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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dr. Bob on April 8, 2004, at 20:49:24
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by robz on April 8, 2004, at 19:03:27
> Out of everything that I have learned about this stupid anxiety and depression sh[*]t...
Sorry to be such a prude, but please don't use language that could offend others.
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Thanks,
Bob
Posted by TanyaJean on April 8, 2004, at 23:58:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » CMG, posted by Cam W. on December 20, 2001, at 11:55:29
"I believe that the appearance of withdrawl symptoms is (partially) an indication that the depression (or anxiety or obsessive/compulsive symptoms, etc.) has not resolved and the SSRI should be continued. In other words, the body has not started to produce enough serotonin on it's own, meaning that the situation that caused the depression has not been resolved (ie. in the case of a reactive or exogenous depression - not genetic depression - one has not dealt with and resolved the issues that caused the depression in the first place - usually through some sort of cognitive psychotherapy).""I believe that the appearance of withdrawl symptoms is (partially) an indication that the depression (or anxiety or obsessive/compulsive symptoms, etc.) has not resolved and the SSRI should be continued. In other words, the body has not started to produce enough serotonin on it's own, meaning that the situation that caused the depression has not been resolved (ie. in the case of a reactive or exogenous depression - not genetic depression - one has not dealt with and resolved the issues that caused the depression in the first place - usually through some sort of cognitive psychotherapy)."
I do understand what this person is saying. It just doesn't totally agree with me and absolutely no disrespect intended. You're obviously well educated. I can only go by what I've been through. 10 years ago I took Imipramine for about 6 months for depression. They weaned me off this drug slowly and I had no withdrawal symtoms. I know that imipramine is a tricylic, not an SSRI. To me, a drug seems very dangerous when it can have this effect. I'm a very practical, reasonable person. When I forgot the drug for a day and "crashed" (very distraught, crying and moody, nearly suicidal which I have never been in my life), it was a dangerous situation. The withdrawal method with prozac seems very reasonable and I wish I was given that option. It brings up another point. Many physicians do not know enough about this drug to even offer such a withdrawal method. Cam. W seems to know his drugs. It frustrates me that any doctor can prescribe this and obviously not know the ins and outs of it. A lot of regular physicians, or say a rheumatologist in my case, do not get a great education with these anti depressants.
Posted by kirsty2207 on May 3, 2004, at 14:13:23
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » Patrick James, posted by selene on January 28, 2004, at 17:15:54
... just wanted to say thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences on the withdrawal of Effexor, this is my third time of tring to get off these drugs and each time in the past I thought the way I was feeling was how I was without the drugs and had not realised that they were withdrawal symptoms. I thought I was pretty much in sane. It is so reassuring that these head shakes, aches and pains, dreams, etc is the effects of the drugs and it's not just me. I sympathise greatly with anyone going through the withdrawal process. It is probably the hardest thing I have ever done. I have been on anti-depressants for 7 years, started with Prozac, then Roboxetine and then Effexor for the last 3 years and I am now on Day 5 of been completely drug free. I am struggling but am determined this time to see it through. Does anyone know how long these horrible withdrawal symptoms will last? ... does anyone know if there has been any evidence of permanent damage following these head shakes?
Posted by Foobee on May 3, 2004, at 14:30:35
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by robz on April 8, 2004, at 19:03:27
Last month I tapered down from 300 mg/day to 225 mg/day, and I was surprisingly fine. At 300 mg/day I constantly experienced awful withdrawal symptoms when I overslept or missed a dose. Naturally, I was apprehensive about going off Effexor XR considering my experiences. However, at a lower dose, Effexor has yet to weild its ugly head. This month I'm at 150 mg/day, and I'm thrilled that my dependency may soon come to an end (although my psychiatrist is a cheerleader for staying on meds, I'm determined to at least attempt the feat of ending my 8 year relationship with anti-depressants).
Effexor XR has, at times, been an enemy--on the days I've woken up nauseous, dizzy, with a migraine. However, it did save my life, so kudos to that!
Good news!!! My psychiatrist informed me that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures Effexor, will soon have a competitor that is finalizing an anti-depressant that works in a similar manner to Effexor--hopefully without all of the unbearable side effects. I guess we'll find out soon!
