![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 744 to 768 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by JoniJ on April 3, 2001, at 15:18:27
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Rhonda on April 28, 2000, at 7:17:12
I was lucky enough to have a friend on Paxil at the same time I was so all the funky side effects I was having he was having as well. My husband finally got to the point he couldn't handle my sexual dysfunction and disinterest. At this point I swapped the paxil for Effexor. I went cold turkey off Paxil and was immobilized due to possitional vertigo. I literally could not move my head. Effexor is not nearly as good for panic disorder as Paxil so I decided to just give the whole drug thing a rest. I tapered the dose, and although I did it slowly I still had what I called brain explosions, at one point so bad I had one every time my eyes went from one side to the other, buzzing in my ears, and the worst, which are persistant after 6 weeks off the drug, hot flashes and flop sweats. Discontinuing this drug should only be done when closely monitored by a doc. but it most certainly can be done. And dont expect the average MD to know ANY of this stuff.
Joni, free at last
Posted by Seraphim on April 3, 2001, at 15:28:32
In reply to Re: Effexor for Hypocondria?, posted by McGuyver on April 3, 2001, at 12:37:19
>I don't think I quite understand your implications. Why don't you spell it out for me? It seems to be your forte.
Effexor for Hypocondria? I think not!
>
>
>
>
> > Thanks Marilyn. Scary stuff. If you come across more, please share it.
> >
> > Also, I agree with you in your message to Pamela. I too am angry and feel betrayed by the doctors and drug companies I trusted with my life. The withdrawal I am going through is so awful. I can't wait to get this "poison" out of me completely. It's just so hard. I wish you the best. Take care.
> >
> > Seraphim
> >
> >
> > http://www.jeffersonhospital.org/news/show.asp?durki=7423
> > >
> > > Marilyn
Posted by Kym on April 3, 2001, at 21:32:43
In reply to Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by Leo on February 13, 2001, at 11:55:34
> I have been taking Effexor since 1997. At first, I thought this was a wonder drug. I started feeling much better. Now, after all these years, I think I've been wrong. I just recently began to ween myself off of this drug. I have experienced all the withdrawl side effects but even more so, have experienced additonal effects of Effexor that have recently come to light and that may be permanent. I would like to caution all of you on this drug. I strongly reccemend that you look into this drug before you commit yourself to another perscription. Of the posts that I have read, many of you seem to be on very high doses of this drug. I'm not so sure that the dosage taken plays into what happens when you try to get away from this med. I have been taking only 37.5mg and the withdrawl effects are as severe as those of you taking those massive doses. My fear is for those of you that are are taking these large daily doses. I can't imagine what you will experience or what permenant damage has been done when you try to get off of this stuff. I have also determined, through my own personal experience, that Effexor isn't what you may think it is in the beginning. It masks things. It effects your thought process. It adversly effects
> your memory. As I fight my way out of the withdrawl and during the periods when the side effects don't have me flat on my back, I feel fantastic. I'm ambitious and motivated. I suggest that you go to some of the sights that appear to be uncovering the truth about this drug. I visited the effexorfx.com that someone else posted on this sight and found it to be right on the money with everything that is says. Don't waste your time with the others. I sincerely hope, for all of us that have been taking this drug that we haven't been some drug company's money making lab rats. I am going to launch an investigation into the drug and the company that developed and manufactured this drug. My reasons for doing this are not financial. I am a surviving cancer patient. I went through one year of pure hell being treated for that 15 years ago. I'll be damned if I'm going to let some drug company that has been hiding the truth about Effexor get away with possibly degrading the quality of my life any further than it already has been. Take some advice from someone who's been where you are. Get off this drug. Get you doctor to prescribe something else. Ask questions and get answers and then get well. I don't think Effexor is going to get you where you want to go.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree with you totally, I tried to quit cold turkey 3 times until finally, I took only one pill every 3 days and let me tell you by then I was ready to just stop the "terrible" way I felt. But I stuck with it and after 2 months of that I went to 5 days for a month and then I just stopped altogether, I have been off now for 2 months but I still feel lightheaded and sick sometimes and I have gained 20 pounds, I have never had any kind of problem with weight and all of a sudden I can't seem to get rid of this weight, I am constantly bloated, which started when I started to quit, Does anyone have any idea, how long these "after effects" last?
