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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 32. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 13, 2005, at 13:01:23
Hi Everyone,
I took the plunge today and after cutting down for three days - I stopped taking my Effexor.
I was on 75mg for a few months and the side effects were too much. I could not adjust to the insomnia, weight loss, blurry vision and fatigue.
My doc added remeron for a few weeks as a sleep aid and it did work but I was so tired the rest of the day and any loud noise made me jump out of my skin so my doc suggested I stop. After 1 week without Remeron the insomnia came back bringing with it lots of nausea.
It was just too much, I decided to get off the side effect roller coaster and see if I can handle my anxiety without meds.
I would love to hear from anyone that has been successful and how long it took for the side / withdrawl effects to fade away.
I'll try to update each day.
Thanks for your support !!!
Posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 14, 2005, at 11:39:27
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatugue and Nausea, posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 13, 2005, at 13:01:23
Day Two,
Extreme Fatigue and Nausea.
Ear Twitching ? - Not Sure if it's related.
Anxiety is back - chest pain, insomniaI am considering taking some Remeron tonight. It will help with sleep and nausea. Anyone have a better idea ?
Thanks
Posted by apenname on July 14, 2005, at 18:58:05
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatugue and Nausea, posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 13, 2005, at 13:01:23
Ideas:
-Exercise more: maybe even wear yourself out so you can sleep? (I know, insomnia's more than that, but it may help), I found it helped cut the symptoms of withdrawal
-meditation to calm your brain (when I get insomnia I usually have to try and shut my brain up which just keeps telling me worrying things)
-vitamins: check out rabble_rouser's post on which ones
-drop down dose more gradually, but since you have side effects from being on the Effexor, you may not wish to, but many people find it gets rid of the withdrawal completely
-Benadryl or Claritin have both been found to be good for othersGood luck!
Posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 15, 2005, at 8:05:42
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatugue and Nausea, posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 13, 2005, at 13:01:23
The dizziness was just too much last night so I broke down and took a very small amount of Effexor. Mayber 20 crystals or so.
I also took 7.5 Remeron to get a good night sleep. So far on day three is not that bad.
I'm tired (probably from Remeron) and a little spacy.My anxiety has been active too, chest pain from time to time, but I use positive self talk and it passes.
One interesting thing was I didn't have nausea this morning until I thought about it. Then it seemed to pass in a few minutes (is this anxiety too ?)
My guess is I will feel much better once I stop thinking about it all the time.
Your feedback is appreciated. Thank You !
GS
Posted by apenname on July 15, 2005, at 11:29:40
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Day Three, posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 15, 2005, at 8:05:42
Concentrating all the time on how I feel tends to lead me to be miserable. I'd originally scheduled it so I could go through stepping down from Effexor at 225 mg at a time when it wouldn't interfere with work. Withdrawal took longer, and work came back to grab my attention and I found myself feeling better for being busy, because I wasn't moping around all the time. I also wasn't trying to evaluate every single thing my body was doing, and of course the extra work stress got to be a reason for symptoms instead of withdrawal.
Although I did feel that the dizziness was very obviously withdrawal and it kept me from being able to concentrate on anything for a length of time, so the tiny Effexor doses made a big difference.On the weekends I cleaned, planted things, puttered around, hung out with friends and watched movies, and that helped too. It's tough to find a balance somwhere between self-observation and unhealthy focus, but I'm trying to think positively about building lifelong coping mechanisms.
Posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 18, 2005, at 7:57:13
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Day Three, posted by apenname on July 15, 2005, at 11:29:40
Thanks for the input apenname, you sound a lot like me.
The weekend went pretty good, Saturday was med free and only minor dizzy spells. I don't mind the chest pains or nausea, I can deal with them, it's the dizzy spells that I don't like.
Sunday started OK but the dizzy spells were pretty strong by the evening so I took a tiny Effexor dose. The dizzy's did seem to fade. I also had trouble sleeping. A tiny Remeron dose soon fixed that.
Like you I don't notice any symptoms when my mind is busy on other things. Once I start thinking about my anxiety it's hard to break free. I start each morning wondering how I'm going to feel and worrying about it.
Every little pain or tingle is analyzed and blamed on anxiety or a "potential" health problem. My health is my favorite worry, every tingle is a tumor while pain is cancer or heart attack.
I have learned that my fears are not reasonable. I also understand that worrying about something will not change the outcome one bit.
I hope that over time my mind will become bored with the drama and my thoughts will return to normal - family, friends, work and play.
Thanks
GS
Posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 25, 2005, at 9:02:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Day Four / Five, posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 18, 2005, at 7:57:13
Hi Everyone,
It's been a full week without any Effexor.
The side effects of taking this medication were just too much so I decided to adress my anxiety and get off the roller coaster.
