Posted by CarlaL48 on February 24, 2005, at 12:27:14 [reposted on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:47 | original URL]
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 14, 2005, at 15:02:19
February, 24, 2005
I am on Day 17 of cold turkey withdrawal from Effexor XR 150, after five years on the drug. The withdrawal has been hell, but getting progressively better by the week - the tiredness, brain fog, diarrhea, nightmares and headaches are less.
But yesterday, I began feeling so achy, like I was getting the flu. I almost called my husband to take me to the hospital, but went to bed, instead. Fortunately, was able to sleep without the same degree of vibrant nightmares, and do feel a little better today.
In the past, I tried withdrawal, but after a week, while feeling somewhat better, I was so down, I went right back to Effexor. At the time, I didn't know that I was still experiencing withdrawal, or I never would have gone back.
This drug was slowly killing me. Sure, I didn't feel depressed. Fact is, I didn't feel much of anything. Just lethargy and killing time until tomorrow and then tomorrow and then tomorrow. I didn't feel like doing anything. I didn't want to get out of bed in the morning because I'd have to look at more time to kill and call it a day. (I didn't recognize this as depressing, because I never felt sad or cried all the time.)
Anyway, even with this hellish withdrawal, my mind is finding things to do (when withdrawal symptoms allow)that give me joy and a purpose to get out of bed. From that standpoint alone, this withdrawal is worth it.
I hope I will be able to spend the rest of my life free of psychotropic drugs, however, should I need something in the future, it surely won't be Effexor.
God bless you all.
poster:CarlaL48
thread:457497
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050214/msgs/463522.html