Posted by Misha on May 13, 2003, at 14:06:04
In reply to How I got off of Effexor, posted by Belle Rose on May 13, 2003, at 2:09:27
> After three years of trying to wean myself off of Effexor, I want to an additive medicine doctor who put me in a detox center for five days using Phenobarbital for the side effects. I thought, "What I miracle, I feel great". However, the fun started when I got home and the drug from hell was completley out of my system.
> Brain shocks, shaking, nausea, couldn't stand the smell of my house, my dogs, my skin, numbness, headaches. I went from the couch to the bed for a week. My physician would not prescribe me anything for the withdrawl symptoms and I hated him. He said that day by day, the symptoms would subside and they did. I don't hate him anymore. It is one month now. I don't feel totally great, as I tire easily and have headaches and muscle aches but compared to "hell week", they are tolerable. The good news is, the quality of my life is so much improved. I am more social and am enjoying life for the first time in many many years. This drug may work for some, but it wasn't the drug for me and I don't think it is humane to have to go through horrid symptoms to get off of a drug. I think one day, they will probably take it off the market. I can only pray that do.
Hello, all. Unfortunately for me the withdrawal experience from Effexor XR has been a mild hell. This was yesterday's entry into my medical journal:I have been going through terrible withdrawals from the Effexor XR ever since it got completely out of my system. This is nearly six months. The vertigo has been the worst. Doctors have tried to treat it as a middle ear infection twice and that was definitely not the cause. Chronic mild headaches have been the other main problem along with body aches. I just feel sick all of the time. I have started taking Wellbutrin SR again today at 150 mg per day for one week and then 300 mg per day. My appetite has also changed and I have put a little weight on just like the Paxil withdrawals. It's not too bad since I had lost weight on the Effexor XR. Wellbutrin SR should help me get through the withdrawal symptoms. I am also taking it due to a mild depression that I've been experiencing.
The end of November, 2002 was when I stopped taking it completely. As you can see, my symptoms have been similar to those of Belle Rose. I am hoping the Wellbutrin SR will help. I just wish it didn't take so long to start working. Just for a brief history on meds I've taken I'll list them here: Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin SR, and Effexor XR last. I had bad experiences with all of them. I did only take the Wellbutrin SR for about a week, though before my doctor put me on Effexor XR.
My doctor has been no help, either. I am glad, though, that Belle Rose' withdrawal didn't last as long as mine has. If anyone has anything to offer as far as information goes that may help, please do. I've researched as much as I can.
Thanks,
Misha
poster:Misha
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030505/msgs/226351.html