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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by dancingstar on June 19, 2006, at 11:05:39
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by da on June 19, 2006, at 11:00:16
Hi da,
The weight gain went away for me, instantly, when I stopped taking Effexor. I had been eating virtually nothing for three years and had no clue why I was gaining weight.
When I stopped the drug, poof, the weight was gone. It dropped and dropped and dropped. Thing is, though, I had beeen eating really clean for years, and I'm sure that's why it was so easy to lose it.
Posted by over 55 on June 19, 2006, at 11:14:38
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by da on June 19, 2006, at 11:00:16
Oh, I hope the weight goes away!! I can't blame it all on the meds but I will say I can get into pants I couldn't get into 2 weeks ago and I feel like I was losing weight. I don't have a scale so who knows, but it feels like it ( : One of the things I have noticed with the withdrawal is the eyesight thing. I have had Lasik on both eyes, but I feel like they are really blurring and having trouble staying focused. My theory is since it causes "dry mouth" it also dries the eyes out and now my eyes are having to readjust. Hum.m.m. I hope the surgery still is 100% after all this evens out. I hadn't thought of that one until just now. Wow, there are a lot of unknowns with each of us. I would definitely have the eye surgery again, but who can afford to do it twice. Not me!! The only thing I want to shrink is my body, not my eyeballs ( : Have a great day today and hopefully tomorrow will be even better. Thanks for caring and sharing!!
Posted by dancingstar on June 19, 2006, at 11:22:50
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by over 55 on June 19, 2006, at 11:14:38
I stopped taking Effexor in Sept. '04, and it has taken so very long for me to recover. In all honesty, I cannot think of a single bodily system of mine that was not affected by that drug, including my eyesight.
I, too, had Lasix, and my eyesight is now finally perfect. I didn't know why my vision was blurry...but sure enough, now that the drug is gone, it's fine again now.
I have to add, though, that I am not taking any sort of AD whatsoever and don't know whether or not other drugs, besides Effexor, have an impact on these conditions, though I imagine that they might. I don't know why Effexor harmed so many parts of my body, but I'm just glad at this point to have survived my withdrawal.
I hope you are feeling 100 percent perfect very soon!!
Posted by Miriamne on June 19, 2006, at 11:25:48
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by da on June 19, 2006, at 11:00:16
Da:
Everyone's different, but I will say that Welbutrin helped me for a few years with depression/mood swings--it had less of a bad effect on my libido and the anorgasmia was not as bad.
Hang in there...
M.
Posted by nesredep on June 19, 2006, at 20:35:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by thorthena on June 9, 2006, at 19:35:31
Hi
I felt wonderful on Effexor XR. I started it nearly 3 years ago, and within just a few weeks felt better psychologically than I had in years. My husband (who hates Psych meds) said that he felt he had the real me back again.
I had previously tried a number of SSRIs with and without Wellbutrin.
I am a professional, work hard, have a difficult marriage, transitioning with my kids off to college.
The secret is to taking Effexor for me was to "start low and go slow"...
Unfortunately, after about 3 months I developed a very rare side effect (myopathy/myositis/CPK 4,000) which at that point had not yet been previously reported. I had to taper off fairly quickly; even then we took two weeks to do so, and I had minimal side effects. Again, never stop "cold Turkey."
I am now taking Cymbalta, and doing well... but have never felt quite as resilient and stable emotionally as I did on Effexor. But my depression does remain in remission. Also, I tend to be a bit scatter-brained on this med.
Posted by zinrut on June 26, 2006, at 14:11:57
In reply to Re: Redirect: getting off effexor » SLS, posted by dancingstar on March 27, 2006, at 9:52:39
I very slowed down from 225 to 37.5 of Effexor and
for the last 3 month I was taking 37.5 only once for every 3 days (3 times /week).
I was fine for the last 3 month but suddenly I started to feel nauseas, insomnia, diarrhea.
Is anyone had these problems? What to do? How long it can take?
I was scared and started to take 37.5 every day.
I hope it is not coming back.
Posted by Miriamne on June 29, 2006, at 23:20:32
In reply to Re: Redirect: getting off effexor, posted by zinrut on June 26, 2006, at 14:11:57
Sorry to hear of your effexor backlash. I'm sorry to say that, if you read this thread, you'll find similar stories to yours. The comfort I can offer is that it WILL end eventually. It's a very difficult drug to wean oneself off of.
I couldn't be more sympathetic. I'll send up a prayer for you.
