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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Deana on July 6, 2001, at 10:37:56
In reply to Just started last night, posted by dash05 on July 6, 2001, at 8:15:34
dash05-
I did have good results when I began on the med. also 37.5, upped to 75 mg. I started to feel better after only a week. But I posted because of withdrawl difficulty, which it seems not everyone experiences. If it works for you, do continue! just be aware that there are definite withdrawl symptoms that vary from one person to the next. Would I have still taken it? I think so. I think I did really need it, due to depression and anxiety, which I believe was exacerbated by xtc use. Good luck!- After 6 days without Effexor, I am feeling alot better!
Posted by jotho on July 6, 2001, at 11:47:49
In reply to Re: Just started last night, posted by Deana on July 6, 2001, at 10:37:56
>Dash...if you are feeling better the first day chances are it is your mind feeling some relief because you have started taking something that might very well help you with your problem. Most of the people you read about on this thread are the ones that have felt drastic withdrawal symptoms, but certainly not everyone experiences them. There is no way of telling, of course, until you try the drug...it's a chance you take. I, personally, seem to be fairly sensitive to medication and such, i.e. i usually feel results on the lower end of the dosage scale. I guess that also makes me more prone to the side-effects.
Good luck, and don't judge it till you've given it the alloted time to work, or you are experiencing too many baddies from it. There are other alternatives so keep reading the threads......john
Posted by messica on July 7, 2001, at 18:08:45
In reply to Re: Just started last night, posted by Deana on July 6, 2001, at 10:37:56
> dash05-
> I did have good results when I began on the med. also 37.5, upped to 75 mg. I started to feel better after only a week. But I posted because of withdrawl difficulty, which it seems not everyone experiences. If it works for you, do continue! just be aware that there are definite withdrawl symptoms that vary from one person to the next. Would I have still taken it? I think so. I think I did really need it, due to depression and anxiety, which I believe was exacerbated by xtc use. Good luck!- After 6 days without Effexor, I am feeling alot better!I'm so happy to see someone else has taken xtc and is/was on effexor. I would be REALLY interested to talk to you more about this. I don't think the doctors have a clue as to what x does, especially long term and especially taken in the large quantities I inhaled.
I started to lower my intake of effexor xr a few days ago. I plan to be completely off of it in 3 months. I feel MUCH better already.Dash, it's true that effexor makes you feel better at first. I actually felt like I was really high on serious drugs the first few days. I would advise you to stop now. Try natural stuff: st. johns, yoga, exercise, talking to friends, writing, music, being active, whatever makes you happy. Know that you are not alone.
I agree with Deana, it did make me feel better at first. When you are REALLY low, it can help you get over the hump, but I'm not so sure it's good long term.
So far, I haven't felt any withdrawl going from 150mgs to 75. : )
Posted by Sherylll on July 7, 2001, at 22:21:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by stephen william on September 30, 2000, at 0:05:33
Is it better to take Effexor XR in the dday or at night ? I take mine at night but i was wondering if i took it in the day if i would have more energy?
Posted by jotho on July 7, 2001, at 22:56:38
In reply to Effexor Xr day or night ?, posted by Sherylll on July 7, 2001, at 22:21:38
Sheryll...Effexor is a double-edged sword in a way. Many have to take it in the a.m. because taking it at night keeps them too wired to fall asleep. It can also do the opposite. Some people feel extreme fatigue and tiredness during the day after taking an a.m. pill. You kinda have to see what works better for you.
And Dash, just to add...obviously there are different levels and varieties of depression. Aside from acute sadness, another horrific side effect can be the lack of desire to participate in things that once brought happiness, and it's hard to just "do things that make you happy", as Mellica stated, when nothing really makes you happy. She's right about excercise (even if you have to force yourself) 'cause it's proven that a 15-20 minute aerobic workout changes the whole hormonal profile in the body, and can help for sure. And definitely read the postings and look into (meaning: read as much as you can about) alternatives like Tyrosine, phenylalanine, 5htp, st. john's wort, SAMe (really, really expensive) and other stuff. Still, there are many (not me,though) who have been on the zolofts and prozacs and paxils and effexors for a long time, and have been saved a lot of suffering and pain. It's a struggle, but science is getting closer everyday to subdueing or even eliminating the "black dog" so you gotta hang in there.
