Posted by Trying on August 4, 2004, at 12:48:37
In reply to Effexor withdrawal survey, posted by cpallen79 on July 28, 2004, at 15:45:57
Hello all -
Glad to find this discussion group, and these threads on Effexor w/d...I really have been at a loss to explain what I was going through to my wife. Sad/glad to say I broke down in tears when I found these threads, it released an terrible appreciation for what I am going through to hear the difficult experiences of so many. I'm in midst of it, even writing this is hard, and many others are too -- may we all get through it, thanks to those who have who've provided their feedback and encouragement.
> 1)How much were you taking?
Most recently I was up to 375mg, but started (I think) at 150mg a while back, slowly increased, and then bumped it up
> 2)How long?
About 3 years on Effexor...since 1994 I've been treated for depression using Paxil for many years, then Celexa for a couple of years.
>
> 3) How did you withdraw?Tapered dose -- dropping by 75mg every three days, and meanwhile ramping up Buproprion (sp? aka Welburtrin, again, sp?...sorry I don't have energy/patience at this very moment to find the exact spellings)
> 4) How long did your w/d symptoms last?
I'll get back to you on this, and the final questions, as I'm in the midst of it, so here is what I'm experiencing, for sake of others trying to figure this out:
= brain-shorts/electrical/visual wackiness...it is really intense, frequent, and totally disturbing, but I can't help thinking about Walt Whitman's title: 'I Sing the Body Electric'...or the phrase 'electron wind' that describes the microscopic damaging effect in small circuitry...or the pixelated image when a digital satellite TV signal breaks up momentarily. And of course I'm torn between pondering what strange/magical/complex organism human beings we are, and quoting D.Byrne/Talking Heads: 'My God, What Have I Done?'
This is the 3 day of no Effexor and I'm am conscious of the above effect about 75% of the time (so far today). I remember noticing it periodically as I was tapering off, but last night (2nd day w/o any) it started cooking full time.
Additional things at the moment:
- I do feel a more physical mild-chronic-fever-but-without-a-temperature sensation that is more of a nusiance, like a mild flu, early on can be.
- Dreams - I have always have had vivid dreams that I remember nightly, but the past week I have noticed some stranger plots -- nothing really terrifying compared to what I usually conjure, but definitely curious, even while I'm in them...for example, I became conscious of dreaming in one of them and was convinced it would be make a great book/movie and I should remember it. Of course upon waking up and thinking of it now, it is just plain wacky.Some random thoughts: I agreed to the switch from Effexor over the phone (I had previously discussed with dr. the this possibility...namely to see if there was a better match to what I realize may be 'atypical' depression). The Dr. mentioned that there can be some notable withdrawal symptoms...which I took in stride as par-for-course for any meds. Of course it gave me pause when the last thing she said before hanging up was 'good luck'
The other question/worry, especially when reading about lingering w/d effects, is whether there is a permanent change in our brains as a result of taking Effexor. I remember staying way far away from LSD while others I knew imbibed, always scared of the much feared 'flashbacks' many years later while driving down the highway with the future family/kids in tow. This w/d effect feels like I've realized that fear if it doesn't entirely go away.
poster:Trying
thread:371721
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040730/msgs/374005.html