Sincerely,
Miriamne
Posted by elsie_girl on June 30, 2006, at 1:36:50
In reply to Great...I take Premarin too, posted by over 55 on June 15, 2006, at 8:41:44
Hi over 55! Have just been going through some previous posts and noticed this one. I have posted to Efexor withdrawal and have had some response from you there. Just to remind you - it took me a few months to come off Efexor, but the last bit was where I screwed up (well, my doc didn't know better I think) where I went from 37.5mg/day to NOTHING!!!! Had to start on Lovan after 3-1/2 weeks off Efexor because of irritability, anger, etc. (not typically me). But I don't know if it's my age (47 and peri-menopausal) or what that made me so bad.Anyway, I had really BAD headaches while on Efexor (4 years) and my doc couldn't explain it (I have had RSI & degenerative disc problems too), but said she didn't think it was the Efexor. The headaches gradually disappeared over the months while I was weaning off Efexor and have not had any since I stopped taking it. Now I am 7 days into Lovan and yesterday I started getting a headache and today it is WORSE. Did you experience any headaches on Efexor? I understand Lovan and Prozac are the same drug family too. Are you expecting to go onto something else?
My doc has booked me into a psychiatrist but it won't be for a few weeks, meantime I am flying blind on my own and doing my best to find out the information myself. It really helps me to know there are others like myself out there. How are you finding the Prozac? Please post soon.
> Wow...I have found some soulmates. I take the regular old horse serum Premarin (for last 15 years). Low dosage though ( : I had partial hysterectomy years ago with one ovary left and DR thought it best to do that. I have had no problems.
>
> I so identify with all I am reading from all of you. Just hearing it has been helpful. It has been one week today I started to wean off the Effexor, with the 20 mg of Porzac added to transition to. A little nausea and fatique, but nothing real bad. I am supposed to go down another 75 mg this next week and by the third week be off it. I am taking all your advice and ready to go more slowly than that, if needed, to avoid alot of pain. I am not into pain!!
>
> The family history of depression is phenominal really. There were lots of suicides in the family early on. Now people have just talked about it alot. My mother threatened often and just ended up sleeping the last 10 years of her life away.
>
> My grown daughter suffers too and has been on meds for most of married life (14 yrs). She appears to be doing quite well. I know she blames me for alot of unhappiness in her childhood (and I thought I was doing quite well considering) and for her depression. She has chosen to not have a realtionship with me for the last 5 years and that has been very painful. My son (30) has also suffered from depression and took an overdose in mid 20's, but is doing much better now.
>
> I am in a helping profession (social worker) and sometimes feel like a fraud telling other's how their life can be better and they can do better when I have made a pretty good mess of my own ( : I look pretty sucessful from the outside, owning a beautiful home, good job, travel alot, but getting through the day sometimes is such a struggle. I have no energy and my legs feel like they weigh a ton. I have to make myself go do things where I used to "want to". I guess my "want to" is broken!! Thanks to everyone who is choosing to share on this site. It really is helpful!!
Posted by elsie_girl on June 30, 2006, at 1:48:36
In reply to Re: Great...I take Premarin too, posted by over 55 on June 15, 2006, at 14:30:09
Hi Over 55! Found this post too and have to tell you that the final straw for going off Efexor was the excessive sweating that I had. I only had to put my hands in hot water to wash dishes and it dripped off me - had to keep a towel around my neck. I wondered if it was hot flushes - but it did not seem to fit. I had a hysterectomy when I was 38 but retained both ovaries. With some of the symptoms I was having more recently my tests did reveal a lowered oestrogen level - so I too am on Premarin. I now wonder how much of my other symptoms were caused by Efexor?
It is a shame that even though my doc knows a bit about meds she is not very sympathetic and has almost given up on me. Just hope I can get an appointment with a psychiatrist soon - there is a shortage of both general practitioners and specialists in my city. It's not good for someone like me who, at the moment, needs constant monitoring.
I feel better when I read these posts as I know I am not alone. Thank you and all who have replied. Wish you all the best.
> Hi all,
>
> It is like a light bulb is going off in my head today. I have had some wierd physical symptoms within the last 6 months. Even after thorough medical testing nothing shows up as abnormal and now I am wondering how much is the Effexor. I had unexplainable chest pains while goiing up stairs or exertion of any kind. Had the MRI heart imaging and treadmill test along with numerous EKG's all coming back within the normal range. I just don't "do stairs" now ( : or go very slowly. Also I sweat (only from my head) upon any exertion. I feel like a fool all drippy and wet headed. It is like a furnace starts in my head. It is different than a hot flash. Been there. Done that. The Dr said, when I told him I wanted to go on something besides Effexor, "Well there is no reason not to if you are willing to not feel so good for a couple of months this summer". I should have asked exactly what he meant then. What was I thinking??? I do feel like my whole system is out of whack. I feel weak and shakey right now. I need to find somone who knows about suppliments etc. I take some, but just what other's have said worked for them, so I try them. Everyone is so different. There used to be a Health Center where you give them a strand of hair and they tell you what you need. I need to check this out. Thanks everyone. You are a great encouragement.
