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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by winddancer on February 14, 2005, at 11:58:16
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized, posted by dancingstar on February 13, 2005, at 20:29:53
Do you get Benedryl over the counter? And what is it's effect? Does it make you sleepy?? I'm decreasing Effexor now -- from 150mg, I dropped by 37 1/2, for the past 2 weeks. Now I just started this week with 75 mg.only. I haven't experienced anything worse than the symtoms I am experiencing while on the Effexor. (body ache, tingling tongue & mouth, lethargy, headaches, lack of taste)
My acupuncturist, through pulse reading, etc., has identified gall bladder problems and low blood which isn't surprising since the drug so challenges the liver. Also, a massage therapist who specializes in visceral manipulation and cranial sacral identified gall bladder problems. As soon as my head cold clears, I am beginning another batch of Chinese herbal tea to help build up my blood and continue to help me sleep. The herbs and acupuncture has helped tremendously with the insomnia. I recommend it.
Thanks for all the good advice.
winddancer
Posted by dancingstar on February 14, 2005, at 12:27:46
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized » dancingstar, posted by winddancer on February 14, 2005, at 11:58:16
If acupuncture is working for you, I would stick with it. If you can avoid adding meds of any kind, I would.
I took and still take from time to time tiny doses of over-the-counter Benadryl; so it doesn't make me tired. Now I take it when I get the prickly feeling when I'm stressed. It pretty much relieved the nausea and, belive it or not, the extreme pain that I had during the withdrawal process. Sometimes I hurt so badly that I couldn't move, and I was shocked that Benadryl knocked back the pain almost completely.
Posted by winddancer on February 14, 2005, at 12:36:58
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized » winddancer, posted by dancingstar on February 14, 2005, at 12:27:46
Wow, knocked out the pain, too? That sounds good to me. I'm so sick of all the excruciating pains I have and it took awhile to realize that it had something to do with the Effexor.
winddancer
Posted by dancingstar on February 14, 2005, at 12:49:56
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized » dancingstar, posted by winddancer on February 14, 2005, at 12:36:58
Yup! I remember lying on the sofa at about 11:30 in the morning, crying cause I hurt everywhere from my fingertips to my toes. I could barely walk because my hips were in excruciating pain. For some reason I got up and took a Benadryl and within 20 minutes, I was almost as good as new. I could go work out. It blew me away.
If you don't have a problem with Benadryl or are not allergic to it, it doesn't affect you badly in some way --don't need any more of that, ya know??? -- it's worth a try.
Posted by winddancer on February 14, 2005, at 13:04:17
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized » winddancer, posted by dancingstar on February 14, 2005, at 12:49:56
That sounds like me this morning. Just when I think I'm going to finally get something done, the pains hit. Very agravating. People in my life appear to think I'm lazy and unmotivated. Geez, I'll have to get some Benadryl to try.
winddancer
Posted by dancingstar on February 14, 2005, at 13:19:44
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized » dancingstar, posted by winddancer on February 14, 2005, at 13:04:17
I so know how you feel. You poor thing!!!
It will most likely help you if you are having a similar experience to mine.
Posted by Blucky on February 15, 2005, at 8:42:56
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized, posted by Blucky on February 13, 2005, at 19:20:50
Day 4 now. Pretty much quit cold turkey on 150 and I'm really not feeling too bad at all! I've got the cobwebs pretty bad and some really vivid dreams, but definitely nothing I cant handle. Should I expect the symptoms to worsen day by day or do most folks plateau at this point? Thanks in advance! Feelin awesome!
Posted by tatarka on February 15, 2005, at 22:11:04
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized, posted by Blucky on February 13, 2005, at 19:20:50
Hi Blucky, hi Dancingstar, hi everybody. Yesterday I gave up and took 75 cuz I thought I'm having a heart attack. I had some kind of electric shots in my head which "echoed" in my heart. I really thought that I can die, so I decided to take 35, but by the time I got home I just took the whole capsule, because it's faster. In about a hour or so (during which I was crying without reason) I started feeling better. Now I'm going to take 35. I decided not to quit cold turkey.
Posted by tatarka on February 15, 2005, at 22:14:39
In reply to Re: My worst fears realized- Effexor, posted by Blucky on February 15, 2005, at 8:42:56
Great news!!! :-) My symptoms got worsen day by day, but everybody is different!!! Good luck!
Posted by corafree on February 15, 2005, at 23:46:00
In reply to Why worst fears realized, posted by Blucky on February 11, 2005, at 22:42:31
Bucky did you get to the NEW Withdrawal Babble for more info? cf
Posted by Blucky on February 15, 2005, at 23:46:00
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized » Blucky, posted by corafree on February 15, 2005, at 14:52:09
Yes I did....thank you. I'll keep everyone posted. On day 4 now and feelin pretty good!
