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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jerseydevil on January 5, 2004, at 10:28:57
In reply to Re: try clonazepam for effexor withdrawal , posted by Sandman on January 5, 2004, at 9:59:59
As noted in the previous post, every person requires their own "cocktail" or combination of meds to adjust their body chemistry. My opinion, and I am not a doctor, just a guy currently on 8 meds for MDD (r/o BPII), including having recently started on Effexor at just 37.5 and topamax at 50 which seem to have put me in just the right spot, DON'T GIVE UP, and don't just change meds without the advice of a psychiatrist. BEFORE you run out of Effexor, if you can't afford to see a doctor, go to your local hospital ER and check in as a Jane Doe. Explain you have no insurance, you can't afford a doctor (don't mention your job), and you are about to run out of Effexor. Free samples are usually available.
Posted by mapm on January 5, 2004, at 10:31:10
In reply to re: home remedies anyone? Effexor Withdrawl now » mapm, posted by diwildflower on January 5, 2004, at 1:43:10
> I too am wondering if there are any home remedies for the nausea from coming off the effexor?
i'd just read about someone swearing by benadril. about to try...
Posted by Sandman on January 5, 2004, at 10:57:47
In reply to re: home remedies anyone? Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by mapm on January 5, 2004, at 10:31:10
> > I too am wondering if there are any home remedies for the nausea from coming off the effexor?
>
>
> i'd just read about someone swearing by benadril. about to try...
>You may want to try Dramamine too. Although it's primarily for nausea associated with motion sickness, it once helped me during a long bout of nausea when I had stomach problems.
Posted by heavenlee on January 6, 2004, at 11:30:38
In reply to Re: try clonazepam for effexor withdrawal , posted by Sandman on January 5, 2004, at 9:59:59
Can someone explain to me how i can start a new thread. Thank you
Posted by KimberlyDi on January 6, 2004, at 12:54:03
In reply to Re: try clonazepam for effexor withdrawal , posted by hatemylife on January 5, 2004, at 8:12:30
Start reducing your Effexor dosages... If you have 75mg capsules you can divide it in half, down 1/2 of the capsule like a shot (with liquid), and close the capsule up again and keep in another bottle marked 37.5.
If you are running out & need to do a crash course withdrawal... I would alternate 37.5mg days with 75mg days, increasing the 37.5 days... like mon 37.5, tues 75, wed 37.5, thurs 37.5, fri 75, etc. Start adding in the Zoloft (low dose) when you are ok at 37.5 daily. Divide the 37.5 capsules in half, and start the alternating schedule again. mon 18mg day, tues 37.5, wed & thurs 18mg, fri 37.5.
I have had much more success at an alternating day decrease than a straight across the board decrease. If I just flat drop the dosage, by day 4 I'm dizzy, sick, and climbing the walls.
Even if you have success going thru withdrawal, be prepared for the rebound depression. I made my first suicide attempt while dropping from 300mg to 150 to 75 too quickly.
I wish you luck. You've alot on your plate. I'm not sure what Zoloft prices are (there should be generics available) but I take generic Imipramine for anxiety/depression and it is affordable so far at the 100mg daily dosage. It calms me more than it helps with the blues. I'm going from 75mg to 0mg on Effexor also (started alternating days 5 days ago). So, you aren't alone. :)
KDi in TX
> OK, I've read several of the posts and I'm terrified now. I had no idea that life could get any worse, but it seems that facing Effexor withdrawal could put me over the edge. I'm on 75 mg now and have been for over a year. I'm still very depressed and have enough anger to light up the city. I have plenty of reasons for both, but the Effexor doesn't help. I skipped ONE pill the other day and spent my day in the crazy house. I had panic, crying, and was so distracted that I wonder just what I did at work. I want to stop taking this stuff, but this is a bad time of year for me anyway. This month is 11 yrs since my oldest son was killed in a car crash at age 16. I have a bottle of Zoloft to take when the Effexor runs out and that will be soon. Any advice? No ins and hubby unemployed.
