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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Marilyn on July 8, 2001, at 20:32:06
In reply to Negative reaction to Effexor? You are NOT alone !, posted by Marilyn on May 30, 2001, at 8:25:48
For anyone who experienced a negative reaction to
Effexor (Venlafaxine), join these groups/boards:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PROZACAWARENESS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SerotoninAwakenings
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prozactruthLots of info !
All of these groupmembers went through different
bad experiences with SSRI-antidepressants and
SSRIs/SNRIs like Effexor (direct or indirect)
and are from different backgrounds.Important: These boards are all anti-SSRI.
Marilyn
Posted by jotho on July 8, 2001, at 21:20:24
In reply to Re: Negative reaction to Effexor? You are NOT alone !, posted by Marilyn on July 8, 2001, at 20:32:06
Thanks Marilyn...very informative sites. I browsed through many of the postings and was amazed at some of the stories....frightened, actually. Some even brought to mind side effects I had while on effexor (clenched jaw and teeth grinding) that i had forgotten about since. Everyone writing on this board should take a look at those sites.
Posted by MB on July 9, 2001, at 12:36:19
In reply to Re: Goofy or Anyone how do you know the mg in EFXR, posted by Jillybean on July 8, 2001, at 10:14:22
> Day 4...My mind is not connecting with my body or something. Weepy. Mild hallucinations at night. Vivid and scary dreams. Feel like I'm drunk or something. Afraid of being put in a mental institution. Moody.Interesting,
I had a scary experience comming off of Effexor, also. I was lying on the sofa with my eyes closed, when I began vibrating. I began vibrating so fast that it felt like I was out of my body...like I had no body. Then, I heard this sound in the middle of my head that was one of the loudest i've ever heard, it was a "ripping" sound...as if the very fabric of reality was being torn apart. I opened my eyes. I could see, but was paralysed. I could see a tiger pacing back and forth. It was completely invisible but for it's stripes which wrapped around the contour of it's body, delineating it's shape in a style reminiscent of Salvador Dali. The tiger then jumped up onto my back (I was lying on my stomach) and shoved what felt like a foot-long needle right up into my anus. It was only with this severe pain that my paralysis was broken. I was able to take my arm and swat it off of my back at which point it disappeared. It was one of the weirdest things that has ever happened to me. I've had hypnopompic hallucinations before, but this one really took the cake. I told my psychiatrist about it, and he seemed pretty concerned. Actually the first time I had ever seen him so. He told me never to take that medicine again if it could cause such severe alterations in my state of consciousness. I, too, really had to question my grip on reality after my experience with Effexor withdrawal.Also, if it's any consolation, I have gotten pretty "weepy" upon cessation of all the drugs which affect serotonin reuptake (Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox and Effexor). You're not alone. I still (eight months after my last dose of any antidepressant) cry at the drop of a hat...especially when watching really cheesy TV shows. It's really embarassing.
Posted by Kristie K on July 10, 2001, at 0:52:13
In reply to Re: Negative reaction to Effexor? You are NOT alone !, posted by jotho on July 8, 2001, at 21:20:24
I have been on Effexor XR for 3 1/2 weeks. I am taking it for anxiety. To date I don't feel any big weight lifted off of my shoulders. I am still waiting for this great discovery...
How long til it kicks in? How long do people take these drugs? I must say, I have experienced some significant headaches (daily), almost to the point of a migraine, yet never quite evolving into one.
Also, I have had dry mouth and a little insomnia (though I had this before I started).
How long should I take it before I decide it's not working for me?
And if it does work, will I "know" it's working? I have read that there have been NO clinical trials past 12 weeks. So are we all just gonna be guinea pigs? Please advise.
Thanks.
K
Posted by Kristie K on July 10, 2001, at 0:53:43
In reply to Re: Negative reaction to Effexor? You are NOT alone !, posted by jotho on July 8, 2001, at 21:20:24
I have been on Effexor XR for 3 1/2 weeks. I am taking it for anxiety. To date I don't feel any big weight lifted off of my shoulders. I am still waiting for this great discovery...
How long til it kicks in? How long do people take these drugs? I must say, I have experienced some significant headaches (daily), almost to the point of a migraine, yet never quite evolving into one.
Also, I have had dry mouth and a little insomnia (though I had this before I started).
How long should I take it before I decide it's not working for me?
