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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 39 to 63 of 63. Go back in thread:
Posted by Damos on March 1, 2005, at 14:50:42
In reply to Re: Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey, posted by CarlaL48 on March 1, 2005, at 10:14:22
Hi Carla,
I'm at day 24 now and the last few days have brought me a few new sensations that I can only put down to withdrawal as there is nothing else that has changed recently.
If you can imagine having a mobile (cell) phone that's set to vibrate in your right shoe and having it go off every few seconds zzzzzzzt, zzzzzt, zzzzzzt, that's one of the newys, usually lasts about 4 hours first thing in the morning. The other that hit Friday, Saturday and Sunday was like someone had reached inside and was wringing out everything in the right hand side of my torso like a wet dishcloth. This was accompanied by the sensation of molten metal being poured in to my chest cavity. Very pleasant. Actually spent a good hour on the floor each day the pain was so bad. The rest of the day just felt like someone had punched a hole between my shoulder blades and ripped all my organs out through the hole. Apart from that I had a lovely weekend :-)
Happy to report that the last fews apart from the foot thing have been good. Sleeping much better now and feeling less emotionally wobbly.
A leap from 150 is a big thing so I imagine your body is going to make absolutely sure you know it's not happy and to never ever do that to it again.
Hang in there and take good care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you.
Damos
Posted by heatheratx on March 1, 2005, at 23:48:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Heather33 on October 4, 2003, at 21:27:27
I have been taking Effexor XR for almost 4 years, and have worked up to a dose of 200 mg a day and i also have been taking Paxil 60 mg day for almost 2 years. If i wait too long between doses (LIKE NOW) because I WANT TO STOP having to take anti-depressents It feels like SH*T...numbness, tingling cold hot waves, a disconeected floating feeling...a BAD HIGH...so do I ran home and take the meds and feel better in a few hours??? I feel like an addict
Posted by SLS on March 2, 2005, at 8:09:54
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Heather33, posted by heatheratx on March 1, 2005, at 19:45:07
Hi.
Are you trying to discontinue any medication? I'm a bit confused by your post. Which drugs do you want to discontinue?
- Scott
> I have been taking Effexor XR for almost 4 years, and have worked up to a dose of 200 mg a day and i also have been taking Paxil 60 mg day for almost 2 years. If i wait too long between doses (LIKE NOW) because I WANT TO STOP having to take anti-depressents It feels like SH*T...numbness, tingling cold hot waves, a disconeected floating feeling...a BAD HIGH...so do I ran home and take the meds and feel better in a few hours??? I feel like an addict
Posted by debinfl on March 2, 2005, at 9:04:29
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » debinfl, posted by SLS on February 27, 2005, at 13:16:10
Hi, i have been off the effexorXR 150mg once a day for six days now. I called my doctor, told him of the symptons - he acted like he had never heard of having withdrawal from effexor. Do most doctors act like you are crazy, or just mine?
Posted by Damos on March 2, 2005, at 15:21:29
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by debinfl on March 2, 2005, at 9:04:29
> Hi, i have been off the effexorXR 150mg once a day for six days now. I called my doctor, told him of the symptons - he acted like he had never heard of having withdrawal from effexor. Do most doctors act like you are crazy, or just mine?
The consensus from what I have seen would be most. Stopping cold form 150mg is not a good idea if you want to avoid the worst of the side-effects, the most effective strategy is to wean off very slowly over a period of weeks months. Others have used other drugs to ease the withdrawal but I just wasn't going to introduce anything else into the mix.
You can do it cold, aint much fun but it can be done Jiggitykid did it from 300mg and survived and her experience and support has a huge help to so many of us. You'll know what you can and can't cope with. It's your body and your health so don't just leave the decisions up to your Dr. Print some of the posts out and take them with you if you need to just make sure the choices that are made are right for you.
Good Luck, Damos
Posted by debinfl on March 3, 2005, at 6:43:25
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » debinfl, posted by Damos on March 2, 2005, at 15:21:29
Thanks so much for your input. I, luckily have a very supportive family and have all read what this prescription "drug" can do to you. I guess what I am scared of, is if I, at this point, reintroduce this monster into my system, I will start all over again. I am just now starting to feel and think (a little bit better than six days ago). I have thought about starting 75 mg once a day but am so scared to. I guess what I do not understand, is why, if we as non doctors can find this information, why don't doctors? Are doctors so "tied up" in the pharmacutical companies that they don't even think or care about the research needed for their patients. I hope all of your are finding today better than yesterday. God bless - Debinfl
Posted by dotz on March 5, 2005, at 16:47:20
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by debinfl on March 3, 2005, at 6:43:25
Hi Dotz here.