Posted by KimberlyDi on January 6, 2004, at 12:57:03
In reply to Re: try clonazepam for effexor withdrawal , posted by Sandman on January 5, 2004, at 9:59:59
I had some success at Imipramine (somewhat similar to Remeron?) and Effexor BUT my marriage can't handle the libido side effect of Effexor so I'm going off it completely. Anyone know another good match for Imipramine to boost up the anti-depressant properties without screwing up my love life?
KDi in TX
> > OK, I've read several of the posts and I'm terrified now. I had no idea that life could get any worse, but it seems that facing Effexor withdrawal could put me over the edge. I'm on 75 mg now and have been for over a year. I'm still very depressed and have enough anger to light up the city. I have plenty of reasons for both, but the Effexor doesn't help. I skipped ONE pill the other day and spent my day in the crazy house. I had panic, crying, and was so distracted that I wonder just what I did at work. I want to stop taking this stuff, but this is a bad time of year for me anyway. This month is 11 yrs since my oldest son was killed in a car crash at age 16. I have a bottle of Zoloft to take when the Effexor runs out and that will be soon. Any advice? No ins and hubby unemployed.
>
>
> My doctor had to try almost every anti-depressant and various combinations before finding something that worked for me. She finally had me try a combination of Effexor and Remeron. Not only did it work, but she said it had worked well for most of her patients who tried it. If you haven't tried this combination, you may want to ask your doctor about it. It couldn't hurt to try it. The Remeron you is taken at bedtime and helps you sleep really well too.
>
> The one crazy thing about Remeron, which your doctor should know, is that too low a dose will make you very tired during the day. But it may be necessary for a few days or a week to gradually build up to a higher dose which won't make you tired. Effexor and Remeron have literally given me my life back.
>
> I realize that some anti-depressants work for some people but not for others. But since, according to my shrink, this combination appears to help so many, it couldn't hurt to try it.
Posted by KimberlyDi on January 6, 2004, at 13:00:10
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by bipolar1 on January 5, 2004, at 10:27:10
Just wanted to mention that "trapped in your body" feeling on Effexor. I experienced it a few times trying to wake up. Mind awake but unable to move the body. VERY SCARY.
KDi in TX
> Hello, I've been taking Effexor XR for the past three years. When I am taking it regularly, I feel good, but I wanted to see if anyone else has experienced some of the withdrawal effects that I've had. I take 450MG a day combined with Depakote, Zoloft, Lithium, Lamictal, and sometimes Seraquil. It is a scary thing for me to ever miss a dose. I ran out Saturday and haven't had a chance to refill yet. I am lucky that I woke up this morning. I slept from late Saturday night until 8:30p on Sunday. I was up for a few hours then back to sleep. Besides the nightmares, I find myself "trapped" in sleep. It is like an out of body experience for me. I observe myself, but can do nothing to control my motor functions. I lay in bed silently screaming out for help and trying desperately to make my body move, but nothing happens. When I have been off this med in the past, I have often had to check myself in to a hospital to protect me from myself. I hope I am never in a situation where I can't afford to stay on this med because I'm sure that I'm dependant on it.
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 6, 2004, at 23:22:45
In reply to Re: try clonazepam for effexor withdrawal , posted by heavenlee on January 6, 2004, at 11:30:38
> Can someone explain to me how i can start a new thread.
1. At the very top of this (and every) post, there should be a link, "start new thread". Click on that link. That should take you to the main page. Or you can just start at the main page and scroll down.
2. Under the heading, "start a new thread", there should be a button, "go to form". Click on that button.
HTH,
Bob
Posted by Sad Panda on January 7, 2004, at 3:53:47
In reply to re: home remedies anyone? Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by mapm on January 5, 2004, at 10:31:10
> > I too am wondering if there are any home remedies for the nausea from coming off the effexor?
>
>
> i'd just read about someone swearing by benadril. about to try...
>
I take my 150mg Efexor-XR at night with 15mg Remeron. Remeron seems to help my nausea.Panda.
Posted by sick of being sick on January 7, 2004, at 7:36:34
In reply to Re: Stay away from Effexor, posted by suzicreamcheese on January 5, 2004, at 0:00:03
> Suzi
Thanks - It's day nine and my doctor gave me 20mg of Prozac yesterday to help with the Effexor withdrawals for the next 2 weeks. I'm actually feeling a lot better and plan on going back to work tomorrow.