Posted by Amy 5452 on April 3, 2001, at 22:19:08
In reply to Re: Effexor for Hypocondria? » McGuyver, posted by Seraphim on April 3, 2001, at 15:28:32
I started taking Effexor XR only a week ago at 37.5mg. Tomarrow I move up to 75mg. I have been battling depression for about 2 years and finally decided to give meds a try to help. At first I heard such great things about this drug and now to be honest, you all are scaring me with what could happen (which I understand in some cases is your intent) Is anyone happy with their results??? I am sorry for what some of you are going through and I wish you the best of luck, I just don't understand if the bad happens to everyone or only a small percent of the people who take this drug? Should I give Effexor a try and see how it works or try to switch to something else? Thanks for your help
Posted by Nailhead on April 4, 2001, at 2:46:14
In reply to Re: Case Studies......More FACTS to come...... » McGuyver, posted by Leo on March 29, 2001, at 12:21:43
I just started taking this two days ago. Im supposed to be taking 75mg a day, but i seem to taking it every 12-16 hours instead. The first day, i really didn't have the urge to smoke. I liked this, as I'm trying to quit anyway. However, yesterday and today, my habit was back to normal. I think it might have been the nausea... smoking made it worse. Can anyone give me any information or personal feelings on this? Thank you very much.
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 4, 2001, at 6:39:52
In reply to Curious, posted by Amy 5452 on April 3, 2001, at 22:19:08
I beleive everyone is different and react to drugs and withdrawel in their own way. I had no real "issues"(Felt fine) on the drug besides weight gain in a really ugly way. (Thick around the middle.)
I was given Effexor for Fibromyalgia. 37.5 mg then 75mg. When they tried to up the dosage, I was in another universe. eventually the drug seemed to sear off. I got off the drug at the behest of my Dr. who has a "better" drug for fibro, soma.
It's now been 6 weeks and I still struggling to regain my former cognitive thought processes and resiliance. I have had Raiki, massage, chiro etc to try and expedite this AWFUL process.My challenge is that I truly beleive I have lost memeory and cognitive skills. If I had it to do over: I would have declined my rheumatologists kind offer of effexor and gone straight to the body work. good luck!
Should I give Effexor a try and see how it works or try to switch to something else? Thanks for your help
Posted by Cam W. on April 4, 2001, at 7:20:35
In reply to Curious, posted by Amy 5452 on April 3, 2001, at 22:19:08
Amy - Effexor XR is a very effective drug for many types of depression. It does have a shorter half-life than many other antidepressants and therefore cause the withdrawl effects seen in mostly in people who were not weaned from the drug in a proper manner when they had decided to stop. (either they quit the drug cold turkey or did not take advantage of other weaning methods that are available). Many people decided to stop the drug on their own, without their doctor's knowledge. This should never be done. Others, their doctor was not aware of the extent to which the withdrawl syndrome can occur in some people. Ask your doc if he/she knows how to handle Effexor withdrawl symptoms, if they should occur.
The withdrawl symptoms aren't pleasant if the drug is stopped suddenly, but with weaning off of the drug I have seldom seen problems. Many people are even able to stop high doses suddenly without adverse effects. Body chemistry, psychological make-up, drug regimen compliance, and a doctor's knowledge and handling of withdrawl effects "if" they occur (when stopping the drug) are all factors in determining whether one will see withdrawl symptoms.
Only a minority of people do have problems with the withdrawl symptoms. Media hype has also played into the fears of people on this issue, not unlike the 1990-91 Prozac/suicide scare. Also, most of the horror stories of Effexor withdrawl occurred in people using the shorter-acting, regular Effexor. Withdrawl symptoms are seen much less with the longer-acting Effexor XR version.
I am on my second week of taking Effexor XR (2nd day of 75mg) and, although I am not depression-free I can say that at least my appetite has come back and I am beginning to fall asleep easier at bedtime. I will need to give the drug another 4 to 6 weeks to determine whether it is the correct antidepressant for my condition (so far, so good, though).
