![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 42 to 66 of 130. Go back in thread:
Posted by Dysfunk on December 26, 2002, at 14:08:22
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » john, posted by BadEffects on July 7, 2002, at 13:31:21
I assume the only way to ween off of this medication is to do it slowly. I am just starting to ween myself off of 225 mg. I cut back on my coffee intake since I was getting so jittery. I also took more xanax to control the anxiety and tenseness. Unfortunately, I felt it was easier to stay inside and not deal with the public. Not everyone can do that. It is a matter of waiting it out, and it sucks!
Posted by wla on June 21, 2003, at 17:28:02
In reply to Re: Try Wellbutrin » Shawn. T., posted by suji on July 10, 2002, at 14:42:39
>I was wondering I am trying to get off Effexxor and have not gotten my period in 2 months very bad side effects and still on 37.5 mg per day am thinking of adding prozac to help? Anyone ever (woman) stop getting there period when going off any meds.
Thanks.
Wla
Posted by maryengland on July 6, 2003, at 0:19:26
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by Matt on March 28, 1999, at 7:07:16
I've been on effexor for two and a half years (175 mg/day) now. I first notiiced the withdrawl effects when I accidentally skipped a dose. Without knowing what my withdrawl symptoms were caused from I worried that I had some neurological dissorder. Later I found out that Effexor does not stay in the body long at all as does Prozac, in turn, causes withdrawl symptoms when doses are skipped. I don't nkow why but just lately I have started to have the same symptoms even if I haven't missed any doses. Has anyone else experienced this. I am boing to begin to taper off Effexor because I feel the withdrawl is as bad as the depression and I might be getting these symptoms when I haven't missed doses due to the length of time I have been on the drug. If any one has any comments please write.
Posted by catwomen on July 23, 2003, at 13:38:10
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by maryengland on July 6, 2003, at 0:19:26
I have been on Effexor XR for around 2 years. I am considering getting off of it because of wanting to have children. I tried to wean off of it last year and the withdrawl was so bad that I had to return to it to get some relief. I have not experienced the same feelings as you but you may be on too high of a dose. When I tried to up my dose from 150 to (and extra 37.5) I felt out of it, dizzy, and unable to concentrate. Good luck.
Posted by cubic_me on September 6, 2003, at 13:47:00
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by slantie on June 1, 2002, at 17:57:23
I've had trouble withdrawing from zoloft before, and now I'm on Efexor. Within a few hours of forgetting a dose I get exactly the same dizzy, nauseous, 'i cant move my head and cant stand up' feeling that has been described.
I just wish they'd told me about this before I went on the drug, especially when they knew that I had problems coming of an antidepressant before. I'd never heard of these 'discontinuation effects' before, even tho I'm a medical student and had read up before I started the medication. Now I feel like I'm hooked on it because when I withdraw I wont be able to function. The Efexor isnt allieviating my depression either, so I'm going to have to come off it soon to try something else.
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 8, 2003, at 15:31:21
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by cubic_me on September 6, 2003, at 13:47:00
Having been on Effexor IR for many months, and just recently making the switch to the XR version, I think I can safely say that the XR version is less forgiving of missed dosages. I know I'm going to have to plan any lowered dosages carefully. And no, I wasn't warned about it by my pdoc either. I learned all about it here, at Psycho-Babble.
Maybe lower dosages of the IR Effexor would be easier to withdrawal from?
Good Luck, KDi in Texas
> I've had trouble withdrawing from zoloft before, and now I'm on Efexor. Within a few hours of forgetting a dose I get exactly the same dizzy, nauseous, 'i cant move my head and cant stand up' feeling that has been described.
>
> I just wish they'd told me about this before I went on the drug, especially when they knew that I had problems coming of an antidepressant before. I'd never heard of these 'discontinuation effects' before, even tho I'm a medical student and had read up before I started the medication. Now I feel like I'm hooked on it because when I withdraw I wont be able to function. The Efexor isnt allieviating my depression either, so I'm going to have to come off it soon to try something else.
>
>
Posted by oeps7 on September 10, 2003, at 9:08:37
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR » cubic_me, posted by KimberlyDi on September 8, 2003, at 15:31:21
> Having been on Effexor IR for many months, and just recently making the switch to the XR version, I think I can safely say that the XR version is less forgiving of missed dosages. I know I'm going to have to plan any lowered dosages carefully. And no, I wasn't warned about it by my pdoc either. I learned all about it here, at Psycho-Babble.
