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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Bunkie on June 16, 2003, at 11:35:48
In reply to Re: effexor xr 5 days off » Bunkie, posted by CherC68 on June 13, 2003, at 21:42:03
> I've been off for 5 days now. The side effects are decreasing. I have a bit more anxiety and I am so unbelievably crabby. During Effexor I didn't sleep well, night vivid dreams, scary even, but I woke up at 5:00 - Now, I still wake up at 3:00 for a 1/2 hour or so, but...I can't wake up and when I do I'm pissed at the world! Zoloft didn't work - and Effexor didn't help. Now I'm afraid I'm sinking back into that same old trap. Cher
I have an appointment this week with the "Integrative Medicine" folks at UA (Andrew Wyles' group)to talk about multiple physical problems and bipolar. I am taking many meds and it becomes hard to know what is what. Which medication is causing what. Day seven and I am still experiencing dizziness when I turn my head quickly. I was actually feeling mean this weekend and dreaming mean dreams. Of course that translated into being cranky. I tried to remind myself that I am under the influence of a drug, even if it is withdrawal from the drug. I really worked on trying not to be so reactive but not always successful. The positive side of this is that I am reacting to things that I judge to be good to react to. I am seeing that on Effexor I was pretty laid back about most everything - including gaining too much weight (25 lbs over a year's time) and accepting that things weren't important enough to give my input and have it mean something. So...I move along and see what integrative medicine has to offer to someone with bipolar, elevated cholesterol and blood pressure, airborn allergies and a few other things.
Posted by Bunkie on June 16, 2003, at 12:04:02
In reply to Re: Efexor XR - Long Term Withdrawal - Anyone Else?, posted by Woz on June 16, 2003, at 4:58:08
Woz,
I missed one day of taking effexor in one year. I was relatively okay during the day. That night I had the most hellish, tortured dreams. In some dream/awake state, it occured to me that I may have missed my meds, so up I was at midnight taking it (at least 20 hours late). It helped me to sleep more peacefully for the rest of the night.As for feeling, well I am feeling again. I am tearful but as I observe myself, I am being tearful in response to things that I should be tearful about (the anniversary of my Mom's death, the happiness I feel about my neice graduating high school, my disconnect from the thing I love most - which is writing, and sadness over generally growing older and not living the life I would like to living in some important ways. I am glad to be feeling again even though I am not as easy for others to be around. Should I be medicating myself so that others can tolerate me being responsive to life with a mild degree of passion? Frankly I don't think so. I don't want to be depressed though. That is a real bummer. So...I am sure that the depression will return and will deal with it then in whatever way seems the most sensible and least harmful at the time. Effexor was my first anti-depressant.
Thanks, Bunkie
Posted by Woz on June 17, 2003, at 5:56:40
In reply to Re: Efexor XR - Long Term Withdrawal - Anyone Else? » Woz, posted by Tracee on June 16, 2003, at 7:46:33
> Thank you so very much guys for your replies .. it does make a big difference to know that there are comrades in Meds out there .. lolz, I wish.
Had a better day today than yesterday. Mostly a few heart palpitations and the like but nothing compared to yesterday, thank god!
Thanks again to all replies. I hope you all keep on coping better knowing we are all here and in so many ways are in it all together. Friends do indeed people include people we have never met and to you all my best wishes.
Woz
>
> I know exactly what you mean Woz.I take my efexor at night.I forgot to take it once and the following day,I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me!I had all of the symptoms you described and I didn't like it at all.I didn't find out until I went to take my next dose, then realised I had missed the day before's.
> You say that at least before you were on it you could feel.I miss that too.My family say I'm just not me anymore.
> My G.P. has decide he can't take me any further and has referred me on to a psychiatrist.I haven't made the appointment yet, but I have decided to not go 'cold turkey' off the efexor.For now, I'm just taking things one day at a time.