The hardest thing is what to say to people when they ask "What's wrong, are you sick? Why haven't you been at work?" I'm a terrible lier but don't want anybody to think I was "addicted" to any drugs.
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
Posted by Roomy on January 8, 2004, at 6:23:38
In reply to Re: Stay away from Effexor, posted by sick of being sick on January 7, 2004, at 7:36:34
> > Suzi
>
> Thanks - It's day nine and my doctor gave me 20mg of Prozac yesterday to help with the Effexor withdrawals for the next 2 weeks. I'm actually feeling a lot better and plan on going back to work tomorrow.
>
> The hardest thing is what to say to people when they ask "What's wrong, are you sick? Why haven't you been at work?" I'm a terrible lier but don't want anybody to think I was "addicted" to any drugs.
>
> 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
>
>
I am on day 9 of my new Effexor-free life! (incert fanfare here) FINALLY I feel like I can get thru a day without sitting on the couch, gazing off into complete nothingness wondering if I have done the right thing. I have been on Effexor (or friends, Paxil and Serzone) for about
7 years now. I had no clue that they were addictiong drugs. I had no clue that I would have so much trouble getting OFF the drugs. I had no clue that I would have trouble getting OFF with my hubby while ON the drugs...(sorry that was crude I know) :) my point is...I had no clue! I counted on my doctor to know. I PAID my doctor to have at least HALF a clue. I think I need my money back!
I do have a question. Its been so long since I have been drug free, I forget how I used to act. Since I am on day 9 drug free, I have had a few bad months of weaning down and then the full blown withdrawl when I finally stopped and I have been a bit...well...crabby perhaps? (my hubby and children would have a better word for it I am sure) Now my hubby says....GET BACK ON IT!! I am wondering, Am I just feeling this way because of the withdrawl or am I just naturally a bitch?
Posted by sick of being sick on January 8, 2004, at 6:32:09
In reply to Re: Stay away from Effexor » sick of being sick, posted by Roomy on January 8, 2004, at 6:23:38
> > > Suzi
> >
> > Thanks - It's day nine and my doctor gave me 20mg of Prozac yesterday to help with the Effexor withdrawals for the next 2 weeks. I'm actually feeling a lot better and plan on going back to work tomorrow.
> >
> > The hardest thing is what to say to people when they ask "What's wrong, are you sick? Why haven't you been at work?" I'm a terrible lier but don't want anybody to think I was "addicted" to any drugs.
> >
> > 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
> >
> >
> I am on day 9 of my new Effexor-free life! (incert fanfare here) FINALLY I feel like I can get thru a day without sitting on the couch, gazing off into complete nothingness wondering if I have done the right thing. I have been on Effexor (or friends, Paxil and Serzone) for about
> 7 years now. I had no clue that they were addictiong drugs. I had no clue that I would have so much trouble getting OFF the drugs. I had no clue that I would have trouble getting OFF with my hubby while ON the drugs...(sorry that was crude I know) :) my point is...I had no clue! I counted on my doctor to know. I PAID my doctor to have at least HALF a clue. I think I need my money back!
> I do have a question. Its been so long since I have been drug free, I forget how I used to act. Since I am on day 9 drug free, I have had a few bad months of weaning down and then the full blown withdrawl when I finally stopped and I have been a bit...well...crabby perhaps? (my hubby and children would have a better word for it I am sure) Now my hubby says....GET BACK ON IT!! I am wondering, Am I just feeling this way because of the withdrawl or am I just naturally a bitch?
>Roomy
Today is day 10 of Effexor free, but I'm on 20mg of Prozac for the next 2 weeks to help. The crabbyness is probably because of the Effexor. Just try to be aware of your moodiness and hold back when you talking to your kids or husband. Maybe trying some Prozac for a couple weeks might help. Good Luck!
Posted by Sandman on January 8, 2004, at 20:29:42
In reply to Effexor Remeron? » Sandman, posted by KimberlyDi on January 6, 2004, at 12:57:03
> I had some success at Imipramine (somewhat similar to Remeron?) and Effexor BUT my marriage can't handle the libido side effect of Effexor so I'm going off it completely. Anyone know another good match for Imipramine to boost up the anti-depressant properties without screwing up my love life?