I hope that this is of some help - Cam
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 4, 2001, at 7:30:03
In reply to Re: Curious » Amy 5452, posted by Cam W. on April 4, 2001, at 7:20:35
Amy,
Yes, Use your judgement. I got Very good feedback from my pharamcist who knew much more about the drug that the 3 doctors involved in the process. he explained the "best " weaning method, time tables and the very latest on the drug.I think effexor is a "committment" to quote my physican and should be taken with very good due dilligence. Caveat Emptor!
QuasiAmy - Effexor XR is a very effective drug for many types of depression. It does have a shorter half-life than many other antidepressants and therefore cause the withdrawl effects seen in mostly in people who were not weaned from the drug in a proper manner when they had decided to stop. (either they quit the drug cold turkey or did not take advantage of other weaning methods that are available). Many people decided to stop the drug on their own, without their doctor's knowledge. This should never be done. Others, their doctor was not aware of the extent to which the withdrawl syndrome can occur in some people. Ask your doc if he/she knows how to handle Effexor withdrawl symptoms, if they should occur.
>
> The withdrawl symptoms aren't pleasant if the drug is stopped suddenly, but with weaning off of the drug I have seldom seen problems. Many people are even able to stop high doses suddenly without adverse effects. Body chemistry, psychological make-up, drug regimen compliance, and a doctor's knowledge and handling of withdrawl effects "if" they occur (when stopping the drug) are all factors in determining whether one will see withdrawl symptoms.
>
> Only a minority of people do have problems with the withdrawl symptoms. Media hype has also played into the fears of people on this issue, not unlike the 1990-91 Prozac/suicide scare. Also, most of the horror stories of Effexor withdrawl occurred in people using the shorter-acting, regular Effexor. Withdrawl symptoms are seen much less with the longer-acting Effexor XR version.
>
> I am on my second week of taking Effexor XR (2nd day of 75mg) and, although I am not depression-free I can say that at least my appetite has come back and I am beginning to fall asleep easier at bedtime. I will need to give the drug another 4 to 6 weeks to determine whether it is the correct antidepressant for my condition (so far, so good, though).
>
> I hope that this is of some help - Cam
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 4, 2001, at 7:37:26
In reply to Re: Curious, posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 4, 2001, at 7:30:03
Posted by Seraphim on April 4, 2001, at 8:00:19
In reply to Re: Curious » Amy 5452, posted by Cam W. on April 4, 2001, at 7:20:35
Amy,
I have been weaning off of Effexor XR, with a doctor's supervision, for over a month now. I have gone from 300mg down to 112.5mg. I decided to get off of Effexor after severe withdrawal symptoms having occured over a two day period when I was without the drug. I also experienced many side effects while on the drug. The withdrawal continues to be difficult and painful. I'll spare you all of the details. I started taking Effexor about 2 1/2 years ago. After the initial side effects, and upping the dosage several times, Effexor was very effective for my depression. It didn't seem to be working as well after a while, so my Dr. increased the dosage again and again until I was up to the 300mg. Looking back, I wish I had made different choices. I would never try to tell someone else what do in regards to their depression, but if you do decide to stick with Effexor, please get all of the facts, never miss a dose or take one late, and have your doctor monitor your condition carefully. I chose to give my doctor most of the information from this site and also what has been released in resent studies. Most of it he had not been aware of. I wish you well and hope you find something that helps.
Seraphim
> Amy - Effexor XR is a very effective drug for many types of depression. It does have a shorter half-life than many other antidepressants and therefore cause the withdrawl effects seen in mostly in people who were not weaned from the drug in a proper manner when they had decided to stop. (either they quit the drug cold turkey or did not take advantage of other weaning methods that are available). Many people decided to stop the drug on their own, without their doctor's knowledge. This should never be done. Others, their doctor was not aware of the extent to which the withdrawl syndrome can occur in some people. Ask your doc if he/she knows how to handle Effexor withdrawl symptoms, if they should occur.
