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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MSWGradStudent on June 7, 2006, at 5:12:57
I've read all of the horror stories. I need to hear that someone made it through the Effexor withdrawal and is now happy and symptom free!
I'm currently more sick than I've ever been in my life and I know I can handle it IF there's going to be a light at the end of the tunnel...
Who was able to stop it and is now symptom free?
Thanks in advance and hope you are well!
Posted by gingerlyn67 on June 10, 2006, at 16:00:51
In reply to Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effexor., posted by MSWGradStudent on June 7, 2006, at 5:12:57
It took me a good month to get rid of all the side affects and withdrawls I had when I stopped taking the effexor. I was very emotional for a few weeks still, but, it's getting better all the time. I think I have been off of it now for at least 8 wks. I sleep a lot better and my husband says I don't snore or have nightmares like I was having when I was taking the meds. I am expecting my body to slowly get back to normal after a good 3 mths. My anxiety is pretty bad still, but, I would rather deal with that , then, to be a fruitcake and be on the meds. It worked to begin with, but, after 3 mths and moving my dosage up a few times, it just quit working for me and I had really bad side affects. The brain shivers got so bad when I was on the 150mgs, that, I couldn't drive. It's when that happened that I talked to my DR and we decided to get me off of the meds. He told me it was going to be a really hard 3 to 4 wks, and, it was! I am surprised I am still married. My body felt like I had the flu during the 4th week of withdrawls. I was so sick and achey. I literally thought about admitting myself to the psyche ward at times.
It will get better. Some people's withdrawls are worse than others, but, from all I have read on here, we all seem to have nearly the same problems. It's unbelievable to me that something that is supposed to make you feel good makes you feel so bad when coming off of it. Take care and good luck!
Posted by wishingstar on June 11, 2006, at 21:15:36
In reply to Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effexor., posted by MSWGradStudent on June 7, 2006, at 5:12:57
I took effexor for about 9 months around 2002. I tapered off of it over a couple of weeks (I forget exactly how long), but after my last dose, only experienced any withdrawal symptoms for maybe 4 or 5 days. Mostly just a little dizziness, feeling like my head was spinning (as if I'd been drinking almost), and I believe some weird sensations that felt like little joltes of electricity through my body, but not painful. Overall, it really was not too bad for me at all. I was symptom-free up until about 6 months ago.
Good luck. :)
Posted by leah91 on June 12, 2006, at 13:21:14
In reply to Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effexor., posted by MSWGradStudent on June 7, 2006, at 5:12:57
> I've read all of the horror stories. I need to hear that someone made it through the Effexor withdrawal and is now happy and symptom free!
>
> I'm currently more sick than I've ever been in my life and I know I can handle it IF there's going to be a light at the end of the tunnel...
>
> Who was able to stop it and is now symptom free?
>
> Thanks in advance and hope you are well!Hello,
I registered on this board today for one reason... to let people know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I will share my story of my withdrawal from effexor, hoping that it will help just one person... would even be nice...
I was taking Effexor XR from October of last year, until January of this year, and had reached 300 mg a day.I did not come off of effexor voluntarily; to make a long story short, my ex-doctor went out of town on vacation and wouldn't return my calls after giving me too little effexor to last through to my next appt. I realized this too late, and was doomed to withdrawal. I stayed on it throughout the months because the doctor wanted to get me up to a "therapuetic level" and then supposedly I would feel better, which I never did.
Day one without the drug produced a profound migraine headache, which was debilitating, and painful.
Days two through twenty produced a number of hellish side effects, which in some instances provoked fear, confusion, and suicidal thoughts. I will not list them here, because if you are going through it, you know exactly what I am talking about.
I felt remnants of my old self again after week three, and then after week four I was pretty much symptom free, with a few snags here and there. It took about 5 or 6 weeks to feel completely normal again.
I feel so bad for the many people that have gone, or will go through this horrible experience, especially the ones who do not have strength, information, or support on their sides. I pray that they find the strength to get through this withdrawal... but know that you will eventually be your old self again, even if the withdrawal seems like it lasts forever.
