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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sean9 on April 7, 2003, at 9:41:12
In reply to What is Lorazipam? (nm), posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:23:42
Dr. Bob,
I’m not sure what this site’s policy is on medical advice, but I was wondering if any of the common treatments used for Effexor withdrawal symptoms (e.g. brain shocks, dizziness, headaches, etc.) have been confirmed to work by the medical community?
For instance, Benadryl and other antihistamines are reported to help with the dizziness and brain shocks. A prescribed low dosage of Prozac is reported to help lower the intensity of Effexor withdrawal symptoms. And other drugs such as anti-vertigo medication and a drug called ondansetron have been reportedly prescribed by some doctors to help alleviate many of the Effexor withdrawal symptoms.
Possibly without offering individual advice, can you explain why any of these treatments may help alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms experienced when quitting Effexor? Also, has there been any medical research done that supports the use of these treatments of Effexor withdrawal?
It seems like a lot of people are searching for information on this subject, only to find that is not much information out there. For instance, the maker of Effexor, Wyeth Laboratories, acknowledges ‘discontinuation effects’ but does not offer advice on treating these effects.
Posted by XiaoMafan on April 7, 2003, at 9:46:00
In reply to Effexor Brain Shivers etc, posted by RealTim on March 11, 2003, at 20:29:43
> Below is a site that discusses the unusual side effect referred to as brain shivers.
>
> http://depression.about.com/library/weekly/aa052598.htm
>
> Here is a quote from it: "One of the most disturbing things I was told by ASDers was that the "brain shivers" often continued long after the medication was stopped. Some expressed the fear that the brain was being permanently altered by their medication. It does indeed seem that the side-effect profile of Effexor is not fully understood. After collecting data on reported side-effects, Priory Lodge Education Limited has expressed the opinion that because side-effects are more severe than previously thought, Effexor should be used only in cases of depression resistant to other medications."
>
> I have personally not encountered this effect.
>
> I do agree with the recommendation that the 13 year old boy get a second opinion, especially in light of that quote above. I have a 10 year old boy and he is the whole world to me. You are trying your best to help your baby and it does you tremendous credit that you are even doing the research unlike so many others who are willing to give their kids pills without a second thought.
>
> Good for you, keep hunting to help. The internet is also a powerful tool if you spend the time and read everything with a degree of skepticism. No one will help you like you can help yourself. Conclusions can only be reached after developing patterns in the things you read. No one knows your little guy like you do.
>
> These issues and others are why I am weaning off of Effexor. My Dr had me on Wellbutrin for 6 months with zero side effects for me. I went a year with no meds no problem, and then a semi-traumatic event caused relapse but my Dr jumped to the conclusion that I needed something more "long term". Thus Effexor.
>
> It did the trick, like a miracle. In fairness, he did recommend therapy too but I just can't bring myself to spend the time and money on it (even with insurance at co-pays of $40USD for 2X per week it ain't cheap)
>
> Now that I am much better I am tapering off from 150 to 75. Cold turkey was so harsh with the "sea sick" feeling and weird/vivid dreams that I could not take it. No problem at 75. I will probably consult with my Dr before reducing to 37.5. I want to see if I can get some samplers of Prozac or something because there appears to be a consensus out there that Prozac 10 mg can help ease effexor withdrawl.
>
> And to answer one posters question: I have read of withdrawl ranging from 0 days to 180 days, but the average appears to be 10 days or less...
>
> Good luck all.
>
> This is such a nighmare to me. My doctor gave me Effexor XR 37.5 and then upped to 75mg after a 'crying episode'. I gained weight with Effexor XR and that is a real issue for me. I am only 8lbs overweight..go to the gym 3x week and really watch my diet. So for those of you that think it is NOT the drug you are WRONG. It also was not good for my sex life. So he switched me to Wellbutrin and told me to just get off Effexor XR and switch to Wellbutrin. What a nightmare...I feel like I am on a rollercoaster and cannot function. I finally took 37.5mg of Effexor and within 4hrs the 'head rushes' stopped. But now...how do I GET OFF THIS DRUG? I HATE IT. I wouldn't recommend this drug to anyone !!
