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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by corafree on June 10, 2005, at 17:57:39
In reply to Re: Please don't take Effexor- it kills, posted by latina10 on June 9, 2005, at 14:46:38
latina10 - There are a lot of suggestions on the Alternative posts and Withdrawal posts about things to help you get through the 'getting off of Eff-XR'. It got to the point where it was no longer working for me also. I had a bit of a 'breakdown' and was having non-stop panic attacks; so managed to get my insurance to pay for hospitalization. While there, I was started on a long-acting benzo (Valium) and mood stabilizers (never considered these as had never been diagnosed bipolar, but they worked) Trileptal and Seroquel. You sound like you need help so reach out to your doctor and close people, and keep posting; try Withdrawal and Alternatives too. Best wishes, cf
Posted by vilneram on June 19, 2005, at 20:08:01
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Jom on May 29, 2005, at 9:56:16
When I was on effexor, I felt normal for the first time in years. I had forgotten what it felt like to not feel depressed. It was well worth the side effects of dry mouth and constipation. Unfortunately I had a very rare side-effect of a myopathy, and had to get off it. Effexor is like all of the SSRI medications, you have to go off SLOWLY, by doing that I had very little in the way of side effects: 225 mg for a week, then 185,5 mg, then 150mg, etc.
> > 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 an 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
> >
> >
>
> I am glad to have found this board...I was beginning to think I was crazy....stopped taking 150 mg Thursday - thought using Buspar would help the withdrawal...but after 4 days of vertigo I am beginning to think I made a mistake...Dr apt on 7th and I know I will get a scolding. Prescribed for hot flashes and insomnia - but the 12 lb weight gain is more dangerous, I think, than any relief - which by the was was minimal. Started at 75 than to 150 mg...and hate it.
> Does this muzziheadedness go way any time soon?
> I REALLY do not want to take any more of this drug....it has caused joint pain, sleepiness, but no sleep, weight gain. I was taking 10 mg Buspar for work related stress/anxiety and Dr. thought Effexor a better fit for the stress and menopausal symptoms.
>
> So...how long does it take to REALLY get off this drug....and be symptom free ?? I am almost afraid to drive.
>
Posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 19:08:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » DeeCee, posted by Carolina on July 30, 2005, at 14:07:42
I am trying to find out if anyone knowes if severe muscle and joint pain is a withdraw sympton of effexor today is my tenth day off it seems to keep getting worse
Posted by Carolina on July 31, 2005, at 19:08:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 10:17:11
hey there-i personally have never heard of that being a w/d symptom but every1 is different. i quit effexor cold trky 2 weeks ago and was one of the few 2 have no w/d side effects...i feel 100% better now since i've been off! i hope that u begin 2 feel better soon...best wishes-carolina
PS-have u mentioned this 2 ur doc??
Posted by ReadersLeaders on August 1, 2005, at 1:28:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 10:17:11
> I am trying to find out if anyone knowes if severe muscle and joint pain is a withdraw sympton of effexor today is my tenth day off it seems to keep getting worse
Yes, it absolutely is.
RL
Posted by Raggs on August 3, 2005, at 2:21:29
In reply to Redirect: withdraw sympton, posted by Dr. Bob on July 31, 2005, at 19:10:27
Hi there,
I had severe withdrawl symptoms when I tapered off of effexor xr several years ago and body aches and joint pain were among them....We then upped the dose slightly and started tapering off in tiny amounts (by 37.5mg at a time), it took about three months to stop it altogether without the symptoms being to debilitating.
I went back on Effexor xr about a year and a half ago to treat the return of my anxiety disorder. On another note I recently suffered a full tonic seizure and the hospital seemed to think that it was caused by missing 3 doses of my effexor xr. I have no known seizure disorder and since that seizure I've not had another - mind you I'm am extremely careful about not missing my meds!
Posted by compguy on August 3, 2005, at 2:21:29
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdraw sympton, posted by Raggs on August 1, 2005, at 11:16:05
Thank You for your input!
Posted by compguy on August 13, 2005, at 10:23:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by ReadersLeaders on August 1, 2005, at 1:28:53
> > I am trying to find out if anyone knowes if severe muscle and joint pain is a withdraw sympton of effexor today is my tenth day off it seems to keep getting worse
>
> Yes, it absolutely is.
> RL
>
>
do you happen to know how long it takes to go away I have been off almost three weeks and my muscles hurt non stop
Posted by graceneeded on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:39
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by emma67 on June 4, 2005, at 1:28:52
I have been on Effexor xr for 4 years and worked up to 225mg. I thought it was great stuff at 150 but had to go up to 225 and the side effects were too much. Started to come down to 150 on Friday 8-19-05 and started Wellburton the same day. The headaches have been unreal along with the sweats and irrational thoughts. I took Dramamine today to see if it helps. I am due to be off Effexor in two weeks. I sure hope the Wellburton helps. Depressed with a headache in Georgia.