If anyone needs any support, advice or just wants to talk to someone who has been through it, let me know. I sure could have used some help and support at the time.
Take heart...
Posted by gabmeister on June 12, 2006, at 17:45:53
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effexor., posted by leah91 on June 12, 2006, at 13:21:14
Posted by cubic_me on June 20, 2006, at 13:27:46
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effexor., posted by leah91 on June 12, 2006, at 13:21:14
I had very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms while I tapered down from 225mg (over several months) and then for several weeks after I stopped completely, but 3 months after stopping the only thing that remained was occasional 'head shocks' maybe once or twice a week, and now a year later I haven't had a head shock for several months. It might feel like hell when you're going through it, but most people end up symptom free - remember that the people who come on boards like this are often those with problems, that's why they seek help. The thousands who go on and off this drug with no problems have much less need to share their experience with others and ask for advice.
Posted by gabmeister on June 20, 2006, at 15:22:36
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effe, posted by cubic_me on June 20, 2006, at 13:27:46
My dearest Leah91:
i find your post extremely offensive! I am soooo glad you were able to get off this drug no problems. What I find offensive is the fact that you state "that people like "us" [just what does that mean?] post on these sites because we have "problems". I have a very good life, good job, wonderful loving husband. Even on speaking with my pshycho-doc we've decide I have no reason for my depression other than a chemical imbalance in my brain. Sorry, Leah91, there's nothing I can do about that. It's my make up, my genetics. I truly wish to h**l I didn't have this problem.The problem is this "mental illness" known as "depression". If you read back several postings you will note that I even said the evil is not always the drug, it is the illness itself that we are dealing with that is the evil. AND to my understanding, that is what this site is about! Supporting each other getting off this drug.
I am the first to admit it helped me in my time of need, but coming off it is H E L L !! It's just fine and dandy for you to say that there are thousands who have gone on and off Effexor with not problem. Well, I hate to break it to you, for every one with no problems, there is one that has withdrawal symptoms [and they are nasty symptoms]. Just so you know I was on the drug several years ago, went off slowly (after having had some bad side effects of going off tooo quickly). Then two years later when I felt the depression consuming me again, I CHOSE to go back on Effexor because it did help me! BUT that being said, now, four years later, I am now ready to go off, but just because I'M ready doesn't mean my BODY is ready! Read your info. It is a highly addictive drug.
I don't think any of us need you to judge this place we are at.
AND... congrats on getting off with little or not effects. BUT... may I point out... and I also encourage you to read the information that comes with this prescription... there is a WARNING not to come off without your doc's guidance. WHY????? Because of all the withdrawal side effects.
Please get off your high horse and if you don't understand the real reason for this site, please don't share your condescending comments.
Please understand we are in a place where we need support, not "put down".
Posted by gabmeister on June 20, 2006, at 15:26:06
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effe, posted by gabmeister on June 20, 2006, at 15:22:36
LEAH(!
This comes with apologies... I misread the posting... my rather ranting post was meant for "cubic_me" NOT you.I apologize to you.
gab
Posted by cubic_me on June 20, 2006, at 16:45:39
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effe, posted by gabmeister on June 20, 2006, at 15:22:36
I'm sorry you found my post offensive, I wasn't meaning to be, I was just giving my experience.
> i find your post extremely offensive! I am soooo glad you were able to get off this drug no problems.
Getting off effexor was by far problem-less for me. If you look back through the archives I too was having problems with withdrawals.
>What I find offensive is the fact that you state "that people like "us" [just what does that mean?]I didn't say 'people like us', but people who come on boards such as this. I found your tone hurtful to me.