>
>
Posted by XiaoMafan on April 7, 2003, at 9:50:52
In reply to Effexor Brain Shivers etc, posted by RealTim on March 11, 2003, at 20:29:43
This has been such a nightmare for me. I gained weight on Effexor XR...I had horrible problems with sexual dysfunction, and on 75mg I was sweating at night so bad. Now the doctor swtiched me to Wellbutrin and went off Effexor cold turkey...NOT GOOD. Within 24hrs I was experiencing the worst head rushes I have ever felt. I had to stay home from work the next day. I finally gave in and took 37.5mg of Effexor and within 4hrs they went away...but within the next two days they were back...how do I get OFF this horrible drug?
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 7, 2003, at 12:26:48
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by XiaoMafan on April 7, 2003, at 9:50:52
XiaoMafan,
You wrote,[...how do I get off this horrible drug?...].
There is a Way to [...get off this horrible drug...].
I look at withdrawal from psychotropic drugs as being in the middle of an ocean in a great storm, on a boat at night, with no Way to naviGate a way back to the safety of the shore. But there is a Star to follow to lead you to safety.
Lou
Posted by fairnymph on April 7, 2003, at 12:27:16
In reply to What is Lorazipam? (nm), posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:23:42
lorazepam is a benzodiazepine (same class of drugs as klonopin, xanax, valium etc)...also goes by the brand name ATIVAN.
Posted by mynok5 on April 7, 2003, at 12:36:58
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Tina P on February 4, 2003, at 22:52:53
I've been stuc kon Effexor for about 2 or 3 years. I try to get off by decreasing the intake and then eventually gettin off but i slip back into my old evil ways. So I'm stuck on it now, also I just started drinking about 4 months ago. I felt good at first yet now I'm feeling sort of empty inside. You think this has anything to do with the alcohol or the normality of college life?
Posted by noillusions on April 7, 2003, at 12:38:05
In reply to Effexor Lawsuit, posted by Sean9 on April 7, 2003, at 9:19:51
> I saw a recent posting from a person who is interested in suing Wyeth Labs for the withdrawal they are experiencing from quitting Effexor. I’ve done some research and haven’t seen an active lawsuit against Wyeth yet for this reason, even though many people report debilitating symptoms like brain shocks and vertigo that follow for weeks after quitting.
> However, I think anyone interested in taking action on this subject should file a report with the FDA. They will open an investigation for every consumer complaint they receive, look into the practices of Wyeth and compare them to what is required by law, and if they get enough complaints may make Wyeth start providing more information on the number of cases of ‘discontinuation symptoms’ and how serious they are.
>
> File a report with the FDA. They regulate Effexor (which is made by Wyeth Laboratories Inc. in Philadelphia.).
> You can submit a complaint to the FDA online at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
> You can also sign the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
>
> Good luck quittingThank you for your research it will be put to good use! As I read the posts here it alarms me how often those of us living with depression are willing to risk the use of potentially dangerous drugs for relief from the symptoms of our depression. This speaks to how vulnerable we are. How at risk to the manipulations of those who profit from our illnesses. The risks of a questionable drug appear pale in comparison, when even death seems preferable to the agony of living with depression. What patients need to know when considering this drug is YES it may give you the desperatly needed relief you seek. However you should also know this relief may not be permanent, for many of us dosage needed to be increased every few months just to maintain. There is also fear that the chemistry of the brain may be being altered and what long term effect will this have on future mental health? Finally as this message board is a testimony to, going off of effexor can cause debilitating, frightening and long term side effects when the addicted body is deprived of it.
I have heard this substance compared to being a needed supplement which the body may lack, much like insulin or vitamins. This makes the drug sound so benign and is highly misleading. Brain chemistry is far more complicated than that.
As I said in a prior post I NEVER would have gone on this drug had I or my Doctor been better informed. The public as well as the medical community NEED to be educated about this drug. Be it through lawsuits or complaints to the FDA the facts must come out.
Posted by mynok5 on April 7, 2003, at 12:49:45
In reply to Sex life and Effexor...Help!!, posted by Hoss on September 6, 2002, at 1:21:22
I know exactly what your talking about. I've feel like i lost a lot of feeling there. I mean I just lost my virginity last month but even the second time that night when we did it it took forever to reach climax, which one would think is a good thing, but it was almost like was never going to come. I heard effexor would delay it, but this much? and loosing all sensitivety?
Posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 13:06:11
In reply to Re: What is Lorazipam? » Napaba, posted by fairnymph on April 7, 2003, at 12:27:16
Thanks
lorazepam is a benzodiazepine (same class of drugs as klonopin, xanax, valium etc)...also goes by the brand name ATIVAN.
