Posted by jujube on September 20, 2004, at 19:56:25
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Bubblehead, posted by Jiggitykid on September 20, 2004, at 16:55:30
I, too, am so thankful to have found this board. I am relatively new to this, but have found it extremely catharic. I was on Effexor XR for 6 months (prior to and during this period, I was also significantly iron deficient, which probably contributed greatly to my anxious and apathetic mood). After 6 months on Effexor XR (on doses as high as 225 mg), I just experienced increased lethargy, apathy and apprehension (In over 8 1/2 years, I had only had one episode, which as 8 months ago, that could have been considered an anxiety attack, yet I couldn't shake the "what if" mind set even on a 225 mg of Effexor). My doctor reduced my dose of Effexor XR from 150 mg to 0 over two weeks and started me on Celexa (I wanted to try something natural like Sam-e or Rosavin because I don't want to go through another Effexor-like experience). I have now been 1.5 weeks Effexor free and 1.5 weeks on Celexa. I am not sure if I am simply adjusting to the Celexa or still experiencing residual Effexor withdrawal, but I am sooooo tired, apathetic and nauseated. However, I had been severely nauseated for weeks before stopping the Effexor because of being given Depo Provera (my periods had become irregular and I was having night sweats (possibly caused by the Effexor) and with iron deficiency, bleeding every two weeks was not helping). The Depo Provera has certainly not helped my situation. Nevertheless, I remain confident that, yes, THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
I have to say that the board and people sharing their experiences not only helped me gain a better understanding, I was also able to help my aunt. You see, my uncle, who has been diagnosed with early stages dementia, had been put on Effexor XR last December. Like me, he was becoming increasingly apathetic (not interested in anything), tired and anxious on the Effexor. Anyways, he was taken off Effexor recently, and my aunt thought he had come down with some really, bad bug (he was sick, couldn't walk straight, crying all the time, tired). I told her what I had found, and she was able to relieve some of the anxiety my uncle was experiencing.
So, I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who have taken the time to share, support and empathize. This is a wonderful forum.
Sorry for the long message.
Tamara
> Bless your heart! Congrats on NOT going back to the Effexor - that would have been putting off the inevitable. You are lucky to have a husband there who sees what is going on and is helping you stay strong. Please continue to keep in mind that this is only temporary - "this, too, shall pass," and that you WILL get better. Ending things is a permanent fix for a temporary problem. You aren't crazy. This situation is, though, of doctors not being informed about this drug, or simply not choosing to be informed, whichever may be the case. Write your dreams down, if that helps keep a clear dividing line between reality and dreams. The whoosing noise and the zaps will stop; they are horrible, I know. Be careful driving.
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> Hang in there, and when someone comes along with this same situation, tell them what you know. Tell your pharmacist and your doctor what you are going through. They may or may not choose to believe you or may choose to think you are one of only a small number, but at least you'll know you did your part. Take care!!
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> > Thank you for saying what you did. Honestly, if I did not find this board while going through this Terrible withdrawl; I would be in the mental hospital. I really feel like I'm going crazy. I didn't quit cold turkey but I was on a high dose of 450mg. The weird "whoossh" sound (as others have called it) is really getting me. And then you add the body surges, the dizziness, the bad dreams, the shakeing, the increased depressive thoughts....anyway, you know what I mean, the list could go on and on. Yesterday, was my worst. I wanted to just end it to excape the maddening mental pain not to mention the physical aching; but I held on and made it through. I almost even took some of the Effexor in hopes of finding relief. My husbands laughs today about it, but I was actually bribing him to try and get some of the meds. I can't wait until this is all over. It makes me so upset at how mis-informed we were. Again, thank you for replying. It is great to have this board for help.
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poster:jujube
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/393144.html