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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 3, 2006, at 1:16:35
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 3, 2006, at 0:53:55
I did buy the fish pills from Costco awhile back but could not make myself take them after I smelled them!!! I wonder if there is anything else out there that works as well but does not smell??? I'm so sensitive to smells lately...
Today was the worst day in so many ways...Why the hell can't it just get better and better and not go back and forth???? (I'm sorry guys, I'm feeling sorry for myself today.) I had a great morning, went and planted native plants on the sand dunes, went on a dune hike and scavanger hunt. I felt wonderful after being outside all morning! Then I prepared a presentation/request for our school, offering to do a program for National Reading Month, they were totally unreceptive, I was not the okay, I'll take your sh*t and smile while I find another way to get it done kinda person I normally am. I actually got rude with the principal and voiced my opinion to the room (like 6 people, big whoop). Rude for me is not real rude, it's just not taking no for an answer... Anyway, my point, things went drastically downhill from there, I got home and was MAD, at the world, at the school, at stupid people, at my family, at me. And I COULD NOT controll it. Like, I was thinking "settle down, it's not a big deal" but I couldn't. I went on a rampage through the house. If you were in front of me, I found something to scream at you for. I slammed a painting on my wall sideways and knocked a sconce off the wall. I threated to leave and not come home. I tried to go to sleep (at 8pm and I'm a night owl!) That didn't work, I could still hear everyone talking and doing things throughout the house, that pissed me off. So I got dressed cussed my family out some more and took off in the truck blaring 3 doors down, smoking and wanting to go somewhere, do something, but there was nowhere to go and nothing to do. So I drove to my old job, talked to two of my "friends" and calmed down a bit. It's been three hours and I'm still really unsettled...Now I just feel like sh*t, and totally guilty. When the hell is this rage going to stop? Has anyone else had anything else like this happen? PLEASE, PLEASE share. Before taking effexor, I was NEVER, EVER like this. The most yelling I did was scolding my kids, or yelling to get their attention. The effexor was only to treat depression, and now I'm having attacks of rage??? What gives guys?
Posted by benbetter on February 3, 2006, at 9:19:55
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 3, 2006, at 1:16:35
Tough day! well To start.. Freeze the fish pills.. It will help I promise... Why are you smelling them ... that is rule #1 on vitamins.. They reak! But really the fish pills are good for you.
2. I dont know what to tell you about the anger.. I have not been down the road ( from the withdrawls)... I do know that these are your kids. more importantly they should be your best friends. It sounds like( from your post) this situaton isnt like you at all... If this is true than your hubby and kids should probably accept an apology with grace. I have been pretty pissed at people through my time and the best thing I know of is the old tale of counting to ten... Sometimes it is hard but when you do it you can think things through it is much easier. Also.. Are you felling well enough to do any exersize yet? I swear to you this is the best thing you can do...It helps you rid of shitloads of stress and you feel good about yourself when you are done. I am going to start a new post ..it is a list of sh*t to do when the bottom drops out... It helped me. I thing it may be worthy. Hang in there. dont let this stuff wreck you the goal is to wreck it.
Posted by dancingstar on February 4, 2006, at 13:05:03
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 3, 2006, at 9:19:55
Ben,
If you have the patience, go back through the posts around the end September of 2004, not under withdrawal, I don't think, cause it didn't exist, just under Effexor. You'll see what I went through. When I was wide awake in the middle of the night, I found out a lot of stuff that you may find useful along the way.
I'm pretty sure that at about week three I lost it, just lost it completely cause the withdrawal hit me so hard I couldn't cope. But I'm still alive and I actually laugh spontaneously again these days; so there is a light at the end of the tunnel that isn't a freight train even if you do manage to get as sick as I did.
My heart just so goes out to you!
Posted by tizza on February 4, 2006, at 18:41:50
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by dancingstar on February 4, 2006, at 13:05:03
Just found this thread, I have been effexor free for 5 months now and I feel great. I read the earlier posts and you were right about the taper process. I did a 6 week taper from 75mg and was fine during it but as soon as I stopped, KABOOM!!! I went through exactly everything you guys did, pure hell! It lasted for about a months but I was feeling pretty good after 2 weeks, the second 2 weeks was so much better but I still got brain zaps and vertigo during this period but I was able to function fine. I just like to pop in here from time to time to let people know that it does stop and with time you will be ok. I did find benadryl liquid helped to smooth out the vertigo and spins a little but aside from that you just have to ride it out. Good luck to you all, I know what you're going through and you are not alone. Take care Paul
Posted by benbetter on February 5, 2006, at 11:19:22
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by tizza on February 4, 2006, at 18:41:50
I think I missed the post yesterday... Sorry... I forgot.