>
> The withdrawl symptoms aren't pleasant if the drug is stopped suddenly, but with weaning off of the drug I have seldom seen problems. Many people are even able to stop high doses suddenly without adverse effects. Body chemistry, psychological make-up, drug regimen compliance, and a doctor's knowledge and handling of withdrawl effects "if" they occur (when stopping the drug) are all factors in determining whether one will see withdrawl symptoms.
>
> Only a minority of people do have problems with the withdrawl symptoms. Media hype has also played into the fears of people on this issue, not unlike the 1990-91 Prozac/suicide scare. Also, most of the horror stories of Effexor withdrawl occurred in people using the shorter-acting, regular Effexor. Withdrawl symptoms are seen much less with the longer-acting Effexor XR version.
>
> I am on my second week of taking Effexor XR (2nd day of 75mg) and, although I am not depression-free I can say that at least my appetite has come back and I am beginning to fall asleep easier at bedtime. I will need to give the drug another 4 to 6 weeks to determine whether it is the correct antidepressant for my condition (so far, so good, though).
>
> I hope that this is of some help - Cam
Posted by Voski on April 4, 2001, at 8:12:43
In reply to Curious, posted by Amy 5452 on April 3, 2001, at 22:19:08
I have been on Efferox XR now for a while. It is working for me. It's a nice feeling when you walk into a room at home and no one runs out of it. My family, friends, and doctor's are very supportive because of my depression. Efferox XR has been a great relief of my depression, along with counseling. I see my doctor every month or every other month for check ups. I am currently on 150mg a day. Once in the morning and at 2PM. It is very important you take it at the same time each day. I realize that many people have problems with this medication and withdrawal, but without a chance with it, who knows where I would be right now.
Posted by Kathi on April 4, 2001, at 9:53:32
In reply to Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by Leo on February 13, 2001, at 11:55:34
> I have been taking Effexor since 1997. At first, I thought this was a wonder drug. I started feeling much better. Now, after all these years, I think I've been wrong. I just recently began to ween myself off of this drug. I have experienced all the withdrawl side effects but even more so, have experienced additonal effects of Effexor that have recently come to light and that may be permanent. I would like to caution all of you on this drug. I strongly reccemend that you look into this drug before you commit yourself to another perscription. Of the posts that I have read, many of you seem to be on very high doses of this drug. I'm not so sure that the dosage taken plays into what happens when you try to get away from this med. I have been taking only 37.5mg and the withdrawl effects are as severe as those of you taking those massive doses. My fear is for those of you that are are taking these large daily doses. I can't imagine what you will experience or what permenant damage has been done when you try to get off of this stuff. I have also determined, through my own personal experience, that Effexor isn't what you may think it is in the beginning. It masks things. It effects your thought process. It adversly effects
> your memory. As I fight my way out of the withdrawl and during the periods when the side effects don't have me flat on my back, I feel fantastic. I'm ambitious and motivated. I suggest that you go to some of the sights that appear to be uncovering the truth about this drug. I visited the effexorfx.com that someone else posted on this sight and found it to be right on the money with everything that is says. Don't waste your time with the others. I sincerely hope, for all of us that have been taking this drug that we haven't been some drug company's money making lab rats. I am going to launch an investigation into the drug and the company that developed and manufactured this drug. My reasons for doing this are not financial. I am a surviving cancer patient. I went through one year of pure hell being treated for that 15 years ago. I'll be damned if I'm going to let some drug company that has been hiding the truth about Effexor get away with possibly degrading the quality of my life any further than it already has been. Take some advice from someone who's been where you are. Get off this drug. Get you doctor to prescribe something else. Ask questions and get answers and then get well. I don't think Effexor is going to get you where you want to go.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by Fish on April 4, 2001, at 9:55:23
In reply to Re: Curious, posted by Voski on April 4, 2001, at 8:12:43