Posted by over 55 on June 30, 2006, at 10:21:19
In reply to Re: Great...I take Premarin too » over 55, posted by elsie_girl on June 30, 2006, at 1:48:36
> Hi Over 55! Found this post too and have to tell you that the final straw for going off Efexor was the excessive sweating that I had. I only had to put my hands in hot water to wash dishes and it dripped off me - had to keep a towel around my neck. I wondered if it was hot flushes - but it did not seem to fit. I had a hysterectomy when I was 38 but retained both ovaries. With some of the symptoms I was having more recently my tests did reveal a lowered oestrogen level - so I too am on Premarin. I now wonder how much of my other symptoms were caused by Efexor?
>
>
>
> It is a shame that even though my doc knows a bit about meds she is not very sympathetic and has almost given up on me. Just hope I can get an appointment with a psychiatrist soon - there is a shortage of both general practitioners and specialists in my city. It's not good for someone like me who, at the moment, needs constant monitoring.
>
> I feel better when I read these posts as I know I am not alone. Thank you and all who have replied. Wish you all the best.
>
> > Hi all,
> >
> > It is like a light bulb is going off in my head today. I have had some wierd physical symptoms within the last 6 months. Even after thorough medical testing nothing shows up as abnormal and now I am wondering how much is the Effexor. I had unexplainable chest pains while goiing up stairs or exertion of any kind. Had the MRI heart imaging and treadmill test along with numerous EKG's all coming back within the normal range. I just don't "do stairs" now ( : or go very slowly. Also I sweat (only from my head) upon any exertion. I feel like a fool all drippy and wet headed. It is like a furnace starts in my head. It is different than a hot flash. Been there. Done that. The Dr said, when I told him I wanted to go on something besides Effexor, "Well there is no reason not to if you are willing to not feel so good for a couple of months this summer". I should have asked exactly what he meant then. What was I thinking??? I do feel like my whole system is out of whack. I feel weak and shakey right now. I need to find somone who knows about suppliments etc. I take some, but just what other's have said worked for them, so I try them. Everyone is so different. There used to be a Health Center where you give them a strand of hair and they tell you what you need. I need to check this out. Thanks everyone. You are a great encouragement.
>
>Hi Elsie,
I remember you too from previous posts. I feel for you as this is such a difficult subject and life to live at times. BUT, I am here and many others also, to tell you that "change" can come at any time and I have found great encouragement and "threads of help" on this site. That has encouraged me to look at some alternatives and be willing to shake myself a little to wake up. I was feeling so bad that I began to think that was normal and really resenting the fact that it was so "hard" all the time. When I told a therapist that life just seemed a stuggle for me and other's seemed to breeze through it she just laughed. Telling me I would have to "work" just a little harder to be present and happy was a reality and "just is the way it is". I can accept it or fight it every inch of the way. So..........I work a little harder (or so I think).
I have been posting with Laura K on another thread and you may want to check that out for some alternative ideas I am trying, to deal with my life. **I will emphasize this is my life and I have to take responsibility for what I do or not do. I am not telling anyone to do what I do, but just be open that if an idea "seems to fit" you may want to explore it for yourself.
I received some "ideas" from others on the site and did some research for myself to determine if it "fit" for me or not. I am on a path now to try some new things to deal with my own imperfections and see how they work.
I too have found incredible strength and renewal in the fact "I am not alone" and others have traveled here before, and are willing to share their experience. I am conviced that many of the physical symptoms that plaque me were from the many years (15) of anti-depressant use. They can hopefully be reversed. IF I had not had Effexor and the others through the years I would not be here as I was "done" with life so it is bittersweet to know that meds that saved my life have also left me "different" than I want to be. For me, I must find that balance to health and happiness that is a level to sustain me. I wish that for everyone reading these threads/sites; to know there are others struggling and pushing towards health/ wellness and happiness. You, Elsie-girl, are in my thoughts and prayers and Ihope that something I have said today may bring you the hope to take the next step in your life. Hang in there and keep in touch!!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 3, 2006, at 7:01:41
In reply to Re: Dizzy, tired, after going off Effexor after 3, posted by dancingstar on June 17, 2006, at 11:04:13
> I would suggest that you [not] insult me by implying that I don't know what I'm talking about or that my doctor is a quack.
