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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BADDOG55 on January 1, 2004, at 20:17:49
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Bones3456 on January 1, 2004, at 11:56:52
WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET OUR DOCTORS TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE NOT MAKING THIS CRAP UP? MAYBE BECAUSE THEY PRESCRIBED IT, THEY DONT WANT TO THINK IT IS AS BAD AS WE SAY?? MAKE ME UNDERSTAND...
Posted by suzicreamcheese on January 1, 2004, at 23:02:13
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by BADDOG55 on January 1, 2004, at 20:17:49
Maybe all of us on this current thread should file a class action suit! I am not on any cake walk here - speaking after the 4th full day of hell...... Suzi
Posted by BADDOG55 on January 1, 2004, at 23:48:52
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by suzicreamcheese on January 1, 2004, at 23:02:13
I have been waiting for a contact to file a suit, if anyone knows of someone who would take our case, let me know.
Posted by Raggy on January 2, 2004, at 10:47:03
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by BADDOG55 on January 1, 2004, at 23:48:52
> I have been waiting for a contact to file a suit, if anyone knows of someone who would take our case, let me know.
My daughter in law was on effexor xr, and started having seizures, took her off this drug and a month later she committed suicide. This is a very dangerous drug. She was never suicidial before. After getting off this drug she became more depressed.
Posted by Raggy on January 2, 2004, at 12:18:48
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by BADDOG55 on January 1, 2004, at 23:48:52
Wyeth makes $2.1 billion a year on this drug alone. Wyeth has posted warnings not to give this drug to children under 18 years of age, makes them more depressed and suicidal. Well my daughter in law was 31 and weighted only 100 pounds and it affected her with more depression and she became suicidal also.
Something has to be done to stop them giving this drug to people, it is very dangerous.
Posted by Vasterling on January 2, 2004, at 12:42:35
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on January 2, 2004, at 10:47:03
Raggy, I am so sorry for your loss. I am getting off Effexor myself and when I was on the medication I had suicidal thoughts and that is the reason I got off the drug. I am doing better now but the thoughts still run throughout my mind. I never had suicidal thoughts before the drug. My doctor kept telling me that they would pass and for me to give the medication a little longer and that the suicidal thoughts would go away, but the never did. It has been 8 days off for me and everything does seem to be clearer for me now. If the doctor told me the side effects and what the withdrawal was like I would have NEVER taken this drug.
Posted by baddog55 on January 2, 2004, at 13:32:10
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Vasterling on January 2, 2004, at 12:42:35
Raggy, I too am so sorry for your loss. I still don't understand why doctors, including mine, who is so caring and thorough, don't believe that this is happening. But if I ever get off this drug, I am going to try to make them hear us.
Posted by pala on January 2, 2004, at 20:28:03
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Vasterling on January 2, 2004, at 12:42:35
We not only need to file a law suite against
the drug manufacturer but also those culprits
who prescribe them without any hesitations,I would sue my PDs first, without studying much
about the drugs they simply prescribe them for
their financial gainspala
Posted by Vasterling on January 3, 2004, at 16:08:08
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by pala on January 2, 2004, at 20:28:03
I am on day 9 of the withdrawal. The past few days were not to bad, but today, I am very tired and my sense of smell is very keen. I can smell everything and it seems to be maganafied. I am so glad that I am past the first 6 days and I feel that I am on the down hill of the symptoms.
Just wanted to share
Virginia
Posted by BADDOG55 on January 3, 2004, at 17:11:06
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Vasterling on January 3, 2004, at 16:08:08
VASTER,
I'M SORRY, I'VER READ SO MUCH THE LAST 4 DAYS, I CANT REMEBER IT ALL. HOW ARE YOU COMING OFF? WEANING OR COLD TURKEY?
Posted by Vasterling on January 3, 2004, at 17:19:05
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now » Vasterling, posted by BADDOG55 on January 3, 2004, at 17:11:06
I kind of did both. I went from 225 to 150 to 75 and then off. From what I read you can go down even lower, but I did not have the patience to wait that long. Some days are better than others. I am on day 9 and i am just starting to have the energy to work and clean house. I work from my home and I am so far behind because I could not focus long enough to sit at the computer and actually work. Thanks for asking.
Virginia
> VASTER,
> I'M SORRY, I'VER READ SO MUCH THE LAST 4 DAYS, I CANT REMEBER IT ALL. HOW ARE YOU COMING OFF? WEANING OR COLD TURKEY?
Posted by Raggy on January 3, 2004, at 22:26:38
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Vasterling on January 3, 2004, at 16:08:08
I just want you all to know, that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. This is a difficult time for all of you. At least you have a heads up on what is goig on, my darling daughter in law didn't know.
Thank you all for your concern.