The withdrawl is not too bad. I have the dizzy spells 20 or 30 times per day and the odd stomach ache. I don't like it but it could be worse.
When I am busy I don't notice any side effects. My biggest problem is waking each morning thinking about my anxiety then having it on my mind most of the day.
I'm sure that I will feel "normal" as soon as I forget to worry about anxiety.
I think it will be 6 - 8 weeks before the withdrawl symptoms are gone. Any symptom after that is probably my anxiety.
If you are quitting like me, please send your experiences - especially positive ones. All I can recommend for withdrawl is a daily vitamin, lots of water, no caffiene after lunch, exercise every day (even if it's only 10 mins), comedy films or shows and try to do something you enjoy at least once a day.
I try not to fight my anxiety anymore. Just roll with it, most symptoms are your body trying to protect you from whatever you're worrying about. Anxiety won't kill you so just take a moment to relax, tell your body it's a false alarm and everythings ok.
So far it's working. I'm about 20 dizzy spells a day from feeling better.
Thanks GB
Posted by SLS on July 25, 2005, at 10:32:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two, posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 25, 2005, at 9:02:04
Hi.
I wish you continued progress in your separation from Effexor.
I think what you did to discontinue Effexor abruptly and without an adequate taper took resolve and fortitude. It is not easy. However, I would not recommend it for people who have the time to invest in a taper.
I have grown increasingly suspicious that the abrupt discontinuation of Effexor (and other SRIs), and the allowance for a full withdrawal syndrome to develop and continue for more than a week, sets up the system to remain in a perpetual state of withdrawal that can last for weeks and months after taking the last dose of medication. Such a process might be mediated through a process known as the "kindling" effect, a model used to explain epilepsy.
I prefer to use a type of taper that remains flexible and does not allow for withdrawal symptoms to persist for more than an hour when they appear. It involves taking small doses of medication throughout the day, often necessitating the splitting pills into smaller and smaller pieces and using them as needed to stop the withdrawal symptoms whenever they reappear. One uses the medication almost like a PRN, similar to using aspirin whenever a headache appears. Much has been written about this in greater detail on the Withdrawal Board over the last few months.
For the people who have used this flexible-dosing method, withdrawal symptoms remain mild and brief after they take their last dose of medication. I don't think anyone using this type of taper has gone on to experience these mild withdrawal symptoms for more than a few days to a week after total discontinuation. Overall, their separation from Effexor was virtually painless and took as little as 2-3 weeks beginning at dosages as high as 300mg.
- Scott
Posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 25, 2005, at 11:01:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two » GoldenSlumbers, posted by SLS on July 25, 2005, at 10:32:29
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the response. I was taking Effexor for about 4 months. The highest dose was 75mg. I did taper down a little. Taking half a capsule for a few days and then tiny amounts for the next few days if the side effects got to bad. In all I tapered for about 10 days or so.
Now that a week has passed without the pills it seems the withdrawl is starting to show up. I don't want to take anymore so I'm trying to take each day as it comes.
Without the pills I have some dizzyness, mild nausea and mild stomach ache. With the pills I don't sleep very well, I lose weight to the point of others showing concern, I feel spacey and unable to concentrate, sweat, dry mouth and still battle anxiety wondering with each dose what I'm doing to my body.
So far I think it was the right decision. I did not know so many people battled anxiety and depression. All of you are an inspiration to work hard and live well.
Thanks
GS
Posted by CAROLINA on July 25, 2005, at 16:07:06
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two » GoldenSlumbers, posted by SLS on July 25, 2005, at 10:32:29
hey scott-im the 1 that quit effexor 150 a day cold approx. 10 days ago and im still ok???? could this be as i put on the other post-the calm b4 the storm? i have only had mild w/d symp. and feel better than when i was on it??? just wanted ur input-carolina
Posted by SLS on July 25, 2005, at 21:32:54
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two....SLS, posted by CAROLINA on July 25, 2005, at 16:07:06
Hi.
> hey scott-im the 1 that quit effexor 150 a day cold approx. 10 days ago and im still ok???? could this be as i put on the other post-the calm b4 the storm?
I doubt it. I think you're home-free. :-)
> i have only had mild w/d symp. and feel better than when i was on it???
Some people experience a temporary improvement when they discontinue a medication. This is called a rebound improvement. It is difficult to say how long it may last. Maybe a week or two. Alternatively, it may be that Effexor was actually making you feel mildly to moderately worse without your realizing it.
Whatever it is that has you feeling better, I hope it continues.