Am on Effexor XR 18 months at 375mg for severe depression and post herpetic neuralgia. In my treatment release plan my Psychiatrist recommended being on it until later 2006 early 2007.
Interestingly, the psychologist suggested tapering off taking nearly a year, keeping a very simple diet with exercise - additionally he suggested staying on a tiny dosage at the end for an indefinite time, says for two reasons,
1. tiny dosage will help if their is a recurrence.
2. Will help with transition to next generation of SNRIs which will be a lot safer.This guy is good, (the Psychologist) but the psychiatrist was usless.... my 2c...
Posted by nickolai on January 4, 2006, at 22:45:25
In reply to Rest or Exercise while withdrawing??, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:13:51
I just happened to come across your message and it was as if I had written it myself. I went cold turkey off of my Effexor (was taking 112 mg daily) and haven't been able to do a decent workout in weeks. Everything you describe is exactly what I've had (but also horrible fatigue, like I could sleep all day). I forced myself back to the gym yesterday and did a less intense workout than usual, but still felt like I had no energy and like I'd never be able to workout the way I usually do. I know it's been quite awhile since you posted, but I'd love to know how it turned out for you and if you were able to get back to working out regularly.
> Hey there again. I normally love working out and do so about 5 days a week. However this is day 5 of my tapering experience, and I haven't worked out since I started tapering because I've been dizzy, nauseous, and my head has been killing me. I was thinking today I should try to get back at it just to keep up on my normal routine, but I am wondering if it is smarter to rest and take it easy. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!!
Posted by Wandabobonna on January 5, 2006, at 13:01:09
In reply to Re: Rest or Exercise while withdrawing?? » brainshiver, posted by nickolai on January 4, 2006, at 22:21:46
> I just happened to come across your message and it was as if I had written it myself. I went cold turkey off of my Effexor (was taking 112 mg daily) and haven't been able to do a decent workout in weeks. Everything you describe is exactly what I've had (but also horrible fatigue, like I could sleep all day). I forced myself back to the gym yesterday and did a less intense workout than usual, but still felt like I had no energy and like I'd never be able to workout the way I usually do. I know it's been quite awhile since you posted, but I'd love to know how it turned out for you and if you were able to get back to working out regularly.
>
> > Hey there again. I normally love working out and do so about 5 days a week. However this is day 5 of my tapering experience, and I haven't worked out since I started tapering because I've been dizzy, nauseous, and my head has been killing me. I was thinking today I should try to get back at it just to keep up on my normal routine, but I am wondering if it is smarter to rest and take it easy. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!!
>
>Hello,
It has been a long time since a post has been sent to my email. But I know exactly what you are going through. This is just advice that I am giving but it is what helped me out. I had to taper down from 375 mg. I honestly thought I was going to die. At one point of time for about a week straight, I was locked in my room, lights out blinds closed, I wanted dark and quite. I had no appitite, I was throwing up anything I tried to get down, my head felt like it was going to fall off, I would get this feeling that I can only describe as it felt like my brain was being jolted every couple of minutes. That part honestly lasts the longest. I know you are on a lower dose, but withdraws are withdraws no matter what dose you are at. Finally it got to a point where I wanted to be put out of my misery, so I went to my doctor and he gave me 1mg of adivan. I swear that stuff saved me. It is addictive so you only want to use it when you need to, but if you are are having the same symptoms I had including not being able to sleep even though you want to so bad. I was also having night terrors or nightmares and heavy night sweats that I had to change my clothes in the middle of the night or even during a nap in the day. Adivan takes the edge off while you are going through the withdraws. It is also good to keep around ecspecially because with you getting off of effexor, you might have bad days as far as depression goes and instead of really feeling like you are going crazy, it will calm you down. If you decide to talk to your doctor and you do ask for adivan, take it responsibly and stay at a low dose like .5 mg or 1 mg. and only use it when you really need it. I know you probably don't want to start taking any more drugs, but it promise it really helps during this hard time. Props to you if you are still able to make it to the gym, but I know I had NO energy during that period of withdraws. So take it easy if you need to because the gym will be there when you feel better. I hope this post helps you. I know I wouldn't have made it through if I didn't find it. Because I thought I was the only one going through it, but just remember you are not alone. Feel free to ask me anything else and I will try to help you. GOOD LUCK!!!