And if it does work, will I "know" it's working? I have read that there have been NO clinical trials past 12 weeks. So are we all just gonna be guinea pigs? Please advise.
Thanks.
K
Posted by SalArmy4me on July 10, 2001, at 0:59:10
In reply to RE:How long do people take this drug?, posted by Kristie K on July 10, 2001, at 0:52:13
Pharmacologic treatment of anxiety disorders should last for a minimum of 6 months after an initial episode. Most clinicians will continue treatment for at least 1 year for patients with a second episode. If the patient has responded, and symptoms are resolved, the decision can be made whether to taper the patient off of the drug or continue maintenance therapy. In a National Institute of Mental Health Collaborative Depression Study, one third of patients became ill again 1 year after recovery from an index episode of depression; almost one half became ill again by 2 years; and almost three quarters by 8 years. Maintenance therapy may be continued indefinitely for patients with a history of frequent or multiple episodes of depression, major depression with preexisting dysthymia (double depression), onset of depression after the age of 60 years, long duration of individual episodes, severe index episode, poor symptom control during continuation therapy, and comorbid anxiety disorder or substance abuse. A strong family history of affective disorder also increases the risk of recurrence. Maintenance therapy with full doses of antidepressants is highly correlated with preventing recurrences for up to 5 years.
Posted by Cristy on July 10, 2001, at 8:14:54
In reply to Possible withdrawal agony scares me, posted by shar on July 8, 2000, at 23:29:13
I have been taking 300mg of Effexor for 3 years. Since my husband and I want to start our family, and I am in a MUCH better mind set (thanks to Effexor) it is time for me to get off.
I will be honest -- the withdrawl symptoms are HELL. After reading some of these postings, I realize my withdrawl was mild compared to some. I had terrible headaches, felt sick to my stomache, cried for no reason, was dizzy, and had those "electric shocks" people have talked about. That, I think was the worst part -- feeling that every time you moved or blinked your whole body would feel it.
Scary stuff -- I know. But, please keep in mind that not everyone has the same reaction to the withdrawl. That is why some doctors don't discuss these symptoms. However, they should tell you to taper off VERY slowly. The other thing to keep in mind -- it is possible to get through the withdrawl.
1 1/2 months ago, I found this tread because I thought I was losing my mind. I am now down to 1/2 of a 37.5mg pill every three days. I still have mild symptoms, but I am keeping my eye on the goal -- to get off of these pills.
So. . .
If you are thinking about starting Effexor, this is not a horrible drug. There are some side effects when you start that do go away. The sexual dysfunction is not as bad as some other drugs. If you have side effects that don't go away, talk to your doctor. This is the drug that finally got me into a good place -- a place I felt I could handle things again.
The withdrawl systems are bad. But, taper slowly! And, if the symptoms are too bad, increase until you are able to come down again. You are also not on a set decrease schedule. you should stay on a dose for at least two weeks. But at the end of those two weeks, if your symptoms are still bad, stay on that dose until YOU are ready to decrease again. I was on my second decrease for a month and have just started my third decrease. That gives you some control, and besides, who know better that your own body when you are ready to decrease again?!
As my doctor kept telling me -- be patient. You will get off the meds and you will feel better.
Good luck to all of you!
Posted by dshort on July 10, 2001, at 20:37:40
In reply to You CAN get off of Effexor, posted by Cristy on July 10, 2001, at 8:14:54
I finally did it! I got off of Effexor after being on it for seven years,it is crazy that I was allowed to take it for so long and have talked to the manufacturer and they were amazed as it is not even effective for that long,a year at most,closer to six months though.But what does still happen as you take it is damage to the nervous system,bad stuff.I had tried to get off several times and the doctor said to go slow,well I did or thought I did but even he didn't relaize how slow it would have to be.I was only taking 75mg. for most of the seven years but still had to go down by 5 or 10 mg. at a time and wait two weeks ,at least, for my body to adjust and then go down some more and everytime would bring on a rash on withdrawal,the worst for me was shaking and a swooshing sound that went across the back of my head and also my eyes not working"right" ,hard to explain that one,they couldnt; seem to keep up with my head.It was a horrible thing to go through and someone needs to be held accountable.The mfg. has snet me a report to fill out as they "certainly want to know of any problen with their product!" yeah right.They acted like they had never heard of anyone having problems with this drug,I told them to look on the internet,it was eye opening for me.Besides going slowly,there were two other things that helped me through that time.I used a little machine called a CES,cranial electro stimulator.The brand of the one I used is Alpha-Stim.It stimulates the pleasure center of the brain,not in a big way,but enough to take the edge off,it really helped with the shaking.It is the best non-drug thing to help with withdrawal.Another thing that helped me very much was colored light therapy.There is a doctor that uses this in his office and it is very interesting and may sound a little strange but what can I say...it works.I would be feeling beyond horribel when I went in there and after a time with the lights would be straightened out again,in the worst of times I would go in once a day for this therapy.Good luck and God Bless to all who are having trouble with this medication.
