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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Taffy on January 13, 2001, at 11:29:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL on January 21, 2000, at 23:04:10
I didn't seem to have any real problems while on Effexor XL except that is just wasn't quite as effective for me as Prozac. This has been especially true during these dreaded, cloudy, winter months in Michigan. BUT, I was never told that there would be withdrawals, much less that the withdrawals would be so horrible. I talked to my pharmacist yesterday and he comfirmed that this horror(it's the only way I can describe it) is really withdrawals. I am no longer taking the Effexor at all but I am now taking 20 mg of Prozac. I have read in here that benadryl can help but I can't take that because I am being treated for a sinus infection and that would hinder that. I am glad that I found this thread so I know that my symptoms (headache, a strange feeling almost like light-headedness but not quite, blurred vision, mood swings, coordination problems, nausea, bowels troubles and HORRIBLE nightmares) are really withdrawals. The only thing that is frightening is that I haven't read yet of someone getting through without going back on the Effexor. I thought after I talked to my pharmacist that I would just ride it out in a couple days. Is that possible? Has anyone successfully "cold turkeyed" or switched to another AD?
Posted by AngMoriss on January 14, 2001, at 2:53:28
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by JulieK on July 3, 2000, at 22:52:21
Hi everyone. I got really lucky finding this site! I was looking around online for something like this because I am on the road to cold turkey withdrawl symptoms. I am only 17 and I have been on effexor for 2 years and I have been on 150 for about a year and half. The very first time I expirienced withdrawl symptoms was terrifying. I knew something was wrong with me but I did not know what. Something was very very wrong and I did not know how to describe it to anyone. I dont know how but I finally realized that it was withdwarl symtoms from not having the meds. From then on, I always knew what "that feeling" was. I was not expecting it because my dr had told me that effexor had NO withdrawl. Latley things have been going wrong with insurance and different companies and getting the medicine has been a problem. Last refil was $115.00 and my grandpa had to pay for it and I felt so bad. Today was my first day without the medicine and i know it is going to take forever to get things straightend out so that i can get the med and I am already starting withdrawl effects. They start almost immediatly with me. I just got back from camping for a week so I had to take a week off work and now I will not be able to go back untill i get the meds again. Like someone who has written in the past, I know that they will think I am making excuses to not go to work and they will not understand how serious they withdrawl is. I also expirience the weird brain pauses and it is the most insane, non human feeling ever!! Everything feels like its a dream and I know this is not a very good comparison, but to those who have smoked pot before, it is almost the same feeling. The slow responses. And I also get the thing where it feels like it takes my eyes a long time to catch up when my head moves. Everything spins and I have to hold myself when I walk. It feels unreal. My body goes kind of numb too. Limp-like. I am sooo thankful for the posts you guys have made about withdrawls because I thought i was the only one who had those effects andi thought it was abnormal. I also needed to exact feeling put somehow into words because I couldnt do it. I am so thankful that is put in words for me. Thank you again.
Posted by Alli on January 14, 2001, at 16:02:21
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by AngMoriss on January 14, 2001, at 2:53:28
AngMorris ~ I feel for what you're going through. I am weaning myself off of Effexor, and my doctor suggested taking Kava-Kava in the morning and St. John's Wort at night while weaning myself. I wouldn't go cold turkey if you don't have to. Wish I could mail you my Effexor... I've got 100 37.5 mg. pills that hopefully I will never ever take again. Also, a friend of mine told me about some Stress Tabs that she takes three times a day. I can relate to most of your symptoms... like being outside of yourself. Hang tough! Alli.
Posted by AngMoriss on January 14, 2001, at 16:22:51
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Alli on January 14, 2001, at 16:02:21
Guess what! My dad got wsome things worked out so I will only have to finish today without any Effexor! We are leaving tomorrow morning to pick the prescription up at the hosipital! I already have the dizzyness and brain pauses. But knowing Ill have it back in my system soon really helps. I used to think all the withdrawl effects where only mental. Like, stuff I had made up in my head. Kind of like, "power of suggestion". I would know I didnt have my meds, so then the feelings would start kicking in and I thought that it was all things I had made up in my head since my DR told me that there is no withdrawl from it!! I thought I was really insane!I called in sick at work and my boss gave me some crap, but oh well, ill be back there soon. I hope everyone eles is going well!! Kepp all of your heads up = >
Posted by Elaine on January 15, 2001, at 12:32:11
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by SLS on January 12, 2001, at 17:36:06
Well...... I don't think I can relate to you guys and your sexual side effects. But thanks anyway for the positive info. I have just switched to Effexor from Paxil, and I am hoping that this change in med. will change my total lack of desire. My marriage right now is in jeopardy because of my lack of desire.