Posted by Jillybean on July 8, 2001, at 10:14:22
In reply to Re: Goofy or Anyone how do you know the mg in EFXR, posted by goofy on March 30, 2001, at 12:02:36
I am still on effexor (150mg) but occasionally I'll miss a dose here or there. Once I went to see what would happen if I quit taking it, just to see how dependent my body was to it. Here's my (edited) log...
Day 1...feel ok, little queasy, but alright tho
Day 2...still feel ok, queasiness gone, headache, vivid dreams (kind of fun, tho)
Day 3..dizzy, feels like my vision is off, eyes move too slow or something, don't feel as tho I'm connecting, vivid dreams, mild hallucinations at night
Day 4...My mind is not connecting with my body or something. Weepy. Mild hallucinations at night. Vivid and scary dreams. Feel like I'm drunk or something. Afraid of being put in a mental institution. Moody.Well, that's the edited version. Needless to say, I'm back on and now I know how long others will be able to tolerate me if I'm ever stranded on a deserted isle with Gilligan, the Skipper, too, the millionaire, and his wife, the movie star, the professer and Mary Anne.
Posted by Kaysey on July 8, 2001, at 11:24:14
In reply to Re: Goofy or Anyone how do you know the mg in EFXR, posted by Jillybean on July 8, 2001, at 10:14:22
> I am still on effexor (150mg) but occasionally I'll miss a dose here or there. Once I went to see what would happen if I quit taking it, just to see how dependent my body was to it. Here's my (edited) log...
> Day 1...feel ok, little queasy, but alright tho
> Day 2...still feel ok, queasiness gone, headache, vivid dreams (kind of fun, tho)
> Day 3..dizzy, feels like my vision is off, eyes move too slow or something, don't feel as tho I'm connecting, vivid dreams, mild hallucinations at night
> Day 4...My mind is not connecting with my body or something. Weepy. Mild hallucinations at night. Vivid and scary dreams. Feel like I'm drunk or something. Afraid of being put in a mental institution. Moody.
>
> Well, that's the edited version. Needless to say, I'm back on and now I know how long others will be able to tolerate me if I'm ever stranded on a deserted isle with Gilligan, the Skipper, too, the millionaire, and his wife, the movie star, the professer and Mary Anne.A number of years ago I too feared that I would be stranded 'somewhere' (be it Gilligan's Island or Fantasy Island) without meds--first it was with bcps then later prozac/ativan/lopressor. I started a habit whereby I always had a few days doses of my meds with me at all times in my pocketbook (and overnight bag if I was travelling frequently). In fact I just kept the bcps in the pocketbook and took them on schedule so that I would always have them with me. Now that I take Effexor instead of the previously mentioned 'cocktail,' and knowing its short half-life (and the types of withdrawl symptoms you and others have experienced), I make certain I have it with me at all times. This is the only way that I can be sure that I don't experience the quick symptoms that accompany missing a few doses. I know other people probably do the same thing, but it is good to remind folks of this from time to time! Just remember that the meds are there, that they have an expiration time, and that they are sensitive to heat/humidity extremes.
Posted by Marilyn on July 8, 2001, at 20:32:06
In reply to Negative reaction to Effexor? You are NOT alone !, posted by Marilyn on May 30, 2001, at 8:25:48
For anyone who experienced a negative reaction to
Effexor (Venlafaxine), join these groups/boards:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PROZACAWARENESS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SerotoninAwakenings
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prozactruthLots of info !
All of these groupmembers went through different
bad experiences with SSRI-antidepressants and
SSRIs/SNRIs like Effexor (direct or indirect)
and are from different backgrounds.Important: These boards are all anti-SSRI.
Marilyn
Posted by jotho on July 8, 2001, at 21:20:24
In reply to Re: Negative reaction to Effexor? You are NOT alone !, posted by Marilyn on July 8, 2001, at 20:32:06
Thanks Marilyn...very informative sites. I browsed through many of the postings and was amazed at some of the stories....frightened, actually. Some even brought to mind side effects I had while on effexor (clenched jaw and teeth grinding) that i had forgotten about since. Everyone writing on this board should take a look at those sites.