Posted by nickolai on January 6, 2006, at 21:07:55
In reply to Re: Rest or Exercise while withdrawing??, posted by Wandabobonna on January 5, 2006, at 13:01:09
> > I just happened to come across your message and it was as if I had written it myself. I went cold turkey off of my Effexor (was taking 112 mg daily) and haven't been able to do a decent workout in weeks. Everything you describe is exactly what I've had (but also horrible fatigue, like I could sleep all day). I forced myself back to the gym yesterday and did a less intense workout than usual, but still felt like I had no energy and like I'd never be able to workout the way I usually do. I know it's been quite awhile since you posted, but I'd love to know how it turned out for you and if you were able to get back to working out regularly.
> >
> > > Hey there again. I normally love working out and do so about 5 days a week. However this is day 5 of my tapering experience, and I haven't worked out since I started tapering because I've been dizzy, nauseous, and my head has been killing me. I was thinking today I should try to get back at it just to keep up on my normal routine, but I am wondering if it is smarter to rest and take it easy. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!!
> >
> >
>
> Hello,
> It has been a long time since a post has been sent to my email. But I know exactly what you are going through. This is just advice that I am giving but it is what helped me out. I had to taper down from 375 mg. I honestly thought I was going to die. At one point of time for about a week straight, I was locked in my room, lights out blinds closed, I wanted dark and quite. I had no appitite, I was throwing up anything I tried to get down, my head felt like it was going to fall off, I would get this feeling that I can only describe as it felt like my brain was being jolted every couple of minutes. That part honestly lasts the longest. I know you are on a lower dose, but withdraws are withdraws no matter what dose you are at. Finally it got to a point where I wanted to be put out of my misery, so I went to my doctor and he gave me 1mg of adivan. I swear that stuff saved me. It is addictive so you only want to use it when you need to, but if you are are having the same symptoms I had including not being able to sleep even though you want to so bad. I was also having night terrors or nightmares and heavy night sweats that I had to change my clothes in the middle of the night or even during a nap in the day. Adivan takes the edge off while you are going through the withdraws. It is also good to keep around ecspecially because with you getting off of effexor, you might have bad days as far as depression goes and instead of really feeling like you are going crazy, it will calm you down. If you decide to talk to your doctor and you do ask for adivan, take it responsibly and stay at a low dose like .5 mg or 1 mg. and only use it when you really need it. I know you probably don't want to start taking any more drugs, but it promise it really helps during this hard time. Props to you if you are still able to make it to the gym, but I know I had NO energy during that period of withdraws. So take it easy if you need to because the gym will be there when you feel better. I hope this post helps you. I know I wouldn't have made it through if I didn't find it. Because I thought I was the only one going through it, but just remember you are not alone. Feel free to ask me anything else and I will try to help you. GOOD LUCK!!!Hi,
Thanks so much for your response. I really appreciate the time you took to write it. Your withdrawl symptoms sound truly horrible, and much tougher than anything I've had to deal with. My biggest problems have been nausea, fatigue and headaches, but those are not constants. They seem to come in waves. I might actually feel pretty good and then it comes on again. I truly hope you are having an easier time now and that your symptoms have eased up. I skipped the gym today, just didn't have the energy. But I will take your advice about taking it easy when I need to. You're right that the gym will be there when I feel better. Thanks so much for your support and I wish you good luck.
