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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by dancingstar on November 28, 2006, at 23:06:24
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR » corafree, posted by BebeBoo on November 28, 2006, at 16:22:17
You smoked Effexor? I have never heard of that. I do hope you feel better soon. You might want to check in with your doctor.
Posted by SandiDee on November 29, 2006, at 17:40:12
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR » BebeBoo, posted by dancingstar on November 28, 2006, at 23:06:24
Tomorrow I start weaning off my Effexor XR. I have been taking 225 mg. for a little over a year now. It worked fine for quite awhile, but lately doesn't seem to have the same effect, so my Dr. and I talked about starting Celexa, which means coming off the Effexor first. Tomorrow I go to 150 mg. for a week, then 75 mg. for another week, then start the Celexa, and check in with Dr. in another 2 weeks. Anyone have any insight as to what I may experience? I have read alot of posts here, but most seem to be about 75 mg. Any info would be appreciated.
Posted by elsie_girl on November 29, 2006, at 20:12:16
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by SandiDee on November 29, 2006, at 17:40:12
> Tomorrow I start weaning off my Effexor XR. I have been taking 225 mg. for a little over a year now. It worked fine for quite awhile, but lately doesn't seem to have the same effect, so my Dr. and I talked about starting Celexa, which means coming off the Effexor first. Tomorrow I go to 150 mg. for a week, then 75 mg. for another week, then start the Celexa, and check in with Dr. in another 2 weeks. Anyone have any insight as to what I may experience? I have read alot of posts here, but most seem to be about 75 mg. Any info would be appreciated.<
I have posted before as have many. I was on 325mg for about 5 years. Eventually I decided the side-effects outweighed the benefits of being on Efexor. I reduced one capsule (75mg) every two weeks until I got down to the last 75mg capsule i.e. 250mg for 2 weeks, then 175mg for 2 weeks etc. I was on 75mg for 4 weeks and then spilling out half of my capsule daily i.e. 37.5mg daily etc. I still had a lot of problems with this. I didn't have much problems with the reduction, but in the days immediately after stopping completely. I went through Hell! Many have posted that they have been prescribed other meds to help them through the withdrawal period e.g. Prozac. Make sure you ask your doctor for help if you need it. Good luck!
Elsie
Posted by over 55 on November 30, 2006, at 8:36:08
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR » SandiDee, posted by elsie_girl on November 29, 2006, at 20:12:16
I agree with all said here and do read the old posts as they are helpful. Slow...slow...slow seems to be the key and listen to your body as you go; everyone is so different. I have been off Effexor about 4 1/2 months now and doing fine even with the holidays approaching. Took Prozac to wean and then weaned off prozac relatively quickly. Good luck on your journey and keep us posted on your progress.
Posted by corafree on November 30, 2006, at 15:05:28
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by over 55 on November 30, 2006, at 8:36:08
Posting 2 explain reason not participating in thread. SO (of 11yrs) left me & I'm grieving. Didn't want 2 worry or suggest disinterest. W/o u, my best friends, here, I'd not have tools 2 tap into capability and way to recovery. But, at this time, I can't 'do my part' here. Pls forgive me.
cf
Posted by over 55 on December 4, 2006, at 9:22:56
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by corafree on November 30, 2006, at 15:05:28
No explanation needed needed CF. I have gathered much strength in the past from your posting and know you will make it through this tough time and be victorious. Life is just not fair at times. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. (((((((((CF))))))))))
Posted by bayleebug on December 26, 2006, at 10:38:51
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by over 55 on December 4, 2006, at 9:22:56
I began my withdrawl from effexor XR the Friday before christmas. This is HELL. I don't know how much of this I can take. My symptoms are terrible. I could not get off the couch for three days and then when I finally have, I am so tired within five minutes I lay back down. Now I have to work. The DR switched me to Prozac 20mg after two years of Effexsor XR 150mg, cold turkey. If I have to go through this same thing with the Prozac, I don't know how much I can stand.
My question is how long do I have to feel this way, in general? Do I continue to withdrawal or do I simply refigure my finances to afford the effexsor each month? I am so tired.
Posted by dancingstar on December 26, 2006, at 10:46:42
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by bayleebug on December 26, 2006, at 10:38:51
You may want to find a way to quit more slowly. Some people are able to quit cold turkey without too much trouble, and it lasts only a week or two; some of us, like me, suffer for years.