I have been taking Effexor XR for 1 1/2 years now at 75 mg a day. After initial side effect went away, I was very happy with this drug. It helped me tremendously, especially with social anxiety. I started with and still have side effects from taking the drug (sweating, memory lapses, forgetfulness, confusion) but I guess everyone is different in how their body will react. The drug worked wonders for my depression, but in the last 6 months or so, I just couldn't take the side effects anymore ... the side effects are causing me great stress. I am currently weening myself from the drug. Taking 37.5 mg everyday. Side effects are tolerable (vertigo, dizziness, nausea). They are light enough that I can function. Seem to get the worst of my side effects at night (5:30 pm) when my next dose is due. No support from my doctor, as he thinks all of this is a bunch of hoopla. He knows about it ... said I should take 37.5 for one week, then 37.5 every other day for one week and then stop. Based on my side effects so far, I am a little nervous that this regimen will be too severe, so I will listen to my body and do what I feel is best. It is definitely a personal choice. I think anyone who takes drugs that effect their brain chemisty should realize that there has to be some change in your body. Personally, the relief from depression was more important than the side effects. I am feeling better now, I don't know if that is the drug or the fact that the situation that made me depressed is resolved, or possibly both. These are the questions I think you should ask yourself ... Is the medication helping with your depression? If so, what are the side effects, if any? Which is worse? What can you live with? I will be surprised if when you ween yourself off the medication you don't have side effects, but it sounds like not everyone has them from what I have read in these emails. I think what is most important is what you think and what you need. Take some time and think about it carefully. You will know what to do. Best of Luck ... Fish
Posted by DavidHIFI on April 4, 2001, at 19:09:05
In reply to Curious, posted by Amy 5452 on April 3, 2001, at 22:19:08
I just started about three weeks ago and am cautiously optimistic. I've decided to stay at 37.5 for the time being and I'm assuming no harm will be done staying at this low level for awhile.It is hard to make suggestions since I've concluded that the effect of this type of drug seems to be so personal. Some posters here say it is the worst thing ever unleashed upon unsuspecting sufferers, that whoever is responsible for turning us all into human guinea pigs should burn in hell, and so forth. As I said in previous posts, I believe that these posters are truly expressing their feelings and experience. So far, that is not happening in my case, and I am going forth in my journey with an optimistic outlook. I don't suffer from deep, serious depression; I'm just looking for the sun to finally come out and for me to get on with my life with a measure of confidence, hope and love.
Posted by Fish on April 5, 2001, at 7:46:59
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Pamela, if you are out there reading these postings, I want to say thank you for your advise on weening from Effexor. I hope all is going well for you! Fish
Posted by Fish on April 5, 2001, at 8:02:58
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Goofy, just wanted to thank you for your advise on weening from Effexor. I am now on 6th day of 1/2 dose and surviving. I try not to have any preconceived notions and just take it one day at a time. I'm glad you are doing so well and hope for the same. I will try my hardest to remain positive and have faith that I will be successful with minor and temporary injury! I hope all is well for you. I guess what I really want to say is, I think it is commendable that you continue to post on this web in support even though you have successfully weened yourself. I think it is kind of you to care enough about others to want to help. Thank you for taking the time to give me useful advise! Fish
Posted by goofy on April 5, 2001, at 11:06:47
In reply to Thank you Goofy, posted by Fish on April 5, 2001, at 8:02:58
> Goofy, just wanted to thank you for your advise on weening from Effexor. I am now on 6th day of 1/2 dose and surviving. I try not to have any preconceived notions and just take it one day at a time. I'm glad you are doing so well and hope for the same. I will try my hardest to remain positive and have faith that I will be successful with minor and temporary injury! I hope all is well for you. I guess what I really want to say is, I think it is commendable that you continue to post on this web in support even though you have successfully weened yourself. I think it is kind of you to care enough about others to want to help. Thank you for taking the time to give me useful advise! Fish
Hi Fish, What a great way to start my day! Thank you for the nice post. Iam glad you are doing well. Please keep me informed of your progress. In response to your other post, I think Pamela is still reading these post. She seems to care to much not to.
Goofy
Posted by iamneo on April 5, 2001, at 17:42:29
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by Pamela on March 28, 2001, at 9:47:28
Sorry to intrude but I wanted to share my experience about getting off effexor XR.
LOTS of Water to help flush your system. Don't worry about your weight.