Posted by paulk on July 10, 2001, at 22:09:41
In reply to I did it--finally!, posted by dshort on July 10, 2001, at 20:37:40
Do you have any source to back up your statement “as you take it is damage to the nervous system” ?
The withdrawal symptoms are nasty – and you need to taper – VERY slowly. But the withdrawal effects do go away. For me, they lasted for over 4 weeks after I had completely stopped.
There are many how will read this and be scared off from taking it – despite the nasty withdrawal effects I consider it a wonder drug and would recommend it as a worthy candidate for treating depression.
Posted by Terry Comeau on July 10, 2001, at 22:19:37
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have used effexor from October 2000 up
until July 5 2001. The stuff seemed to work
and I was quite happy with the treatment.
That is until I discontinued it. Since being
off the stuff I have suffered dizziness and
other very disturbing after/side effects.
I have just discovered that many people have
suffered these types of side effects for months
and months after discontinuing the treatments.
My job requires me to be focused and very sharp
day in and day out. I am having a lot of trouble
with concentration because of the lasting effects
of this drug.
Needless to say I am really pissed of. DO NOT USE
THIS DRUG unless you suffer from severe problems.
The long lasting (who knows how long lasting?)
after affects of this drug are just not worth
the little amount of relief I got from my anxiety
induced disthymia.
Again DO NOT USE THIS DRUG unless you want an entirely
different set of lingering problems.
Posted by Terry Comeau on July 10, 2001, at 22:30:07
In reply to Re: RE:How long do people take this drug?, posted by SalArmy4me on July 10, 2001, at 0:59:10
Considering the cost of the drug... and the largely unexpected length
of withdrawal, as well of the horrible withdrawal effects , does
agree that the manufacturer should be held responsible for the cost
and damages that we incur as we struggle to get their drug out
of our system?Anybody agree with this? Someone should get a legal opinion regarding
the validity of a class action lawsuit. Maybe this might be a good summer
project to pursie.Needless to say I am PO'd to the extreme.
Posted by ksc on July 11, 2001, at 8:34:36
In reply to I did it--finally!, posted by dshort on July 10, 2001, at 20:37:40
OK… here it is… For all of you who are having those crazy dreams and can’t sleep through the night…..BENEDRYLL… yup that’s right the over the counter allergy medication also works as a sleep aid with no side affects. For 9 months while on the Effexor, I have gone without a real night’s sleep. I teetered between awake and REM (dream state) all night long, never reaching the deep NREM stage of sleep that the body needs to rejuvenate itself. My sleep was so restless, that I often couldn’t tell if I were awake or asleep. My racing mind would take me into a dream and go non-stop until I woke out of it, remembering the entire thing. One night I actually counted how many times I woke up throughout the night…I counted 11 times in an 8-hour stretch, that’s more than once per hour, and that was a common night for me.
You can only imagine what a toll this lack of sleep takes on a person’s body. For me it produced symptoms of Fibromyalgia (extreme fatigue, muscle pain and weakness). It also caused lack of memory and concentration, dizziness, nausea and inability to focus.
My doctor recommended the Benedryll because I didn’t want any more heavy drugs or side affects (sick and tired of them… literally). I tried the Benedyrll for the first time last night and low and behold I got my first real night of sleep in almost a year. My legs were a little bit jumpy at first, but it soon went away and I slept like a baby.
I’ve been off the Effexor XR for a week and a half now (112.5mg), with side affects going strong. I think the side affects would probably last for months if I couldn’t find some way to rest my body. Although it’s probably going to take a few weeks of restful sleep for my body to catch up and rejuvenate, I finally feel like there is an end in sight to my misery.