Posted by Blucky on February 16, 2005, at 9:14:38
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized- Corafree, posted by Blucky on February 15, 2005, at 16:53:19
Last night I felt pretty darn bad. I felt really nausesous but I drank a LOT of water and that seemed to help quite a bit. I've also been taking quite a few vitamins (including several B's, C, Beta Carotene, and E) that seem to help a lot too. Maybe this is why I haven't had it too bad. Besides the nausea last night, the brain zaps, and running into things I'm still doin fairly well. Thanks to everyone for their support!
Posted by winddancer on February 16, 2005, at 11:22:20
In reply to Day 5, posted by Blucky on February 16, 2005, at 9:14:38
Running into things?? Tell us more!
winddancer
Posted by Blucky on February 17, 2005, at 13:07:45
In reply to Re: Day 5 » Blucky, posted by winddancer on February 16, 2005, at 11:22:20
well, not much to tell. I just seem to be a bit "off". Very clumsy. Today however has been my best day yet. All of my withdrawal symptoms are gone. I drank a lot last night and wonder if there is any connection?
Posted by dancingstar on February 17, 2005, at 13:43:08
In reply to Re: Day 5, posted by Blucky on February 17, 2005, at 13:07:45
Drinking lots of water definitely helps to flush the drug out of your system.
Not everyone has a long, horrible withdrawal. You may be one of the lucky ones that gets through this in a week or so. The part that is hard on the rest of us is that some people have an easy time of it and then post things here that make it seem like those of us that have struggled for months are exaggerating or making it up when in truth we have a chemical makeup that was wrong for ever having taken the drug as it is pure poison in our bodies, and it damages something inside of us.
We didn't know anything at all about this before we took it nor while we were on it, and it is only now that we have come to realize that we were poisoned and don't know what the net effects will be in long run.
I hope that you are one of the lucky ones that escapes relatively unharmed! Keep up the good work.
Posted by Blucky on February 17, 2005, at 16:52:14
In reply to Re: Day 5 » Blucky, posted by dancingstar on February 17, 2005, at 13:43:08
Totally understand where you are coming from and I sympethize greatly. The small dose I have gotten totally sucked and I can see how debilitating it could be if it was worse. We are certainly all different and I totally don't intend to downplay the struggles others are having. I'm just posting how it's been for me personally and, looking back, feel that stories like mine probably create hope for those that want to get off. the drug, that is lol
Posted by dancingstar on February 17, 2005, at 22:01:05
In reply to Re: Day 5 dancingstar, posted by Blucky on February 17, 2005, at 16:52:14
:-)
Posted by Blucky on February 18, 2005, at 14:11:16
In reply to Re: Day 5 dancingstar » Blucky, posted by dancingstar on February 17, 2005, at 22:01:05
Ok, I'm pretty sure this is my 6 th day effexor free. I feel great. I smile so much more...like I used too....and I am finding pleasure in things again. I read where someone said they enjoyed listening to music again. So true! It's strange, but music is so imortant and I feel like I get that "special feeling" again when I hear songs that bring back good memories. My symptoms get a little less each day. The main one that has not gone away is the brain zap thing...especially when I close my eyes. Also, I find it SO much easier to wake up in the morning! Its awesome. I feel genuinely happy again!
Posted by Si Kottic on February 20, 2005, at 19:13:06
In reply to Day 6, posted by Blucky on February 18, 2005, at 14:11:16
I'm new here and trying to withdraw, haven't started yet, tried in the past and it scared me to death. I thought effexor was for depression and I am reading that most feel less depressed after withdrawing from this drug. I don't understand. I'm afraid that I will be totally depressed after going off effexor?
Posted by SLS on February 21, 2005, at 7:13:44
In reply to Re: Day 6, posted by Si Kottic on February 20, 2005, at 19:13:06
> I'm new here and trying to withdraw, haven't started yet, tried in the past and it scared me to death. I thought effexor was for depression and I am reading that most feel less depressed after withdrawing from this drug. I don't understand. I'm afraid that I will be totally depressed after going off effexor?
How do you plan to discontinue the drug? What dosage are you currently taking? What other drugs are you currently taking?