Posted by SLS on May 3, 2004, at 14:37:43
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by Foobee on May 3, 2004, at 14:30:35
> Good news!!! My psychiatrist informed me that Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures Effexor, will soon have a competitor that is finalizing an anti-depressant that works in a similar manner to Effexor--hopefully without all of the unbearable side effects. I guess we'll find out soon!Do you know the name of this drug? Do you think you might be confusing it with Cymbalta?
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Prozac, is supposedly very near final approval of a drug called duloxetine (Cymbalta). Like Effexor, it is a dual action antidepressant that works to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Lilly still says that they expect to see it approved this summer. I have my doubts. It looks like a good drug, though.
- Scott
Posted by CourtneyM on May 3, 2004, at 22:18:08
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by Foobee on May 3, 2004, at 14:30:35
I started taking Effexor 6 months ago (75 mg.)and it helped me get through a difficult life transition that created heightened levels of anxiety, depression, etc. I'd never taken an AD before and in fact, I was opposed to them.
I now want to be Effexor-free. I'm always tired and I get plenty of sleep, eat well, and exercise. I yawn all the time! You know those kind where your eyes seal shut! I don't feel much of anything anymore...kind of dull. I'm not depressed, but I don't feel that euphoric feeling I had when I first started taking the drug. I hear the withdrawal symptoms are HORRIBLE. On only 75 mg. for 6 mo. I'm thinking it may not be as severe. I'm a school teacher and school finishes at the end of this month. In July I move to a new city where I begin an exciting new job. Should I plan to be in physical hell and brain shiver delirium for all of June if I start weening off here in the next few weeks? I have a dr. appt. later this week, but I started this drug without much investigation and I'd like to go off of it a little more prepared.
Thank you for your insights.
Posted by kirsty2207 on May 4, 2004, at 18:30:32
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by CourtneyM on May 3, 2004, at 22:18:08
Courtney, I'm glad, by the sounds of things you are quite on top of how you're feeling (apart from the tiredness), and I think that that will certainly help you overcome the withdrawal. I think most importantly, in answer to what your asking the time to come off the pills is when you feel ready and strong enough. A new job may be a good focus for you whilst experiencing the withdrawal symptoms, or you may feel you need to stay on the pills whilst you settle into your new job as this can be quite an anxious time too. My personal advice, although obviously we are all diferent would be to try and come off the pills before hand as I have already had to miss days off work due to withdrawing off them and I have certainly not been completely focused in the days that I have been in. Please also don't be totally scared of all the things that have been written on here about withdrawing off them... as I'm sure we probably all handle it diferently. I'm now on day 6 of been completely effexor free and have gone through some hellish times over the past few weeks but todays not too bad. Alot of the symptoms are still there but I have coped with them today. I think the thing to remember whenever you chose to come off them is to stay focused on coming off the tablets and remember that any feelings or symptoms will pass. Good luck and stay strong!
Posted by 4hope on May 13, 2004, at 0:09:05
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » CourtneyM, posted by kirsty2207 on May 4, 2004, at 18:30:32
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to let you guys know I am finally off of Effexor. It was 4 days of hell and then it went away. The brain zaps were the worst part of it all. But what I did was go to acupuncture, detox massage, I worked out everyday (even when I felt like not moving) and took all my vitamins. Basically I did everything I could to get it flushed out of my system.
I am NEVER EVER going to go on Effexor again. Withdrawing is tough but I think if you focus on recovering and helping your body rather than the withdrawl symptoms it will help a lot.
THanks for your help.
Hope
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 28, 2004, at 0:57:42
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » CourtneyM, posted by kirsty2207 on May 4, 2004, at 18:30:32
Re: Effexor Symptoms
Posted by Runner on May 27, 2004, at 11:59:32
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » CourtneyM, posted by kirsty2207 on May 4, 2004, at 18:30:32
I just got off the phone with my psychologist who suggested (after consulting with the in-house psychiatrist) trying an over the counter drug with scopalomine for the dizziness symptoms I am encountering during the Effexor withdrawal. He had originally suggested Benadryl but I broke out in hives. So now I am taking Claritin for the hives and going to the store to find something with scopalomine in it...does anyone have any suggestions?
--
Re: Effexor Symptoms » Runner
Posted by partlycloudy on May 27, 2004, at 12:12:37
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by Runner on May 27, 2004, at 11:59:32
I have only heard of it as a skin patch for nausea. i don't know if it's OTC or whether the pharmacist might be able to help you.