- Scott
Posted by Carolina on July 25, 2005, at 22:43:41
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two....SLS, posted by SLS on July 25, 2005, at 21:32:54
Posted by MtnMama on July 26, 2005, at 18:44:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatugue and Nausea, posted by apenname on July 14, 2005, at 18:58:05
I quit 150mg Effexor XR 5 days ago. Had been taking it since 11/5/02 originally at 300mg daily, then cut myself to 1/2 a dose about 18 months ago. So far, other than a couple panic attacks and spontaneous crying episodes, I feel great. I feel slightly stoned?? but not taking anything else. Is that the dizzy sensation? My eyes are a bit blurrier but I'm sleeping through the night for once. I've been watching what I eat--lots of salads, veggies, good stuff! and trying to keep the stressors out of my way, being proactive about situations before they come up. With 4 kids and a husband working out of town, it's been tough but very manageable. Now I wonder if maybe Effexor was hindering me before? I keep waiting, like everyone else, for the other shoe to drop. I plan on using my treadmill tonight for something other than a clothes hanger, and eating a meal of fish and veggies to feed my brain.
Oh yeah--it's screwing with my monthly cycle as well. Anyone else have this happen?
Posted by Carolina on July 26, 2005, at 19:04:46
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatigue and Nausea, posted by MtnMama on July 26, 2005, at 18:44:09
hey there-i quit effexor cold approx. 10 or 11 days ago and felt the same way u are for the first 4 or 5 days. the "stoned" feeling was the same for me, had the crying outbursts, and after 6 days had a few sleepless evenings w/ nightmares but overall i also feel 110% better. i now have no w/d symptoms and i was slightly worried that this was the calm b4 the storm but even if it is-im enjoying it & feeling better than i have in years! keep me informed and take care-carolina
Posted by Carolina on July 26, 2005, at 19:19:12
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatigue and Nausea, posted by MtnMama on July 26, 2005, at 18:44:09
Posted by apenname on July 28, 2005, at 0:46:05
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatigue and Nausea, posted by MtnMama on July 26, 2005, at 18:44:09
I had the slighty stoned turn into dizzy in my case. A couple times I'd forgotten to take Effexor the years I was on it, I'd get the slightly stoned feeling.
Maybe you won't have the other shoe drop. Some people probably don't get terrible withdrawal.As for the monthly cycle, no, I hadn't noticed any change other than being on Effexor reduced my cramps. During tapering down, I had some more cramps, I'll know for certain after some months. I do know that stress definitely screws with my cycle from life before and during Effexor.
Posted by MtnMama on August 3, 2005, at 1:13:38
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatigue and Nausea » MtnMama, posted by apenname on July 28, 2005, at 0:46:05
So I've had almost zero side effects. No headaches. No brain zaps. No skin sensitivity. I can sleep better at night than I have in 3 years and I'm staying up much later instead of crashing at 8pm. I can think so much more clearly and can multi-task once again at work (to a fault). I answer phones all day and have not once yelled at anyone!
The 2nd day of withdrawal was the one and only "episode" I had. Severe anxiety attacks, crying jags, anger. But that's all gone. In fact, we had some friends over last weekend and they said I need an "anti-happiness" pill now! Imagine that. I am able to handle my children fairly and somewhat calmly, which was my biggest fear. I didn't want to end up going "psycho-mom" on them. BUT--check this out-- my cobwebs are are cleared out and instead of continuing to accept our teenage daughter's rebellious behavior, like I did on Effexor because it was just easier, we actually made some major life changes regarding her and I AM OKAY. I HANDLED IT AWESOME! I did cry, but that was good, because like most of you know, you can't cry on Effexor. You can't feel anything. Well, I can feel everything now. I laugh hysterically again at stupid stuff, my husband says I talk a lot more now (probably too much!) and surprise, surprise, cravings are gone. Alcohol, junk food, soda, all of it. I mean, now I have a drink because it tastes good, not because I need to. And for whatever reason, I do have a real craving for veggies, fruit, whole grains and I have an aversion to meat. I've NEVER been vegeterian. What's up with that? Is it just my body wanting to get healthy again? I don't care. I've lost 7 pounds in the last 12 days.
One last note my hubby wants to point out is SEX. Wow, I want it again! And I have a voracious appetite for it! We're making up for lost time! I'm starting to cry just writing all of this because for so long, I was just in this horrible fog and felt nothing!!! And now, I tell everyone that I feel 110% better. And I feel 10 years younger. Sexier. Prettier. Happier. And peaceful. Really truly peaceful. And it is just so great, I though I would end up on meds for the rest of my life and end up killing myself. I've been down for so long. Life is beautiful. I so regret ever taking this horrible drug and missing out on so much happiness.
I hope you guys can find this happy place of mine. I was so afraid forever to take myself off this stuff, afraid I'd lose my mind and not be able to be "me" again. But, I'M BACK AND LIVING LARGE!!