- Scott
Posted by ensenbachg on March 7, 2005, at 18:45:37
In reply to Reply to Blucky re Effexor withdrawal, posted by Troubled1 on February 12, 2005, at 21:04:01
> Sorry I haven't updated lately re my effexor withdrawal as I've been caught up in the hypothyroid discussions. I've lost track of how many days it's been since I went cold turkey after reducing dose of 225 to 75 (I think it's been about 6 days now). After about 3 days on 75,even though I was feeling a bit dizzy and nauseous, I just threw my effexor in the garbage. Read my above posts re how I felt for first few days. Since last post re that, my irritability has improved but not completely gone away. It takes a really annoying person to set it off though. Doesn't seem to be there consistently i.e. I'm not looking for a target, I prefer to be tranquil, but a certain family member who has been emotionally abusive throughout my whole life, will send me into a screaming match easily. Perhaps I should have done more of this before instead of bottling it up and getting sick over it. The interesting thing about the withdrawal symptoms is that I feel a bit differently each day. It is very strange. First just physically sick, then more irritable, then really climbing the walls restlessness, but this could be alleviated by simply taking a short drive to the store. Once I returned home, I could relax. Today, after an argument with above person, I am feeling extreme anger towards this person (with good reason). Physically, I am still nauseous and a bit dizzy but Gravol and eating regularly keeps this under control. The only mood-related symptom that seems to be consistent so far is crying. I am crying far more easily than I had been but have not retreated into the heavy duty depression that caused me to be placed on Effexor originally. I will NEVER go back on Effexor. I would be far more willing to go back on Zoloft or Welbutrin as neither of these caused the horrific physical problems for me that Effexor has. I was not the least bit fatigued or foggy on the others, I just didn't feel that my depression was lifted as much as should be possible, although, my mood did improve on them. Of course, since each person is different, these drugs may be worse for others than Effexor. Can't see how you can get much worse than Effexor side effects, though. I will be seeing a new GP next week who hasn't been out of med school that long and is just opening up her own practice here. I am very interested in seeing what she recommends for my condition as opposed to my older, more experienced doc who didn't want to listen to me when I suggested that my physical symptoms may be due to Effexor or my hypothyroidism. I was so ticked off at him that I didn't even consult him re going off Effexor. He doesn't even know yet. Anyway, best of luck with getting off Effexor. Don't be too tempted to go back on just because withdrawal is difficult. You will never know for sure what is the drug and what is you naturally until Effexor is completely out of your system. I've heard that it could take about a month after completely being off of it to feel "normal" again. If you are feeling unable to cope or God forbid, suicidal, seek emergency help. They can likely give you something other than Effexor to take edge off. Remember, we are all here for you as well to help you through. Take care of yourself and keep us updated, please.
>
> KarenI am also Hypo and trying to get off of this awful drug! I was first on paxil and after a few years had withdrawal while still on it and the Dr. decided to up the paxil so the effects would go away but they just came back so he changed me to Effexor XR and over the years kept uping the dose. Well to make a long story short I was on it to block pain and mild depression. Final dosage was 150 mg. daily and was on that for approx. 3 years. Over that time I have gained about 100 pounds and was so lazy I didnt even want to go to work! I lost my job and now have a job that has no health ins. so I cant afford the Effexor XR and want to go off anyway! So I have slowly dwindled down to not taking it and am having sever withdrawal! I am about to leave for Walmart to try what I just read about Benedryl! God I hope it works!!! I dont like feeling like my eyes are jumping all over and dizzy!!! It is really scary to drive in this condition! But I have to. Thank You for all of the info and I will try to read these posting often to see how things are with all and try to keep my symptoms updated to all also!
Posted by jubilee on May 27, 2005, at 8:00:45
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor - joint pain » winddancer, posted by Emmi on May 22, 2005, at 10:22:08
I found effexor to be highly addictive mentally and physically.
It took me 5 months to go off
I suggest going off when you have the most effexor possible and go real slow as I cut my 300 mgs in half and then went down 20 mgs every week or 2 . The point is to start quiting with as much as possible so you can go slow and not get so sick. Effexor destroys thee liver and is very poisonous I feel.Beg your doc to go off slow but most MDs think they know it all and slow is best .
I was enraged for 5 months or 6 and crying and mad. Wouldn't know a true feeling if I had one almost lost all my friends.
Good Luck seek God to get you through as he was my answer to the gentalist wway you can get off it. Gods is moved by prayer and youre gonna need it . Trust me , he cares for you and will see you through. Jubilee
Posted by srobbie on May 27, 2005, at 8:00:46
In reply to Natural therapy for Eff withdrawal symptoms » Corafree, posted by winddancer on April 19, 2005, at 23:47:19
Is it possible to stop taking Effexor XR (37.4mg)cold turkey after just 4 days. It seems to cause bad side effects for me, or ascerbate the problems I already have. I see my doctor tomorrow; hope he can help with my fits of panic/anxiety.
Posted by RickC on May 27, 2005, at 8:00:46
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by maggie on April 13, 2000, at 14:32:34
I got on effexor because I could see a layoff coming at work and my wife was diagnosed with breat cancer and I was having a lot of difficulty dealing with everthing. I was not able to concentrate at work and was very depressed and irratable and angry. Not good for a large ex-football player like myself.