Posted by Robz on June 1, 2004, at 15:26:22
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by twiggy on December 18, 2001, at 10:23:22
I have been on EffexorXR for 6 months. Sometimes I drink alcohol and the next day i feel anxiouis and depressed. I know this is because the alcohol makes the Effexor less effective. Sometimes however I feel anxious and depressed when I have not been drinking. I usually just take another pill if this starts happening and that usually helps me. i just want to be off this stuff because it messes up my sex drive. Does this break through anxiety and depression happen to anyone? how long shoukd I stay on it?
Posted by smeegle on June 3, 2004, at 14:45:53
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by Robz on June 1, 2004, at 15:26:22
I have been on Effexor XR for about 3 years now and up to 300mg per day. I experience a lessening of Effexors effectiveness about every six months and subsequently have had to steadily increase my dosage. My dr has stated that although I have not had any negative side effects (i.e. blood pressure), this is as high as he wants to go for me and said that it may be time to move on and try something else (Celexa...great, I have to learn all about the quirks of yet another AD). I was on Zoloft for about 3 years prior to Effexor and it lost effectiveness as well.
Smeegs
> I have been on EffexorXR for 6 months. Sometimes I drink alcohol and the next day i feel anxiouis and depressed. I know this is because the alcohol makes the Effexor less effective. Sometimes however I feel anxious and depressed when I have not been drinking. I usually just take another pill if this starts happening and that usually helps me. i just want to be off this stuff because it messes up my sex drive. Does this break through anxiety and depression happen to anyone? how long shoukd I stay on it?
Posted by Sad Panda on June 4, 2004, at 0:11:38
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by smeegle on June 3, 2004, at 14:45:53
> I have been on Effexor XR for about 3 years now and up to 300mg per day. I experience a lessening of Effexors effectiveness about every six months and subsequently have had to steadily increase my dosage. My dr has stated that although I have not had any negative side effects (i.e. blood pressure), this is as high as he wants to go for me and said that it may be time to move on and try something else (Celexa...great, I have to learn all about the quirks of yet another AD). I was on Zoloft for about 3 years prior to Effexor and it lost effectiveness as well.
>
> Smeegs
>Your doctor sounds sensible. How good was Zoloft for you? I would be inclined to try & go back to it.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by Angel Girl on June 7, 2004, at 16:06:21
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by smeegle on June 3, 2004, at 14:45:53
> I have been on Effexor XR for about 3 years now and up to 300mg per day. I experience a lessening of Effexors effectiveness about every six months and subsequently have had to steadily increase my dosage. My dr has stated that although I have not had any negative side effects (i.e. blood pressure), this is as high as he wants to go for me and said that it may be time to move on and try something else (Celexa...great, I have to learn all about the quirks of yet another AD). I was on Zoloft for about 3 years prior to Effexor and it lost effectiveness as well.
>
> Smeegs
>Smeegs
The top dosage that I was ever at on Effexor XR was 367.5mg/daily. I've read several people on this board who have been higher.
Good luck with whatever you do. I hope you find something that will work for you. I know how you feel about having to try another med. It sucks!
AG
Posted by starrgem on June 15, 2004, at 3:52:31
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by Sad Panda on June 4, 2004, at 0:11:38
I ran out of effexor xr two days ago and cannot renew my script until my new insurance kicks in at the beginning of July. I don't know how I'm going to fare after the withdrawls I have had for the last 24 hours. I have been extremely light headed, disoriented, had periods of disorganized thoughts and speech, feelings of electricity in my brain, and numbness and tingling in me face and arms (mostly in my lips,cheeks,and gums). I have also been crying alot and have had periods of agitation so severe that I have almost been looking for a fight. I was worried I was having a stroke until I remembered my husband complained of some of the same symptoms when he missed a dose. This message board has brought me some relief (knowing I'm not having a stroke) but also makes me wonder what else I might be up against. If I end up having to wait until July 1st I don't think I will even consider going back to the effexor. It helped me through a really tough spot in my life but I never want to feel like this again if I can help it.
