend further and further the time period between doses. This is a flexible-dosing strategy that has worked for a few people in your situation. It is not a good idea to allow the withdrawal syndrome to persist unmitigated for any great length of time. It might kindle the system to remain in a constant state of withdrawal for weeks after discontinuing the medication.
> What you said about not allowing the withdrawal symptoms to persist unmitigated really made me think. I've experienced terrible anxiety for months now after coming off Effexor. I've thought it was simply my underlying anxiety disorder having gotten worse while I was on Effexor. I've been reluctant to treat the anxiety with the Klonopin I"ve been prescribed for fear of dependency (formerly addicted to Ativan). Now I'm wondering whether the awful anxiety I'm still experiencing (since October) is truly still a result of withdrawing from Effexor too quickly? I'm now on Celexa and in the process of switching to nortriptyline (to try and deal with the anxiety).
>
> Marsha
I'm really sorry, Marsha. What a nightmare.I think you are doing the right thing pursuing nortriptyline. There are no guarantees of course, but it can definitely be anxiolytic for people, especially if the anxiety is associated with a depressive disorder. Going with a NE tricyclic to treat SRI withdrawal isn't unheard of.
If nortriptyline isn't the answer, and you are unwilling to go with a benzodiazepine like Klonopin, it would be interesting to see how you do on a mood stabilizer. Depakote comes to mind first. There is quite a bit of medical literature indicating an anxiolytic effect. Although less well studied, Neurontin is certainly anxiolytic.
You have options.
:-)
- Scott
Posted by Emmi on May 22, 2005, at 11:59:15
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by Mariqua on April 25, 2005, at 7:10:47
HI Mariqua,
There's a company called pharmacy.ca who makes and ships doses of Effexor other than the standard 37.5mg. I've been weaning off for about 6 months now, decreasing every month by 10mg.
I couldn't drop 37.5 mg at a time either. it was crazy. I'm now down to 65mg from 150.
I am experiencing incredible body aches- like a ran a marathon every day- I feel like I have arthirtis in every joint...evidently this is side-effects.
Anyways- just wanted to tell you that your doctor can call pharmacy.ca and order your Rx for you from them at any dosage.might help...
Emmi.
Posted by LBB on May 31, 2005, at 15:30:26
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by Emmi on May 22, 2005, at 11:59:15
I am so glad to find this thread, but I fear it is too late for me to do anything now.
I was on Effexor for 8 months after my baby died. It helped me to live, literally. Well I began to develop massive amounts of bruising and after months of this, and my shrink not connecting the dots, I did research and found out that easy, long lasting bruises can be a side effect of Effexor. Not good for me, someone who has a blood clotting disorder. My shrink ordered me off it right away when I presented him with my research, and so I've been weaning off it for 3 weeks. This is now day 5 of taking nothing, before that I was weaning gradually, to the point I was taking the caps apart and putting 1/4 back in.
I am suffering terribly, with all the stuff you guys talk about here. Brain shocks, vertigo, malaise, insomnia, nausea, and all the rest of it. Also having wild, wild mood swings. I can barely function.
My shrink said I can go on something else (Prozac) to help. But after this, I do not want to go on anything at all. We are trying to get pregnant again and I need to try to deal with my life without meds (will do therapy and acupuncture).
My concern is what Scott said about having permanent-like withdrawal effects. Since I am not going on another drug, could this really be a possibility? Will I never feel better? I don't think I could handle that possibility, seriously.
Does anyone have any advice on this, for someone like me who doesn't want to treat this withdrawal crap with more drugs? I am scared now. I want to fire my shrink, he has been useless. I learn more from people like you.
Thank you in advance, Lisa
Posted by SLS on May 31, 2005, at 17:51:17
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by LBB on May 31, 2005, at 15:30:26
Hi Lisa
> My concern is what Scott said about having permanent-like withdrawal effects.
Actually, I have never used the word "permanent". The worst scenarios I have seen described here involve a persistence of withdrawal symptoms for no more than a few months.
> Since I am not going on another drug,
This is a decision that might prevent you from getting past all of this quickly. I would think about using the Prozac cross-over method if I were in your position. It would only be for one or two weeks, and you wouldn't have to suffer. It might also shorten by months the time withdrawal effects persist.
> Will I never feel better?
Yes. The question is when. You could start feeling better tomorrow if you were to take 10-20mg of Prozac today.
Perhaps it is worth waiting two months before trying to conceive so that you can treat your withdrawal syndrome properly.
Please remember that part of the withdrawal syndrome is anxiety. Although it will be difficult, try to recognize this and not allow your thoughts to succumb to the power of the anxiety. Your thinking will be much clearer and things will seem less catastrophic if you can reduce your level of anxiety. Your thoughts aren't by themselves producing the anxiety. Your anxiety is producing thoughts that are overwhelming.
