![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 664 to 688 of 735. Go back in thread:
Posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 8:41:52
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Marg, posted by ed_uk on February 9, 2005, at 8:32:31
LOL good choice!
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 8:51:54
In reply to Crazy dreams, anyone??, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 7:22:41
Yes, the crazy dreams are a big part of the withdrawal. Frankly, I felt like I was dreaming horror movies during part of it. The dreams were so vivid that I was afraid to go to sleep. Keeping a light on at least helped with orientation when I woke up. These lasted for the two weeks and then tapered off.
> Hi guys. First I want to thank those of you who responded. Wow, it really helps just knowing you guys have made it through this hell.
>
> Still feeling pretty poopy today, but I'm hanging in there!
>
> Man, I sure had some crazy dreams last night. Is that part of the withdrawal, too? And about how long did the crazy dreams persist?
Posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 9:45:31
In reply to Re: Crazy dreams, anyone??, posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 7:58:08
Hiya. I'm not sure what SP is.... I had a few dreams last night that I remember and all were super vivid. I woke up twice during the night and both times I fell back asleep my crazy dream continued where it left off. By crazy I mean that I remember being scared and feeling out of control. And I mean REALLY feeling it. I don't know how to best describe the experience, but I do know last night's dream experience was not like my usual dream experiences.
Posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 9:47:10
In reply to Re: Crazy dreams, anyone?? » brainshiver, posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 8:51:54
Yikes! Two weeks?! Ah well, I'll deal. I'm totally going to use your idea of keeping a light on. Thanks!
Posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 11:35:51
In reply to Re: Crazy dreams, anyone??, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 9:45:31
http://watarts.uwaterloo.ca/~acheyne/S_P2.html#pp
Take a look......does it sound familiar?
Posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 11:42:56
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » ed_uk, posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 8:41:52
Just found this.............
Antidepressants: Antidepressants may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of hypnagogic hallucinations, cataplexy and sleep paralysis. The multicyclics and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most commonly prescribed. Side effects can include drowsiness, low libido, and low blood pressure.Would that mean I could stay on them for life?
Posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 12:30:17
In reply to Re: Crazy dreams, anyone?? » brainshiver, posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 11:35:51
Hi, Marg. I remember experiences like that when I was a child (and how horribly frightened I was), but SP does not describe my experiences or dreams presently.
Posted by jbc on February 9, 2005, at 12:51:55
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 11:42:56
I'm wondering if anyone is having prolonged memory issues. I, like Jiggitykid have been off this monster drug for just over a year now. I have absolutely no short term memory. Either that or my husband is gaslighting me. ;)
He swears he told me he had to work last night. He said I was looking at him like a cow looking at a new gate. I have absolutely no recollection of him telling me that! And this is not the first incidence of me forgetting something in similar situations.
So, I'm wondering if this could be a lingering effect of the Effexor, or something else.
Posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:06:07
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jbc on February 9, 2005, at 12:51:55
Are any of you getting horribly bad headaches when withdrawing? I'll go a couple hours (but no more than that) and then SLAM, holy moly does my head just ACHE.... How long can I expect these? A couple weeks, maybe? It freaks me out because I hardly ever get any headaches so my body just isn't used to dealing with them (which is why I'm pretty damn sure it's a withdrawal symptom).
Posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:13:51
In reply to Got headaches, too?, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:06:07
Hey there again. I normally love working out and do so about 5 days a week. However this is day 5 of my tapering experience, and I haven't worked out since I started tapering because I've been dizzy, nauseous, and my head has been killing me. I was thinking today I should try to get back at it just to keep up on my normal routine, but I am wondering if it is smarter to rest and take it easy. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!!
Posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 14:14:18
In reply to Got headaches, too?, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:06:07
Yep getting really bad headaches too!
And like you I hardly ever get headaches.Don't you think coming off these things could make you so depressed you'll need to go back on them!!
Posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:20:50
In reply to Re: Got headaches, too? » brainshiver, posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 14:14:18
Ha! Exactly! I know what you mean, but even though it's hell to get off this crap it's not so bad that I would EVER consider going back to this at full dose. Never ever ever.
Posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 14:39:25
In reply to Re: Got headaches, too?, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:20:50
If I continue to get SP, I'll want to go back on it for life if I can. I was on the lowest dose for ages so staying on that will be fine by me!
Posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:42:38
In reply to Re: Got headaches, too? » brainshiver, posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 14:39:25
Yep. I hear ya. I'm hoping to get off it completely, but if I need to stay at 75mg or 37.5mg I will. I remember why I went on it in the first place, and I don't want to be there either.
Posted by jubilee on February 9, 2005, at 14:42:46
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jbc on February 9, 2005, at 12:51:55
Anti-hystimines are good for headackes as effexor messes with that. Crazy vivid nightmares are a side affect and should pass.
The slower you come off the better . Hang in there. I had enough to last 5 months slow withdrawal and 4 months is a good time to aim for with tranc's. Now I am comming off the trancs.
I sleep like a normal person now and love it and no dreams. I am not all hyper like I have been for 4 years and this has been a major life change for me .
I am still having memory problems and yes effexor does mess with the memory and I don't see much improvment yet.
Take care. Jubilee.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 19:17:10
In reply to Re: Crazy dreams, anyone??, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 9:47:10
You're welcome. I had the same experience with the dreams picking up where they left off. Weird, huh??
> Yikes! Two weeks?! Ah well, I'll deal. I'm totally going to use your idea of keeping a light on. Thanks!
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 19:20:21
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jbc on February 9, 2005, at 12:51:55
>>>He said I was looking at him like a cow looking at a new gate.<<<
I LOVE that!! I've never heard that one. We say, "like a deer in headlights," around here. Thanks for sharing it!
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 19:21:13
In reply to Got headaches, too?, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:06:07
Yep, and for me, yep. For what it's worth, you're "normal." :-)
> Are any of you getting horribly bad headaches when withdrawing? I'll go a couple hours (but no more than that) and then SLAM, holy moly does my head just ACHE.... How long can I expect these? A couple weeks, maybe? It freaks me out because I hardly ever get any headaches so my body just isn't used to dealing with them (which is why I'm pretty damn sure it's a withdrawal symptom).
Posted by jbc on February 9, 2005, at 19:33:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » jbc, posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 19:20:21
Honey, I have a million of 'em! Between my dad...who grew up on a farm in Northeastern Oklahoma and has said things like that my whole life...and my father-in-law, who grew up in a tiny town in Central Oklahoma...I could write a book! That humor, along with my faith & family is all that kept me going through all the trials of withdrawls.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 20:37:45
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Jiggitykid, posted by jbc on February 9, 2005, at 19:33:42
You should write a book (or as my in-laws say, "Y'orta write one.")! My dad and I often discuss the phrases that are disappearing from the language. I'm in the heart of the South, and there are some wonderful phrases, words and interesting pronunciations that are going away. "Homogenization of the language," I call it.
> Honey, I have a million of 'em! Between my dad...who grew up on a farm in Northeastern Oklahoma and has said things like that my whole life...and my father-in-law, who grew up in a tiny town in Central Oklahoma...I could write a book! That humor, along with my faith & family is all that kept me going through all the trials of withdrawls.
Posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 0:02:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » jbc, posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 20:37:45
G'day! Made the mistake yesterday of thinking that I didn't feel too bad and so went to work. What I didn't realise was that Day 3 AE (After Efexor) was going to be brouht to me by Heinz 57 Varieties of Withdrawal Symptoms.
I reckon based on all our experiences, we should get Alice Cooper to be our patron, I'm sure he was the first to say "Welcome to my nightmare". Sorry to say it Brainshiver, but welcome to ours.
Hey Jiggitykid, glad you liked the analogy. What can I say other than Ouch! Guess that's the meaning of that old chestnut "look before you leap." - sorry, couldn't resist =0). BTW it's funny you mentioned dreams that just pick up from where they left off as I've been having they for a couple of weeks now. For the record I think you're incredibly brave and should be really proud of yourself!
Oh yeah, down here we say "like a rabbit in the headlights" or "like a stunned mullet". We'e also noticing the loss of the Aussie idiom.
You guys won't believe it but I've just been reading a UN document that talks about how they are now using research into depression etc as the basis for weapons research. Somehow I think a bullet would be preferred by the majority of the population. Marg, just a note for what it's worth that Efexor-XR is an SNRI Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor not an SSRI. The UN doc talks about the way these chemicals work and also talks about Narcolepsy and SP. Funny how it arrived today. If I keep at you will you go to a sleep disorder clinic - please???