Posted by Kane on January 16, 2001, at 14:18:06
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm just starting on 37.5 mgs of effexor xr it's been 14 days now.I know it's such a low dose,but I'm not sleeping well at night,when I close my eyes my brain starts going 100 miles an hour it seems,I feel exhausted at bed time but with out the zanax I can't relax.Has anybody tryed taking this just before bed time? And if I increased this dose I wonder if it would help slow down my thinking episodes as I'm trying to fall asleep?Any input would be great. Thanks
Posted by danf on January 17, 2001, at 6:43:17
In reply to RE: Insomnia on Effexor., posted by Kane on January 16, 2001, at 14:18:06
The first couple of weeks, it dysrupts sleep patterns.
You can try changing the time of the med & it may help...
It took me about 4 wks for sleep to get back close to normal.
Exercise helps, something like a long walk in the evening..
Posted by Nancyk on January 17, 2001, at 9:56:59
In reply to RE: Insomnia on Effexor., posted by Kane on January 16, 2001, at 14:18:06
>
> I have been taking 150 mg at bedtime with the same effect. To help this I take an herbal sleepaid such as valerian. This helps with the initial "go to sleep", although it does not prevent me from waking up and having my mind going 100 mph. Sometimes I just get up and take another herbal. Hope this helps somewhat.
Posted by bronwyn on January 17, 2001, at 10:10:44
In reply to Re: RE: Insomnia on Effexor., posted by Nancyk on January 17, 2001, at 9:56:59
> >
> > I have been taking 150 mg at bedtime with the same effect. To help this I take an herbal sleepaid such as valerian. This helps with the initial "go to sleep", although it does not prevent me from waking up and having my mind going 100 mph. Sometimes I just get up and take another herbal. Hope this helps somewhat.
> I have already posted this at some point but I will repeat myself...I apologize if you already know this...I use Gravol (used mostly for travel sickness, nausea ..) before going to bed with my Effexor since it helps with the nausea this drug has been causing me and also knocks me out so that I can sleep through the night. I take 1 50mg pill of Gravol. I hope this is useful.
Posted by MarkinBoston on January 17, 2001, at 15:03:11
In reply to RE: Insomnia on Effexor., posted by Kane on January 16, 2001, at 14:18:06
I'm at 300mg/day of XR, taking one with breakfast and the other with a late snack. I fall asleep, but do wake during the night and a little earlier than I need to for work. Its been 2 weeks since I went up from 150 and I'm getting a little drowsy mid-afternoon, most like from the sleep deprivation. I too have that 100mph thinking effect, usually about an event that day, making getting to sleep take a little while. I take 20mg of Adderall waking, and perhaps at 3pm, and am a little relieved to hear those who don't have the same sleep disturbances.
The funny thing is that before XR came out, I never had this happen with Effexor. I actually had dreams. I don't now, and only seem to dream when on some AD or another.
Another thing is with XR, I have constipation, and not with the non-XR in the past.
>
> I'm just starting on 37.5 mgs of effexor xr it's been 14 days now.I know it's such a low dose,but I'm not sleeping well at night,when I close my eyes my brain starts going 100 miles an hour it seems,I feel exhausted at bed time but with out the zanax I can't relax.Has anybody tryed taking this just before bed time? And if I increased this dose I wonder if it would help slow down my thinking episodes as I'm trying to fall asleep?
>
> Any input would be great. Thanks
Posted by leckroj on January 17, 2001, at 15:22:27
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by Elaine on January 15, 2001, at 12:32:11
> Well...... I don't think I can relate to you guys and your sexual side effects. But thanks anyway for the positive info. I have just switched to Effexor from Paxil, and I am hoping that this change in med. will change my total lack of desire. My marriage right now is in jeopardy because of my lack of desire.
Honey, my lack of desire began many years before I began Effexor. Effexor (and some other SSRIs) may make it worse, but it's seldom been great. However, I've been married for 35+ years to the same man, so we've got some OTHER things going for us...Good luck to you. Jan
Posted by leckroj on January 17, 2001, at 15:38:58
In reply to RE: Insomnia on Effexor., posted by Kane on January 16, 2001, at 14:18:06
>
> I'm just starting on 37.5 mgs of effexor xr it's been 14 days now.I know it's such a low dose,but I'm not sleeping well at night,when I close my eyes my brain starts going 100 miles an hour it seems,I feel exhausted at bed time but with out the zanax I can't relax.Has anybody tryed taking this just before bed time? And if I increased this dose I wonder if it would help slow down my thinking episodes as I'm trying to fall asleep?