Posted by Wandabobonna on January 6, 2006, at 21:25:08
In reply to Re: Rest or Exercise while withdrawing??, posted by nickolai on January 6, 2006, at 21:07:55
Just take care of yourself and take it easy for now. All my withdraws went away from the effexor but I couldn't tell you how long it took but I do know it was at least three months. I am not saying it will be that long for you, but I do remember wondering if it was ever going to end. I am actually going through withdraws again but not from effexor. When I got off effexor my doctor put me on zoloft. I found out I am pregnant and I stopped taking it imediatly because it can cause deformaty during the development, and ever since then about three weeks now I have been having the same withdraws along with my morning sickness. So I guess what I am trying to say is, if you decide to get on another drug like these ones be sure to ask your doctor about side effects or withdraws and maybe study it before for you start a new one. I know that is what I am going to do if I have to start taking something again after the baby is born. Good luck to you and I hope you never have to go through this again.
Posted by nickolai on January 8, 2006, at 13:29:03
In reply to Re: Rest or Exercise while withdrawing?? » nickolai, posted by Wandabobonna on January 6, 2006, at 21:25:08
> Just take care of yourself and take it easy for now. All my withdraws went away from the effexor but I couldn't tell you how long it took but I do know it was at least three months. I am not saying it will be that long for you, but I do remember wondering if it was ever going to end. I am actually going through withdraws again but not from effexor. When I got off effexor my doctor put me on zoloft. I found out I am pregnant and I stopped taking it imediatly because it can cause deformaty during the development, and ever since then about three weeks now I have been having the same withdraws along with my morning sickness. So I guess what I am trying to say is, if you decide to get on another drug like these ones be sure to ask your doctor about side effects or withdraws and maybe study it before for you start a new one. I know that is what I am going to do if I have to start taking something again after the baby is born. Good luck to you and I hope you never have to go through this again.
I'm so sorry you have to go through these terrible withdrawl symptoms, plus the morning sickness, during a time that should be so happy for you. I wanted to let you know that there is a product called "SAMe" (prononced like "sammy") which acts as an anti-depressant by elevating a person's seratonin levels, and is available in most health-food stores. I've never used it personally, but my sister is a naturopath and she says the product has an excellent reputation. If you are not able to take anything during the course of your pregnancy, you could possibly do some research on the product (there are many websites devoted to it if you go to Google, but make sure to spell it exactly as I did -- first three letters as capitals and the last letter in lower case). If it's of any interest to you, then maybe you can talk to someone in a store that specializes in supplements (make sure it's a reputable one) and find out if it is safe to take during pregnancy. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping that the side effects you are currently experiencing will be very short-lived.
Posted by Wandabobonna on January 8, 2006, at 18:18:30
In reply to Re: Rest or Exercise while withdrawing?? » Wandabobonna, posted by nickolai on January 8, 2006, at 13:29:03
> > Just take care of yourself and take it easy for now. All my withdraws went away from the effexor but I couldn't tell you how long it took but I do know it was at least three months. I am not saying it will be that long for you, but I do remember wondering if it was ever going to end. I am actually going through withdraws again but not from effexor. When I got off effexor my doctor put me on zoloft. I found out I am pregnant and I stopped taking it imediatly because it can cause deformaty during the development, and ever since then about three weeks now I have been having the same withdraws along with my morning sickness. So I guess what I am trying to say is, if you decide to get on another drug like these ones be sure to ask your doctor about side effects or withdraws and maybe study it before for you start a new one. I know that is what I am going to do if I have to start taking something again after the baby is born. Good luck to you and I hope you never have to go through this again.
>
> I'm so sorry you have to go through these terrible withdrawl symptoms, plus the morning sickness, during a time that should be so happy for you. I wanted to let you know that there is a product called "SAMe" (prononced like "sammy") which acts as an anti-depressant by elevating a person's seratonin levels, and is available in most health-food stores. I've never used it personally, but my sister is a naturopath and she says the product has an excellent reputation. If you are not able to take anything during the course of your pregnancy, you could possibly do some research on the product (there are many websites devoted to it if you go to Google, but make sure to spell it exactly as I did -- first three letters as capitals and the last letter in lower case). If it's of any interest to you, then maybe you can talk to someone in a store that specializes in supplements (make sure it's a reputable one) and find out if it is safe to take during pregnancy. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping that the side effects you are currently experiencing will be very short-lived.
>Thank you for the advice, I will definately look into it. Last night was a bad night. I just want to sleep but nothing seems safe to take. My first prenatal appointment is coming up, I hope she has some good advice on something I can take. You take care and thank you for saying you have me in your thought's, even though we don't know each other it still feels nice to hear something like that when I feel so bad.