I was on effexor for around 41/2 months.
I have been off effexor for 4 days now. Followed my doctors instructions to decrease dossage to get off of it. Went from 225mg down to 37.5 over 4 weeks. My withdrawal symptoms are just like yours. Very bad dizziness with head movement and feeling that my eyes need to catch up to my head. The hot flashes are worse now also. Not great when I was at the full dosage either, but worse now. The feeling like I am high on something is the only way to express it. Been dizzy since I started dropping down on the dosage, but this is bad. I space out driving to work and feel like I am disconnected. But I must work, so drive as carefully as I can. I will not go back on anything again. Will try to deal with things as best as I can with counselling.
> Nice to see everyone on these message boards....
> helps to know one is not alone.
>
> I have been on effexor xr for about 1 year - 150mg)
> and it has really helped me with my depression!!!
>
> BUT I have found - from missing doses - that the
> withdrawal effects are real. For me, they have
> included strange effects in my brain. A feeling
> of electricity or shocks, also vertigo when I move
> my head from side to side or up and down. Then it
> feels like my head has moved too fast and my eyes
> take a few seconds to catch up. This prohibits
> driving, makes me dizzy and feels very bizarre.
>
> Muscular tension and knots in my leg and hip -
> where I previously had bursitis - GREATLY
> increased when I decreased my dosage from 325 mg
> back to 150mg od.
>
> The side effects, that I can live with, are
> weird dreams plus a LOT of twitching and
> involuntary movements of arms and legs when in bed.
> These wake me up lots of times, but that is much
> preferrable to the weight of depression.
>
> This drug is wonderful for some,
> and disasterous for others.
> Worth a try if you really want to be rid of
> that dreaded pit of despair!!!
>
> Maggie
Posted by Elroy on May 27, 2005, at 8:00:47
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by RickC on May 23, 2005, at 14:47:06
Just as a suggestion, would recommend (quite highly as I am using it currently myself), the psychiatric treatment "EMDR" if you want to go wit counselling rather than medications.
See:
http://www.remedyfind.com/rm-4144-Psychotherapy.asp
http://www.remedyfind.com/rem.asp?id=7766
http://www.remedyfind.com/rem.asp?id=5779
http://www.remedyfind.com/rem.asp?id=12634
http://www.remedyfind.com/rem.asp?id=12635
http://www.remedyfind.com/rem.asp?id=12636EMDR doesn't work with everyone, but for those that it does, it's a very valuable tool.
Would also suggest use of natural supps to assist in balancing brain chemicals and neurotransmitters.
Book by Dr. Eric Braverman (can't recall title offhand) and the book "The Brain Chemistry Plan" are a couple of good ones...
X
X
X
X
> I got on effexor because I could see a layoff coming at work and my wife was diagnosed with breat cancer and I was having a lot of difficulty dealing with everthing. I was not able to concentrate at work and was very depressed and irratable and angry. Not good for a large ex-football player like myself.
>
> I was on effexor for around 41/2 months.
>
> I have been off effexor for 4 days now. Followed my doctors instructions to decrease dossage to get off of it. Went from 225mg down to 37.5 over 4 weeks. My withdrawal symptoms are just like yours. Very bad dizziness with head movement and feeling that my eyes need to catch up to my head. The hot flashes are worse now also. Not great when I was at the full dosage either, but worse now. The feeling like I am high on something is the only way to express it. Been dizzy since I started dropping down on the dosage, but this is bad. I space out driving to work and feel like I am disconnected. But I must work, so drive as carefully as I can. I will not go back on anything again. Will try to deal with things as best as I can with counselling.
>
> > Nice to see everyone on these message boards....
> > helps to know one is not alone.
> >
> > I have been on effexor xr for about 1 year - 150mg)
> > and it has really helped me with my depression!!!
> >
> > BUT I have found - from missing doses - that the
> > withdrawal effects are real. For me, they have
> > included strange effects in my brain. A feeling
> > of electricity or shocks, also vertigo when I move
> > my head from side to side or up and down. Then it
> > feels like my head has moved too fast and my eyes
> > take a few seconds to catch up. This prohibits
> > driving, makes me dizzy and feels very bizarre.
> >
> > Muscular tension and knots in my leg and hip -
> > where I previously had bursitis - GREATLY
> > increased when I decreased my dosage from 325 mg
> > back to 150mg od.
> >
> > The side effects, that I can live with, are
> > weird dreams plus a LOT of twitching and
> > involuntary movements of arms and legs when in bed.
> > These wake me up lots of times, but that is much
> > preferrable to the weight of depression.
> >
> > This drug is wonderful for some,
> > and disasterous for others.
> > Worth a try if you really want to be rid of
> > that dreaded pit of despair!!!
> >
> > Maggie
>
>
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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