Regardless of what decisions you come to regarding the management of your current withdrawal syndrome, it will eventually disappear. Perhaps it makes sense to make that happen sooner than later.
I wish you nothing but the best of luck, and look foward to hearing good news from you soon. I'm sure we will soon see a healthy new addition to your family.
:-)
- Scott
Posted by LBB on May 31, 2005, at 18:20:19
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last? » LBB, posted by SLS on May 31, 2005, at 17:51:17
Scott, thank you! I didn't mean to state that you said it would be permanent, I think my overactive mind right now just glommed on to persistance=permanent, KWIM?
So, if I take the Prozac, then don't I have to wean off the Prozac, also? It just makes me crazy thinking that I would counteracting a drug with another drug, but I guess if it would help this awful feeling, it might be okay.
My main worry seems to be that from what I read, if someone doesn't use Prozac to kick the Effexor withdrawals, the Effexor withdrawals could literally linger on for months and months. Maybe I am not understanding all of this correctly, but does the Prozac medically *treat* the Effexor withdrawal... meaning it's not just treating the "symptoms" of the withdrawal, but somehow the Prozac itself is doing something to the brain chemicals to actually *altar* the way Effexor withdrawal is handled??
Posted by SLS on May 31, 2005, at 18:54:54
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by LBB on May 31, 2005, at 18:20:19
Hi Lisa.
I really can't answer all of your questions. They are good ones.
The thing about Prozac is that it acts as a temporary substitute. The half-lives of Paxil and Effexor are relatively short - less than 24 hours. The half-life of Prozac (and its metabolite) is over a week. Once you get enough in your system, it acts to gently allow the system re-regulate itself so that when it eventually disappears from the blood-stream, you have a mild and short withdrawal period. Some people take 10-20mg for 5 days and then stop. Others take 20mg for one day and then 10mg a week later. I don't know which way works best. With Prozac, you can even skip days and take it every day, then every other day, then every third day, etc.
I think I would try taking Prozac 20mg for several consecutive days and wait. The withdrawal symptoms will almost certainly disappear. If they reappear within a few days, take another 20mg and wait again. You should find that you can go longer and longer between doses. You might even elect to move down to 10mg doses. Hopefully, this process will not exceed two or three weeks. When you can go 5 days without withdrawal symptoms appearing, take a shot at complete discontinuation.
This is the best I can come up with for now. There really is no definitive method that I have seen published. There is no consensus here as to the details of a Prozac cross-over protocol. Maybe we can all follow you through the process and make suggestions to adjust things as we go along.
- Scott
Posted by LBB on May 31, 2005, at 20:49:44
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last? » LBB, posted by SLS on May 31, 2005, at 18:54:54
Scott, again, thank you.
I just got off the phone with my doctor. I had told him how I was feeling and he had acted "shocked" at the severity. I told him of the legit, peer reviewed studies I have seen on JAMA and in the BMJ, other psych. journals, etc. So, long story short, he called me back and said that "he learned a lot." (thankyouverymuch at my mental and physical expense! ARGH!), and he spoke to a Psycho-Pharmacologist colleague who confirmed my findings and that indeed, Effexor is hell to come off of. Needless to say, I felt vindicated, but also pissed at the same time, that he didn't know of these potential horrible withdrawal side effects and weaned me too fast.
So, what his colleague said that since I have been off the meds totally for 5 days, he would like to see me ride out 3 more days if I can and then we will re-evaluate. If I feel worse or just can't stand it, he said he would do the Prozac thing, but at this point in time, he would like to see how it goes if I am willing to try. And I am, so we shall see.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that these nasty feelings subside over the next 3 days, and then I will post again and update here.
Thanks again for all your help, reading what you and the others here have said has been a tremendous blessing!
Lisa
Posted by 4WD on May 31, 2005, at 22:00:14
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last? » LBB, posted by SLS on May 31, 2005, at 17:51:17
> Hi Lisa
>
> > My concern is what Scott said about having permanent-like withdrawal effects.
>
> Actually, I have never used the word "permanent". The worst scenarios I have seen described here involve a persistence of withdrawal symptoms for no more than a few months.
>
> > Since I am not going on another drug,
>
> This is a decision that might prevent you from getting past all of this quickly. I would think about using the Prozac cross-over method if I were in your position. It would only be for one or two weeks, and you wouldn't have to suffer. It might also shorten by months the time withdrawal effects persist.
>
> > Will I never feel better?
>
> Yes. The question is when. You could start feeling better tomorrow if you were to take 10-20mg of Prozac today.
>
> Perhaps it is worth waiting two months before trying to conceive so that you can treat your withdrawal syndrome properly.
>
> Please remember that part of the withdrawal syndrome is anxiety. Although it will be difficult, try to recognize this and not allow your thoughts to succumb to the power of the anxiety. Your thinking will be much clearer and things will seem less catastrophic if you can reduce your level of anxiety. Your thoughts aren't by themselves producing the anxiety. Your anxiety is producing thoughts that are overwhelming.