Posted by jubilee on January 8, 2006, at 20:35:40
In reply to Redirect: withdrawing, posted by Dr. Bob on January 4, 2006, at 22:47:55
Go off as slow as possible even if you have to stock up medicine. I started out with a large bottle of 300 mgs and took 5 months to come of and went down even to pebbles worth.
You can die I think coming off that stuff or feel like it I dont know how one can hold a job down if not coming down slowly. Say you want to go up before you go down and don't even tell the Dr your quiting as they don't understand the withdrawals at all.
They are completely ignorant. get a stock of it or keep it comming in and take 5 months going off or 6 months. Shake the pebbles in the capsules as they are stacked. Mix them up good. Go down 20 mg every 2 weeks. This is only my suggestion and what I did as I tried to go off it 3 times and failed having hidious symptomes.
I finally succeded. After 8 years on effexor a woman died of liver damage as it overworks the liver . It ruined my vision. It is posion to the body and finally the company has addmitted it's dangers, but Dr's keep perscribing it because of stocks and money I believe.
The love of money is the root of all evil and Dr want to remain blind to its dangers, because it is a decent AD. You just become physically and mentally addicted to it quickly. Say no to effexor. Love Jubilee
Posted by gardenergirl on January 8, 2006, at 20:36:01
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdrawing, posted by jubilee on January 7, 2006, at 13:19:16
> It is posion to the body...
Please don’t exaggerate or overgeneralize.
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 post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
gg acting as deputy for Dr. Bob
Posted by pfftdives on June 13, 2006, at 19:09:12
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » debinfl, posted by Damos on March 2, 2005, at 15:21:29
Hello,
My wife is very ill (chronic pain, autoimmune disease - lambert-eaton syndrome). . recently she's been in a residential hospital setting and her doc had her on effexor XR 75mg for ~2 1/2 months.. it was giving her a restless feeling - like she needed to stretch her muscles.. so they stopped it last friday cold - no taper and wow has she been sick. todays tuesday and she's been in bed most of the time, very very nauseous, a little vomiting, some diahrrea, and this strange feeling like parts of her body are .. real big - like they had fallen asleep. also hard to think and very very tired, lots of sleeping..she refuses to put any more of it in her body now (doc suggested a taper of 37.5 and then 0) so our big question is wow, how long has this lasted for others?? Please tell me we're talking days not weeks.. or months?? she's so sick :(
the other question is that he plans on starting her on wellbutrin - has anyone had that help out while withdrawing from effuxor ?
thanks
matt
Posted by Damos on June 15, 2006, at 17:50:54
In reply to Effexor withdrawal » Damos, posted by pfftdives on June 13, 2006, at 19:09:12
Hi Matt,
I'm really sorry to hear that your wife is so ill, my heart goes out to you both. Sadly my withdrawal from Effexor lasted weeks, but I was on it at a much higher dose and for nearly 2 years so I'm praying that hers will be significantly shorter. And I'm sorry to say that the withdrawal symptoms can be many and varied and as she's experiencing pretty unpleasant. I can only imagine how difficult coping with the Lambert-Eaton Syndrome is without adding anything else to the equation.
Sorry but I don't know much about Wellbutrin other than it's a different type of anti depressant that works on dopamine whereas Effexor works on seratonin and noradrenaline. At the time I was withdrawing the last thing I wanted was to put anything else in my system not knowing what it was gonna do. There are a lot of posters here who have a lot more experience with various medications than I do so maybe it would be worth posting some questions on the main psycho-babble board which is where meds are mainly discussed. There are also plenty of threads here related to coming off Effexor so it might be worth reading through some of those if you can, I remember Scott (SLS) being a great help to a lot of people.
Sending lots of thoughts and wishes your way. Don't forget to take care of yourself too.
Damos
Posted by laura k on June 27, 2006, at 19:57:34
In reply to Effexor withdrawal » Damos, posted by pfftdives on June 13, 2006, at 19:09:12
Read up on serotonin syndrome.. you can google it and get some good info. She could be experiencing that. I was sooo sick when they discontinued my celexa,,, another SSRI. electic zaps, nausea, vomitting,muscle spasms, and contractions, twitching, nystagmus, sweating profusely, difficulty breathing, laughing and crying spells. It was thoroughly miserable.I lost my job because I was so sick.