>
> Maybe lower dosages of the IR Effexor would be easier to withdrawal from?
>
> Good Luck, KDi in Texas
>
> > I've had trouble withdrawing from zoloft before, and now I'm on Efexor. Within a few hours of forgetting a dose I get exactly the same dizzy, nauseous, 'i cant move my head and cant stand up' feeling that has been described.
> >
> > I just wish they'd told me about this before I went on the drug, especially when they knew that I had problems coming of an antidepressant before. I'd never heard of these 'discontinuation effects' before, even tho I'm a medical student and had read up before I started the medication. Now I feel like I'm hooked on it because when I withdraw I wont be able to function. The Efexor isnt allieviating my depression either, so I'm going to have to come off it soon to try something else.
> >
> >
>
>
Kim,
you seem to have some good info on meds. Do you research everything. I'd be interested in hearing about the different meds you've been on.
Mary oeps7
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 10, 2003, at 11:00:51
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR, posted by oeps7 on September 10, 2003, at 9:08:37
Everything I've learned is from Psycho-Babble or thru experience. Thanks for your kind post but I'm almost blushing! lol
In order from beginning to current:
Zoloft - nada, nothing, didn't help me at all
Prozac - felt paranoid and cut off from emotions
Paxil - 20mg up to 60mg at the end. Nice little AD, helped me alot with stress and coping with ADHD son. Didn't like the sexual SE's though. First AD that people close to me could tell if I had taken my meds or not by my behavior. Did suffer some withdrawal when stopping it.
Wellbutrin - 300mg, Very nice AD for mild-moderate depression. Zero SE's for me but the positive effects were gradual. Probably helped with my ADD/ADHD symptoms though I didn't realize it at the time.Current
Effexor - <drum roll> 300mg, love it, saved my sanity. Better for anxiety than depression I think. All SE's went away except the sexual ones.
Strattera - 80mg, helps me focus.
Trazadone - 100mg, helps me sleep.<sigh>
and That's All Folks
Posted by oeps7 on September 11, 2003, at 9:32:21
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR » oeps7, posted by KimberlyDi on September 10, 2003, at 11:00:51
> Everything I've learned is from Psycho-Babble or thru experience. Thanks for your kind post but I'm almost blushing! lol
>
> In order from beginning to current:
> Zoloft - nada, nothing, didn't help me at all
> Prozac - felt paranoid and cut off from emotions
> Paxil - 20mg up to 60mg at the end. Nice little AD, helped me alot with stress and coping with ADHD son. Didn't like the sexual SE's though. First AD that people close to me could tell if I had taken my meds or not by my behavior. Did suffer some withdrawal when stopping it.
> Wellbutrin - 300mg, Very nice AD for mild-moderate depression. Zero SE's for me but the positive effects were gradual. Probably helped with my ADD/ADHD symptoms though I didn't realize it at the time.
>
> Current
> Effexor - <drum roll> 300mg, love it, saved my sanity. Better for anxiety than depression I think. All SE's went away except the sexual ones.
> Strattera - 80mg, helps me focus.
> Trazadone - 100mg, helps me sleep.
>
> <sigh>
> and That's All Folks
Hi KimDi how are you doing today? This board has definitely given me a lot of great info. Also gives you the feeling that other people know what you are going through. I have been on so many meds during the years and effexor did seem to be the best one for anxiety and depression. I have tapered off because no longer works for me. How long have you been on effexor? Worked for me for 7 years. Also came off because I want to have a baby in the near future. The 50 of zoloft is working for me somewhat.
I am in the middle of effexor withdrawals which are not fun - have you heard of anything else that helps with withdrawal? I take 1 benadryl a day which seems to get rid of flu like feeling and nausea -
cheers,
Mary
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 11, 2003, at 11:23:44
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR, posted by oeps7 on September 11, 2003, at 9:32:21
< Hi KimDi how are you doing today? This board has definitely given me a lot of great info. Also gives you the feeling that other people know what you are going through. I have been on so many meds during the years and effexor did seem to be the best one for anxiety and depression. I have tapered off because no longer works for me. How long have you been on effexor? Worked for me for 7 years. Also came off because I want to have a baby in the near future. The 50 of zoloft is working for me somewhat.