Brainshiver, yeh love my exercise too and know that not geting enough is a factor in my depression, but have accepted that I'll need to miss a few days/weeks until the balance returns. And yes, yes and yes to the new symptoms you've been experiencing. At times yesterday it felt like someone had pulled by brain out and dropped in about 5kgs (10 pounds) of electric jellyfish. Any movement caused them to either bang together or into my skull and cause a force 10 brain and body zapp with accompanying pain. What's that new Maccas slogan....oh yeah "lovin' it."
Take care.
Posted by brainshiver on February 10, 2005, at 7:12:21
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 0:02:12
Hiya again! Wow, I'm at day 6. Still sucks, but I do want to say that I tried an anti-histamine (as recommended on this forum for head aches), and maybe it was placebo effect, but it did seem to help a little. And the pain was so bad any relief was welcome. I brought the anti-hists to work today in anticipation of the head aches... and as much as I wanted to exercise yesterday, I have come to the realization that right now I just can't. At least it gives me something to look forward to.
As far as good phrases, I'm a Northwoods girl, originally from Wisconsin, and we, too, would say 'like a deer caught in headlights'. Another phrase that I think should be used more is 'more slippery than snot on a brass doorknob'. My dad used to say that to describe the icy roads, and I always got a good laugh from that one...
Anyway, thanks for all the posts. It really is amazing how much reading these makes me feel more at ease. It's always better knowing I'm not going at this alone. Take care everyone!!
Posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 19:53:17
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by brainshiver on February 10, 2005, at 7:12:21
Hiya Brainshiver. Well I'm well into Day 5 and it appears Days 3&4 may just have seen the worst of it. Hope I haven't just jinxed myself =0). What I didn't realise was that Days 2,3 & 4 were being co-sponsored by the National Dyslexia Association amongst others. While everything else seems to have settled down (thankfully; except the zapps which are still going full throttle), I still seem to be suffering temporary (hopefully) Dyslexia. Having real trouble with words, letters and numbers getting all jumbled up and just plain forgotten, and just getting my eyes to focus. All of which for an avid reader is damn annoying. Kinda hard to be too down when you look out across Sydney Harbour and the Opera House from your desk!
Wednesday was kinda embarrassing when during a meeting with some senior colleagues I went to stand up and explain a slide only to a) have my knees withdraw their services, b) be hit by a wave of nausea, the net result of which was a resounding baritone burp and Damos on his knees hanging onto the meeting table as though his life depended on it waiting for the room stop still again.
The thingameejig I was reading from the UN also talked about the importance of noradrenaline in the consolidation of memory - I'm sure someone was asking about short-term memory effects. The noradrenaline is also really important in the development/maintenance of normal sleep rhythm. Sorry Marg, but I'm gonna keep on at you cause I don't want you to be on this drug if there are other better courses of action available.
I give thanks for all of you each day and pray for your health and happiness. Take good care.
Posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 22:50:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 19:53:17
Just for the record I've been taking 1000mg of paracetamol as required max 4x/day for the brain aches, joint pain (fingers and toes especially) and fever (Days 3&4), and 2mg of antihistamine (brand name Polaramine - long time trusted friend) as required max 4x/day for the itches. So far so good, no nausea or fever today, only minor itches, brain aches (probably from the PC) and a couple of little spin outs. I'm also not one who normally get head aches either but have had all kinds and intensities.
Posted by brainshiver on February 11, 2005, at 7:07:25
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 19:53:17
Hey there, Damos! It's day 7 for me, and I'm happy to report that I am feeling like a million-freaking bucks today! For me I think that day 4 and 5 were the worst. Yesterday I had an angry Effexor headache, but by later in the afternoon I was feeling great and was even able to go the gym and have a wonderful workout.
I've got the dyslexia thing going on now, too, and having trouble communicating basic thoughts. My tongue has been tripping over itself or something. Oh yeah, almost forgot, the ol' short term memory is a bit fuzzy, too, but I can surely deal with that (compared to the other physical symptoms I was feeling, not remembering stuff is NUTHIN'!)
So, Damos, WOO-HOO! We're doing it! I'm down to taking 75mg/day now and during the bad days I remember thinking NO WAY was I going to taper down again right away, it just seemed sooooo painful. But man, I have a total restored sense of hope now. Tapering sucked SOOOO bad, but I know I can do it again. I have a one month supply of the meds (minus now the 7 pills I have taken), and if all stays okay I'm gonna drop down again!! (like you, I am a little worried I've jinxed myself.....) I'll keep you and everyone posted on how I'm doing.
Take care, everyone! And keep the hope alive!!!! We CAN do this!
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.