It took a couple months to get over all of it. I did a liver cleanse and a gallbladder cleanse and a coffee enema to make sure I got all of it out of my system. As long as she is in the hospital and they can keep an eye on her vital signs, I would think she will be ok. I'm really sorry it is happening. I feel for you all.
Posted by tracyunverzagt on July 5, 2006, at 18:11:16
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal » pfftdives, posted by Damos on June 15, 2006, at 17:50:54
Hi Damos...I am in the boat you were in, or are you still?? I am just 5 days off and wish I would be swallowed up by the darkness that is all I see and maybe I could get some relief..This is truly a living hell, and my husband is in the worst position, he wants to be supportive, but since I feel safe with him, he gets the brunt of the bad days, rage, tears, fears, etc ....how long does this last? I am seeing no light at the end of the tunnel and my husband and kids are wondering if they should commit me!
Tracy
> Hi Matt,
>
> I'm really sorry to hear that your wife is so ill, my heart goes out to you both. Sadly my withdrawal from Effexor lasted weeks, but I was on it at a much higher dose and for nearly 2 years so I'm praying that hers will be significantly shorter. And I'm sorry to say that the withdrawal symptoms can be many and varied and as she's experiencing pretty unpleasant. I can only imagine how difficult coping with the Lambert-Eaton Syndrome is without adding anything else to the equation.
>
> Sorry but I don't know much about Wellbutrin other than it's a different type of anti depressant that works on dopamine whereas Effexor works on seratonin and noradrenaline. At the time I was withdrawing the last thing I wanted was to put anything else in my system not knowing what it was gonna do. There are a lot of posters here who have a lot more experience with various medications than I do so maybe it would be worth posting some questions on the main psycho-babble board which is where meds are mainly discussed. There are also plenty of threads here related to coming off Effexor so it might be worth reading through some of those if you can, I remember Scott (SLS) being a great help to a lot of people.
>
> Sending lots of thoughts and wishes your way. Don't forget to take care of yourself too.
>
> Damos
Posted by SMH on August 15, 2006, at 17:11:40
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by tracyunverzagt on July 5, 2006, at 18:11:16
Hi, I'm just getting off this medicine as well. I've been doing so gradually for two weeks now. I just wondered if anyone else experienced onset of what feels like arthritis pain? I'm getting this alot especially in my hands suddenly. I just wanted to eliminate this as a possible cause before going further with my investigation. I'm in my mid thirties and until now I've never had any type of joint pain.
Posted by jmrq on September 11, 2006, at 16:57:33
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by SMH on August 15, 2006, at 17:11:40
I just found this website today and until now I thought these symptoms of withdrawal were "normal" for anti-depressants. I was "diagnosed" with depression in jan 2006 although I know I have had these thoughts/feelings/actions for many years..just kept moving on and isolating myself to avoid questions/intimacy. This seems a good place to get anon advise. I don't like people knowing me.
I thought that Effexor was a wonder drug! Except I have a major problem ...no health insurance. So no visits to the MD ($200 a visit) The prescription cost $300 for a months supply so I have had to resort to nefarious means...a friend gets them through their ins and another acquaintance brings them back from latin america.Occassionally the supply runs short like this week. I have the same symptoms...brain shivers, electrical shock like tingling in my extremeties,fuzzy thinking, weeping, inapproriate anger, arthritic pains in my fingers, the feeling that my skeleton moves then my brain and organs rush to catch up. Basically feeling sorry for myself.
I take 150mg a day. I was going to try and cut back but now is not a good time. My brother just died and I am overwhelmed with grief and isolation.
How do people cope without taking medication. As far as I can tell there is no cure so why not stay on it indefinitely?
Posted by zander on September 14, 2006, at 4:08:24
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by jmrq on September 11, 2006, at 16:57:33
I strongly suggest that you do NOT fool around with irregular dosages of any antidepressant let alone effexor. You could do yourself major damage not only emotionally but also physically. I can appreciate your financial difficulties, from what you stated it appears prohibitive. Have you tried seeking assistance with some sort of social service or a state run health institution - they generally will work with you on a sliding scale financially. I would certainly seek out help from these places so that you could get yourself on a steady regimen/dose of the medication. I strongly recommend doing so. I myself have had very severe problems with effexor, so I know of what I speak. Please let me know how you are currently doing, and if you intend to find someone/place to help you.