Today I think is day 16?
Well I typed out a list of what I do when the bottom drops out and then I some how lost it.... I am a really bad typer... So I had to let it slide .. Maybe I will do it tonight.
So anyhow... I am Feeling pretty good.. But as the notes before this indicate... I still have the spins and they have been slightly more active his weekend.. It is still ok... I dont feel like week 1 is coming back but... I hope I dont have to deal with this for 6 months. What ever it takes I guess. Oh yeah... I swear to you I am now getting a case of he stupids.. It is crazy.. I forget what i am saying non stop... and driving.... I am putting more miles on my car now than ever before... I can never remeber where I am going... Senile? I am not that old yet. This week has really been crazy that way..
More later BMc
Posted by benbetter on February 5, 2006, at 11:45:16
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 5, 2006, at 11:19:22
Wifofarmguy...
What is goin on? Things getting better? I hope so... Keep in touch
Posted by benbetter on February 5, 2006, at 11:50:42
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 5, 2006, at 11:45:16
Dancing star... Read yor posts.. sounds like a real hoot. I didnt read any parts of the stupids taking over your brain... Did they ever come to visit or could you fight them off?
Once they came how long did they stay? I feel like every word I have used starts with Duh..
Posted by elkat on February 5, 2006, at 23:13:30
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by dancingstar on February 4, 2006, at 13:05:03
A couple of years ago I went into a "rehab" and went off 150 mg of effexor, 4 mg of xanax XR and 30 mg of remeron cold turkey. It was very, very dangerous, and what I went through for about two weeks was absolutely incredible. No detox meds, these people would not even give me a tylenol. It was the worst. Don't let this happen to you. I don't think the remeron was any big deal, but other two - that was something else.
Posted by benbetter on February 6, 2006, at 13:44:12
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by elkat on February 5, 2006, at 23:13:30
I believe it...
Today= day 17...
I had my first cup of coffee today... All went well... I did take a claritin again...I still dont have any Idea why this helps but anything to stop these mild spins.Today is the best day so far. I am in great spirits and Physically I feel as good as ever.
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 6, 2006, at 19:15:42
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 6, 2006, at 13:44:12
Great for you! Isn't the caffine thing just down right weird though?
Today, so far, has been good for me too. I feel like I'm slowly working my way out of a fog and actually having the energy and motivation to get things done. It's a wonderful thing!!!!!!!
Posted by benbetter on February 7, 2006, at 1:49:53
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 6, 2006, at 19:15:42
so... sleeping is where you have been.
I am glad you are feeling better.
Posted by Benbetter on February 7, 2006, at 21:09:03
In reply to Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by Benbetter on January 26, 2006, at 18:21:27
Perfect day.. only minor spins day 17
Posted by tizza on February 7, 2006, at 22:42:44
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by Benbetter on February 7, 2006, at 21:09:03
i promise they will be gone after a month!!!!!!!!!!! Well they were for me, hang in there
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 1:21:13
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 7, 2006, at 1:49:53
Sleeping!!!! I wish. ;-)
Things went well again today. I actually went and played tennis, and hung out at the park. It didn't hurt that the weather was sunny and beautiful!!!
So, how are your moods?
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 11:45:38
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 7, 2006, at 1:49:53
BenBetter, thought you would get a laugh out of where this thread has gone. There is a post from apoz, an answer from me and a reply from some *ss named steve. People never fail to amaze me.
How's your day? I never did get a chance to ask if the Photography work was still difficult for you? I hope it's going better!
Posted by benbetter on February 8, 2006, at 20:20:45
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 11:45:38
hey things are good... i still get the light spins but i can handle it.. the strobes dont bother me anymore... I am easily annoyed now... I dont know if I am justified or not... but some of the guys I work with are also easily annoyed at the same stuff. They have not decided to be scientific experaments like we lab rats though. so I dont know if I am jumping at stuff to quicky or if things are pushing my buttons.. The stupids are still in my head.. although I am getting used to it. I finally had a beer and a vodka.... wow It is the longest dry spell i have had since fishing in AK. 15 years ago.
i will look for the post.. more on day18
Posted by benbetter on February 8, 2006, at 20:54:33
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 8, 2006, at 20:20:45
Wifeofarmyguy,
Enigma, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Yazz, Duran Duran, and New Order does this mean anything to you? A simple yes or no will do. Nice discussion with steve.. I think you have to ignore the posts that are so underthought.. But that is exactly the stuff that has made me freak out lately.. Or when some one asks me a question and just as I start to respond they talk over me... I have been counting to ten a lot lately..