Posted by Carolina on August 3, 2005, at 7:42:59
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - 12 Days Later!, posted by MtnMama on August 3, 2005, at 1:13:38
MY EXPERIENCE W/ EFFEXOR AND W/O EFFEXOR IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS U DESCRIBED. I FELT SO HORRIBLE ON IT, I DECIDED TO QUIT,? 3 WEEKS ? AGO NOW AND AS U SAID, I FEEL 110% BETTER,MY ENERY HAS QUADRUPLED,I AM NO LONGER NUMB-I CAN CRY AND LAUGH,GET PISSED OFF AND BE SILLY,AND MY SEX LIFE IS BACK(THANK GOODNESS).I HAD ONLY THE MINOR W/D SYMPTOMS U DESCRIBED FOR ONLY A COUPLE DAYS AND IT WAS MY 2ND AND 3RD THAT WERE A BIT ICKY! I THINK IT'S WONDERFUL U FEEL SO WELL AND I'M HAPPY FOR U-TAKE CARE
Posted by iluvbsks on August 5, 2005, at 13:03:28
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two, posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 25, 2005, at 11:01:09
I am shocked at the symptoms that have begun after "tapering" off of effexor, I was only on this for 2 months and started weaning from it and have felt horrible. I have decided to take St. Joh's Wort for my panic attacks and had to cease the effexor to do this. The nausea and dizzyness are almost too much. I keep treading on because your threads have given me encouragement that "this too shall pass". How long did it take for the WD symptoms to ease off. I have been effexor free now for 7 days and still have terrible symptoms.
Thanks for your input.
Posted by MtnMama on August 5, 2005, at 15:33:25
In reply to 1st wk effexor - WD, posted by iluvbsks on August 5, 2005, at 13:03:28
I do have nausea now in the mornings, and it's not morning sickness. I think I have to attribute this to withdrawal, hope it goes away pretty soon! It goes away by my morning coffee time. I'm still dropping pounds and I forget to eat. Ginger will treat the nausea, and if I feel a panic attack coming near, I use all of my learned knowledge on how to fend it off. So far so good.
Keep on truckin'. Life after Effexor is what I've always wanted.
Posted by iluvbsks on August 5, 2005, at 15:59:16
In reply to Re: 1st wk effexor - WD, posted by MtnMama on August 5, 2005, at 15:33:25
>Thank you so much. I read where caffeine makes the nausea worse but I get headaches without it! I will try the Ginger. Have you tried St. John's Wort for the panic attacks. From what I have read you have to be off effexor to take it but I have taken it in the mornings to help me get through the nausea. (the bottle says 3x a day but I am afraid to take it that frequent since I don't know how long the effexor stays in your system) I can't wait to feel great again!
Posted by MtnMama on August 5, 2005, at 16:33:07
In reply to Re: 1st wk effexor - WD, posted by iluvbsks on August 5, 2005, at 15:59:16
I know that to replace your Effexor with St. John's Wort, you need to take an awful lot of the herbal supplement. Effexor XR is the worst for withdrawal symptoms because it's out of your system the fastest, leaving nothing behind to help you transition, like Prozac does. I would talk to an herbalist or compounding pharmacist to find out the correct dosage for SJW. If you've never used a compounding pharmacy, it's quite the learning experience. Remember--there's a reason God created medicinal herbs, for us to use for natural results.
Posted by iluvbsks on August 9, 2005, at 9:34:16
In reply to Re: 1st wk effexor - WD, posted by MtnMama on August 5, 2005, at 16:33:07
Well week two is now in full swing. I have had no major withdrawal symptoms. I have cut out the caffeine and haven't had any panic attacks as of yet. But like I told a friend, the withdrawal is MUCH WORSE than the panic attacks, at least a PA will only linger 10/15 minutes, WD lingers all day. I am so glad I didn't cave and go back on the meds. I have more energy, my sex life is back and my husband says I am more like the woman he married. I have lost 6 pounds in two weeks (which is main reason I quit meds) and I am beginning to rest better. Nightmares are slowing down. I haven't had as many mood swings. I am so glad I am beginning to get my life back.
Posted by wildcard on August 9, 2005, at 9:56:27
In reply to RE: Week 2 -Effexor WD, posted by iluvbsks on August 9, 2005, at 9:34:16
Been there and FULLY understand except i still get the panic attacks but u sound great-best wishes!!!
Posted by MtnMama on August 9, 2005, at 10:41:26
In reply to RE: Week 2 -Effexor WD, posted by iluvbsks on August 9, 2005, at 9:34:16
Today is day 19. It's occurring to me this is the longest I've been "clean" in 3 years and I could kick myself for wasting those precious 3 years. I'm still nauseous in the AM, but's it wearing off a bit. I am quick to tell my kids/hubby if I feel myself getting tense or stressed. Still don't know how to deal with all that. Any suggestions? I can't keep avoiding stress, but how do I remain sane? My husband and I are better than when we first got married. I had no idea life could be this great.
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