>
Posted by LeanneF on June 25, 2003, at 13:05:27
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by River1924 on January 12, 2003, at 18:52:31
Hey guys, I just wanted to give you an update/glimmer of hope. I have been off Effexor for 2 weeks now and feel pretty much back to normal. I won't say it was easy! It was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to deal with. But, it does pass. Just to warn you though, if you don't feel like eating and get sick when you do, I know how you feel. Luckily I am eating again. So, from one fellow depression/effexor sufferer to another, you're not alone. And there's nothing wrong with being relieved at knowing you're not alone. The world is not such a lonely place when you realize other people understand what you're going through. So, in closing, if you ever need support or just a friend, I'm here for you because I've been there and so have all these other people. You're not alone. Take care all. You're stronger than you know.
Posted by Bunkie on June 25, 2003, at 13:51:08
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by LeanneF on June 25, 2003, at 13:05:27
I am now on day 16 of going off Effexir. Last week I had flu symptoms followed by a severe cold with fever. After one week of that, I am feeling better. My mind is still a bit foggy from being ill and just the stressors of daily life. But overall I am feeling more myself. Not feeling so emotionally crabbbbbby. Thanks for the info everyone.
Posted by Pete27 on July 6, 2003, at 17:27:31
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by Bunkie on June 25, 2003, at 13:51:08
I would like just to share my experience with effexor, because this drug changed my life in very strange way. I have been on antidepresant madications for three years. I had suffered from suicidal depresion for a long time. All this medications gave me some enargy to live trough this tough times. I started effexor begining of april this year. First week was horrible. I could not think I could not concentrate I could not live. After one week effexor started to work and feel a bit relived. But all this starting problems gave me thinking that with this drug is something wrong. I was investigating a little bit and found out that I better quit. I quit cold turky. Experieced zaps and all what is going together with this medicine. I was so pissed off of not sleping for two months that this was I guess the best solution. But also after quiting almost 1 month ago I could not sleep. I got drunk one nite but next day just could not stop drinking. I was seeing everything black, became suicidal but was able to put myself together in a few days. After that I said no more medicine for me. Doing sports every day, going to nature eventhou I dont fell quit alright. And hoping that this all will pass ... But there is still a problem which I dont understand and maybe anyone of you can help me with this one. Have mood balacing from almost euphoric to totaly depressed and can change in a few hours. I one moment I have so much life energy that I am sure that I can handle it at the other time I am thinking of suicide as a best solution. But one think that realy bothers me is that I fell relay agressive inside of me. I dont show it on the outside but there is like a voice in my head that is telling me that I should hurt someone and only the people I love and like. I is terrible experience and relaly wish that this would go away because I am becoming afraid of myself. I have not experienced this before and it could be long term side effect after quiting effexor.
Posted by CherC68 on July 6, 2003, at 21:31:26
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by Pete27 on July 6, 2003, at 17:27:31
Dear Pete,
Please keep reminding yourself that it is just the effects of the Effexor wearing off - but...I think you need to speak to your doctor, and immediately.I felt the anger, lots of it, but not in the way you have. Please seek help as soon as possible, your doctor, your church, or whatever, but, it may not just be the wearing off of the Effexor, it could be a change in the chemical imbalance that you now have.
I wish you well and good luck and keep posting. If you have things to get off your chest, please let us know before it becomes too much for you to bear.
I will be praying for you and I hope that you write back to let us know how you are doing.
Take Care,
Cher
Posted by Tracee on July 7, 2003, at 3:50:12
In reply to Re: effexor xr » Pete27, posted by CherC68 on July 6, 2003, at 21:31:26
Hi all, I have made the decision not to go off the efexor xr just yet, but I know that it is just not the right medication for me. I have read on the posts that some of you have felt a sharp rise and fall of emotions after going off the meds. I have started to experience this in myself in the past week or so. I am still on 225mg per day though. Has anyone else experienced this as well? I know that some irritability can be a side-effect, but I don't just feel irritable I feel angry. My husband says I'm just not me anymore. I feel so confused at the moment. My G.P. is arranging for me to see a psychiatrist a.s.a.p. and a counsellor as well. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as right now, I feel like I'm losing the plot... fast.
Posted by kkris on July 7, 2003, at 11:28:43
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by Tracee on July 7, 2003, at 3:50:12
Yes, I went crazy when I went off. I totally overreacted with lots of rage to many situations. I also felt hopeless and suicidal, and had intense anxiety when going out in public. It did fade away over time - for me (I guess I'm "special") the majority of the symptoms faded away over about two or three months, to return sporadically, in a lessened form, still to this day (several years later). But it's not you, and don't let anyone tell you that this is how you are without medication. This is what the medication does to people when they try to get off! I had never experienced in my life the things I experienced while getting off of Effexor. To get off, I took a semester off of college, because I couldn't function. But it does get better, and, from reading the posts here, it gets better for most rather quickly - within a few weeks.