> post on these sites because we have "problems". I have a very good life, good job, wonderful loving husband. Even on speaking with my pshycho-doc we've decide I have no reason for my depression other than a chemical imbalance in my brain. Sorry, there's nothing I can do about that. It's my make up, my genetics. I truly wish to h**l I didn't have this problem.I'm in exactly the same boat, I have a stable life, stable family etc and I too must have a chemical imbalence somewhere - so frustrating isn't it? I wish I didn't have it either, it's a horrible, debilitating condition.
>
> The problem is this "mental illness" known as "depression". If you read back several postings you will note that I even said the evil is not always the drug, it is the illness itself that we are dealing with that is the evil. AND to my understanding, that is what this site is about! Supporting each other getting off this drug.I'm definately here to support and be supported. The origional poster wanted some success stories of getting off effexor, it seemed s/he was scared and I was trying to be positive. Ofcourse people have had terrible times with withdrawal, but this poster was asking to hear something positive.
> I am the first to admit it helped me in my time of need, but coming off it is H E L L !! It's just fine and dandy for you to say that there are thousands who have gone on and off Effexor with not problem. Well, I hate to break it to you, for every one with no problems, there is one that has withdrawal symptoms [and they are nasty symptoms]. Just so you know I was on the drug several years ago, went off slowly (after having had some bad side effects of going off tooo quickly). Then two years later when I felt the depression consuming me again, I CHOSE to go back on Effexor because it did help me! BUT that being said, now, four years later, I am now ready to go off, but just because I'M ready doesn't mean my BODY is ready! Read your info. It is a highly addictive drug.I'm a final year medical student and have studied this drug from both a personal and professional prospective. I've experienced the withdrawal and they definately feel like addiction, but I'm not convinced that it is a true addiction, to me the evidence points more towards it being a discontinuation syndrome. That doesn't play down the feelings or effects it can have, I realised they can be terrible.
>
> I don't think any of us need you to judge this place we are at.I'm sorry your felt I was judging you.
>
> AND... congrats on getting off with little or not effects. BUT... may I point out... and I also encourage you to read the information that comes with this prescription... there is a WARNING not to come off without your doc's guidance. WHY????? Because of all the withdrawal side effects.
>
> Please get off your high horse and if you don't understand the real reason for this site, please don't share your condescending comments.
>
> Please understand we are in a place where we need support, not "put down".
>
>I've been on this site for several years and don't post much any more since I mainly posted on psychology and left therapy. This is my first post in months and I really felt as though this person needed some positive stories to help them through this difficult time. This reply has made me think twice about posting to support in the future.
Posted by johnnyj on June 20, 2006, at 17:17:39
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effe » gabmeister, posted by cubic_me on June 20, 2006, at 16:45:39
Hello,
Please don't be shy about posting. I did not find your comments in the least bit harmful. I thought they were very supportive. I recently have gone off of remeron and have a lot of withdrawal but I am working through it. Sorry the other poster attacked you as I feel it was unwarranted and not accurate to your post.
Best regards.
johnnyj
Posted by Dinah on June 20, 2006, at 18:06:32
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effe, posted by gabmeister on June 20, 2006, at 15:22:36
> Please get off your high horse and if you don't understand the real reason for this site, please don't share your condescending comments.
Dr. Bob requires that we abide by the civility guidelines of this board, which include
"Please respect the views of others even if you think they're wrong. Please be sensitive to their feelings even if yours are hurt."
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
The civility guidelines also contain tips on what to do when you find yourself upset by a post.
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.
Dr. Bob is always free to override deputy decisions. His email is on the bottom of each page. Please feel free to email him if you believe this decision was made in error.
Dinah, acting as deputy for Dr. Bob
Posted by Dinah on June 20, 2006, at 18:14:56
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effe » cubic_me, posted by johnnyj on June 20, 2006, at 17:17:39
> Sorry the other poster attacked you as I feel it was unwarranted and not accurate to your post.
Johnny, I think it was terrific of you to want to support cubic me. But the civility guidelines require that no posts or posters should be categorized in such a way as to make the poster feel accused or put down, even if your feelings are hurt or you are supporting someone else whose feelings are hurt.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.