Posted by dshort on July 11, 2001, at 9:10:08
In reply to Re: I did it--finally! » dshort, posted by paulk on July 10, 2001, at 22:09:41
Sorry,should have added that long term use of Effexor does damage to the central nervous system .A very good book to read is "Prozac Backlash" by Joseph Glenmullen.A person should be getting help from a psychologist while being treated for depression because the drugs mask the problems that caused the depression in the first place and they will still be there when you stop taking the drugs if not sufficiently dealt with.
Posted by paulk on July 11, 2001, at 15:42:04
In reply to Re: I did it--finally!, posted by dshort on July 11, 2001, at 9:10:08
I guess I disagree – I don’t think he quotes any scientific research to support such an opinion. In fact SSRIs have been show to promote new Neuron formation that have the ability to actually repair the brain.
On the other hand, there is research that shows that psychotherapy fails to show any lasting effect. Measuring objective data (such as ability to keep a job, completing school, prevention of suicide etc.) shows that 5 years later there is no benefit. (There is I feel some benefit in a therapist arbitrating relationships). With psychotherapy about 1/3 get better, 1/3 get worse, and 1/3 stay the same – without psychotherapy about 1/3 get better, 1/3 get worse, and 1/3 stay the same.
Of course, continuous pharmatherapy has much better statistics and there is some (but controversial) evidence that shows lasting improvement after stopping SSRIs.
Posted by MB on July 11, 2001, at 17:47:57
In reply to I did it--finally!, posted by dshort on July 10, 2001, at 20:37:40
> >I used a little machine called a CES,cranial electro stimulator.The brand of the one I used is Alpha-Stim.It stimulates the pleasure center of the brain,not in a big way,but enough to take the edge off,it really helped with the shaking.It is the best non-drug thing to help with withdrawal.Please tell me more about this machine. It sounds interesting. Do you think it would have any benificial efects on depression when used alone?
> >Another thing that helped me very much was colored light therapy.This is also interesting. I wonder if anyone out there has any information regarding flashing lights and their effect on depression. Two days ago, I was in a room with a ceiling fan than spun right under a bright light. I closed my eyes and looked up at it. The frequency of the flicker must have been "just right." For what, however, I don't know. All I know is that it felt like it "tuned up" my brain, or something. The slurry of racing thoughts in my mind came to a halt, and I felt like something "clicked" into normalcy. When I opened my eyes, however, it was gone. It felt really good, though...pleasantly, meditativly hypnotic.
Posted by dshort on July 12, 2001, at 0:01:38
In reply to Re: I did it--finally! » dshort, posted by MB on July 11, 2001, at 17:47:57
I do not know how the CES machine works for depression but it is supposed to be helpful for depression.There is info. on the internet for the Alpha-Stim and phone numbers of dealers that you can reach,they are trained in how and when to use them.I first rented mine from the doctor to see if it would help me and then I knew of an acquaintance that sold them so bought mine from him.
For the light therapy ,there is a book out ,"Light Years Ahead" .My doctor wrote the third chapter in that book.Interesting,your experience with the light that flickered as that is how he uses the lights,at different flicker rates and different colors to stimulate various parts of the thinking.
Posted by girlie on July 12, 2001, at 13:54:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Terry Comeau on July 10, 2001, at 22:19:37
Terry,
Did you go off of Effexor cold turkey? Just as you were eased onto the mg you were taking, you also need to be eased off. Mine was just backed down, by my doctor, from 300mg/day to 225mg/day. While I do have some of the side effects of withdrawl, I am certainly able to function.It seems that many of the severe withdrawl symptoms come from people who just stop taking it, or reduce their doseage too quickly, possibly without doctor supervision.
Effexor XR has been AWESOME for me and made a huge POSITIVE difference in my life. I would never tell anyone not to try it. JMHO
> I have used effexor from October 2000 up
> until July 5 2001. The stuff seemed to work
> and I was quite happy with the treatment.
> That is until I discontinued it. Since being
> off the stuff I have suffered dizziness and
> other very disturbing after/side effects.
> I have just discovered that many people have
> suffered these types of side effects for months
> and months after discontinuing the treatments.
> My job requires me to be focused and very sharp
> day in and day out. I am having a lot of trouble
> with concentration because of the lasting effects
> of this drug.
> Needless to say I am really pissed of. DO NOT USE
> THIS DRUG unless you suffer from severe problems.
> The long lasting (who knows how long lasting?)