Good luck!
Posted by Bunkie on July 7, 2003, at 11:50:25
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by Pete27 on July 6, 2003, at 17:27:31
I have been off effexir for over a month now and feeling almost normal. I still have trouble finding words. Memory problems intefere with my ability to speak spontaneously, as I once did. I experienced rage for several days after tapering off effexir. I experienced a cold/flu for ten days. I had rapid ups and downs. I was so irritable with my husband that I could just explode. On effixir I became complacent about my physical health and matters of due concern around me. I am back to exercising regularly and taking off the thirty pounds that I don't need. My mood is leveling out. The rage is gone. The extreme irritability is gone. I feel okay. Only a month or so and I am back to myself. It is extremely important to taper off this drug. It sounds as though it makes all the difference with the withdrawal symptoms.
Posted by Pete27 on July 9, 2003, at 6:36:13
In reply to Re: effexor xr » Pete27, posted by CherC68 on July 6, 2003, at 21:31:26
Thanks Cher and to everybody who shared experience with me. I tried to contact my psyhiatrist this days but she is on apparently on vacation. The anger has faded away but now have other simptoms. Fell very week and hardly concentrate. Also a bit confused and have high heartbeat. But still telling myself that this are just the withdrawal simptoms allthou I fell I should take some medicine to stabilise me, but not effexor. A realy hate this ups and downs and they just appear. I am afraid to go to psihyatrist again cause I guess I'll get another medicine again. But I want to have clear head, my head. Does anybody have any idea what should I do to stabilise my self withot medicine?
Thanks again and I'll be happy to hear any suggestions.
Posted by CherC68 on July 10, 2003, at 18:34:05
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by Pete27 on July 9, 2003, at 6:36:13
Your welcome Pete, please keep me posted. Did you get a hold of your Doctor yet? I'm having problems in that area. I was told by my internist after I took myself off the Effexor XR that I need to see a shrink & a therapist, that he could no longer help me. I've been on Zoloft & Wellbutrin (which does nothing for me) and Effexor XR (Zoloft/Effexor SE made my depression 10 X's more severe)
NOW i'm SOL, there are no psych docs at the clinic I go to, so I have to look for private, and it sucks because its easier if all my doctors are lumped together!
Take Care Pete, and let me know how you are doing!
Cher
Posted by Pete27 on July 11, 2003, at 18:01:52
In reply to Re: effexor xr » Pete27, posted by CherC68 on July 10, 2003, at 18:34:05
Hi Cher!
Good to hear from you again. I realise you have real problems with your depression. I guess I can handle my. I was without any drugs ( last was effexor xr ) for a month and now I swiched to edronax which is the only antidep. which helped me so far without any severe side effect. I did not go to the doctor because I dont belive them anymore. I mean 3 years ago I was only depressed person now depression is more or less gone but I think I am going crazy. It is like inside me I am or somebody else is constantly talking to myself. It is the felling like the brain would be making a scenarios. What a f.. did all this medications did to me. Actualy I fell completly normal, comunicate with people also normal. Nobody except me knows or sees this. But this discussions in my head are making me mad. Next week I'll go to my personal doctor to find me a real good psyhiatrist. But I he or she start to offer me medications I go .. at first place. I'll try now with edronax for two months just to put myself together ( helped this way once ) and than quit ( hope forever !!! ) Take care
Posted by CherC68 on July 12, 2003, at 16:19:09
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by Pete27 on July 11, 2003, at 18:01:52
Pete, well, I'm on nothing but an occasion Xanax which a friend gave me a prescription of hers. I don't know that I have as much depression as much as the feeling of going crazy. My thoughts are fast, furious, then I get tired and then angry and I think so much. Its like my mind won't stop. I am having nightmares and they are extremely vivid. I too am going to try to find a therapist. Remember - a psychiatrist only gives out medication. They are not therapist. So, if you spend your time looking for a shrink - all you will get is some PDoc (psychiatrist) giving you pills. They get the big bucks, but they don't do didily shi*. I am going to try to find a shrink and a therapist that work hand-in-hand - but one that is not so damn drug happy.