Posted by Sean9 on April 7, 2003, at 13:35:34
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by XiaoMafan on April 7, 2003, at 9:50:52
Xiao,
Talk to your doctor about the withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing. Best plan for quitting Effexor should include (talk to your doctor about this stuff): 1. Wean off slowly, something like lowering your doseage 37 mg each week until your last week you're taking one 37 mg every other day. 2. Expect the withdrawal symptoms to continue another few days to two weeks after your last dosage 3. Try Benadryl as needed to help alliveate brain shivers and diziness (or another antihistimine like Claritin or Allegra-D). You can also try Dramamine as needed, which is reported to help. 4. Get a low dosage of Prozac prescribed and start taking as you begin to taper down your Effexor. 5. Think about going on Prozac or another med for a few months afterward you quit Effexor. Welbutrin is supposed to be good too. 6. Don't worry. You won't die of withdrawal, many people experience it, it is supposedely the second worst withdrawal next to Paxil. Do lots of searches on Effexor Withdrawal and read up.
Posted by paxvox on April 7, 2003, at 14:52:44
In reply to What is Lorazipam? (nm), posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:23:42
Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzo generally used as an antianxiety medication (anxiolytic). It is generally only prescribed for short durations (unless you actually have a *real* physician) at dosing ranging fron 2-6mg per day in divided doses. Also used safely and LONGTERM as a sleep aid (for chronic insomnia) as a 2-4mg single dose.
Lorazepam CAN be "addictive" IF taken for long periods of times, or if the patient increases the dose w/o permission (aka self-medicating). The term "tolerance", however, is a more accurate word for the condition of physical dependence. Like any benzo, one should not stop taking this drug abruptly, especially if it has been used for a period of over several weeks daily. This is ESPECIALLY true if you take meds (like Wellbutrin) that may lower your seizure threshold.
Personally, I was able to take it for about a year, and then discontinue it gradually over a two-week period. I have done that with about 5 different benzos over the past 15 years. I am currently taking a farily weak benzo, Tranzene, which I have been using at the same dose for almost 3 years now. Hope that helps.PAX
Posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 14:59:38
In reply to Re: What is Lorazipam?, posted by paxvox on April 7, 2003, at 14:52:44
Thank you so much. I need something that I can take to help me sleep for more then 4 hours. Currently if I don't take either Xannax or Tylonal PM I basically don't get any sleep. With one of these I can usually get 4 or so hours.
Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzo generally used as an antianxiety medication (anxiolytic). It is generally only prescribed for short durations (unless you actually have a *real* physician) at dosing ranging fron 2-6mg per day in divided doses. Also used safely and LONGTERM as a sleep aid (for chronic insomnia) as a 2-4mg single dose.
> Lorazepam CAN be "addictive" IF taken for long periods of times, or if the patient increases the dose w/o permission (aka self-medicating). The term "tolerance", however, is a more accurate word for the condition of physical dependence. Like any benzo, one should not stop taking this drug abruptly, especially if it has been used for a period of over several weeks daily. This is ESPECIALLY true if you take meds (like Wellbutrin) that may lower your seizure threshold.
> Personally, I was able to take it for about a year, and then discontinue it gradually over a two-week period. I have done that with about 5 different benzos over the past 15 years. I am currently taking a farily weak benzo, Tranzene, which I have been using at the same dose for almost 3 years now. Hope that helps.
>
> PAX
Posted by paxvox on April 7, 2003, at 17:58:48
In reply to Re: What is Lorazipam? » paxvox, posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 14:59:38
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a good antianxiety med, I think Ativan (lorazepam) may work better for your sleep. I have had chronic insomnia for over a decade. I can sleep no more than 2-3 hours w/o some sort of medication (currently Tranzene). Some people are finding success with Sonota and Ambien, however these meds have very short half-lives ( that is the time it takes for 1/2 of the med to clear your system). This will allow you maybe 5 hours of sleep, but then you will have interrupted sleep for the next hour or so, which is not totally a restful thing. Secondly, the insurance companies have now put major restrictions on sleep meds (thanks to TV advertisement causing more people to ask their MD for the med, which is not cheap). Do NOT take Tylenol PM unless you need an analgesic (pain reliever). The med in most of the so-called "PM" meds is actually 25mg of diphenhydramine (AKA Benadryl). It is just an antihistamine. You can buy it at Walmart for $4 (or less) for a bottle of 100. You don't need the other meds in the "PMs". I take 25-50mg of diphenh. plus my Tranzene at night. I STILL don't get the best sleep, but I may get 3-4 hours before I wake up the first time, then I wake about every 1.5 hours for the rest of the night. Fun, huh?