Posted by johnno on January 4, 2004, at 7:00:24
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on January 3, 2004, at 22:26:38
Hi All,
I've been lurking here for a while just to get the gist of the posts. I've been cold turkey on Effexor now for 28 days. Had been on 75mg for 2.5 years, but decreased to 37.5mg for the month prior to cessation. I've been thru' this before, but crashed after 5 months, and went back to the nipple. This time I'm determined to stay off, as was sick of sleeping 10 hours a night, and then needing another 2 hours siesta to get through the day. Yes, I suffered every withdrawal symptom described in these posts. Days 3 - 6 are the worst, be prepared. From then on, it's often a matter of two steps forward, one back, but... it does get better! Every ensuing day will give you a 10% improvement. Don't be impatient, and expect a major improvement over a short period. There will be times when you feel the depression has returned, and one small tab will take you back to normality. Don't be tempted! If you've come off the drug, then make sure you dispose of any remaining tabs, and then play Jason, by roping yourself to the mast, and disregard the Siren calls.
With you all.
Posted by Sandman on January 4, 2004, at 10:48:54
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by janey on November 1, 1998, at 16:30:34
I just thought I would add my two cents here. I've been on 375 mg of Effexor for several years and have no intentions of trying to go off of it. I have a long history of depression and Effexor (with Remeron) are the only anti-depressants that will work for me. (My doctors tried virtually every anti-depressant and every combination of them.) According to many doctors I've spoke with, going off of Effexor could be very risky. If I ever needed to go back to it, there exists a high probability of it not working the second time.
I learned something else that's quite interesting from the head of the psychiatry department at a major Chicago hospital. Years ago, it was believed by the psychiatric community, that after being on an anti-depressant for six months or so and feeling better, it was OK to come of the medication(s.) But in recent years they've learned differently. Supposedly, if a person has had more than one major depressive episode, the depression will very likely come back again. Therefore, someone with a history of depression such as myself, needs to stay on the medication indefinitely.
I have read some, but not all, of the above posts and am sure many of you have situations different than mine. But if your situation is like mine, you may want to talk to one or more psychiatrists about whether or not to stay on Effexor or whatever anti-depressant you may be taking.
Posted by suzicreamcheese on January 4, 2004, at 11:08:09
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on January 2, 2004, at 10:47:03
I am really sorry to hear about your daughter in law. Have you done web searches on suits. I can attest to the fact that the withdrawal makes you psychotic and say things and do things that you don't mean and that are totally out-of-line with your character. Maybe your daughter-in-law experienced this and then got so depressed over the aftermath effects that she became suicidal.
When I tried to get off this before I went to my doctor and he said the reason I was experiencing this withdrawal was because I actually needed the drug. I have yet to come across one person who can say they easily came off this drug. It is scary as anti-depressants seem to be the most easily prescribed drugs around. And I think we are really still in the dark ages in so far as what they really do the brain.
My deepest sympathy for your family's lost. Her loss of life was so unnecessary.
Suzi
Posted by Raggy on January 4, 2004, at 12:02:22
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by suzicreamcheese on January 4, 2004, at 11:08:09
Thank you for your kind words Suzi. Still so very hard, happened in September and son is still so devasteded. Was a very tough Christmas. Stay strong and pray for God to give you the strength you need to be healthier and happy.
Posted by Raggy on January 4, 2004, at 12:05:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Sandman on January 4, 2004, at 10:48:54
I understand what you are saying Sandman and if it works for you, that is just great. With all drugs, what works for some does not work for others. I do think more clinical trials should be done on these mind altering drugs though.
So glad it does work for you.....
Posted by suzicreamcheese on January 4, 2004, at 12:17:25
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on January 4, 2004, at 12:02:22
I am sorry about that. You know, I said some things so mean to my family while I was in the worst part of the withdrawal I am scared I will never be able to face them again and that is a guilt that can make one suicidal. Maybe you can email my dad for me and explain to him what Effexor withdrawal does and what it did to your family. I feel so awful I am holed up in my house and won't answer my phone. Suzi
Posted by Raggy on January 4, 2004, at 12:42:01
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by suzicreamcheese on January 4, 2004, at 12:17:25
Suzi,
I would be happy to help you out any way that I can.
Posted by wildchild1957 on January 4, 2004, at 13:12:35
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - my approach, posted by baddog55 on January 1, 2004, at 10:53:59
First of all, I would like to say that Effexor XR has to be about the best drug on the market for depression. It saved my life and I highly recommend it to all my friends...lol.
I'd like to start by quoting my psychiatrist that helped me through my recovery..Dr. J, I call him."The medications will only do so much to help you, YOU will have to do the rest."
I am of the opinion that with just medications alone, that a person will never be quite ok. The jouney inward (the good, the bad, and the ugly) is the only sure fire way of curing depression. By breaking down your own personality and ridding yourself of parts that do not serve you to your higher good is the only way for ultimate healing. The accepting of those parts because they were probably invented to protect you, determining if they are really who you are and who you want to be, and then the decision to either keep that part or let it go. This needs to be done with the "Objective Viewer" part of ourselves, the part that doesn't criticize or condemn. It's sort of a Life Review without judgement.