Let me know how you are doing, and take care of yourself!
Cher
Posted by beth6 on July 15, 2003, at 14:41:14
In reply to Re: effexor xr » Pete27, posted by CherC68 on July 12, 2003, at 16:19:09
I am grateful for Effexor XR. I started taking it last year after a full-blown anxiety attack. At the time, I thought it came out of the blue. Now I see that I was not taking care of myself physically, emotionally or psychologically. The Effexor started working immediately and I found my thinking to be clearer.
After being on the drug for three months, my physician gently recommended that I should now start looking for other ways to cope with my stress. So, I decided to find a new job, move closer to an important family member and begin looking at my life, yet again! The move threw my husband and child into turmoil, but eight months later we are all adjusting and doing much better.
So, it is time to quit the Effexor. I started tapering off three weeks ago because of a class I am taking on mindfulness meditation (more on that later). I was taking 3 37.5 per day. The switch from 3 to 2 wasn't too big of a deal. I would take 3 one day and then 2 then 3 for about 7 days. Now I am to the 1/2 combination. That is proving a bit difficult! The dreams are bizarre and so real. Lots of violence, not a thing thing that appears in my dreams much. So, I realize that I need to take this withdrawal seriously and take care of myself. Why would you force yourself to go cold turkey? I have suffered enough, I don't need to create more for myself!
Most doctors would tell us that discontinuing any medication (just like starting medication) needs to be monitored. In the midst of depression and anxiety I rarely can make clear decisions about what is best for myself.For all of you - the mindfulness meditation is proving to be a wonderful, incredible way to help myself. I immediately became aware of the unceasing flow of anxious and negative thoughts in my mind. Six weeks into the class and I am finding that my sleep is much better (except on this withdrawal schedule), my mood is better, I can actually identify moods and CHOOSE not to follow them, I feel sexual interest again, and dare I say it - happy. What is really amazing is that I can see the same thing happening in the faces of my classmates. It is a wonderful gift for myself.
So, the Effexor had it's place and I am glad my doctor reminded me that maybe medication was not going to solve my problems. The solution is something I have to create - with guidance and care.
Best wishes to all - beth6
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 17, 2003, at 11:31:57
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by beth6 on July 15, 2003, at 14:41:14
Beth,
That's wonderful! I think I'll look for some local classes like that. Keep us posted on the withdrawal experience. I love to read optimistic posts. It gives me hope for all of us!
KDi in Texas
Posted by Pete27 on July 19, 2003, at 16:36:58
In reply to Re: effexor xr » Pete27, posted by CherC68 on July 12, 2003, at 16:19:09
Hi there, It is me again. Just want to let you know it is getting better every day and a guess the only medicine which relay helps is changing of enviroment, workout, takin' care for myself.
It can realy be tough sometimes if the mind is telling somehing else, but I am prepared to suffer and hope to and trust to change something.
Take care everybody
Posted by Tracee on July 19, 2003, at 19:43:17
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by Pete27 on July 19, 2003, at 16:36:58
> Hi there, It is me again. Just want to let you know it is getting better every day and a guess the only medicine which relay helps is changing of enviroment, workout, takin' care for myself.
> It can realy be tough sometimes if the mind is telling somehing else, but I am prepared to suffer and hope to and trust to change something.
> Take care everybodyHi Cher, it's good to hear you're feeling better. I'm still unsure as to what to do about this medication. I've told my psychologist that I'm going to reduce the amount I'm on until my appointment for the psychiatrist comes up.She just suggested that I take it slow and be careful.We'll see.
However, it's always encouraging to hear of anyone who is making progress. Good luck...:)
Posted by DG74 on August 6, 2003, at 21:55:53
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by Tracee on July 19, 2003, at 19:43:17
I just want to say thank you for posting your messages on here regarding the trouble you have all had getting off Effexor. I have only been on it two days and the side-effects have been terrible. I was really having trouble functioning and was getting bad chest pains. From reading your discussion I've decided that the cure seems a lot worse than the original problem & I'm going to stop taking it now while I still can & perhaps try a herbal supplement. I wish you all all the best!