> after affects of this drug are just not worth
> the little amount of relief I got from my anxiety
> induced disthymia.
> Again DO NOT USE THIS DRUG unless you want an entirely
> different set of lingering problems.
Posted by jotho on July 12, 2001, at 15:32:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Terry Comeau, posted by girlie on July 12, 2001, at 13:54:25
Girlie...Two things, three actually, first, congatulations on your success with Effexor. Second, I, and I would bet many, on this posting site were never told by our doctor of the possible extent and severity that might accompany the taking, and stopping, of Effexor. Third, before I did stop I read about many instances of problems and decided to withdraw slowly. I was on the lower dosage of 75 mg. I reduced it by 1/4 and stayed on it for over a week at which time I reduced it by another 1/4 (of the original dosage). I followed this procedure (taking over a month) till finally I stopped totally. It is between 3-4 weeks now since I stopped and the notorious "brain swooshing" is still there (not as bad, though). I also still have problems sleeping, and I still have the involuntary jerkiness in my legs as I try to fall asleep. My wife says this occurs even after I have taken a sleep aid and am in a deep sleep................john
Posted by susan C on July 12, 2001, at 16:39:42
In reply to CES and light therapy, posted by dshort on July 12, 2001, at 0:01:38
Ahhh, alpha stim 100, it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. My diagnosis was chronic clinical depression, the combo of prozac and trazadone had stopped working after 6 years (of what I know was manic bliss) and no med seemed to work. I found out about the concept,CES, via an obsure ad in a new age magazine I happened to pick up that said something like 'depressed, try this' and researched it on the net, and Alpha Stim was the only one for sale that was/is FDA approved. I also called all three and asked for a Medical Doctor referral. When the distributor for my area called, she referred me to my own doctor! He had used it successfully for confusion in a brain injured patient and a psychologist in his office uses it a lot (about 100 patients) with varying results, about 70% get some benefit, if I remember right. Then I insisted my pdoc prescribe it, which he could only do and have insurance cover it, if I had chronic pain, which I did, so he did. He and I argued about whether or not it was working. But I had journaled my experience: within 10 days I was sleeping better and feeling better. I used it for about a year, then had a return of suicidal ideation, I increased the time, frequency, everything...it had stopped working as things tend to do.
> I do not know how the CES machine works for depression but it is supposed to be helpful for depression.There is info. on the internet for the Alpha-Stim and phone numbers of dealers that you can reach,they are trained in how and when to use them.I first rented mine from the doctor to see if it would help me and then I knew of an acquaintance that sold them so bought mine from him.
>
> For the light therapy ,there is a book out ,"Light Years Ahead" .My doctor wrote the third chapter in that book.Interesting,your experience with the light that flickered as that is how he uses the lights,at different flicker rates and different colors to stimulate various parts of the thinking.
Posted by ksc on July 13, 2001, at 8:28:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jotho on July 12, 2001, at 15:32:02
JOHN WROTE: Girlie...Two things, three actually, first, congatulations on your success with Effexor. Second, I, and I would bet many, on this posting site were never told by our doctor of the possible extent and severity that might accompany the taking, and stopping, of Effexor. Third, before I did stop I read about many instances of problems and decided to withdraw slowly. I was on the lower dosage of 75 mg. I reduced it by 1/4 and stayed on it for over a week at which time I reduced it by another 1/4 (of the original dosage). I followed this procedure (taking over a month) till finally I stopped totally. It is between 3-4 weeks now since I stopped and the notorious "brain swooshing" is still there (not as bad, though). I also still have problems sleeping, and I still have the involuntary jerkiness in my legs as I try to fall asleep. My wife says this occurs even after I have taken a sleep aid and am in a deep sleep................john
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DITTO here John!!! I was on 112.5mg and tappered down 37.5mg at a time for at least a week each time. I've been off completely for nearly 2 weeks now, but I too am having continuing side affects, almost identical to yours. I'm curious about this "notorious brain swooshing" though. I'm wondering if you could describe it in a little more detail for me, because I've been having this "whooshing" sound in my ears since early spring; about 4 months now(I've been on the meds since early October-about 9 mos.). Which I can only describe as a loud heartbeat, sounding sort of like "whooosh, whoosh, whoosh" which goes to the beat of my heart. Is this anything like your swooshing? It's especially loud when it's quiet, and has been driving me nuts. I didn't know if it was a side affet to the meds or something else.Thanks KSC