Dr. Bob is always free to override deputy decisions. His email is on the bottom of each page. Please feel free to email him if you believe this decision was made in error.
Dinah, acting as deputy for Dr. Bob
Posted by yshk01 on July 2, 2006, at 11:30:52
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effexor., posted by leah91 on June 12, 2006, at 13:21:14
Leah91,
I took mind control medicine accidentally. There was no reason to take this medicine. Since I had this medicine, my health condition is going downhill. Drug controls me mentally and physically. I have no idea what this medicine is for. I complained to my doctor on how this drug was bad for my health. The doctor said that it wasn't from the drug, it was from me. I tried to stop this medicine, which is cold turkey. After that I had a lot of problems. When I went back to the doctor and complained about my symptons, the doctor gave me more drugs and I got sick again. I have been in the same circle a long time. Finally, I got the information through the Internet. The doctor was not right. Many people are struggling with mind control medicine. I went cold turkey last year. I got really sick. Migraine headaches, fibromyalgia. The doctor put the diagnosis on the withdrawal symptoms. I don't want to go back to the medicine. I fought with drugs for one year. My physical condition was getting worse. I went back to the doctor and complained about muscle problems, which never got better, and I took that medicine. It was mind control medicine. I don't want to go cold turkey again this time. I stopped all medicine with tapering off two months ago. But still I have a lot of problems. Getting tired. I feel like I am not getting better. Is this condition continuing the rest of my life? I don't see any hope. Please give me some strength from people who have had a successful withdrawal. Please answer to me.
Posted by gabmeister on July 2, 2006, at 13:47:55
In reply to Please be civil » gabmeister, posted by Dinah on June 20, 2006, at 18:06:32
Hi... haven't been avoiding answering this, my computer's just been out of commission.
A few days after my posting, I felt bad. I think I mis-read the posting from cubic_me. I have re-read it an now see where (s)he was coming from.
I think part of it is also getting off the drugs, I find there are days where I am just soo (tooo) sensitive to things that are said and done.
You may not believe it but this posting was totally out of character for me.
I apologize profusely to everyone and anyone I may have offended or upset in anyway.
This is a msg to cubic_me. My appologies are double to you. After your response to me, I realize that you were trying to put a positive slant on this whole matter. Right now I could just have a gooood cry about how nasty I'm sure I sounded.
Please do not let a knee-jerk reaction like mine keep you from posting here. Lord knows we all need every little bit of hope we can get.
Again, I apologize to everyone and promise that in future, before I answer a posting I may find not to my liking, I'll give myself a cooling off period.
Posted by johnnyj on July 2, 2006, at 20:14:00
In reply to Re: Please be civil » Dinah, posted by gabmeister on July 2, 2006, at 13:47:55
I am glad you seem to be feeling better. Getting off these drugs has made me weepy, angry, aggressive, and all sorts of things. I hope and pray you do very well and things settle down for you. Misunderstandings happen even when we are not weaning off so take heart that you are doing better. Best wishes
johnnyj
Posted by gabmeister on July 3, 2006, at 7:52:27
In reply to Re: Please be civil » gabmeister, posted by johnnyj on July 2, 2006, at 20:14:00
Hi johnnyj... thank you so much. Your posting struck me as very heart felt and understanding.
Gawd, I'd been doing so well getting off - Over the last couple of months, with the help of my doc, I've gotten myself from 225mg a day to 37.5 every 36 hours.
Problem is now I find myself getting very teary / weepy. Believe it or not your posting touched me to the point where the tears just came from nowhere and they're still coming. I'm caught in a place where I don't know if I'm crying because of depression, because of the cruelty mankind can inflict on his fellow humans and animals we share the world with, or if I'm crying from the joy and miraculous beauty of life.
There's days when I feel like I'm going absolutely nuts.
Oh well. This too shall pass. We will overcome this disease.