>
> Any input would be great. ThanksHi, Kane. I see you've gotten lots of input. So, here's mine: I take Effexor XR, 300 mg. + Seroquel, 50 mg. at bedtime. I don't often remember any of my dreams (if I have them, which I'm sure I do, because everybody does), and I always get up at least one time during the night. Of course, I'm older, too (56 y/o), and it doesn't bother me to get up once. In fact, we have our coffee pot set on a timer to come on ~4:45 am, and I look forward to hearing it come on. I anticipate my 1st hot cup of coffee in the dark, early mornings.
I was told NOT to take Effexor in the morning, because, unlike Paxil, it's sedating--could make me tired. I know that if I forget to take it at bedtime, I can count on a disturbed sleep with wild, colorful, and usually stressful dreams. At these times I wake my husband up by talking/yelling in my sleep. Oh, well.
I WISH my mind would go 100 mph.DURING THE DAY, anyway--even 70 mph would be an improvement. I have always been a "slow"--I prefer to say "considering, thoughtful"--thinker. Others can usually speak their piece(s) before I can draw a deep enough breath. It's a bit frustrating...
Don't know if I helped YOU any, but I had a good time talking about myself. Good luck to you. Jan
Posted by Kim Hazell on January 17, 2001, at 22:40:08
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Janey on April 18, 2000, at 17:59:12
Anyone come off Effexor succesfully? How long did it take? Please reply soon!!
Posted by AngMoriss on January 18, 2001, at 1:03:12
In reply to Whats up with these dreams, posted by Kara on August 30, 2000, at 13:16:02
I have never had that tingly feeling in the back top of my head but oh LORD have I had "the dreams". They're increadible! I share a room with my sister too and she says i do the same. Laughing and tossing and talking and crying and yelling. The dreams are either really nice or really weird or really bad or really sad. When I remember the dreams, I just think to myself "Where in the HECK did this come from!?!?!?!!??!?!" I have had a dream, that the girl with pigtails thats for the Wednys fast food ad, well I was walking down the street and I turned arounf and there was about 6 men dressed up as that Wendys girl, with red wigs in pigtails and all. They followed me home and one came up and tapped me on the shoulder, right before I walked in the door, and said "The next time you hear a knock, and then a scream, it means I'm killing someone". So I walked in the house and right when I put my keys down, I heard a knock, and then a scream. And then I wake up. That was a reacurring dream. Ive had it about 7 times. Now WHAT is up with THAT!?!? hAHHAhhahAH. Just thought I would share my strange dream with you all so you dont think yours are so bad. HAHAHhAHAHaHA.
Posted by Amy on January 18, 2001, at 6:37:35
In reply to Re: withdrawal - effexor ...how long??, posted by Kim Hazell on January 17, 2001, at 22:40:08
> Anyone come off Effexor succesfully? How long did it take? Please reply soon!!
I quite 150 mg of effexor 2 weeks ago today cold turkey. My doctor is aware, although he wanted me to slowly wean off the medication for 2 weeks. I am not doing very well - never knew the side effects unitl I found this website a couple of days ago. Dizziness - yes, Mood Swings - Definitely! Unhappy and Unmotivated? Yes. I am considering Sam-E herb to help - My husband and I are trying to get pregnant - thus the situation. I have never been through any type of withdrawel like this! Hope it goes soon! Keep me posted!
Posted by Elaine on January 18, 2001, at 7:39:46
In reply to Re: any sexual side effects?, posted by leckroj on January 17, 2001, at 15:22:27
Thank you Jan. I've been married 15 years.... and I don't see it getting any better. But thanks for responding.
Posted by Alli on January 18, 2001, at 8:48:10
In reply to Re: withdrawal - effexor ...how long??, posted by Kim Hazell on January 17, 2001, at 22:40:08
> Anyone come off Effexor succesfully? How long did it take? Please reply soon!!
Kim ~ Slowly, but surely! Decreased the amount, added Kava-Kava in the morning, St. John's Wort at night, then started skipping every other day with the Effexor. One week from today I'll be off completely... I HOPE. It hasn't been easy. Yesterday I wasted the whole day in an exhausted daze. Today? It's still early... I could crash in an hour. Good luck! P.S. Read Natalie's post!
Posted by Alli on January 18, 2001, at 8:53:21
In reply to Re: Whats up with these dreams, posted by AngMoriss on January 18, 2001, at 1:03:12
AngMorris ~ Freak me out! I just said to my husband this morning, "I wonder if it's the withdrawal that's causing my dreams?" They are so deep and vivid... and weird! I've dreamt the typical ones; pregnant AGAIN, going back to college (YUK), etc. The typical stress ones that everyone has. But then some are just so out of nowhere. I wake up exhausted. Alli.