Posted by jotho on July 13, 2001, at 9:12:25
In reply to Question for Jotho, posted by ksc on July 13, 2001, at 8:28:21
To KSC...First off, I believe (and you should verify this with your doctor and follow through on his advice) that Effexor can elevate blood pressure, in which case your symptom might possibly relate to this. The "swooshing" I, and many others refer to, is more of a strange, electrical pulsing, kind of like a low-voltage humming, going on in the head . At times it can be accompanied by mild (in my case) dizziness. Please remember that the problems we all describe here are varied (there are MANY) and the ones we do have in common often have variations. In any case, I would make sure about the blood-pressure thing, see what the doctor says, and post the results back up here for us all to see.......good luck, john
Posted by ksc on July 13, 2001, at 9:35:00
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by messica on July 4, 2001, at 16:09:35
Messica,
It sounds to me as though this particular drug is not working for you. There are plenty of them out there to try, but it's up to you as to whether or not you want to keep going witht he meds or try to make it without them.One word of advise...Take some time and find a new doctor... a good one... insist on one that will spend some time with you and follow you through this thing. I had one who never should have put me on this thing to begin with, and then when I wanted to stop left me a voice mail message saying..."sure go ahead...although you might want to taper off over about a week"... YEAH RIGHT....Try a few weeks (or more depending on the dosage amount) and being monitored the whole time thank you very much. That was my que to leave and find a new doctor... now I have a great one who really listens and understands...Don't settle for anything less.. this is your life and your body... don't let some doctor who's too busy to care, ruin your life. You deserve better!!!
Best of luck to you... and be careful!!!
Posted by ksc on July 13, 2001, at 9:54:21
In reply to Re: Question for Jotho, posted by jotho on July 13, 2001, at 9:12:25
Hi John,
Funny you should mention blood pressure. I have had moderately high blood pressure since I was about 27 yrs old (33 now)... and have been taking medication for it for about 2 yrs (has been under control whole time with meds - even now). The whooshing started about 4 months ago, 5 months after taking the Effexor and about a month before my Thyroid went mildly hypoactive. Thyroid's back in line but whooshing sound stays. New doc thinks could all be related...so complicated, very frustrating. I'll let ya'll know if it goes away with the other side affects.Thanks so much for your response, it's so nice to know other people are in the same boat, and care. :)
KSC
Posted by Monica on July 13, 2001, at 10:33:33
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Rhonda on April 28, 2000, at 7:17:12
> >
Hi. My name is Monica. I have been on Effexor XR for about 5 months now and it really has helped with my depression alot! I'm very glad i decided to take it. One thing, though. I've read all these comments, and have identified with the symptoms some of you have reported in withdrawal. I haven't stopped taking it yet but twice i have missed a day taking it(right now being one of those times) and have experienced very withdrawal like symptoms: lightheadness, a feeling like i am moving in a dream-like state, inability to focus my eyes on things. I woke up like this today because i missed my dosage yesterday. It's scaring me! I'm glad to know that you guys have gone through this as well and i am not alone. My question is, how long should you stay on this before you decide to taper off of it. And will i feel this way when i am off of it for good? I don't want to live everyday like this! Thanks for your timeMonica
Posted by jotho on July 13, 2001, at 11:16:12
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Monica on July 13, 2001, at 10:33:33
Monica...Some people's lives have certainly been saved by anti-depressants, but, just like a specific pill works for one person and not another, so too, can one suffer severe effects while others feel none or just mild ones. I never had the "one-day" occurrences you talk about. If I missed a day and caught up next day, there was no interuption by side-effects. Some on this post site will tell you to get off this med. immediately , while others will tell you they have had good results and that you should stick with it. I can only say that if I were taking Effexor and had tolerable (or no, hopefully) side-effects, and it was successful in treating the depression...I would stay on it. But!!!...If, comes a time, you are overwhelmed by side-effects, or the drug is no longer effective, or you are afraid of what the drug might be doing to you physiologically and you want to quit...TAKE YOUR TIME, even if you are one of those who have limited withdrawal symptons. Discuss it with your doctor and make sure you reduce the dosage gradually!!! There are postings here, and on other sites, that talk of withdrawal side-effects lasting many, many months (I saw several that said 18). There is just no set answer for everyone........take care and good luck to you......john
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