Effexor made me so sick that I wouldn't ever take it or anything like it again, but if it wasn't too horrible for you, you may want to take it again and wean back off very, very slowly so that your body can better cope with the withdrawal.
I'm sorry that you're feeling so bad. I remember how awful it is. Whatever you decide, I hope you're feeling better soon!!
Posted by over 55 on January 4, 2007, at 8:40:57
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR » bayleebug, posted by dancingstar on December 26, 2006, at 10:46:42
Sorry it took so long to respond. I was on a little vacation to the Caribbean over the Holidays and ended up with a "bug" that laid me up since I got back. Hope you are feeling better by now and cetainly agree you need to go slow and listen to your own body to get off the effexor. I wean off with Prozac and now take 20 mg every other day of Prozac. Went four months w/o anythign, but feel much better on a small dose of prozac w/0 much side effect at all. Please know what we care about you and your journey and all hope for a better tomorrow!!
Posted by dancingstar on January 4, 2007, at 11:08:49
In reply to Re: Horrible Withdrawls from EFFEXOR XR, posted by over 55 on January 4, 2007, at 8:40:57
I have another suggestion for anyone who has stopped taking Effexor and is now afraid to go near meds, natural compounded seratonin. It may not be easy to get.
I spoke with my doctor who is well aware of the studies that show that "seratonin doesn't cross the blood/brain barrier," but we don't know who funded those studies because it seems to work quite well for many of us.
It's just a thought, and I only mention it because it may be helpful to someone.
Posted by Jen2 on January 15, 2007, at 21:57:40
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawal s/e's, posted by Amanda_S on November 25, 2006, at 0:21:51
Hi,
After 2 years on 75mg I successfully got off Effexor -- with the good advice from this list.
After going to 37.5 for a couple months (and having my pdoc tell me that since the pharma didn't make a smaller dose there wasn't anything she could do about that) I took the last two weeks of 37.5, opened them up, and divided up the little balls inside. I took 75% for 10 days, 50% for 8 days, and 25% for 10 days. There are about 80 or so little balls inside each 37.5mg capsule, and while it was a bit tedious dividing them each night, it was completely worth it. Two days after taking the last capsule of 25%, I started having very mild brain flashing and some memory problems -- but it was nothing compared to what I experienced when I forgot to take a pill occasionally. I still have some brain flashes and, oddly enough, tongue flashes, but I'm feeling clearer than I have in years and am very happy to be off the drugs.
So thanks to all of you -- and thanks to Dr. Bob for this list -- as the advice I received from this list was unimaginably valuable. Cheers!
> I am wondering if any of you have withdrawn cold turkey? If so, how long until the leg jerks, brain zaps & short-term memory loss (where I know what I want to say or write but can't get it out) stop? I took it for 7 months at 75mg day. But for the last month only every other day. Now its day 5 of being off the med totally. (I am on Wellbutrin now d/t weight gain and NO libido on Effexor, plus no lessening of depression). Please offer any advise. The side effects are not debilitating, just annoying and I'd love to know there's a light at the end of all this! Thanks and God Bless!!
Posted by rina on February 4, 2007, at 22:15:42
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal s/e's, posted by Jen2 on January 15, 2007, at 21:57:40
Okay here's the thing. My diagnosis is Bipolar, ADD and depression. Last week my pdoc decided to abruptly stop the Effex, due to a recent hypomanic occurence. I was on 225mg originally, then 150mg. She then had me go cold turkey. This is worse than labor without an epidural!! First, my head is about to explode due to the vertigo experience, insomnia, weird suicidal dreams, major dysphoria, diarrhea, vomitting, up and down mood swings and I've been shaking like a leaf as if I'm detoxing from alcohol. This is the worst thing, I've ever experienced.
Posted by dancingstar on February 4, 2007, at 22:25:29
In reply to Withdrawal From Effexor XR Worse Than Labor!!, posted by rina on February 4, 2007, at 22:15:42
Rina, I'm so sorry, my heart goes out to you.
Get your doc to put you back on E and get off more slowly, much more slowly. It took me two years to completely recover because I quit cold turkey, and I'm not sure I did completely recover. It's not the best way to stop taking that vile drug.
Posted by rina on February 5, 2007, at 18:19:47
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor XR Worse Than Labor!! » rina, posted by dancingstar on February 4, 2007, at 22:25:29
> Rina, I'm so sorry, my heart goes out to you.