I was on Effexor a couple of years and weaned off several years ago, so I know for sure there IS light at the end of this tunnel. It just takes time to get there. Unfortunately, the depresson reared its ugly little head and I had to go back on after having been off for nearly 2 years. This time I've been on longer and am hoping beyond hope this is the last time I will need any of these drugs.
Take care to all. Prayer for all of you tonite.
Posted by leah91 on July 3, 2006, at 13:36:51
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effexor. » leah91, posted by yshk01 on July 2, 2006, at 11:30:52
> Leah91,
> I took mind control medicine accidentally. There was no reason to take this medicine. Since I had this medicine, my health condition is going downhill. Drug controls me mentally and physically. I have no idea what this medicine is for. I complained to my doctor on how this drug was bad for my health. The doctor said that it wasn't from the drug, it was from me. I tried to stop this medicine, which is cold turkey. After that I had a lot of problems. When I went back to the doctor and complained about my symptons, the doctor gave me more drugs and I got sick again. I have been in the same circle a long time. Finally, I got the information through the Internet. The doctor was not right. Many people are struggling with mind control medicine. I went cold turkey last year. I got really sick. Migraine headaches, fibromyalgia. The doctor put the diagnosis on the withdrawal symptoms. I don't want to go back to the medicine. I fought with drugs for one year. My physical condition was getting worse. I went back to the doctor and complained about muscle problems, which never got better, and I took that medicine. It was mind control medicine. I don't want to go cold turkey again this time. I stopped all medicine with tapering off two months ago. But still I have a lot of problems. Getting tired. I feel like I am not getting better. Is this condition continuing the rest of my life? I don't see any hope. Please give me some strength from people who have had a successful withdrawal. Please answer to me.<<yshk01,
Please don't give up hope. I have heard that the longer you are taking the drug, the longer it takes to get out of your system. I was only on Effexor XR for 4 months. It took six weeks for me to feel normal again. Everybody is different.
If you don't mind me asking, what specific drugs were you taking?
I understand what you are going through, because I was so scared that I would never feel normal again. I have a very long list of side effects from withdrawal that I keep on my PC, just to remind me that I will never ever put a drug in my body again (no matter what doctor prescribes it) without doing a ton of research on the drug. I feel like I learned that lesson the hard way. It was a hard lesson to learn.
Please please know that you will get through this, and you are not alone!!!
Posted by cubic_me on July 4, 2006, at 10:17:30
In reply to Re: Please be civil » Dinah, posted by gabmeister on July 2, 2006, at 13:47:55
Hi Gabmeister,
Thanks so much for your apology, it means alot to me. I'm also sorry for upsetting you at such a difficult time. Looking at your other posts on the site it does seem very out of character for you, I hope you're ok.
>
> This is a msg to cubic_me. My appologies are double to you. After your response to me, I realize that you were trying to put a positive slant on this whole matter. Right now I could just have a gooood cry about how nasty I'm sure I sounded.
> Please do not let a knee-jerk reaction like mine keep you from posting here. Lord knows we all need every little bit of hope we can get.
I've posted a little bit since this post, so you can't have put me off too much ;) hopefully I'll see you around the boards and we can put this misunderstanding behind us.Cubic_me (ps I'm female incase that makes writing posts to me easier!)
Posted by gabmeister on July 5, 2006, at 8:23:52
In reply to Re: Please be civil » gabmeister, posted by cubic_me on July 4, 2006, at 10:17:30
Hi Cubic_me
I was so happy to hear from you! Thank god I didn't scare you off too much. I realized (unfortunately after I blew off at you) that you were trying to be a bright light in this mess.