> I am in the middle of effexor withdrawals which are not fun - have you heard of anything else that helps with withdrawal? I take 1 benadryl a day which seems to get rid of flu like feeling and nausea -
> cheers,
> MaryEveryone (lots of folks anyways) says to ask for a small prescription of Prozac to help you thru the withdrawals. I've only been on Effexor since May 2003, I believe. I was here posting on Day 1. It's been a lifesaver for me but I do understand that it doesn't work for everyone. I try to tame my enthusiam down a bit. Are you from England or Australia?
My day is fine. No overwhelming emotions and my thinking is clear. What more could a person ask for? :) Keep us posted on what helps with your withdrawal. My day will come... Oh, and how exciting it must be to be planning for a baby! I envy you that. My husband has 2 from a previous marriage and doesn't want anymore.
KDi in Texas
Posted by oeps7 on September 11, 2003, at 11:56:55
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR » oeps7, posted by KimberlyDi on September 11, 2003, at 11:23:44
> < Hi KimDi how are you doing today? This board has definitely given me a lot of great info. Also gives you the feeling that other people know what you are going through. I have been on so many meds during the years and effexor did seem to be the best one for anxiety and depression. I have tapered off because no longer works for me. How long have you been on effexor? Worked for me for 7 years. Also came off because I want to have a baby in the near future. The 50 of zoloft is working for me somewhat.
> > I am in the middle of effexor withdrawals which are not fun - have you heard of anything else that helps with withdrawal? I take 1 benadryl a day which seems to get rid of flu like feeling and nausea -
> > cheers,
> > Mary
>
> Everyone (lots of folks anyways) says to ask for a small prescription of Prozac to help you thru the withdrawals. I've only been on Effexor since May 2003, I believe. I was here posting on Day 1. It's been a lifesaver for me but I do understand that it doesn't work for everyone. I try to tame my enthusiam down a bit. Are you from England or Australia?
>
> My day is fine. No overwhelming emotions and my thinking is clear. What more could a person ask for? :) Keep us posted on what helps with your withdrawal. My day will come... Oh, and how exciting it must be to be planning for a baby! I envy you that. My husband has 2 from a previous marriage and doesn't want anymore.
>
> KDi in Texas
Hi KDi,
I am from NYC.
My day's not too bad either, just withdrawal symptoms every day - the benadryl works wonders though.
This would be my first baby Im 34 we're thinking about trying in a few months so I wanted to get past the withdrawals.
How old are your husbands 2 kids?
How's the weather in Texas - I've been to Dallas and Corpus Christi once - I loved it!
>
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 11, 2003, at 15:56:31
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR, posted by oeps7 on September 11, 2003, at 11:56:55
> Hi KDi,
> I am from NYC.
> My day's not too bad either, just withdrawal symptoms every day - the benadryl works wonders though.
> This would be my first baby Im 34 we're thinking about trying in a few months so I wanted to get past the withdrawals.
> How old are your husbands 2 kids?
> How's the weather in Texas - I've been to Dallas and Corpus Christi once - I loved it!Mary,
A little note: We're going to get re-directed to Psycho-Social-Babble soon since the posts are turning less med-related to more being social and providing support. It takes alittle getting used to but I navigate both sites almost daily.Anyways, my hubby is 43 years old, and I'm 34... just like you! His daughter is 4 and his son is 10. I have a 14-year-old son who just started highschool. {i can't believe that!} My son was diagnosed with ADHD early on and spent the majority of the time on Ritilin. He's been switched to Strattera just as I've been prescribed Strattera for ADD symptoms. So we're trying it out together.
I love Texas. The summers seem to be 6 months long now. We're short on rain, but like today, when it rains, it pours! I have 2 pomeranians who are likely enjoying this cooler weather. Temps in the 70's even! It was so hot this summer, I had them a kiddy-pool to splash around in. I've never been to NYC, but I would like to visit there before I'm old and feeble. But I'll always come back to my "wide open spaces" <dixie chick song>. and no, I'm not a big fan of the Dixie Cups, i mean, Dixie Chicks.
Laters!!
KDi in Texas
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 11, 2003, at 19:49:30
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR, posted by KimberlyDi on September 11, 2003, at 15:56:31
> A little note: We're going to get re-directed to Psycho-Social-Babble soon since the posts are turning less med-related to more being social and providing support. It takes alittle getting used to but I navigate both sites almost daily.