> I don't appreciate your baiting me
>
> You've done this to me many times before on this board, I have to assume, because you disagree with my position and want me to be blocked from speaking here. I will simply point out that your words are unkind and uncalled for.Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down or jump to conclusions about them.
But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please first see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforceFollow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by SLS on July 3, 2006, at 7:52:27
In reply to Re: Redirect: getting off effexor, posted by zinrut on June 26, 2006, at 14:11:57
> I very slowed down from 225 to 37.5 of Effexor and
> for the last 3 month I was taking 37.5 only once for every 3 days (3 times /week).Skipping days with Effexor generally doesn't work. Its half-life is too short. At this point, you are better off taking smaller doses every day or discontinuing the drug entirely.
> I was fine for the last 3 month
I am surprised that you didn't experience withdrawal symptoms during this period of skipping days if you are indeed vulnerable to a withdrawal syndrome them.
> but suddenly I started to feel nauseas, insomnia, diarrhea.
These are symptoms of withdrawal, but they might also be due to a viral infection.
> Is anyone had these problems? What to do? How long it can take?
> I was scared and started to take 37.5 every day.
> I hope it is not coming back.Did the symptoms disappear?
I recommend that you reduce the dosage by splitting the pills into fractions and gradually taking smaller amounts every day. When it comes time to discontinue the drug entirely, you might still experience withdrawal symptoms, but they will not be as intense nor last as long.
When I discontinued Effexor, I actually took very small fractions of the 25mg pills several times each day.
- Scott
Posted by shelby11 on October 24, 2006, at 1:31:36
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been off Effexor for 2 weeks. These withdrawl symptoms are somewhat unbearable. I have very bad vertigo, nightmares, major meltdowns over small things where I cannot stop crying, I am so distracted I should not be driving. I have missed work and my boss is trying to be patient ( I can't remember what I did 5 minutes ago), but wants to reevaluate how I am doing in two more weeks. So on top of everything else, I may lose my job.The only good part is that I have my sex drive back.
If I could go back I would have never taken this drug, I only had medium anxiety. My doctor gave me a sample and a script for this without telling me anything about this drug. I am much worse now than before. If anyone wants to quit they should do so before the dose goes up and up. I hear it's worse when you are at large doses. I was weaned properly, can't imagine what its' like to go cold turkey.
Posted by corafree on October 24, 2006, at 1:31:44
In reply to Re: Withdrawl, posted by shelby11 on October 17, 2006, at 16:31:54
I'm sorry you're suffering so much withdrawing.
I want my sex drive back and am ready to ditch Effexor-XR for the final time!
givinup, cf
Posted by shelby11 on October 24, 2006, at 1:31:48
In reply to Re: Withdrawl, posted by corafree on October 18, 2006, at 15:02:49
> I'm sorry you're suffering so much withdrawing.
>
> I want my sex drive back and am ready to ditch Effexor-XR for the final time!
>
> givinup, cfIt is terrible, I have signed that petition that is online and i wish everyone trying to come off this stuff would also. This drug is evil and the doctors are acting like we are making this up. I just want ot feel better. I was not suffering from depression before and now I am.
Don't give up if for any reason than to know that you are not poisoning yourself!! Good Luck
Posted by bon on October 24, 2006, at 1:31:51
In reply to Re: Withdrawl, posted by shelby11 on October 19, 2006, at 16:50:18
I am feeling better on the effexor. I have been on it for 2 months. I am almost to 150mg. My Doctor said that after you reach 150mgs it starts to work not only for depression, but also for anxiety. Unfortunatly you will feel the side effects first, which feel like worse anxiety some times. I had depression and incredible tiredness and that is gone now. I still am dealing with anxiety, but can notice that also getting better. I do believe in some people there is a chemical imbalance causing these symtoms. I have been on meds for years for anxiety and thank god they are available. I don't know if I will ever be off of them. I remember how I felt without them and how nonfunctioning I was. This runs in my family. I am not proud to admit this stuff. I do not often talk about this with friends. Unless you have been through it it is hard to understand. Maybe if you need to wean off this med you could switch to a more mild med at the same time and then off them both??? Just a thought. If you feel better on the meds why rush to get off? Maybe your body needs meds like a diabetic needs meds?