Posted by kim79 on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:39
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by graceneeded on August 21, 2005, at 9:10:40
That is a HUGE step down by 150mg. I would ask your Dr if he has any sample and drop by 37.5 mg each time and then every other day
ex:
225 start
week 1: 225/187.5 every other day
week 2: 187.5 (150 and a 35.7 pill) daily
week 3: 187.5/150 every other day
week 4: 150 daily
week 5: 150/112 every other day
week 6: 112 (75 pill and 37.5 pill) daily
week 7: 112/75 every other day
week 8: 75 daily
week 9: 75/37.5 every other
week 10: 37.5 daily
week 11: 37.5 every other day
week 12: 37.5 every 3rd day
week 13 and on I hear getting off that last bit of meds is hard too so you will have to see take it as you need it. However being on 37.5 is way better than 300...anyway my mom an RN says if I ever try to go off again to do it this way to help my body adjust and not suffer such bad with drawls.
Kimberly
> I have been on Effexor xr for 4 years and worked up to 225mg. I thought it was great stuff at 150 but had to go up to 225 and the side effects were too much. Started to come down to 150 on Friday 8-19-05 and started Wellburton the same day. The headaches have been unreal along with the sweats and irrational thoughts. I took Dramamine today to see if it helps. I am due to be off Effexor in two weeks. I sure hope the Wellburton helps. Depressed with a headache in Georgia.
Posted by KMM on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:40
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by graceneeded on August 21, 2005, at 9:10:40
I too am reducing off 225 mgs of Effexor. My psychiatrist recommended taking 187.5 for two weeks then 150 for two weeks. At this point I am to add 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL and see how I feel. If it is too much, I will reduce the Effexor down to 75. We just moved to the UK for my husband's job and they do not sell the 37.5 in XR here. It takes forever for my medicine to arrive from the US so in the meantime I have been opening the 75 mg capsule, splitting the contents and taking 1/2 each day with 2 75 mg tablets (total of 187.5). I feel fine. I also experienced too many side effects at 225 mgs of Effexor.
Just an FYI, my doctor did not recommend adding the Wellbutrin right away at all. She said that it would make me feel quite jittery and unwell. I give you a lot of credit for realizing that your thoughts are irrational - we can't all do that.
Good Luck!
Kris
Posted by graceneeded on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:40
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by KMM on August 21, 2005, at 14:38:32
I really don't know what to think about the whole thing. My Doctor claims its all a medical thing and his wife my psychologist tells me its all from the way I think. I will be glad to get off the Effexor and hope the Wellburton does well. I just want to know I have done all I can to stand and turn the rest over to God, if my irrational thoughts would let me!!!!!!!!
Posted by graceneeded on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:40
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by KMM on August 21, 2005, at 14:38:32
I started to decrease from 225 to 150 last Friday. Had the worst headaches and depression I had ever experienced. So I took someone's advice and took Dramamine and the headache went away. At night I took another one and one Benedryal and slept like a baby. Woke up feeling pretty good. The Benedryal even helped with the anxiousness. (PLEASE EXCUSE MIS-SPELLED WORDS). Do not know when these will wear off so I have them with me.
Posted by sad1 on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:40
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by graceneeded on August 21, 2005, at 9:10:40
So, you worked your way up to 225mg in 4 years and your doctor is having you come off it completely in 3 weeks! I am shocked your doctor would even have you drop from 225mg to 150mg in one week.
I completely agree with kim79. You should be weaning off Effexor very gradually, that's what my doctor told me. My doctor described it EXACTLY as kim did, i.e., switching between 225mg and 187.5mg every other day the first week, then the next week take the 187.5mg every day, and so on... I am on 75mg and my doctor told me if I was to go off it, that it would take me 3-4 weeks to do so, and I'm only taking 1/3 of your dosage.
For now, if you can handle the withdrawals at 150mg, do yourself a favor and at least drop the rest very slowly. If you still can't handle it, maybe take 187.5 every or every other day to function better, and then drop to 150mg once your body has a chance to adjust. Your poor thing, no wonder you're suffering! Just remember that your doctor doesn't have to go through the withdrawals, you do. I would go to another doctor for a second opinion.
> I have been on Effexor xr for 4 years and worked up to 225mg. I thought it was great stuff at 150 but had to go up to 225 and the side effects were too much. Started to come down to 150 on Friday 8-19-05 and started Wellburton the same day. The headaches have been unreal along with the sweats and irrational thoughts. I took Dramamine today to see if it helps. I am due to be off Effexor in two weeks. I sure hope the Wellburton helps. Depressed with a headache in Georgia.