I'm glad you've gotten used to it, thanks for making the effort! Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030829/msgs/259187.html
Bob
Posted by foodie on November 1, 2003, at 16:39:47
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR, posted by oeps7 on September 11, 2003, at 9:32:21
Reply to KDi in Texas
I am currently wanting to get off the effexor xr and am looking for some help. (i love texas too!) anyway, i am also on so many other meds and my biggest sypmtom seems to be major sleeplessness. i did not think anything was going on until 3 big fights in the family this weekend. help.
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 3, 2003, at 7:39:44
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR, posted by foodie on November 1, 2003, at 16:39:47
I hear ya on the major sleepiness. I'm even still taking Strattera. This weekend I went down from 225mg to 150mg. Add that to Saturdays semi-suicial attempt of 10 ambiens washed down with a pint of Jack Danials... I may be sleepy from alot of things.
Hang in there,
KDi in Texas
Posted by LizaC on November 3, 2003, at 9:51:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR » foodie, posted by KimberlyDi on November 3, 2003, at 7:39:44
I'm new here- a relief to find these postings- I am going through serious effexor withdrawl and was reallly thinking I was crazy until I saw the reactions here- it feels unbearable, I have never in my life felt so much anxiety, i can't eat or sleep, am really not functioning well and am desparaet to get it out of my system- are there any relaxation techniques or anything that helps? Thanks
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 4, 2003, at 8:29:45
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, XR or IR, posted by LizaC on November 3, 2003, at 9:51:29
People recommend Benedryl to ease up some of the symptoms. I'm finding some success with a 2-steps forward, 1 step back, technique. Pick a new low dosage to aim for (say 75 from 150). Hit it for a few days, as long as you can tolerate it, up the dosage alittle for some relief for a few days (say 112.50), then go back to the low dosage again (75). The 2nd time I hit the low dosage, it was MUCH more manageable.
Only, I was going from 225 to 150. Now, I'm gathering up the nerve to do the 150 to 75.
Good luck, this is a nightmare.
KDi in Texas> I'm new here- a relief to find these postings- I am going through serious effexor withdrawl and was reallly thinking I was crazy until I saw the reactions here- it feels unbearable, I have never in my life felt so much anxiety, i can't eat or sleep, am really not functioning well and am desparaet to get it out of my system- are there any relaxation techniques or anything that helps? Thanks
Posted by highhopes on November 6, 2003, at 23:22:07
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by john on March 28, 1999, at 20:52:30
Thanks for everyone's posts. It gives me hope that these symptoms will eventually fade. I was taking 300 mg daily, tablets. (The capsules put me into withdrawal immediately.) I had to taper off very slowly, shaving bits off the tablets. It's been a week since I've been completely off the Effexor. To me, the fact that I could taper off means I must be ready after 5 years. (Tried to get off it many times.)
I work in a sleep disorders lab; and I know that Effexor depresses REM sleep, the sleep phase most associated with dreaming. So I expected the vivid dreams. But I wasn't expecting the heightened emotions.I'm still itching, have "chills and fever" even though my temperature is 97, very bad joint pain that i thought was arthritis, that weird nerve thing like moving in slow motion and leaving a trail. (Is that what you mean by phasing?)
I've been taking St John's Wort twice a day to help with symptoms. It does help. Bought 2 month's worth on sale and plan to quit when they are gone.
I think Effexor probably saved my life. I know I formed a lot of good habits to replace destructive responses to stress while taking it. But I hope I don't ever have to go through this again.
Posted by Clayton on November 7, 2003, at 10:10:51
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by highhopes on November 6, 2003, at 23:22:07
Re: Effexor question » Smilez
Posted by Clayton on November 7, 2003, at 9:24:39In reply to Re: New Wellbutrin user - happy so far, posted by Smilez on November 6, 2003, at 21:18:23
Hi!
If you are willing to share and as your time permits, would you tell me about your symptoms? Why was Effexor prescribed for you?
I've been on Paxil for three years and it was only about 20% efficacious in controlling SAD and mood depresion.
I found a new pdoc and he is great! We are loooking for optopns re: antidepressant(s) that brings norepinepine into play and your med is one such option. But, goodness, just look at the horror stories about Efexxor on this site.
On my first visit, the new doc added Remaron as an adjunct to the Paxil. Remaron is unique. It works by increasing production of both seraronin and norepinephine, not by reuptake inhibition. It works in 3 days to a week (not 6 weeks like the SSRIs) and doen't eliminate your libido.