By the way, about 12 years ago I was put on Prozac and what I displayed in my posting to you is what I became all the time. I don't know why my darling hubby didn't leave me. Poor guy would be watching t.v. and I would "snap" out of the blue and start screaming and yelling at the poor guy for no reason. Sweetness and light that he is he just put up with it. Worst part was, Prozac had a really bad effect... after being on it about a year, every day as I was driving home, when I hit a certain spot on the highway, in my "mind's eye" I could envision myself murdering him. Every time, he would be laying in bed, facing the bedroom door. I would walk around behind him and start stabbing him. All it took to get this "vision (?)" out of my mind was to shake my head. It started happening every couple of days, and then when it started happening every day, I got off Prozac so FAST. Strangely I had no withdrawal from Prozac. Doc tells me it's 'cause it leaves your body so slowly, your body has time to adjust. Also told me that in many people, Prozac may not be the answer because it tends to bring out the "stronger side" of your personality. Yet very close friend of 46 years was diagnosed as manic-depressive (bi-polar) in her early 20's. Drug after drug (including Lithium [bad news stuff]) and nothing helped. Five years ago she was put on Prozac for one year. Was taken off it, no withdrawl, and she's been great every since. Proves different drugs work differently for different people.
I was also on Paxil for about a year. Turned into a walking zombie and gained 40 pounds. I asked to be taken off that because it too was no good for me. Came off, no withdrawl. Again, doc explained this drug too leaves your body very slowly and your body adjusts according.
I've heard from doc and psycho-doc that one problem with Effexor is that it does pass through the body quickly and your body cannot adjust to the addiction / withdrawl cycle fast enough.
I've been on a relatively high doseage for about 4 years and boy oh boy, I can attest that this stuff is truly addictive to the body. First time I was on it several years ago, was on 150/day and forgot to take it two days. Vomitting, migraine to kill, muscle aches, the shakes, "brain shivers" dizziness. I had to take a couple of days off work. When I went back spoke with the boss (who was very understanding). I explained what happened and my exact words were "I developed a new respect for people going cold turkey from heroin". When I was finally taken off the Effexor, this experience made me realize I needed to do so very slowly. Took me about 3-4 months. Even at the end I was taking 1/4 of a 37.5 pill every 3-4 days. Even then the weird eye movement-dizziness would happen. That was the last withdrawl symptom and I finally had to just plain "work through it". I felt so free when I finally got to taking nothing. Unfortunately, Mr. Depression reared his ugly little head again and back to the Effexor after having struggled so hard to get off. This time been on it for about 4 years. Spoke to both docs and I feel I'm ready to get off again. Why? Because I want to FEEL again. Strange as that sounds.
Anyhow, cubic_me, glad you're a woman. During this time I also hit menopause (have passed through that and no periods for the last 2 1/2 yrs). That period of time didn't help matters either. I just refused any hormonal replacement for hot flashes and nite sweats 'cause messing with hormones scares me and when these homorne replacement therapies came out I didn't approve (for ethical reasons) of the way they were made. My understanding is now there are "artificial" hormones.
Know what scares me? Another good friend of 35 yrs used to blast me for taking these psycho drugs. Funny thing was she said she didn't understand what I had to be depressed about. Every try explaining depression to someone who's never lived there? Sometimes I think "outsiders" think depression is like what we went through in our younger years when we "broke up with a boyfriend". She also often said I was the most "together" person she's ever known. I tried explaining many times it's beyond our control. I finally gave up and we just don't go there any more.
Strangely, she's going through menopause and started taking HRT and her side effects were bad. Palpitations, migraines, and breast cancer in her family (mother, aunt, sister, grandmother). She went off the HRT but couldn't deal with the hot flashes and night sweats. Back to her doc she went. Guess what doc put her on? Effexor! Apparently it is now being prescribed specifically for hot flashes and night sweats. It supposedly controls the part of your brain that regulates your core temperature.
She doesn't believe me when I describe how bad the withdrawal. She just doesn't believe it.
And before anyone else thinks it, or says it, yeah, yeah. I also don't understand how the two of us can be best friends. But we are. Life is strange. At least we're honest with each other.
I am glad the drug is helping her through the menopause symptoms and I pray that when she goes off she is lucky enough to avoid what we're trapped in right now.
Anyhow, Effexor. Good drug / bad drug. I will never deny that it helped me when I needed help. But right now, Mr. Effexor is no longer my friend. But I know from previous experience the light at the end of the tunnel is near.