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 8, 2006, at 23:57:52
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 8, 2006, at 20:54:33
Yes. They are my favorite bands of all time. Do I know you?????
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 9, 2006, at 0:08:17
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 8, 2006, at 20:54:33
Day, um... I don't know! I'll have to go back thru my posts and check...
Isn't it sometimes hard to tell what is and what is not the side effects? I'm easily pissed off these days, is it because I'm off the effexor? Is it because I'm still having withdrawl? Is it just my wonderful personality pushing its way forward after a year of being suppressed? Is it just a jumble of all of the above? God only knows!
As for the stupids, yep they hit me too. My friends have been telling me the last few days that I was born a blond and didn't know it. YIPPIE!!!!
Have you been feeling ok mood wise lately? I seemed to be a bit down from the happy, full of energy me from yesterday... Maybe I'm just taking too much notice of my moods? Anyway, your turn. :-)
Posted by benbetter on February 9, 2006, at 23:11:32
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 9, 2006, at 0:08:17
I think this is getting easier??? Not many spins or oddness. I think the mood swings for me are probably the same as they were BE(before Effexor) and it is hard to remeber what I felt like then...The effexor takes out all of the highs and lows.. I like the ability to feel the whole gamut.. BTW... no... I dont know you or If I do I dont know it yet. did you say MI?
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 10, 2006, at 2:14:20
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 9, 2006, at 23:11:32
MI is where I am from, yes.
Posted by benbetter on February 10, 2006, at 7:27:00
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 10, 2006, at 2:14:20
I dont know what to think. there are some people that say the spins etc will go away soon.. and then there is the guy postin below about the zaps a year later.. How can this controlled substance be so un predictable? I understand we all need to take responsibility when we start on any dosage... i never looked into it I wonder if i would have taken effexor had I known? If i would have I will guess I would have tried to hop off soo much sooner.
Posted by Kath on February 12, 2006, at 17:20:08
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor, posted by benbetter on February 10, 2006, at 7:27:00
I've been off Celexa about 3 months. I went off it VERY gradually, but for weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeks afterwards (actually it didn't start immediately) I would get annoyed pretty easily & I would SNAP if something really bugged me. After discussing it at length with my daughter (29 & a former anti-depressant user) I realized that I often would feel teed-off, but the times I'd blurt out whatever came into my head, were in situations that had been bugging me probably for the 5 years of being medicated, but I hadn't said anything about them.
Once, the same daughter had done something where I'd experienced the same reaction. She did it to various family members at different times, to observe the reaction - we were all the same:
As we were standing side by side, she'd do something - for me she lightly tapped my upper arm....just kept doing it. I looked at her questioningly, then looked away. She just kept doing it & eventually I said (quite annyoed) STOP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was there when she did this with my husband and my son. They had the same reaction. Looked at her, or moved away etc & finally were pissed off as they said stop-it. We found it very interesting. Rather than saying "stop it - that's bugging me" or whatever, right when it started to bug us, we put up with it until it was REALLY annoying & then exploded!! I find that astonishing. I've tried that experiment with various people & all but one time, it's always been the same reaction.
My doctor said that I'd be feeling more at both ends of the emotional spectrum & things would even out after a bit. It's true in both cases....I'd start to cry reading a sad article in the paper; or laugh like crazy over something not tremendously funny; or get really ticked off when I wouldn't ordinarily have. I also am now "evened out". The main difference I notice now, is that if I'm treated in a disrepectful way I speak out where I wouldn't have before.
Best of luck...Kath
Posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 12, 2006, at 20:42:26
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor- re: easily pissed-off, posted by Kath on February 12, 2006, at 17:20:08
Thank for your post on this. We are all funny creatures aren't we? I'm always amazed at how we react to different stimuli...
I had been wondering if we on this board were a select few that were having high highs and low lows coming off of this...It's good to hear that things eventually even out. I'm tired of tearing up at the smallest, saddest (or not so sad) things!
Posted by benbetter on February 13, 2006, at 8:27:54
In reply to Re: Cold Turkey Effexor- re: easily pissed-off, posted by wifeofarmyguy on February 12, 2006, at 20:42:26
It makes sense, I feel like all three of us have a similar experience..
I am not making fun but this story reminds me of the Simpsons going to the psycologist and thay are all wired up with the ability to shock one another.. They all keep screaming Ouch quit it. After you see them get shocked.Tons of people keep asking whats up with you? Not only in the quick to snap way but my energy level seems higher along with ambition.
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