>
> Get your doc to put you back on E and get off more slowly, much more slowly. It took me two years to completely recover because I quit cold turkey, and I'm not sure I did completely recover. It's not the best way to stop taking that vile drug.The bad thing is, my psychiatrist is doing it. Get this, she suggested I might be coming down with the flu. Such a bag of bull****
Posted by dancingstar on February 5, 2007, at 18:26:05
In reply to Re: Withdrawal From Effexor XR Worse Than Labor!!, posted by rina on February 5, 2007, at 18:19:47
She has to know better. These are supposed to be educated, intelligent, well-read folks, aren't they?
Maybe you can find another pdoc to help you? That kind of pain is cruel and unusual punishment, and you didn't even do anything wrong.
Hang in there!!
> > Rina, I'm so sorry, my heart goes out to you.
> >
> > Get your doc to put you back on E and get off more slowly, much more slowly. It took me two years to completely recover because I quit cold turkey, and I'm not sure I did completely recover. It's not the best way to stop taking that vile drug.
>
> The bad thing is, my psychiatrist is doing it. Get this, she suggested I might be coming down with the flu. Such a bag of bull****
>
>
Posted by Jouezmoi on February 22, 2007, at 16:50:40
In reply to Re: Withdrawl, posted by shelby11 on October 17, 2006, at 16:31:54
All .... I have great news. A solution that has worked and I am finally Effexor free.
After suffering for 3 months trying to get off of this drug, I finally got my doc to do something. He did some thinking and some research and came up with the simplest thing that worked immediately. Understand, I was down to 37.5mg a day and could not get below that without the debilitating withdrawal effects that you all have described, and had only been on 75mg a day for about 7 months.
The solution? Tranxene. This drug is also used for severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and for some reason it worked perfectly for me.
I started with Tranxene T, 10mg twice daily. By the 3rd day, the symptoms were gone ... gone ... no brain shocks, no brain shivers, no nausea, no nightmares .. back to normal. The regimen is 10mg twice daily for 1 week, then once daily for the 2nd week and thats it.
I am finally free, and tranxene is a cheap drug. I think my doc needs an award for this one, because nowhere in all my research have I seen this as an option.
You gotta try this.
Posted by dancingstar on February 22, 2007, at 17:14:31
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Solution » shelby11, posted by Jouezmoi on February 22, 2007, at 16:50:40
Congratulations, Jouezmoi, on your wonderful news!
Long after I had stopped taking Effexor, one of my doctors did try a tiny dose of 2 micrograms of Naltrexone to help me with both fibromyalgia and the continuing symptoms of withdrawal from Effexor, but as has been my contention all along, I'm very sensitive to drugs, and don't tolerate them well.
Soon after I took it, I was in an enormous amount of pain and got a migraine that knocked me flat out. Not realizing it was the drug at first, I took them a few times, each time with the same result, before tossing them.
I think it's a solution that could work for some people. If someone begins to get even sicker, though, well, um, it isn't your imagination :-).
Posted by Jouezmoi on March 24, 2007, at 15:58:13
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
All .... I have great news. A solution that has worked and I am finally Effexor free.
After suffering for 3 months trying to get off of this drug, I finally got my doc to do something. He did some thinking and some research and came up with the simplest thing that worked immediately. Understand, I was down to 37.5mg a day and could not get below that without the debilitating withdrawal effects that you all have described, and had only been on 75mg a day for about 7 months.
The solution? Tranxene. This drug is also used for severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and for some reason it worked perfectly for me.
I started with Tranxene T, 10mg twice daily. By the 3rd day, the symptoms were gone ... gone ... no brain shocks, no brain shivers, no nausea, no nightmares .. back to normal. The regimen is 10mg twice daily for 1 week, then once daily for the 2nd week and thats it.
I am finally free, and tranxene is a cheap drug. I think my doc needs an award for this one, because nowhere in all my research have I seen this as an option.
You gotta try this.
Posted by dsm3r on March 24, 2007, at 16:01:16
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal Solution, posted by Jouezmoi on February 22, 2007, at 16:55:51
> All .... I have great news. A solution that has worked and I am finally Effexor free.
>
> After suffering for 3 months trying to get off of this drug, I finally got my doc to do something. He did some thinking and some research and came up with the simplest thing that worked immediately. Understand, I was down to 37.5mg a day and could not get below that without the debilitating withdrawal effects that you all have described, and had only been on 75mg a day for about 7 months.
>
> The solution? Tranxene. This drug is also used for severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and for some reason it worked perfectly for me.