>
> KDi in TX
>
Maybe ask your doctor if Wellbutrin would mix well with Imiprimine. Wellbutrin actually tends to make one horny. I occasionally take it myself for that reason. Effexor certainly isn't something you want to be on if you want an active sex life. Another drug I was on to help with libido was Yohimbime, sold by prescription as well as over the counter. It helped for a while but later on, my libido was back down not to mention unpleasant side effects. But since then, I read somewhere online to never take Yohimbime if you take Effexor. This really surprised me since the shrink who put me on it was a really good doctor. But Yohimbime and Imiprimine may be O.K. I used to be on Imiprimine years ago until it lost it's effect on me. Good luck!
>
>
Posted by Roomy on January 9, 2004, at 8:24:12
In reply to Re: Effexor and Imiprimine, posted by Sandman on January 8, 2004, at 20:29:42
Imipramine? Remeron? Are these anti-depressant medications? and Wellbutrin actually MAKES you horny? I should do some research a bit because I am off effexor now (MAN that feels good to say that) but after 3-4 months of being drug free I will see how I feel and act. I have a deal with my hubby that if he will give me a chance to see what i am like OFF all medications...I will keep an open mind and try to realize it if I do still need something. Day 11 and I actually feel good today! mentally and physically! I just might be salvagable!!!! :)
Posted by Vasterling on January 9, 2004, at 13:44:59
In reply to Re: Effexor and Imiprimine, posted by Roomy on January 9, 2004, at 8:24:12
I have been of Effexor for 15 days and I feel just about back to normal (well whatever normal is). The only problem is that when I am confronted I do become very angry and have a hard time letting it go. This is not a normal behavior for me, however I am learning to control and just walk away, but when I do that I get very emotional. I was lucky and I never had the brain zaps (or atleast I do not think I had them) that everyone talks about. I do feel alot happier and I do think alot more clearly than when I was on the Effexor.
Just hang in there it does get better the longer your are off the Effexor (well for me anyways).
Posted by sarita0001 on January 9, 2004, at 14:38:46
In reply to Re: Effexor and Imiprimine, posted by Roomy on January 9, 2004, at 8:24:12
Hi Roomy,
You sound a lot like me. I was on lithium for 7 years and Prozac for a month to deal with the lithium withdrawal. I've been off meds since mid-December. I have a list of about 15-20 side effects that I don't get anymore, most of them minor. Anyway, I know what you mean by you don't know how you are off meds. I'd say give it 6mos- to 1 year. It takes longer for the med to get out of the body than the doctors tell us I think. Good luck to you and you're brave for going off meds!
Sara
Posted by pala on January 9, 2004, at 20:22:59
In reply to Re: Effexor and Imiprimine, posted by sarita0001 on January 9, 2004, at 14:38:46
For everyone's benefit
Why don't we all collectively sue this effexor making pharmaceutical company? this medication has destroyed many of our relations, lives for that matter, secondly how can we effectively make all PDs not to prescribe effexor if somebody goes to them with depression problems
My best wishes to all who are coming off effexor.
pala
Posted by suzicreamcheese on January 10, 2004, at 1:27:31
In reply to Re: Stay away from Effexor, posted by sick of being sick on January 7, 2004, at 7:36:34
Wow - sounds like you and I have been on the same path. I did so much damage in days 3-5 I don't think I will ever be able to amend that. It's been close to 2-weeks for me now and I know I have made it!! All the capsules are gone! I won't ask for prozac. Are you sure you want to do that?? Your just stepping right back into the cycle. I sure hope you aren't posting on the Prozac Withdrawal forum in a year. Thanks and take care. Suzi
Posted by Sabeen on January 10, 2004, at 10:23:42
In reply to Re: Stay away from Effexor, posted by suzicreamcheese on January 10, 2004, at 1:27:31
Hi all,
I am about to try Topamax to help me get off Effexsor. Also just started taking Prozac. I have been taking Seriqual AND Immovan as sleep aids for some time and the doc. has not suggested that I discontinue these...I guess the more the merrier! LOL If anyone is interested I can run through all the details and medicine cabinet...but mainly I was wondering what comments folks had about shifting to Topamax while simultaniouly tapering Effexsor.