>
> Regardless of what decisions you come to regarding the management of your current withdrawal syndrome, it will eventually disappear. Perhaps it makes sense to make that happen sooner than later.
>
> I wish you nothing but the best of luck, and look foward to hearing good news from you soon. I'm sure we will soon see a healthy new addition to your family.
>
> :-)
>
>
> - Scott
>Scott,
I'm trying to relate this to my own situation. I tapered Effexor over a period of about a month from 50mg to about 10mg and started Celexa 20mg when I began the Effexor taper. So there was no time that I wasn't on an AD. I had switched successfully from Effexor to Celexa a couple of times before with no problem other than a slight increase in morning anxiety.
But the last four times I tried to switch from Effexor to a different drug (Paxil, twice -quick switch with short Effexor taper; Cymbalta once with 1 month Effexor taper and Cymbalta build up and now Celexa with 1 month Effexor taper) I have experienced the sudden onset of horrible fear anywhwere from one week to one month after the last dose of Effexor.
I guess I'm wondering (in a very roundabout way, sorry) whether the fear is truly due to stopping Effexor. And if so, how long might it last? At most?
Thanks,
Marsha
Posted by kcjuggler on May 31, 2005, at 23:05:02
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by 4WD on May 31, 2005, at 22:00:14
I'd like to know the answer as well. I tried to go from 37.5 to zero, and failed. I ended up going to my "regular" doctor, whom suggested I continue taking the Effexor every day - but half the 37.5 mg pill until they were gone. (I still have some left, but wanted to try to stop, since this past weekend was a long weekend.)
I took half of the 37.5 mg pill every day for 20 days. Today is my 5th day without taking any Effexor. Every now and then I'll get the "brain shock" (I like that description - thanks Lisa). I'll also feel some vertigo and find myself to be very easily agitated. These symptoms are no where near as bad as before, but still annoying.
Should I try 1/4 of the 37.5 pill? How long 2 weeks?
I don't want to go back to Effexor, as I think tomorrow might be the "day" when there are no more withdrawal symptoms. If I try the 1/4 pill approach, how many days of withdrawal symptoms do I endure before trying an 1/8 of a pill?
I feel like I'm on the 1 yard line and it's 4th down. I'm so close, do I go for 7 points (no pill), or settle for a field goal (1/4 pill)?
kc
Posted by SLS on May 31, 2005, at 23:28:43
In reply to Re: How long do Effexor XL withdrawals last?, posted by kcjuggler on May 31, 2005, at 23:05:02
Hi.
To make a long story short, cut the pills into 1/8 if you can - precision is not necessary - and take small doses several times a day. You will probably end up dosing 3-5 times a day. You'll be using Effexor as a PRN like aspirin for a headache. It is important to wait until the withdrawal effects reappear before taking your next dose. This is a flexible-dosing strategy that works well when one is trying to taper the last 25% of the original dosage.
Like I said, precision in dividing up doses is not critical here. However, through experimentation, you would like to find the amount of Effexor that will allow you to be free of symptoms for 6-8 hours. This might mean using 1/4 pill to start off. I have no idea. If you go well beyond the 8 hours, take smaller doses. You will find that you need smaller and smaller doses to mitigate the withdrawal. When you get stuck in that you cannot reduce the dosage any further without making it lasting 6 hours, just discontinue it completely. The withdrawal syndrome should be relatively mild and short-lived.
I don't know what percentage of people this flexible-dosing strategy is ideal for, but I think it is worth a try. I find that I can get off of 300mg of Effexor within 2 weeks this way without suffering residual symptoms thereafter.
- Scott> I'd like to know the answer as well. I tried to go from 37.5 to zero, and failed. I ended up going to my "regular" doctor, whom suggested I continue taking the Effexor every day - but half the 37.5 mg pill until they were gone. (I still have some left, but wanted to try to stop, since this past weekend was a long weekend.)
>
> I took half of the 37.5 mg pill every day for 20 days. Today is my 5th day without taking any Effexor. Every now and then I'll get the "brain shock" (I like that description - thanks Lisa). I'll also feel some vertigo and find myself to be very easily agitated. These symptoms are no where near as bad as before, but still annoying.
>
> Should I try 1/4 of the 37.5 pill? How long 2 weeks?
>
> I don't want to go back to Effexor, as I think tomorrow might be the "day" when there are no more withdrawal symptoms. If I try the 1/4 pill approach, how many days of withdrawal symptoms do I endure before trying an 1/8 of a pill?
>
> I feel like I'm on the 1 yard line and it's 4th down. I'm so close, do I go for 7 points (no pill), or settle for a field goal (1/4 pill)?
>
> kc
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