Posted by SLS on June 15, 2004, at 5:53:20
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by starrgem on June 15, 2004, at 3:52:31
> I ran out of effexor xr two days ago and cannot renew my script until my new insurance kicks in at the beginning of July. I don't know how I'm going to fare after the withdrawls I have had for the last 24 hours. I have been extremely light headed, disoriented, had periods of disorganized thoughts and speech, feelings of electricity in my brain, and numbness and tingling in me face and arms (mostly in my lips,cheeks,and gums). I have also been crying alot and have had periods of agitation so severe that I have almost been looking for a fight. I was worried I was having a stroke until I remembered my husband complained of some of the same symptoms when he missed a dose. This message board has brought me some relief (knowing I'm not having a stroke) but also makes me wonder what else I might be up against. If I end up having to wait until July 1st I don't think I will even consider going back to the effexor. It helped me through a really tough spot in my life but I never want to feel like this again if I can help it.
Maybe you can get some free samples from your doctor.I wish you luck.
- Scott
Posted by lostCause on July 26, 2004, at 14:25:13
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by robz on April 8, 2004, at 19:03:27
So let's say you were already dumb enough to go two days "Cold Turkey" without "tapering" from 300mg's of Effexor XR/day.. and you are starting to have pretty severe reactions (like everyone else: zinging, heart palps, dizziness, confusion, etc.) do you a) jump back on it full force and then begin to taper, b) get on it half force, c) call the p-doc, or d) keep suffering in the hopes that the misery ends soon????
Posted by Camille Dumont on July 26, 2004, at 14:44:39
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by lostCause on July 26, 2004, at 14:25:13
Well, since I'm one of the "dumb enough" who did exactly that ... that is stop cold turkey from effexor 300 and celexa 20 ... I'll share my experience.
It was bad ... but tolerable for the first 4 days but on the fifth it was very very bad. I would throw up and could not hold any food. I kept hurting myself because I kept falling or bumping into stuff because I was so dizzy ... and I could barely make it from my bed to the bathroom ... I was sweating ... felt like I had a fever, caughing and being really miserable. When I started shaking I started to be afraid ... and then the suicidal thoughts crept up on me slowly, those insinuous little voices repeating to you over and over again how easy it would be to off yourself. So when I caught myself actually considering means I ran to the kitchen and popped two aspirins and a celexa and went to bed.
Lo and behold, 4 hours later I woke up without the dizzyness, without the nausea or the cold-like symptoms and I was actually hungry.
I think I would recommend going to your doctor's office and INSIST on him giving you somethign to mask the withdrawal ... I hear prosac is good for that ... Celexa just happened to be available in my case.
Your doctor will most likely scold you and what not but I mean whats done is done ... he will probably tell you to go back on a lower dose ... 75 or 150 maybe ... but really insist on something else incase the withdrawal happens ... its better to have it at hand than have to crawl in the doctor's office when you feel really bad.
Best of luck.
Posted by King Vultan on July 26, 2004, at 16:49:41
In reply to Effexor XR WDs... How To Handle..., posted by lostCause on July 26, 2004, at 14:36:35
> So let's say you were already dumb enough to go two days "Cold Turkey" without "tapering" from 300mg's of Effexor XR/day.. and you are starting to have pretty severe reactions (like everyone else: zinging, heart palps, dizziness, confusion, etc.) do you a) jump back on it full force and then begin to taper, b) get on it half force, c) call the p-doc, or d) keep suffering in the hopes that the misery ends soon????
My choice would be d), I guess, because when I quit cold turkey from 150 mg/day of Effexor years ago, that was what I did. I was in a very debilitated state for a week but fortunately was on vacation, as I think I would have had a hard time working.On another occasion, I did taper off but suffered withdrawal symptoms at each drop in dosage. I would guess the total amount of withdrawal symptoms added up to about what I experienced when going off it all at once; it was just spread over a longer period of time.
I'll take the experience tapering off vs. cold turkey myself. I would also add that for me, Effexor withdrawal symptoms are not the most horrible thing in the universe, particularly if the drug is tapered. I would compare it in unpleasantness to a mild/moderate case of the flu.
Todd
Posted by rolie12 on July 26, 2004, at 20:12:08
In reply to Effexor XR WDs... How To Handle..., posted by lostCause on July 26, 2004, at 14:36:35
Well, I am a dumb one too (ha, ha) because I was taking 300 mg for about 5 1/2 months and took 150 mg the next and quit cold turkey. I never had withdrawals before so I figured it wont be too bad. WRONG! I was already getting the zaps/electrical jolt thing while on it, that's why I quit, but by Thursday morning (Wed was the last time I took a dose) I was not well. Had to leave work early and that's when the vomiting, extreme fatigue, felt very sick to my stomach started. For three days I could not keep anything down, yet I was so thirsty and hungry I would eat and then get sick. Sunday was the first day I did not get sick. I went back to work today with zaps still, but am feeling better. Will be happy when zaps are gone!