I broke down the dose by halves and then began skipping a day (1). Then, after about a week, skipped another day (2) and so on. I did this for about 1 month. In addition, I never had to half the dose below 37.5. Your results may vary. (I was up to 225 mg/day). The withdrawal effects were minimal and I could function fine.
The first time I tried going off, I went down too quick and promptly got back on the 37.5 dose. BAD dreams, headaches, tremmors, etc.
I also began fasting. Use caution if you intend to fast to help clean your system of drugs or impurities. There are many types of fasts. I eat one full meal a day, alternating which meal I eat each day. I drink a lot of water, juices and cheat with an occasional soda or coffee. USE WISDOM and if you haven't done fasting before, get information first. Fasting doesn't mean you can't eat. Also, it doesn't have to be a religious thing.
This worked for me. I am effexor free for 3+ weeks now with only an occasional wierd withdrawal, call it a head thing I guess.
One last note: the sexual side effects went away, and for me were replaced by a quicker response, if you get my drift. I can deal with that, as long as I'm off this drug.
My best to you all,
Mark (iamneo)
Posted by Pattyk on April 5, 2001, at 18:29:55
In reply to 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by Leo on March 19, 2001, at 18:06:54
Leo,
Thanks for your update. I can relate to what you are saying about Effexor. Today, I am 7 weeks Effexor free as well. I thought I would never get over the withdrawal effects. Today, I pretty much feel back to normal. It feels so good to have motivation again, and to be able to laugh and cry again. I was emotionally numb on Effexor.
I have been keeping a record of my experience with Effexor, so that if I ever do get involved in a class action lawsuit against Wyeth-Ayherst, I will have documentation of what I went through. It was a nightmare. I agree with what you say, Leo....this is eventually going to come to light. I think there will be a major expose in the media on Effexor. It's only a matter of time. I am apalled that I allowed a pyschiatrist to put my then 15 year old son on Effexor a couple of years ago. Luckily, he wasn't on it long.
If you need any help with your efforts on exposing Effexor, please e-mail me at patty_king@msn.com
Take care,
Patty> Here's my update. Now entering my seventh week of no effexor. My mental state has improved remarkably sense discontinuing the drug. No depression, no anxiety, no agitation. All of which were dominating my daily life while on the drug. I still experience moderate to severe headaches and moderate fatigue. I am still experiencing what I call the "flashback syndrome" every few days or so. The joint and muscle pain is consistent, and at times, extremely painful. I have never experienced joint pain until getting off the effexor. Taking my doctors advice, I am now working with a physical therapist and nutritionists to rehab my physical body. I have absolutely no doubt that the effexor caused my severely degraded physical state. Only until getting off the drug, did I come to realize how bad off I was physically and emotionally. I have undertaken some in depth investigation about effexor. I am taking the posts on this site as well as several others and am compiling all the commonalities that are discussed. So far, what I have come up with is that between 80-90 percent of effexor users are all suffering from a wide variety of long term and permanent side effects. There are certain people on this site that try to neutralize what people are saying about this drug. However, there is absolutely no way these people can dispute, justify or explain why there are so many people complaining about the drug. I have interviewed several doctors, who have become aware of the severe problems directly related to effexor, especially the addiction aspect accompanied by the withdrawal, and no longer prescribe the drug to their patients. There is also action being taken against the drugs manufacturer. I have also notified two of the major TV network investigative reporting programs as to what is going on with effexor. They have been supplied with an abundance of information, both good and bad, about the drug and have been supplied with internet resources to see for themselves what the patients taking the drug are experiencing. Now, I know that there are Weryth-Ayerst employees that monitor and contribute posts to this site so I’m sure that what you are reading here is most likely old news to you but there are people who are suffering because of this drug. It is my goal to see that anybody who is taking this drug be made completely aware of what this drug is doing to their minds and bodies. Depression and anxiety are terrible, terrible diseases to have to live with day-in and day-out. I don’t think that those of us who have had to live through this and are having to continue to live with it now need a drug on the market whose side effects have not been fully disclosed by the company that makes it. Especially when, the condition of the majority of people who take it, seems to be inflamed by the effexor, not to mention the debilitating physical side effects of the drug.