>
> I started with Tranxene T, 10mg twice daily. By the 3rd day, the symptoms were gone ... gone ... no brain shocks, no brain shivers, no nausea, no nightmares .. back to normal. The regimen is 10mg twice daily for 1 week, then once daily for the 2nd week and thats it.
>
> I am finally free, and tranxene is a cheap drug. I think my doc needs an award for this one, because nowhere in all my research have I seen this as an option.
>
> You gotta try this.
>Hi - do you mean you are off all meds or just the effexor? Are you using tranxene as a substitute for effexor? How are you doing? Sorry for all the questions - but if I could transition to a medication that has less side effects and costs a whole lot less would be a Godsend. I would greatly appreciate it if you could post more information. Thanks so much for the new info!!!!
Blessed journeys -
D
Posted by JouezMoi on March 24, 2007, at 16:01:20
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Solution » Jouezmoi, posted by dsm3r on February 24, 2007, at 12:56:38
I am currently off all meds and doing OK so far. I actually had a good test yesterday ... enduring a 5.0 earthquake which lasted about 15 seconds, without getting an anxiety/ panic attack. I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (I had constant palpitations, outrageous outbursts, impatience, mood swings, and constant fear of dying ....)
The Effexor worked very well for me, very little side effects except for yawning at 3:00 in the afternoon, increased insomnia (which I always had anyways ... I live on Unisom), and the most interesting dreams which made going to the movies unnecessary. Effexor effectively brought me to a state of normalcy and the doc decided it was time to come off ... and that was when the nightmare began with the "discontinuation syndrome".
I used the Tranxene for 2 weeks only and I am now completely medication free right now .. for the past 2 weeks or so. (About 4 or 5 weeks completely off of Effexor). I am doing well in terms of managing my anxiety and my mood swings, and I feel good (except for a one day bout of PMS).
I have been dealing with these issues since my early 20s and I know I am good for now, and may remain so for a couple years even. And, the time will come when my monsters will raise their heads again and I will have to go back on meds .. be it depression, or anxiety or hypomania.
When that time comes, I will choose my course of treatment more carefully.
Posted by dsm3r on March 24, 2007, at 16:04:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Solution, posted by JouezMoi on February 24, 2007, at 13:36:53
> I am currently off all meds and doing OK so far. I actually had a good test yesterday ... enduring a 5.0 earthquake which lasted about 15 seconds, without getting an anxiety/ panic attack. I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (I had constant palpitations, outrageous outbursts, impatience, mood swings, and constant fear of dying ....)
>
> The Effexor worked very well for me, very little side effects except for yawning at 3:00 in the afternoon, increased insomnia (which I always had anyways ... I live on Unisom), and the most interesting dreams which made going to the movies unnecessary. Effexor effectively brought me to a state of normalcy and the doc decided it was time to come off ... and that was when the nightmare began with the "discontinuation syndrome".
>
> I used the Tranxene for 2 weeks only and I am now completely medication free right now .. for the past 2 weeks or so. (About 4 or 5 weeks completely off of Effexor). I am doing well in terms of managing my anxiety and my mood swings, and I feel good (except for a one day bout of PMS).
>
> I have been dealing with these issues since my early 20s and I know I am good for now, and may remain so for a couple years even. And, the time will come when my monsters will raise their heads again and I will have to go back on meds .. be it depression, or anxiety or hypomania.
>
> When that time comes, I will choose my course of treatment more carefully.Hi Jouezmoi -
Thanks for answering my questions. Sorry I haven't posted before this. With seasonal affective d/o on top of bi-polar let's just say I'm a tad bit off, lol.That is wonderful news about being off effexor and meds. Using Tranxene for withdrawl seemed to work for you. My physician informed me that she would prescribe this med if I wanted to quit smoking. Maybe I can kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
Again, thanks for posting the info. The more info we have from others, the better we are able to manage our illness.
Best wishes to you!!!!
Blessed journeys,
Me.
Posted by FredPotter on March 24, 2007, at 16:04:32
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Solution » JouezMoi, posted by dsm3r on March 15, 2007, at 0:07:24
I've been on 75 mg capsules of Effexor XR for about 5 years. Daytime sleepiness and weakness has been a problem though. I was up to 5 of these capsules at one time, but came down gradually to 2. I am going to start Nardil soon so my Dr told me to stop Effexor. Which I have done. Suddenly
Well today I've felt little more than dead. Sleeping all day on and off although the depression followed me into my (awful) dreams and I'd keep trying to wake but it was so hard due to sleep paralysis. Also "gaps" in consciousness. Are these the brain zaps people talk about? Puffy eyes, unable to open my eyelids properly
Is this to be expected? And how long will it go on? Does anyone know the washout period from Effexor XR to Nardil?