For me, it (Remaron), in conjunction with Paxil, was the keys to the kingdom. My mood is up 90%. I have not has a single SAD attack in the five months I'v beeen on this conbo. I'm doing things I haven't done for decades. It set me free.
Remaron & Paxil are synegistic on the seratonin side as one increases production and the other keeps it in you brain. But the doc (the only really good pdoc I've ever seen) prescribed too high a dose of Remaron. That resulted in way too much seratonin and I suddenly became bipolar for the first time in my life. (Crying and wailing followed by ranting - not like me AT ALL). So we've diled back the Remaron dose and I was given Zyprexa as a short term treatment for the bipolar symptons until the seraonin is dialed in correctly. But we both agree that norepinephrine was the major reason Remaron helped so much and are now vigilant about watching the seratonin levels.
We are considering continuing the Remaron for SOME seratonin support and dumping the SSRI Paxil in exchange for Strattera, a SNRI. This shifts the synergistic action to the norepinephrine side. ( I'm a little wary of dumping the med approved for SAD by the FDA), but I think it's a good idea, given that I have an amotivational syndrome, too.
But we want to consider all options and that is why I'm asking about the SSNRI, Effexor. Anything you are willing to share about your symptoms and Effexor's efficacy and effects and side-effects is greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much!
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 7, 2003, at 18:15:22
In reply to Effexor » highhopes, posted by Clayton on November 7, 2003, at 10:10:51
> Re: Effexor question » Smilez
> Posted by Clayton on November 7, 2003, at 9:24:39...Please don't repost the same message in multiple threads.
Also, follow-ups to the above post should be posted to the original thread. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/277428.html
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by nancy lotfi on November 27, 2003, at 16:59:55
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » john, posted by CMG on September 2, 2001, at 23:07:52
>
hi im new to this site but already feeling like ove come home.afther taking effexor for 1 year the side effect especialy nausea almost drove me nuts .not to talk about tne weight gain.i decided to quit cold turkey my dayli dose of 375 mg .i would spend half the day sick in bed from nausea but would feel great afther ward now whith tje withdraw i feel so sick almost like im dying diareah nausea headack .my doctor is on vacation i just dont know where to turn is there anything you can take to help deal with the withdraw..im just dam if i take them because of side effect and dam if i dont from withdraw i need to live pls help mother of 2.
Posted by linkline on December 23, 2003, at 14:24:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by nancy lotfi on November 27, 2003, at 16:59:55
> > are you ok? i am going thru effexor withdrawal also and just found this site. if you read many of the posts you can see that what you are going thru is about what to expect. maybe if you tapered off instead of cold turkey--esp if you are having to deal with 2 kids at the same time--it might help. And exercise, if you can drag yourself out the door helps a lot, mentally and physically. there are various supplements that will help also, but to be honest, I have kicked many drugs in my life, legal and illegal, and just the 75 mg of effexor I am trying to come off of is knocking me out. let me know if i can help by talking to you.....
> hi im new to this site but already feeling like ove come home.afther taking effexor for 1 year the side effect especialy nausea almost drove me nuts .not to talk about tne weight gain.i decided to quit cold turkey my dayli dose of 375 mg .i would spend half the day sick in bed from nausea but would feel great afther ward now whith tje withdraw i feel so sick almost like im dying diareah nausea headack .my doctor is on vacation i just dont know where to turn is there anything you can take to help deal with the withdraw..im just dam if i take them because of side effect and dam if i dont from withdraw i need to live pls help mother of 2.
Posted by selene on December 30, 2003, at 5:14:26
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » nancy lotfi, posted by linkline on December 23, 2003, at 14:24:09
Today I took my last dose of Effexor XR. I've been on 300mg/daily for a number of years now, and despite side effects when I forget a dose, I wouldn't still be alive without it. I had a marvelous psychiatrist for years who tried various ADs and "cocktails" until we found the one that really worked -- for me, Effexor. His patience, kindness, and prescribing brilliance was so reassuring.
Unfortunately, about a year ago, he had a stroke and, though he survived, thank God, he was unable to continue his practice and, in fact, was taken out of the area to rehabilitate with a family member. I felt terrible for him, and, yes, was grief-stricken by the loss of his empathy and his knowledge of me. I managed to find another pdoc and stayed on the Effexor XR, though I did reduce from 450 to 300 mg.