PAX
Posted by dadoftess on April 7, 2003, at 21:25:20
In reply to Re: Effexor Brain Shivers etc, posted by XiaoMafan on April 7, 2003, at 9:46:00
I've been on Effexor for almost two years. I started at the 37.5mg and while it seemed to work a bit, it didn't do much. So the doc kept ramping up my dose until hitting 300mgs 18 months ago. . I was totally constipated - basically living on fiber to function; no interest in sex; was tired all the time and most recently just wanted to put an end to my misery. With constant suicidal thoughts I had to take control and told my doc I was done with this and didn't want to try any other meds. I talked him into letting me be med free and am now being weaned from this drug. The detox is horrible. I was addicted to speed and major partying in college and the detox from that was nothing compared to this crap. I've been dizzy, had constant nausea, chills and hot flashes, bizarre dreams, lethargy, etc. for the past two weeks and I'm only down to 150 mgs. The scary part is since I've been weaning off this I haven't been depressed at all. Hello???? Is it possible that this drug takes over your brain someway, that it kind of works and kind of doesn't so you'll take it forever? Will this ever end? I'm disgusted and am now leary of all meds. I read somewhere that theraflu helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms, is there any truth to this?
Posted by meds on April 7, 2003, at 21:41:58
In reply to What is Lorazipam? (nm), posted by Napaba on April 7, 2003, at 8:23:42
Lorazipam is the name for Ativan, which is an
anti anxiety medication...at least that is how it was explained to me...it really helps take the edge off when i need it...though after my experience with xanex i am reluctant to take it so i only take it when necessary and not every day.
Posted by meds on April 7, 2003, at 21:56:37
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by Sean9 on April 7, 2003, at 13:35:34
You know....I think I am going to talk to my doctor about this tomorrow..I have been taking Effexor for 5 days now...and with all this that I have read...I don't need the greif...Surely there is a better drug to help with the depression...?
Posted by Krissy P on April 8, 2003, at 0:39:46
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by meds on April 7, 2003, at 21:56:37
Posted by meds on April 8, 2003, at 0:43:33
In reply to Have you tried Celexa? (nm), posted by Krissy P on April 8, 2003, at 0:39:46
You know, I have been on several antidepressants over the past several years and I really can't remember if I have taken that or not...it sounds familiar so it may be that I have...I have taken Zoloft, Paxil, Serzone and maybe one other...sheesh...bummer huh?
Posted by aubske on April 8, 2003, at 0:48:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have had wonderful success with Effexor. I currently take 225mg, and it has truly changed my life. I had been on many other drugs with minimal relief. I went back to school and actually got A's (which is new to me!) I owe it to Effexor.
I do have concerns about pregnancy and was wondering if anyone else had any experiences to share. I saw my OB, and she wants me to call her when I get pregnant and we will ween me off the Effexor. I am concerned now after hearing of the withdrawal problems. Please let me know if you have any advice. thanks so much
Posted by Krissy P on April 8, 2003, at 0:58:31
In reply to Re: Have you tried Celexa?, posted by meds on April 8, 2003, at 0:43:33
Posted by XiaoMafan on April 8, 2003, at 8:35:34
In reply to Re: Brain Shivers Trying to Get off Effexor! HELP!, posted by meds on April 7, 2003, at 21:56:37
My doctor told me that I wouldn't gain weight on this drug...guess what I did even following Weight Watchers and going to the gy 4x week. He told me that I would not have sexual side effects....guess what I did. He told me that I could go directly to Wellbutrin and just 'stop' Effexor XR...guess what you can't!!! I have called several pharmacists in my area and they have all told me that you never just stop taking Effexor..you need to be weaned off. I WILL be bringing all of this to the attention of my doctor as now I am questioning him giving me Wellbutrin. He told me that it was a drug that you will lose weight on...that is untrue .. there is a small percentage of people that have lost weight but it is not everyone. I also have started to see some hair loss and not sure if that also is from the Effexor? I will find out as I am weaning myself off this horrible drug!