Posted by Phillipa on October 24, 2006, at 1:31:55
In reply to Re: Withdrawl, posted by bon on October 19, 2006, at 18:29:15
Black box warning on effexor. Can cause suicide in young people and liver damage cymbalta too. Love Phillipa
Posted by kellyN on October 24, 2006, at 1:32:21
In reply to Re: Withdrawl, posted by shelby11 on October 17, 2006, at 16:31:54
I've been on Effexor XR for 3 years. 150mg daily. It has been a miracle drug for me, although the side effects seem to be getting worse and I have to keep "upping" the dose. I tried to get off it a year ago, (weaning of course), and I was an absolute mess. I had nightmares, not just nightmares but night terrors. I was just a complete and utter mess, my family begged me to get back on it. It was almost like narcotic withdrawl I would think. Has anyone successfully come off of it other than this gradual weaning and withdrawl?
Posted by tbyoyo on October 24, 2006, at 1:32:26
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gabbie on October 16, 2006, at 9:48:57
I am having the "electric brain shocking" that others have mentioned, every couple minutes. I just stopped taking it.
I am very dizzy, my reactions are slow, like I shouldn't drive at all. I am so dizzy I kicked a wall in my house trying to walk down the hallway and BROKE my pinky toe!
The only thing that stops these symptoms is sleeping.
I felt fine on this drug, but these withdrawls are not worth it. I was on Zoloft before this and switched because of sexual disfuntions, but EFFEXOR didn't help those either.
DOES ANYONE know what the brain shocks are?
Posted by corafree on October 24, 2006, at 1:32:29
In reply to Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by tbyoyo on October 21, 2006, at 0:06:10
These horrible withdrawals from Eff-XR are all too common and it's about time Ps recognized this.
Can U make an emerg. call to your P this weekend? You need something to take the edge off this withdrawal. Resting is good. IMO, a week or so, of a benzo, may help you get through this. (It has me.)
love, cf
Posted by tbyoyo on October 24, 2006, at 1:32:33
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by corafree on October 21, 2006, at 16:11:14
does anyone know when these symptoms stop????
I am gonna have to call the Doctor tomorrow, i am driving my family crazy, and myself.> These horrible withdrawals from Eff-XR are all too common and it's about time Ps recognized this.
>
> Can U make an emerg. call to your P this weekend? You need something to take the edge off this withdrawal. Resting is good. IMO, a week or so, of a benzo, may help you get through this. (It has me.)
>
> love, cf
Posted by corafree on October 24, 2006, at 1:32:37
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by tbyoyo on October 21, 2006, at 22:18:01
Sorry I don't know, but it sounds like you can only get better from here. Glad you're calling doc' tomorrow. Hope someone here has a better idea than I re: length of withdrawal. A lot of factors might influence it.
thinkingofu, cf
Posted by corafree on October 24, 2006, at 1:32:42
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by tbyoyo on October 21, 2006, at 22:18:01
Sorry I don't know, but it sounds like you can only get better from here. Glad you're calling doc' tomorrow. Hope someone here has a better idea than I re: length of withdrawal.
Sometimes if I'm in over my head w/ an issue, I'll post an SOS on the Social board, or even the Alternatives board.
Dr. Bob will redirect as necessary.
thinkingofu, cf
Posted by flipsactown on October 24, 2006, at 1:32:51
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by tbyoyo on October 21, 2006, at 22:18:01
I took Effexor for less than a month and had to stop taking it because of all the side effects (constipation, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, sexual, etc.).
To minimize the withdrawals, my pdoc had slowly decreased my dosage over a week period. Even then, I still experienced withdrawals, such as skin crawling sensation and brain shocks. The best way I can describe the brain shocks, for me at least, is like a continuous throbbing sensation throughout my body, causing me to be very antsy.
Yes, indeed, they were horrible withdrawals, but did go away in about a week.
I am currently on Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Lamictal and Trazodone and my unipolar depression is very much under control.
> does anyone know when these symptoms stop????
> I am gonna have to call the Doctor tomorrow, i am driving my family crazy, and myself.
>
>
>
> > These horrible withdrawals from Eff-XR are all too common and it's about time Ps recognized this.
> >
> > Can U make an emerg. call to your P this weekend? You need something to take the edge off this withdrawal. Resting is good. IMO, a week or so, of a benzo, may help you get through this. (It has me.)
> >
> > love, cf
>
>
Posted by Violetskyye on October 24, 2006, at 1:32:57
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR » tbyoyo, posted by flipsactown on October 22, 2006, at 8:14:18
Effexor has a short half-life [it leaves your body quickly], and that is what causes the withdrawal. A lot of doctors recommend taking Prozac for a couple of days during Effexor withdrawal, because Prozac leaves your body more gradually, and gives your body time to adjust to the change. I've heard taking Prozac even for two days when Effexor is stopped helps a lot.
Paxil also leaves the body quickly, which makes it the second hardest to come off after Effexor. So try maybe taking some other long half-life SSRI, like Prozac or Lexapro for a few days. Just my two cents.
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