However, now I'm stuck in a terrible dilemma. My health insurance has lapsed so I can't afford to refill my prescription (my God, is it expensive!). My doctor sent an application to Wyatt Labs to enroll me in their patient assistance program so I could still get the Effexor for 3 months, by the end of which I should be back on my feet financially. Wyatt said it would take about 4 weeks to process the app. Meanwhile, my dr. gave me all his office samples to tide me over (how fun it's been taking about a million 37.5 capsules each morning in order to get my 300 mg!). If my original pdoc was around and healthy, he would have found some way to prevent this from happening, I'm absolutely certain. But ... not to be.
The sky darkens: it's been over 6 weeks since the application went to Wyatt, so I called them the Friday after Christmas. Coal in my stocking, dammit: they're running way behind, have no record of my app., and no suggestion except to wait since it may take 8 weeks total to get to mine. Aaaargh!!
I know full well what awaits me in stopping the Effexor cold turkey. And I'm horrified by the prospect. I'm fairly sensitive to the dose and have had withdrawal symptoms when I've even been 8 hours late in taking my meds. Those were mostly the "weird brain" feelings (as I call them), sudden weeping, and the feeling of being physically out of sync ... sort of a strange body perception, slightly out of normal time. Oh yeah, and the cranium-crushing headaches. That was with just a delay or a missed day. I am not looking forward to experiencing what going from 300 mg. to 0 mg. will be like. Yiiiiikes.
Anyway ... I do have some Prozac left from this doc prescribing it for PMS symptoms. And I've read the posts from several years ago about taking Benadryl to help alleviate some of the discomfort.
Please, please, please -- does anyone have any other suggestions? Should my husband pad the walls of our room and lock me in with some food and water and my paltry supply of Prozac? Tell the neighbors to ignore my screaming?
Anyone? Help?
Posted by sick of being sick on January 4, 2004, at 21:01:22
In reply to Forced Effexor Withdrawal -- Help?, posted by selene on December 30, 2003, at 5:14:26
> I started taking 20mg of Sarafem two years ago for my PMDD. It was increased last year to 40mg (same as Prozac). The Sarafem didn't seem to be helping so the doctor's assistant put me on 150mg of Effexor. After about a week I started having electrical shock-like sensations in my head. The sensations were so bad I thought I was having a stroke and went to the hospital. I told the doctors I was on Effexor, but they didn't correlate the two. Was told they couldn't find anything wrong and sent me home.
I was then taken off of Effexor over a two week period and put on some other drug that only works on your seretonin levels. I was on it for about 3 weeks but still had my original symptoms of PMDD. So the doctor put me back on Effexor starting at 37.5mg for 2 weeks then up to 75mg. I was on the 75mg for 3 weeks and starting having the electrical shock-like sensations in my head, hands and feet again. I started having panic attacks and horrible, realistic, "no body likes me" nightmares. My thoughts started racing and I felt overwhelmed with all the things I needed to do! I felt like I was loosing my mind! I couldn't stop crying, couldn't sleep - but was tired and just felt plain rotten. So I called the doctors and they told me to just STOP taking the Effexor and wanted to see me. But I couldn't drive, so they told me I just had to "wait it out"It's been six days since I've taken the Effexor and I'm still experiencing these awful syptoms! I went to see the genius doctor yesterday and he said, "Oh you probably have an inner ear infection." I can't seem to get anybody to understand how bad I'm feeling, or how scary these electrical shock-like sensations feel! What should I do?! Don't the doctor's know?!
Posted by selene on January 6, 2004, at 1:57:43
In reply to Effexor Symptoms, posted by sick of being sick on January 4, 2004, at 21:01:22
No, I don't think a lot of the doctors know!! Obviously, from your experience.
I've never heard of anyone experiencing these symptoms when going ON Effexor. Just when going off. I'm really surprised that you were started at 150 mg. Again ... never heard of it. The recommended course is the one you were following the second time ... beginning with 37.5 and then increasing at that increment. I personally didn't experience any benefit until I hit 300 mg.
It sounds like it's good they took you off, but such a drastic stop was bound to bring on the withdrawal effects. I have been using Prozac at 20 mg. and also Benadryl as was advised at this site. It has kept the brain shocks and much of the emotional stuff under control amazingly well. I really didn't think it would work.
Is there anyone who is experienced with Effexor XR who can advise you?
Also ... sorry, but I don't know what your diagnosis (PMDD) is ... ?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
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