Thanks everyone
Fred
Posted by FredPotter on March 24, 2007, at 16:04:35
In reply to Sudden Effexor Withdrawal, posted by FredPotter on March 15, 2007, at 22:34:39
today I've felt slightly better but keep crying over God knows what. There's a whooshing sound when I move my eyes
Posted by FredPotter on March 24, 2007, at 16:04:38
In reply to Re: Sudden Effexor Withdrawal, posted by FredPotter on March 17, 2007, at 2:53:10
Hiya all I've found this blog (it takes you straight to my entry)
http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/focussober/vpost?id=1744192&pid=16652993#post16652993
I've never taken much interest in withdrawal complaints before as I believed it was drug company bashing. Hower this Blog and posts, our forum, have been saying for a long time that Effexor has more weird side effects and withdrawal effects than any other psychotropic drug (possible excepting Zyprexa and Xanax). At least with Xanax you have a feel for what's going on - it's called craving.
No-one on the blog seems to be withdrawing from Effexor in order to start another drug. But I start Nardil in 3 days. My doc and pharmacist roughly agreed 1 week to 10 days was enough to get rid of all Effexor traces. But my doc also told me to "stop taking the Effexor". So what does he know? Some people have said it might take a year to taper off
The last quarter of my life has mostly been spent in an inner world. Is that the illness, the drug or the effect of changing doses? Is Effexor a serious concern?
Much love
Fred
Posted by JouezMoi on March 24, 2007, at 16:04:41
In reply to Re: Sudden Effexor Withdrawal, posted by FredPotter on March 17, 2007, at 19:11:13
Hi Fred,
Is honestly think that Effexor is a very effective drug. I also believe that the only reason that the withdrawal nightmore is now coming to the fore, is that people are only now starting to come off of it. There are several reasons for this. This drug was originally used for serious clinical health concerns -- like OCD, and bi-oplar I/II, or severe depression where the patient's well-being was clearly at risk, so the benefits far outweighed the risks, and the patient was expected to be on the mediciation for the long haul .. "for life".
Now that its use has become more mainstream, doctors are prescribing it for less severe ailments with the intention of shorter periods of use. So suddenly, the problems associated with coming off have been exacerbated by the increase of short-term users, and the possibility of long-term users only now coming off.
This is no drug-company bashing. This is real. I know my experiences, and in many cases, the doctors have all been taken by surprise, to the extent that they themselves did not want to admit that there was a problem.
Incidentally, I have been on and off Xanax for decades, without any addiction problem. I plan in future, when I need help with my anxiety I will go back to short-term Xanax or Ativan which worked for me. For depression, a short course of one of the tri-cyclics will do.
I want to stay far from these new "designer" drugs. They are potent, and very effective, but I am concerned that in my case, they may have done more harm than good. My eye-sight has not been the same since Effexor, and I had 20/10 vision.
There has also been concerns from one doctor that I know, that long-term use may lead to stroke in some patients. He is seeing it more and more with patients in their early forties who have been on SSRI's for more than 15 years (i.e. from inception).
The overall verdict is not out, and won't be until there is more emperical data to assess.
> Hiya all I've found this blog (it takes you straight to my entry)
>
> http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/focussober/vpost?id=1744192&pid=16652993#post16652993
>
> I've never taken much interest in withdrawal complaints before as I believed it was drug company bashing. Hower this Blog and posts, our forum, have been saying for a long time that Effexor has more weird side effects and withdrawal effects than any other psychotropic drug (possible excepting Zyprexa and Xanax). At least with Xanax you have a feel for what's going on - it's called craving.
>
> No-one on the blog seems to be withdrawing from Effexor in order to start another drug. But I start Nardil in 3 days. My doc and pharmacist roughly agreed 1 week to 10 days was enough to get rid of all Effexor traces. But my doc also told me to "stop taking the Effexor". So what does he know? Some people have said it might take a year to taper off
>
> The last quarter of my life has mostly been spent in an inner world. Is that the illness, the drug or the effect of changing doses? Is Effexor a serious concern?
>
> Much love
>
> Fred
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