Posted by 4WD on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:40
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by graceneeded on August 21, 2005, at 15:14:35
> I really don't know what to think about the whole thing. My Doctor claims its all a medical thing and his wife my psychologist tells me its all from the way I think. I will be glad to get off the Effexor and hope the Wellburton does well. I just want to know I have done all I can to stand and turn the rest over to God, if my irrational thoughts would let me!!!!!!!!
Hi,I know just what you mean. I keep trying to turn stuff over to God but it's next to impossible to do that if your brain is wired such that you can't stop worrying!
Marsrha
Posted by graceneeded on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:40
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » graceneeded, posted by 4WD on August 22, 2005, at 14:02:10
Do you suffer from OCD and excessive worring?
Posted by TinMan on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:40
In reply to Help for Effexor Withdrawls, posted by graceneeded on August 22, 2005, at 7:25:32
OK...my Dr. called me back today, finally. He said I would be just fine going from 225 mg to 150 mg in one day. (Yup! True story and he is a Psychiatrist!) He did not want to put me on another AD (Wellbutrin).
I am not so sure about this after reading other's posts. Now, I think I am pretty stoic and can handle this. I did, after all, get off a high dose of Paxil but I was going on Effexor at the same time. I will let you know how it goes for me.
What a world, what a world,
TinMan
Posted by Ishy on August 29, 2005, at 18:25:36
In reply to Fibromyalgia Effexor - YES!!!!, posted by Bayla on June 13, 2001, at 19:33:40
I just want to say that the side effects outweighed the pain for me. And the pain came back after awhile of being on Effexor. I have been diagnosed with about as severe of FMS as you can get.
Plus, please do some research on quitting the drug - I had electric shocks, clumps of hair that fell out, fainting spells, and worse. And I tapered slower than the doctor wanted me to (he wanted to put me on a different drug). I changed doctors and vowed to tell people the truth about Effexor.
> > > Re: Muscle Aches
> I've been on the Effexor a week now and my Fibro pain is 75% reduced...a miracle. I had some sleepiness the first few days; my BP actually has been running lower than my baseline; and I'm sleeping great. The most unbelievable aspect is the dramatic decrease in my pain. Yes, Yes - in reviewing the threads I'm sure I'm going to get a barrage of "Just you Wait...the other shoe will drop", etc. However, to those of you with Fibromyalgia (and are receiving the med for this diagnosis - not depression), GO FOR IT! It's worth trying, believe me. This week has been the best in 4 years...and my Fibro specialist chose the drug after reading it's response in clinical trials for Fibro and positive experiences with other patients. This is a good forum; gave me parameters to monitor. However we need to remember that the drug is used for a variety of syndromes/somatic disorders which each, in themselves, has a unique metabolic and/or neuro "uptake", etc.
Posted by graceneeded on August 29, 2005, at 18:25:37
In reply to Re: Fibromyalgia Effexor - YES!!!!, posted by Ishy on August 25, 2005, at 20:14:00
I just got past my first week of droping from 225 to 150 and today started at 75mg. The first couple of days was pure sea sickness and was only helped by Dramamine. Today feels ok so far but you know how that goes it is still early! Danny
Posted by TinMan on August 29, 2005, at 18:25:37
In reply to Going Off Effexor is a Trip, posted by graceneeded on August 26, 2005, at 7:06:34
> I just got past my first week of droping from 225 to 150 and today started at 75mg. The first couple of days was pure sea sickness and was only helped by Dramamine. Today feels ok so far but you know how that goes it is still early! Danny
Hey Danny!Sounds like you are doing okay. Glad to hear that the Dramamine helped.
I, too, have dropped from 225 to 150 mg. Didn't really have any side effects. Perhaps, as I thought, I was "over" medicated. I had braced myself for some withdrawal symptoms but I feel fine. My Dr. did not want to add Wellbutrin, so I just stopped taking that extra pill.
The therapy that that I have been getting and working with has helped me tremendously! With therapy, Effexor and this board, I am doing okay and am in a calm, focused place. -TinMan
Posted by graceneeded on September 5, 2005, at 19:27:25
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Well I took my last 75mg. of Effexor XL on Saturday. From 225 to 0 in 2-3 weeks and boy what a noise in my head. I can hear my eyes move. Will be off Welburtin by Thursday so I guess I will be leaving this site soon. Had to take Dramimene and Benedrayl yesterday from seasickness. Keep me in your prayers. I am eating everything in sight.
