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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by resisting on July 10, 2006, at 22:07:56
I took my last dose of Effexor 5 days ago (I've been trying to quit since January, when I was at 150mg/day--this has taken forever!).
The dizziness and nausea are starting to taper off (I think), but the brain zaps are getting worse--extremely uncomfortable making it very difficult to concentrate and stay focused--and I ache all over (is that common?). Also, I feel kind of like I have severe PMS: my emotions have been all over the place.
Does anyone have any remedies for withdrawal symptoms? I'll take any suggestions anyone has: other prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and natural remedies. I just want these symptoms to stop!
Posted by over 55 on July 11, 2006, at 10:19:08
In reply to Help for Effexor Withdrawal?, posted by resisting on July 10, 2006, at 22:07:56
When you say you have been trying to stop since Jan does that mean you have been weaning off since Jan? Your withdrawal symtems sound classic and I can only speak for myself so here goes. I had 20mg Prozac to wean off with and it helped immensely. Minimal nausea etc. I also got advice from this site to try Omega-3 and did that too and think it also helped. I have been completely off the Effexor for 1 week now and doing really well. I am weaning off the Prozac to hopefully nothing within the next 2 weeks. Read some of the past posts and see if they help you too and hang in there and drink plenty of water to flush the system out and take care of yourself in other ways too such as eating right etc. It all helps. Keep in touch on how it is going for you.
Posted by resisting on July 11, 2006, at 12:14:29
In reply to Re: Help for Effexor Withdrawal?, posted by over 55 on July 11, 2006, at 10:19:08
Yes, under the adivce of my psychiatrist, I've been tapering down from 150 mg since January. First to 112.5 mg, then to 75 mg, then to 37.5, then 37.5 every other day, then every two days, three days, and then done. I stayed a long time at 75 mg, because at first I couldn't handle the horrible withdrawal symptoms I experienced when I went down to 37.5 mg. (I also have an on-going problem with occasional bouts of hypoglycemia: once my doctor adjusted my diet and I got that under control, it was easier to drop down to 37.5 mg.)
My symptoms aren't as bad as they were then, but they're still pretty terrible (I passed out on the street the other day: luckily my boyfriend was there to catch me, carry me over to a bench, and call the doctor). Just wondering if there's anything I can do to ease the withdrawal . . .
Posted by resisting on July 11, 2006, at 12:15:33
In reply to Re: Help for Effexor Withdrawal?, posted by over 55 on July 11, 2006, at 10:19:08
BTW, thanks for the advice!
Posted by over 55 on July 11, 2006, at 13:24:45
In reply to Help for Effexor Withdrawal?, posted by resisting on July 10, 2006, at 22:07:56
You might post your msg on the "alternative" site and get some good advice from there too. My brain "zaps" have almost entirely gone and the head is getting clearer each day so don't give up!!!
This is the end of the thread.
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