Posted by Jiggitykid on November 17, 2003, at 8:08:52
As some may have read in a previous post, I discontinued my use of 225 mg. Effexor XR on Tuesday, November 11. In less than 12 hours, I was consumed with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, freezing/roasting, the "zaps" (what a perfect name. I saw someone call it that here, and there is no better descriptive for the electrical shocks I feel all over my body, starting usually in my head and travelling down my body), feeling disconnected from what my body was doing, forgetting what I had done (I unplugged the space heater and had no memory of it!), vivid, terrifying dreams that are immediate upon drifting off to sleep, dizziness, pain, etc. Plus, I was hit in the middle of this with a stomach virus and with the threatened walking out of my husband. Three strikes.
Anyway, since it has almost been a week, here is where I am: The nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and shaking has abated. The temperature changes have somewhat regulated but are still there, and the zaps are just as active, if not more so. I am still dizzy and my eyes feel as if they are being squeezed. HOWEVER, my thoughts are CLEARING UP for the first time in a few months. I have RA and fibromyalgia, so the pain is quite intense sometimes, but I have the blessing of pretty good pain management. Waking in the mornings is harder than it was because of the zaps and the difficulty of pulling myself up out of the clinging dreams, but once I am awake, I feel better than I have in some time now. I read an article in Psychology Today, the most recent issue, about insomnia, and I have been employing some of the tips and suggestions (such as subjecting myself to intense, bright light upon arising) and they have been helpful. Regardless of opinions on the publication, I suggest getting a copy of this article and using some of the techniques. I have read the other postings that have suggested that I not quit cold turkey, and for some people, quitting this way may not be an option. For me, it is the only way. Prayers are very, very welcome. I will see my therapist tonight to talk about where my life is going. I will see my med doc on Friday for a baseline judgement of where I am physically and mentally. I really want to try being med-free as far as anti-depressants go, if I can. Each of us must find what works best for our bodies to keep ourselves productive and off the ledge. I am praying for each of you to find your level.
I talked to my pharmacist and told him of my symptoms and what others here have posted. I told him that I so wished that I could wag my finger at him and tell him that he is not to dispense Effexor XR ever again, because of these horrendous side effects. High blood pressure and raised anxiety, as well as muddled thinking, memory loss, sleepiness, etc. I'm tired of being a lump, and the Effexor was keeping me in my chair.
poster:Jiggitykid
thread:280483
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031116/msgs/280483.html