Posted by Kara on January 18, 2001, at 9:50:42
In reply to Re: Whats up with these dreams, posted by AngMoriss on January 18, 2001, at 1:03:12
Have any of the women on Effexor XR had changes in their menestrual cycle? I have now been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia since being on Effexor XR for almost 5 months now. I take 150mg per day and I seem to be getting new side effects every week. I get migraines every day, terrible nightmares, blurred vision and now absense of my period (I am not pregnant!), etc.I am so scared to get off this drug! I missed one pill and I thought I was dying, I felt like a walking zombie, shaky and numb. Plus my heart was racing and I had difficulty breathing. My internal medicine doctor looked at me with complete concern when I told her that I was on this drug. I know its different for everyone, but I am now worried about the effects of this med and what my body is going through. I hope that I am not perminately damaged. What the hell should I do? If one day off this med is so terrible, I dont even want to go through the complete withdrawl.
Posted by N Michele on January 18, 2001, at 19:06:36
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Kathy on April 19, 2000, at 0:16:56
>I have been on Effexor XR (150 mg) for about 2 years now and have gained about 35lbs. I have only had success in losing about 10 of it. I am now on my second week of coming off of Effexor XR and I am wondering if there is anyone who has lost the weight they gained after they come off of this drug. How long did it take to lose the weight and did you have to really work at it or did it just happen?? Any encouragement you can give me would be wonderful!! I am tired of being happy but overweight. Thanks!
Posted by N Michele on January 18, 2001, at 19:06:40
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by Kathy on April 19, 2000, at 0:16:56
>I have been on Effexor XR (150 mg) for about 2 years now and have gained about 35lbs. I have only had success in losing about 10 of it. I am now on my second week of coming off of Effexor XR and I am wondering if there is anyone who has lost the weight they gained after they come off of this drug. How long did it take to lose the weight and did you have to really work at it or did it just happen?? Any encouragement you can give me would be wonderful!! I am tired of being happy but overweight. Thanks!
Posted by Shell on January 18, 2001, at 23:35:01
In reply to Re: withdrawal - effexor ...how long??, posted by Kim Hazell on January 17, 2001, at 22:40:08
> Anyone come off Effexor succesfully? How long did it take? Please reply soon!!
I quit taking Effexor last Wednesday (300 mg). I had an uncomfortable first few days and it has gotten a little better each day since then. Yesterday (Wednesday) was the first day I didn't notice any of the withdrawal symptoms at all. I did notice a little of the dizziness this evening, but I think the fact that I was tired (I worked 14 hours today and had 4 hours sleep last night) probably had something to do with it.
It does get better; it just doesn't feel that way when you are going through it. I wish I could tell you that you'd be fine in week, but it varies so much. I'm sure there are people here for whom it lasted weeks or even months. The important thing is that it will end eventually. If the symptoms are really bad, tell your doctor. There are things that can be done to help.
Shell
Posted by Kane on January 21, 2001, at 22:44:28
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello: Just wondering if anybody has a doctor who recomends taken this evey other day? Had some problems sleeping at nights,irritable,also my brain was going 100miles when I would wake up in the middle of the night.Is this lapse good to have with this medication?I do seem to be sleeping a whole lot better at night with this skip.Does anybody know about how long one dose of 37.5mgs last in the body?Any advice would be appreciated.
Posted by Alli on January 22, 2001, at 13:01:25
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by N Michele on January 18, 2001, at 19:06:36
N Michelle ~ Hey, sounds familiar. I was on 75 mg. for two years and gained 12 lbs. I'm in the process of weaning myself off and look forward to the losing some weight, too. I'll keep reading the posts and hopefully we'll read some promising ones! It HAS to come off; doesn't it???? Alli.
Posted by betsy on January 23, 2001, at 11:12:48
In reply to Re: Effexor XR vs. Paxil and weight gain , posted by N Michele on January 18, 2001, at 19:06:36
> >I have been on Effexor XR (150 mg) for about 2 years now and have gained about 35lbs. I have only had success in losing about 10 of it. I am now on my second week of coming off of Effexor XR and I am wondering if there is anyone who has lost the weight they gained after they come off of this drug. How long did it take to lose the weight and did you have to really work at it or did it just happen?? Any encouragement you can give me would be wonderful!! I am tired of being
happy but overweight. Tha
How did you loose the 10 pounds you lost? I have gained 15 pounds and I work out everyday and watch everything I eat?
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