Posted by fuji on April 8, 2003, at 8:35:37
In reply to Re: anyone taking effexor for hot flashes?, posted by DeeDee46 on April 7, 2003, at 5:29:20
I have been on effexor for a long time and I am having hideous hot flashes. So, it hasn't helped me but maybe it helps others. I also take prozac and that hasn't helped. Just recently started to take Remifron (sp?), a natural herbal supplement type thing. Hope that will work.
Fuji
Posted by Napaba on April 8, 2003, at 9:52:31
In reply to Re: What is Lorazipam?, posted by paxvox on April 7, 2003, at 17:58:48
>PAX,
Thank you so much for all the information. I'm going to try Benadryl until I go back to the doctor. I tried Sonota a while a go, it made me feel as if I had the flu most of the next day. So I gave up on it. One of the warnings was not to eat a high fat meal befor taking it. I eat a low carb high protein diet, I think that had something to do with my reaction to it.
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a good antianxiety med, I think Ativan (lorazepam) may work better for your sleep. I have had chronic insomnia for over a decade. I can sleep no more than 2-3 hours w/o some sort of medication (currently Tranzene). Some people are finding success with Sonota and Ambien, however these meds have very short half-lives ( that is the time it takes for 1/2 of the med to clear your system). This will allow you maybe 5 hours of sleep, but then you will have interrupted sleep for the next hour or so, which is not totally a restful thing. Secondly, the insurance companies have now put major restrictions on sleep meds (thanks to TV advertisement causing more people to ask their MD for the med, which is not cheap). Do NOT take Tylenol PM unless you need an analgesic (pain reliever). The med in most of the so-called "PM" meds is actually 25mg of diphenhydramine (AKA Benadryl). It is just an antihistamine. You can buy it at Walmart for $4 (or less) for a bottle of 100. You don't need the other meds in the "PMs". I take 25-50mg of diphenh. plus my Tranzene at night. I STILL don't get the best sleep, but I may get 3-4 hours before I wake up the first time, then I wake about every 1.5 hours for the rest of the night. Fun, huh?
>
> PAX
Posted by noillusions on April 8, 2003, at 11:04:18
In reply to Will this Effexor detox end?, posted by dadoftess on April 7, 2003, at 21:25:20
A dear friend of mine is a psychologist who works with a state run facility for the mentally ill. We were discussing the withdrawal symtoms associated with effexor and she was struck by how similar some of them are to what people with mild autism experience. Have you heard of anything in the research field to this effect? If so I am interested in finding out more.
Posted by jtc on April 8, 2003, at 21:31:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by aubske on April 8, 2003, at 0:48:57
Hi, maybe you should wean off the Effexor before trying to get pregnant. I took Luvox for two years and I stopped taking it just before I became pregnant. Then in my fourth month I started having bad panic attacks and anxiety so my OB put me back on Luvox (a very low dosage) and I took it until my eighth month of pregnancy then weaned myself off of it. My baby is fine. She is now 3 1/2 years old and a bit "wild" and hyperactive. I don't think there is a lot of research on Effexor during pregnancy. I have just weaned myself off of Effexor. I took it for about 10 months and it really did help me too. I just noticed it not being as effective as it was in the beginning and I had a 15 pound weight gain from it. I only took 150 mg, then went down to 75 mg because I was having some reactions to the 150 mg. My psychiatrist and I just decided to try to clean my system out by weaning off of it since it is spring, but I can tell you that the withdrawal is very unpleasant. I have had severe bouts of depression, tearfulness, irritability, thoughts of hopelessness and also dizziness and severe fatigue. But the biggest problem is the depression and tearfulness and I am a bit** to my kids and my husband. I am going to have to get my act together. Maybe I need to be taking something for the moodiness and I think I am going to go back to school so I may need something to help me concentrate because I have a really hard time with that. Does anyone have any suggestions about that? Anyway good luck with your decision and keep us posted. God bless...
> I have had wonderful success with Effexor. I currently take 225mg, and it has truly changed my life. I had been on many other drugs with minimal relief. I went back to school and actually got A's (which is new to me!) I owe it to Effexor.
> I do have concerns about pregnancy and was wondering if anyone else had any experiences to share. I saw my OB, and she wants me to call her when I get pregnant and we will ween me off the Effexor. I am concerned now after hearing of the withdrawal problems. Please let me know if you have any advice. thanks so much
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