Danny
Posted by apriely on September 5, 2005, at 19:27:25
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdraw sympton, posted by apriely on September 5, 2005, at 16:28:30
> I have been on 75mg of effexor for almost a year. It has truly been a livesaver. It has worked amazingly for my anxiety. However, I have recently moved and started new employment and do not have insurance. I stopped taking the effexor 3 days ago. I feel so terrible! I am having dizziness, light headedness, nasuea , headaches, and just a weird feeling all over my body. I am especially depressed though. I am crying over everyhting and absolutely nothing!! I am getting angry at people for tiny things that normally would not upset me! I dont know what to do! Does anyone know how long these symptoms usually carry on? any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!
Posted by kim79 on September 6, 2005, at 23:53:44
In reply to Off of Effexor as of Yesterday, posted by graceneeded on September 5, 2005, at 7:10:16
No Dan you can't leave you have to stick around and let everyone know how long the "pain" lasts!!
So far in my withdrawl I have been pain & dizzyness free!! I'm taking it really SLOW this time though. Last time I tried the 150 down to 75 over 2 weeks and it about killed me!!! I got through the first week then gave into the "headache sedation effects" of effexor and have been on 150 ever since, that was almost a year ago.
Now I am taking out 2 little white balls more every day. Today I took out 34 little white balls!! All's good so far!! When I take out 50 little white balls that will be equal to being down 37.5mg. Yeah at 2 a day 50 little balls takes 25 days...but I have been though the withdrawl hell and I didn't like being so sick and dizzy and cranky all the time. Now I still feel like me, like there has been no dose change at all. I'm giving my brain time to kick it's own "happy chemicals" into gear and it's working!!!!
It may take awhile but in 200 days (total) I will be free and that sure beats being on this med forever or going through the withdrawls of getting off too fast. I will continue to keep everyone posted though. I'm thinking it might be tougher to get off as the dose gets lower, but we shall see!!
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!!
Kimberly
Posted by kim79 on September 7, 2005, at 0:18:40
In reply to Help for withdrawal symptoms, posted by apriely on September 5, 2005, at 16:32:56
Ohhh no!!!! That totally sucks!!! you are going to be no good to anyone unless you taper off slower. I know how it feels, eww and my eyeballs are spinning for you!!
How many pills do you have left? If none try to get some sample from your Dr. at LEAST 10 75mg pills (20 would be ideal!)
For every 37.5 mg there are approx 100 little white balls in a capsule. That means at 75mg you were taking 200 white balls a day. If you lower your dose by 10 balls a day you would need 10 75mg pills. However to make this work you MUST save the extra white balls!!! Buy some empty gel caps at your local pharamcy to "re package your meds" Then sit down with your pills and some labeled plastic baggies marked days 1-20. Carefully open a pill and pour out the correct # of balls for that day into an empty gel cap for it's corrosponding day. Close the little buggers put them in their days baggie and go to the next day
Ex:
day 1 take out 10 little white balls put them in empty gel cap for day 20
day 2 take out 20 little white balls put them in empty gel cap for day 19
day 3 take out 30 little white balls put them in empty gel cap for day 18
day 4 minus 40 into day 17
day 5 minus 50 into day 16
day 6 minus 60 into day 15
day 7 minus 70 into day 14
day 8 minus 80 into day 13
day 9 minus 90 into day 12
day 10 minus 100 into day 11...
and that should be your 20 days right thereIf you have 20 pills left though I'd recommend dropping by 5 white balls a day. Using the same process as above but by 5's it will take 40 days but it will be really close to withdrawls free!!
Good luck!!
Kimberly> > I have been on 75mg of effexor for almost a year. It has truly been a livesaver. It has worked amazingly for my anxiety. However, I have recently moved and started new employment and do not have insurance. I stopped taking the effexor 3 days ago. I feel so terrible! I am having dizziness, light headedness, nasuea , headaches, and just a weird feeling all over my body. I am especially depressed though. I am crying over everyhting and absolutely nothing!! I am getting angry at people for tiny things that normally would not upset me! I dont know what to do! Does anyone know how long these symptoms usually carry on? any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!
>
Posted by kim79 on September 7, 2005, at 0:25:44
In reply to Re: Fibromyalgia Effexor - YES!!!!, posted by Ishy on August 25, 2005, at 20:14:00
I don't think it matters why you were put on this drug. I think it effects the brain chemistry in such a way that it makes it hard for anyone and just about everyone to get off. What ever makes it work also messes with a part of the brain that makes you very dizzy and sick when you try to go off too quickly (IE anything faster than 1mg a day!!!) Or so it would seem!! Miss 1 dose and in under 24 hours you will know how fish feel swimming in the ocean!!
Kimberly
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