I know I'm repeating myself, but anyone reading this (if I haven't bored you to death by now) take my advice when I say it's addictive; you need to wean slowly no matter how long that takes. If you've been on it for months or years, in the greater scheme of things, what's another few months if it helps you avoid the nasty withdrawal effects.
There was a posting from someone else who said they had dropped their dosage and were down to 37.5. Then they went from 37.5 to nothing. Please, that's too fast. Everytime you feel comfortable at a doseage, drop it in half until you feel comfortable again (I went down 1/4 of a pill at a time). Your body needs help from you to adjust.
Cubic_me, thank you for your foregiveness. I'm glad to see you here. Take care.
My prayers for all of you.
This too shall pass. There is happiness ahead for us.
Posted by over 55 on July 6, 2006, at 16:46:21
In reply to Re: Please be civil » cubic_me, posted by gabmeister on July 5, 2006, at 8:23:52
Hi all,
What a journey huh!!! Gabmeister, you were one of the first to respond when I found this site and I can really relate to the "lashing out and biting those around". I hate myself for doing it and wonder if that is "really who I am" as I slip into that role way to easily. It is definitely not who I want to be, but I have ruined more than a few relationships with my "sharp tongue". I know there is a nice woman in there somewhere. A recent job eval said "I was the kindest person they had ever met", and I wondered if we knew the same person (ha ha).
I want to feel again too, but then it gets scary as I feel very stong emotions about things and have to put a harness on my mouth. I don't want to be mealy mouthed, but I don't want to be so abrasive in my presentation. It is all a "work in progress", I guess.
It is so good to hear from other people who are getting through this. I have been completely off Effexor for 10 days now after taking a month to withdraw from 225 mg a day for 5 years. In reading other posts I feel very fortunate to have made it with minimal problems. I had 20 mg of Prozac to help with the weaning and am still taking 20mg every other day, until I feel I can go it alone. I won't turn into a totally uncontrolled witch so will remain on the Prozac if I need to. When I look at the older female relatives in my family they are really not very nice people to be around; very sharp tongued etc. Most suffer from depression and have been medicated/hospitalized at times in their lives. I hope that is not my legacy. I want to find a better way to handle things than be like a zombie. I just want to be healthy again.
Thanks to everyone who has offered and provided support to me (and others) on this site. It was a life-saver to say the least.
Posted by johnnyj on July 6, 2006, at 17:20:04
In reply to Re: Please be civil » johnnyj, posted by gabmeister on July 3, 2006, at 7:52:27
I hope the cry was a good one and not bad. I look back on the last few years and I know the meds have made me unable to feel like I should, to tell the people I care about how much they really mean to me, but I hope I am past that numbness and can express myself better. I feel better now, but still lots of withdrawal. It is a day to day deal with me and I just have to go with it. I hope you feel better.
Cheers
johnnyj
Posted by gabmeister on July 6, 2006, at 17:43:49
In reply to Re: Please be civil » gabmeister, posted by johnnyj on July 6, 2006, at 17:20:04
Hi johnny_j. Are you a man? I assume you are by the name. Don't for one minute think I'm a man hating female, but that was such a wonderful post!
You hope it was a "good cry"? My god. My husband, wonderful and loving as he is, doesn't always understand when I "cry 'cause I'm happy".
If you're guy, I bless the ground you walk on!
If you're a woman, then I understand why you understand "good cry".
Anyhow... moving on... yes it was a good cry. Know what's nice? Since starting on my journey off the Effexor I'm starting to feel enough to start crying again simply 'cause I'm happy. Life truly is looking beautiful again (in spite of the withdrawal). To feel. To be.
I too have started this journey of telling people how I feel about life and about them. I tell people how I love life and how I love them (unless of course I just plain hate their g*ts .... hey... I'm allowed). And if they think I'm nuts or toooo corny for words, that's their problem not mine. I wish more people would be honest with me and tell me how they feel.