Thanks
Posted by BJlass on January 10, 2004, at 15:20:21
In reply to Re: Stay away from Effexor » sick of being sick, posted by Roomy on January 8, 2004, at 6:23:38
I am so angry about being put on Effexor I cannot tell you! I feel like I've been used as a guinea pig! Plus, to top it off, I can't get in touch with the prescribing doctor as she went out of business and will not return any phone calls! How's that for professionalism?!
My question is this: Has anyone else had a "spacey" type of feeing in the front of their head AFTER getting off Effexor? I've been off ALMOST A YEAR NOW!!!! and still have this WEIRD sensation in my forehead. I can't explain it -- it's sometimes like a headache, sometimes like a tightness, sometimes just a weird spacey but physical feeling. I think we all need to file a class action lawsuit against the drug manufacturer!!! and the prescribing physicians who didn't tell us the "side effects." Have we changed our brains permanently??????????
Posted by Roomy on January 10, 2004, at 16:48:49
In reply to Effexor: Long Term Effects, posted by BJlass on January 10, 2004, at 15:20:21
wow you sound like me. My doctor also went out of business (after practicing without a license for a year and a half) and left me with TWO pills left. I had to get a new doctor and quick! Thank God the new doctor also prescribed Effexor and knew all about it. He put me on a weaning schedule and now I am off it. He is taking all of his patients off it! As for the spacey feeling in my head...yeah! Got it! Even after 11 days without the drug. I do feel better every day and if there ever is a class action suit against the drug manufacturer or this local doctor, I will be first on the list. Part of the punishment for the drug manufacturer and my EX-doctor should be that they go on effexor. Get them on a 275mg dose or better for one year. THEN recall the drug and make it unavailable to them. HA! Cold turkey!
Posted by ann72 on January 11, 2004, at 8:56:09
In reply to Re: Effexor: Long Term Effects, posted by Roomy on January 10, 2004, at 16:48:49
is effexor getting pulled off the market? i take it and next week my pdoc wants to up my dose to 300+ mg........
Posted by baddog55 on January 11, 2004, at 12:22:04
In reply to Re: Effexor: Long Term Effects, posted by Roomy on January 10, 2004, at 16:48:49
Roomy,
I am interested in knowing what your weaning schedule was. I was only on 75 mg but to wean me, my dr put me on 37.5 for two weeks and said that should be fine. It's not. Any suggestions?
thanks
Posted by roomy on January 12, 2004, at 10:03:02
In reply to Re: Effexor: Long Term Effects, posted by baddog55 on January 11, 2004, at 12:22:04
baddog,
wow! that seems fast to me! once I slowly got down to the 37.5 every day point (which was tough in itself) then I took the 37.5mg for about 3-4 weeks. Then I took it every other day for two weeks and then stopped. It was still really rough. if you are not down to the 37.5 every day yet you might try 75mg one day and 37.5 the next for a couple weeks. Then 37.5 every day. Go slowly! Talk to you doctor about it. He will probably ok a slower weaning process rather than a quicker one. Good luck and hang in there. I am feeling sooooooo very much better now.
And to the previous poster...I dont think they are taking effexor off the market. What I was getting at is they should hook all the doctors on the drug and THEN take it off the market so they cant get anymore and have to quit cold turkey! Personally I think they should take it off the market but no, I havnt heard of that yet. I was just making a 'funny' :)
Posted by KimberlyDi on January 12, 2004, at 13:01:46
In reply to Re: Effexor: Long Term Effects, posted by ann72 on January 11, 2004, at 8:56:09
Effexor is effective for many people. Other people have had bad experiences with it (as well as other medications). I feel it is still a worthwhile drug and I would still be on it if it weren't for my blood pressure skyrocketing.
I haven't heard anything about Effexor being pulled from the market. I do believe there will be alot of news soon about "withdrawal" from Effexor. I am currently down to 37.5mgs on my taper-off schedule. Rebound depression is kicking my butt.
KDi in TX
> is effexor getting pulled off the market? i take it and next week my pdoc wants to up my dose to 300+ mg........
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