Sit back, buckle up and get ready for a long ride. There are no quick fixes. It took you a long time to get to where you are, but it doesn't have to take that long to "fix" you to where you can stand yourself and love yourself. And remember that those changes will take practice and don't be so rough on yourself if you don't get it right the first try...Tomorrow is another day and you can try again and you will make it..cause THIS IS YOUR LIFE and we are co-creators and We Are Powerful. What matters most is that you keep trying. When being ok with who you are becomes your number one priority...only then will life turn around.
There is not one thing about who you are that you can not change...It is the only real place we have the Power to control and most of the time I found that changing my perspective was the only thing that I could really do and to understand that big question WHY that slams your brain all of your life.
Second, I'd like to discuss my version of getting off of Effexor from 75mg and down.
I suggest taking 37.5mg Effexor XR (extended release) twice a day..morning and night. After about a week. Take one in the morning OR at night. Get the pill form for 37.5mg which is good for 12 hours instead of 24 hours. Take one in the morning and one at night for about a week. Reduce that dose to one 37.5mg pill once a day for a week. Drop to one every other day for a week. Every 3 days. By this time you should be forgetting to take it..lol.
An anti-anxiety med will help with this process. Not to take the place of but to help in the real nervous times. Even benadryl will help. I have found that when I get so bitchy that I can't stand myself...just 1 effexor 37.5mg XR a couple of days will help tremendously. I find myself using them at times on an as needed basis from day to day.
Hope this helps someone. *smiles*
I have a new saying: If you're being who you truly are and who you want to be, then you're PERFECT just the way you are. Perfection is like anything else..It's in the eye of the beholder.
Posted by dmbdelta on January 4, 2004, at 14:32:43
In reply to Effexor, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness., posted by wildchild1957 on January 4, 2004, at 13:12:35
I agree that EX was a great help when I was going through fairly severe depression, and it helped me keep my wits and sanity during a difficult time. This thread has been about those of us who are going through withdrawal for various reasons. My life drama's seem to be over, and I feel pretty stable right now. I have learned my lessons about falling in love with borderline disorder personality. It nearly pushed me over the edge, and I did not help her a great deal.
I am in my 9th day of 'cold turkey' and I am really happy that I did not drag out the process by cutting down gradually. From the others that I have read, their 'brain zaps' lasted the entire time they went through withdrawal, and in some cases months. I feel fairly good today, with only a brief period each 3-4 hours, only lasting moments rather than hours. I still feel it a little when I move my head quickly. I started working out again, and the added endorphins will help with time. I am also taking anti-oxidents and a few other natural supplements.
A good friend (happens to be a shrink) tells me that it will be 3-6 months until all of the effects of effexor are gone, but from now on it will be tolerable. I do not blame anyone for what I have gone through in the withdrawal, because I am not sure I would be here if I did not get on a strong anti-depressant when it was needed.
For those in the first few days, God bless, and your time of relative peace is only a few days away. Keep up with this thread, as the sharing with others going through the same thing is quite helpful. I guess we call this E-Group.
Love to all,
Delta
Posted by mapm on January 4, 2004, at 20:07:54
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on January 4, 2004, at 12:02:22
i've run out of my effexor xr a few days ago. i do have a new perscription but i wont be able to pick it up till tomorrow. unfortunately i also h ave to have some very important conversations tomorrow, which leads me to my question: did anyone find anything they could do at home that made them more functional (the problems i'm having are mostly chills/sweats, dizziness, and a pms-like teari-ness). I'd really appreciate any suggestions, otherwise i'll just have to hope that tomorrows pills kick in by the time my meetings start. ugh.
Posted by mapm on January 4, 2004, at 20:50:58
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Sandman on January 4, 2004, at 10:48:54
I'm in a similar situation. I've had depression for a long time now, and i'd tried going off drugs both with and without physician supervision and both times relapsed after a certain time. On the other hand all the med books say that relapse rate drops most dramatically when you combine therapy and medication, so i'm considering that so that i'm not tied to drugs for my lifetime--who knows when tolerance to this stuff works out? who knows what other things will not work once you get tolerant to it?
Posted by sick of being sick on January 4, 2004, at 21:49:33
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Sandman on January 4, 2004, at 10:48:54
> 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 suzicreamcheese on January 5, 2004, at 0:00:03
In reply to Re: Stay away from Effexor, posted by sick of being sick on January 4, 2004, at 21:49:33
You should stop feeling the worse soon. You need to let people who love you know and warn them that you are very irrational now. Whatever you do - don't take anymore or the cycle will go on and on. If you've made it 6 days you can make it. The worse will end real soon. I did a lot of damage to relationships in days 3 through 5. Try not to let that happen to you. Hope it all goes well for you. Suzi
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