Isn't it a great day when someone says they love you, respect you, care about you and your life?
I'm starting to feel so good off the Effexor (in between the withdrawal symptoms that is) that it's making this whole painful thing worthwhile.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm finally starting to feel that that light is not just another oncoming train!
It's hope. It's feeling. It's life.
I've rambled enough.
Bye for today.
Prayer for you all. Life is good. This too shall pass.
me.
Posted by tracyunverzagt on July 6, 2006, at 20:53:54
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effexor., posted by leah91 on July 3, 2006, at 13:36:51
Putting a list of the effects from withdrawal is a great idea. I keep telling myself that this too will pass, and then i whisper to myself that I just hope I am alive and kicking when it does...What I have the most trouble understanding is the fact that NO doctor tells you the possible effects when you go off. When I asked my doctor four years ago, when I had already started effexor, his response was that he didn't think it was necessary to discuss, because I should stay on this the rest of my life...Years ago, I tried cocaine, and developed a nasty habit, and let me tell you, going off of that was a BREEZE compared to this. I will never put another unnecessary drug in my system again...I have to take thyroid medicine, but other than that, I am so over any medicine..it is killing me..
Tracy
> > Leah91,
> > I took mind control medicine accidentally. There was no reason to take this medicine. Since I had this medicine, my health condition is going downhill. Drug controls me mentally and physically. I have no idea what this medicine is for. I complained to my doctor on how this drug was bad for my health. The doctor said that it wasn't from the drug, it was from me. I tried to stop this medicine, which is cold turkey. After that I had a lot of problems. When I went back to the doctor and complained about my symptons, the doctor gave me more drugs and I got sick again. I have been in the same circle a long time. Finally, I got the information through the Internet. The doctor was not right. Many people are struggling with mind control medicine. I went cold turkey last year. I got really sick. Migraine headaches, fibromyalgia. The doctor put the diagnosis on the withdrawal symptoms. I don't want to go back to the medicine. I fought with drugs for one year. My physical condition was getting worse. I went back to the doctor and complained about muscle problems, which never got better, and I took that medicine. It was mind control medicine. I don't want to go cold turkey again this time. I stopped all medicine with tapering off two months ago. But still I have a lot of problems. Getting tired. I feel like I am not getting better. Is this condition continuing the rest of my life? I don't see any hope. Please give me some strength from people who have had a successful withdrawal. Please answer to me.<<
>
> yshk01,
> Please don't give up hope. I have heard that the longer you are taking the drug, the longer it takes to get out of your system. I was only on Effexor XR for 4 months. It took six weeks for me to feel normal again. Everybody is different.
> If you don't mind me asking, what specific drugs were you taking?
> I understand what you are going through, because I was so scared that I would never feel normal again. I have a very long list of side effects from withdrawal that I keep on my PC, just to remind me that I will never ever put a drug in my body again (no matter what doctor prescribes it) without doing a ton of research on the drug. I feel like I learned that lesson the hard way. It was a hard lesson to learn.
> Please please know that you will get through this, and you are not alone!!!
Posted by gabmeister on July 29, 2006, at 21:10:51
In reply to Re: Please share SUCCESS stories re: stopping Effexor., posted by tracyunverzagt on July 6, 2006, at 20:53:54
Hey there. I'm with you on this one. Went to my doc and told him I felt ready (read: want to) get off this drug. Asked, how do I do it? He simply asked "why? do you have problems getting off it?" I sometimes wonder if they have any idea how difficult it can be. I explained my withdrawal symptoms to him and he seemed quite surprised. I don't always think it's the docs. Is it the drug companies ( who make BIG $$$ of this stuff) that don't really divulge what happens?)
Anyhow, how you all doing? Haven't been on the site for about a month but HAD to come back.
Let all of us let the rest of us know how we're all doing as a group. Suggestions welcome. Update welcome. Missed you all.
Prayer for you tonite.
gabmeister
This is the end of the thread.
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