Posted by frankenstein on August 24, 2003, at 23:35:24
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by DG74 on August 6, 2003, at 21:55:53
All the withdrawal symptoms you have all listed are exactly what I am experiencing by taking Efexor-xr. Thanks for everyones posts, I will be going off this drug too now (only been on it for 10 days).
Posted by Meeka on August 26, 2003, at 1:48:37
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by Bunkie on June 25, 2003, at 13:51:08
Hi everyone,
Thanks for posting your thoughts on efexor. I have been on 150mg for 4 months now but have recently gone back to my GP and ask to start having the dose decreased. So currently it is one 75mg one 150mg.
I am finding it somewhat hard to concentrate during the day and often feel teary, then angry, then annoyed but always tired? Can anyone tell me whether this is normal or should i be going back to my Dr and say it isn't working? (Or am i just going crazy?)
Thanks
Meeka
Posted by croessger on August 30, 2003, at 12:33:10
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by LeanneF on June 25, 2003, at 13:05:27
Hi, reading your post, my heart went out to you. I suffer many of the same syptoms as you.
I am not an expert but it sounds to me (because of your mood swings) that you suffer from manic deppresion not regular depression. You can be as high as a kite and come crashing down with suicidal feelings. Mine is similar...except I don't get the real highs. I just have very bad mood swings that I can't control. I take lithium now and it works very well. I am also on Prozac and I was told I would be on it for the rest of my life along with the lithium. I have been suffering from this for 13 years now and just for the last 6 years have gotten it under control. I understand how you feel. It's like a nightmare and you can't beleive it's happening to you. If you haven't tried lithium yet, please talk to your doctor and ask if you can. For the first 3 weeks it will be hard to stay on it. They say when you get on this type of medication the side effects that the medicine creates are the same as suffering from accute deppresion and the reason is your brains chemistry is out of wack and it's fixing it. After my 3rd week it was like a miracle. "PoP" all of a sudden I felt better. It was worth all the strain and endurance I went through for those 3 weeks. They say all anitdepressants are like that because your brain chemistry is off wack and it takes time to get it back to normal. I don't know if you are still suffering from this but just in case, you will be in my prayers. Nobody deserves to feel the way you do and nobody really understands unless they actually gone through it themselves. Please don't give up and continue to let your doctor know how you feel. There has to be something out there to help you. Hang in there...your not alone.
Posted by loopylass on September 22, 2003, at 0:28:22
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by croessger on August 30, 2003, at 12:33:10
oh my gosh1,i have just stumbled accross this site while looking for info on efexor,i didnt think that so many other people have or having the same things happening to them as i have,i thought it was just me going mad!i am on 75g slow release a day,i went down to 25 at one point but couldnt cope so have been put back to 75,,having read all the other posting has realy scared me,i feel traped,i cant cope with life just now alone but scared to stay on these pills,i will be speaking to my doc this morning but want to thank everyone for alerting me to the wide range of things that affect youwhen you decrease your dose or stop,
loopylass
Posted by ant on September 22, 2003, at 1:09:20
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by loopylass on September 22, 2003, at 0:28:22
Hi loop,
How long have you been on Effexor XR for ?.
Hang in there, from what I have read it will get better.
I'm on 225mg daily and haven't tried to drecrease yet, the med is working well for me. I'll tackle it when it comes time.
All the best
Ant
> oh my gosh1,i have just stumbled accross this site while looking for info on efexor,i didnt think that so many other people have or having the same things happening to them as i have,i thought it was just me going mad!i am on 75g slow release a day,i went down to 25 at one point but couldnt cope so have been put back to 75,,having read all the other posting has realy scared me,i feel traped,i cant cope with life just now alone but scared to stay on these pills,i will be speaking to my doc this morning but want to thank everyone for alerting me to the wide range of things that affect youwhen you decrease your dose or stop,
> loopylass
Posted by loopylass on September 22, 2003, at 1:20:27
In reply to Re: effexor xr, posted by ant on September 22, 2003, at 1:09:20
hi ant, thanx for the reply,i have been on them for about 18 month,
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