I wish you well my friend!
> I just found this website today and until now I thought these symptoms of withdrawal were "normal" for anti-depressants. I was "diagnosed" with depression in jan 2006 although I know I have had these thoughts/feelings/actions for many years..just kept moving on and isolating myself to avoid questions/intimacy. This seems a good place to get anon advise. I don't like people knowing me.
> I thought that Effexor was a wonder drug! Except I have a major problem ...no health insurance. So no visits to the MD ($200 a visit) The prescription cost $300 for a months supply so I have had to resort to nefarious means...a friend gets them through their ins and another acquaintance brings them back from latin america.
>
> Occassionally the supply runs short like this week. I have the same symptoms...brain shivers, electrical shock like tingling in my extremeties,fuzzy thinking, weeping, inapproriate anger, arthritic pains in my fingers, the feeling that my skeleton moves then my brain and organs rush to catch up. Basically feeling sorry for myself.
>
> I take 150mg a day. I was going to try and cut back but now is not a good time. My brother just died and I am overwhelmed with grief and isolation.
>
> How do people cope without taking medication. As far as I can tell there is no cure so why not stay on it indefinitely?
>
Posted by SleepyDancer on April 17, 2007, at 10:54:13
In reply to My experience with quitting cold turkey (150 mg), posted by Sanjay Singhal on November 1, 2003, at 4:03:42
I slowly tapered off of Effexor (150mg) after having been on the medication for 2 or so years. I cut my dose in half (75mg) for 2 weeks, then switched to 75mg very other day for 2 weeks. I am now off of it completely and although i have not been on the medication for long, relatively, i have horrible withdrawal symptoms that are deeply effecting my everyday functionality. I've had horrible "brain shivers" which are undscribable, one day so bad that if i lifted my head my vision went blurry and my head would spin, adding to my ever-present nausea. My nausea is constant and awful, often leading to vomitting. Most days i have no appetite what so ever. And of course, horrendus mood swings and uncontrollable crying. This medication maks me feel like a monster! If i had been warned of these symptoms by the doctor who prescribed it to me, there's no way i would have started this medication.
I have found help with medical marijuana, believe it or not. This is obviously not for everyone, but often it is the only time i am able to eat and keep it down. It also rests my mind, which seems to be racing more now that i am completely off the medication. It DOES NOT help with the brain shivers however, which i still get quite often. Any tips from anyone on getting rid of those damn things? I've heard antihistamines can help....I'm hanging in there....even though each day is a struggle.
Posted by cloudnine on April 17, 2007, at 10:54:15
In reply to Effexor Withdrawals, posted by SleepyDancer on April 15, 2007, at 13:48:45
I advice you to take Prozac 20mg for a few days then stop.
I did it several times and it made the trick
You see,Prozac is a very very long acting serotonergc drug,and Effexor is a very short acting serotonergic(and noradrenergic) drug.Serotonin is the problem,and Prozac self tapers itself.
Exactly like switching from Xanax to Clonazepam or Valium to wean off...same method
Bst luck and dont worry too much,and if you still after few days or weeks hve a slight problem you could have another prozac for a day,but in the end it will go away (I did this mthod several times)
Cloudnine
Posted by dancingstar on April 17, 2007, at 11:33:25
In reply to Re: Effexor WithdrawalsAnswer Prozac, posted by cloudnine on April 16, 2007, at 12:36:11
I found that Benadryl works.
There is a lot of controversy about whether or not taking it anywhere near the time you've taken Effexor can potentially cause heart problems. What I'm sure that I've read is that you should not substitute Claritin for Benadryl even though Benadryl is likely to make you sleepy because Claritin and the newer antihistamines can potentially cause heart damage, which is already a concern, at least for me, from the withdrawal itself.
I don't have time to write on this board much now, but in past years I've posted about this. You may be able to find the posts and make a more informed decision. I can definitely say that Benadryl takes away a lot of the symptoms that you have...even in tiny doses. It just helped me so much that I had to take it for a while. The withdrawal felt more physically dangerous to my body. But please check with your own doctors!!
Best of luck to all!
This is the end of the thread.
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