Posted by Camille Dumont on July 26, 2004, at 20:18:23
In reply to Re: Effexor XR WDs... How To Handle..., posted by rolie12 on July 26, 2004, at 20:12:08
Isn't it horrible ... I would get so hungry I felt like puking and was dizzy ... but then I'd eat and then feel nauseaous again ... and puke, and then get hungry ... god awfull feeling.
Have you though about asking for a small dose of prozac to get you through the withdrawal ... for me the Celexa was a godsend ... it totally killed the zaps and the dizzyness.
Posted by rolie12 on July 26, 2004, at 20:46:56
In reply to Re: Effexor XR WDs... How To Handle..., posted by Camille Dumont on July 26, 2004, at 20:18:23
I am laughing and not in a mean way, to hear I am not the only one that had the same thing. I was STARVING and so thirsty I would eat when I wasn't feeling so sick to my stomach, then puke and start the vicious cycle over again. The past two nights I started having the leg muscle spasms like if you are cold and you shake. I get up walk around, drink something and it goes away. I will be glad when it is all out of my system. Then I will be depressed and have to start a new med. LIke I said, vicious cycle! hehe
> Isn't it horrible ... I would get so hungry I felt like puking and was dizzy ... but then I'd eat and then feel nauseaous again ... and puke, and then get hungry ... god awfull feeling.
>
> Have you though about asking for a small dose of prozac to get you through the withdrawal ... for me the Celexa was a godsend ... it totally killed the zaps and the dizzyness.
Posted by Sad Panda on July 26, 2004, at 23:13:51
In reply to Effexor XR WDs... How To Handle..., posted by lostCause on July 26, 2004, at 14:36:35
> So let's say you were already dumb enough to go two days "Cold Turkey" without "tapering" from 300mg's of Effexor XR/day.. and you are starting to have pretty severe reactions (like everyone else: zinging, heart palps, dizziness, confusion, etc.) do you a) jump back on it full force and then begin to taper, b) get on it half force, c) call the p-doc, or d) keep suffering in the hopes that the misery ends soon????
>
>e) Get a script for Prozac, take Prozac as a substitute until your withdrawl symptoms subside & then quit Prozac which has no withdrawl symptoms for most people due to it's extremely long half life. Effexor has a very short half life.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by podo on August 26, 2004, at 15:27:15
In reply to Re: Effexor XR WDs... How To Handle..., posted by Sad Panda on July 26, 2004, at 23:13:51
I was on 225mg of Effexor for about 2 years, then weened off slowly, 225 to 150 for several months, then down to 75mg for another several months, and just finished 3 days ago. The withdrawal is awful, I can barely work, I'm so nauscious, dizzy, headaches and flu-like symptoms, I just want to sleep forever. Any suggestions? I don't want to have to get on something else, if this withdrawal only lasts another day or two or three I can deal. Does anyone know how long I should be feeling this awful, going from 75mg to 0? Thanks.
Posted by jjamas on August 27, 2004, at 10:00:43
In reply to Re: Effexor XR WDs... How To Handle..., posted by podo on August 26, 2004, at 15:27:15
If you take the tapering a lot slower, you won't have such severe withdrawal. I was on 37.5 mg for over a year and started to taper in June. I skipped a day and had horrible withdrawal symptoms. So I took it slower. I took 37.5 and alternated it with 25 mg (its prescribed for children). Then 25 mg everyday until side effects went away. Then 25mg alternating with half of the tablet (12.5). Then 12.5 everyday. Then half of that- 6.25, then off. I haven't taken any in 3 days now and the only symptoms I have are slight headaches and very slight vertigo. Other than that, I am w/d symptom free. Good luck!
Posted by Cybele on August 27, 2004, at 17:04:15
In reply to Re: Effexor XR WDs... How To Handle..., posted by podo on August 26, 2004, at 15:27:15
I think you should considering doing 37.5 mg for a while. It's gotta be hard going cold turkey off 75mg!
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