Posted by JAMMER on April 5, 2001, at 18:35:42
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE » Pamela, posted by iamneo on April 5, 2001, at 17:42:29
I'm currently on my 3rd attempt to end using this med Effexor XR. first two had major withdrawal effects, which required me to restart. My initial tries, where I crashed were 1 week every other day, then off it, as suggested by my doc. NOT GOOD! I had many of the symptoms listed by many others, the worst were the "brain shivers". These started during of 2nd day of non use. Days 3 & 4 were hell, full blown withdrawal with shakes, hot and cold alternations,lethargy and stupidity.
I choose to do this because of high blood pressure response to using the med ( requiring 2 different BP meds to bring it down), memory issues, and problems with cognitive thinking. and liver function issues.
I'm now at every 3rd day 37.5 mg for 2 weeks, and will move to 18 mg every 3rd day for 1-2 weeks, then end.
I'd like to thank my acupunturist for "bringing me back to reality" by treating me for withdrawal and shock on day 4 of 2nd attempt to end, which really helped. She suggested I return to using the drug, get with a pharmacist for a more "real" tapering plan, which I did. It's going much better now. Thank you Barbara!!!
As for my MD Dr., he never got back to me after I explained in a letter what was happening to me following his 1 week taper plan. In as much as my acupuncturist helped me alot during withdrawal of oxycontin, due to pain in regards to 2 C-spine surgeries 2 months apart. I trust her treatment and advise for Effexor, and am now on the right track.
The key here I've learned is there is no hurry to end using the med. And anyone thinking of going off it should go slow. Pharmacist suggests:
Once down to 1 37 mg daily for 2 weeks.
Start 1 37 mg cap every other day for 2 weeks.
then 1 37 cap every third day 2 weeks.
then 1 18 mg cap (opened, emptied, and re-insert half the agent) for 1-2 weeks. Then end.Perhaps this information will help others. Also, talk therapy and good readings on depression and anxiety due to PTSD, dystymia, due to long standing issues involving abuse, death, and medically botched surgeries. I highly recommend pshycotherapy in conjuntion with any anti -depressant/anxiety issues, in parallel to medication use. It does help if your talking with a knowledgeable expert, who offers tools and methods to deal with issues. It takes more than them just listening. A good book is "From Crisis to Creativity" overcoming adversity. I continue to learn from it.
Best wishes, Jammer
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 5, 2001, at 19:41:51
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by JAMMER on April 5, 2001, at 18:35:42
Posted by Marilyn on April 6, 2001, at 5:51:15
In reply to Re: Are WE the real guinea-pigs?, posted by Seraphim on April 2, 2001, at 10:42:08
> Thanks Marilyn. Scary stuff. If you come across > more, please share it.
http://www.mall-net.com/mcs/p450.html
Marilyn
Posted by Marilyn on April 6, 2001, at 5:56:39
In reply to Re: Are WE the real guinea-pigs?, posted by Marilyn on April 6, 2001, at 5:51:15
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/3568/ATracyPhD.htm
Marilyn
Posted by Fish on April 6, 2001, at 8:10:27
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS--EFFEXOR FREE, posted by JAMMER on April 5, 2001, at 18:35:42
Jammer, thanks for sharing information. Question ... the 18 mg, should that be taken every 3 days as the previous regimen, or everyday? Thanks Fish
Posted by JAMMER on April 6, 2001, at 9:07:28
In reply to Jammer - Question, posted by Fish on April 6, 2001, at 8:10:27
> Jammer, thanks for sharing information. Question ... the 18 mg, should that be taken every 3 days as the previous regimen, or everyday? Thanks Fish
Pharmacist stated every 3 days at 18mg, which is what I plan on doing. Doing well so far on 37.5mg every 3rd day now, another week, and I'll switch to 18mg every 3 days. If I start feeling weird I'll take a little Valium which helps calm me down, and I've found the Fioricet 1 tab ends the headache. And no brain shivers using this method, which is the best part...I thought the spike of 37mg every 4th day didn't make sense. Yes it reduces the frequency, but that spike on the day of taking the med seemed to be out of place. tapering the dose seems much more reasonable.
Your welcome,
-Jammer
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