Posted by MB on July 9, 2001, at 12:36:19
In reply to Re: Goofy or Anyone how do you know the mg in EFXR, posted by Jillybean on July 8, 2001, at 10:14:22
> Day 4...My mind is not connecting with my body or something. Weepy. Mild hallucinations at night. Vivid and scary dreams. Feel like I'm drunk or something. Afraid of being put in a mental institution. Moody.Interesting,
I had a scary experience comming off of Effexor, also. I was lying on the sofa with my eyes closed, when I began vibrating. I began vibrating so fast that it felt like I was out of my body...like I had no body. Then, I heard this sound in the middle of my head that was one of the loudest i've ever heard, it was a "ripping" sound...as if the very fabric of reality was being torn apart. I opened my eyes. I could see, but was paralysed. I could see a tiger pacing back and forth. It was completely invisible but for it's stripes which wrapped around the contour of it's body, delineating it's shape in a style reminiscent of Salvador Dali. The tiger then jumped up onto my back (I was lying on my stomach) and shoved what felt like a foot-long needle right up into my anus. It was only with this severe pain that my paralysis was broken. I was able to take my arm and swat it off of my back at which point it disappeared. It was one of the weirdest things that has ever happened to me. I've had hypnopompic hallucinations before, but this one really took the cake. I told my psychiatrist about it, and he seemed pretty concerned. Actually the first time I had ever seen him so. He told me never to take that medicine again if it could cause such severe alterations in my state of consciousness. I, too, really had to question my grip on reality after my experience with Effexor withdrawal.Also, if it's any consolation, I have gotten pretty "weepy" upon cessation of all the drugs which affect serotonin reuptake (Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox and Effexor). You're not alone. I still (eight months after my last dose of any antidepressant) cry at the drop of a hat...especially when watching really cheesy TV shows. It's really embarassing.
Posted by Kristie K on July 10, 2001, at 0:52:13
In reply to Re: Negative reaction to Effexor? You are NOT alone !, posted by jotho on July 8, 2001, at 21:20:24
I have been on Effexor XR for 3 1/2 weeks. I am taking it for anxiety. To date I don't feel any big weight lifted off of my shoulders. I am still waiting for this great discovery...
How long til it kicks in? How long do people take these drugs? I must say, I have experienced some significant headaches (daily), almost to the point of a migraine, yet never quite evolving into one.
Also, I have had dry mouth and a little insomnia (though I had this before I started).
How long should I take it before I decide it's not working for me?
And if it does work, will I "know" it's working? I have read that there have been NO clinical trials past 12 weeks. So are we all just gonna be guinea pigs? Please advise.
Thanks.
K
Posted by Kristie K on July 10, 2001, at 0:53:43
In reply to Re: Negative reaction to Effexor? You are NOT alone !, posted by jotho on July 8, 2001, at 21:20:24
I have been on Effexor XR for 3 1/2 weeks. I am taking it for anxiety. To date I don't feel any big weight lifted off of my shoulders. I am still waiting for this great discovery...
How long til it kicks in? How long do people take these drugs? I must say, I have experienced some significant headaches (daily), almost to the point of a migraine, yet never quite evolving into one.
Also, I have had dry mouth and a little insomnia (though I had this before I started).
How long should I take it before I decide it's not working for me?
And if it does work, will I "know" it's working? I have read that there have been NO clinical trials past 12 weeks. So are we all just gonna be guinea pigs? Please advise.
Thanks.
K
Posted by SalArmy4me on July 10, 2001, at 0:59:10
In reply to RE:How long do people take this drug?, posted by Kristie K on July 10, 2001, at 0:52:13
Pharmacologic treatment of anxiety disorders should last for a minimum of 6 months after an initial episode. Most clinicians will continue treatment for at least 1 year for patients with a second episode. If the patient has responded, and symptoms are resolved, the decision can be made whether to taper the patient off of the drug or continue maintenance therapy. In a National Institute of Mental Health Collaborative Depression Study, one third of patients became ill again 1 year after recovery from an index episode of depression; almost one half became ill again by 2 years; and almost three quarters by 8 years. Maintenance therapy may be continued indefinitely for patients with a history of frequent or multiple episodes of depression, major depression with preexisting dysthymia (double depression), onset of depression after the age of 60 years, long duration of individual episodes, severe index episode, poor symptom control during continuation therapy, and comorbid anxiety disorder or substance abuse. A strong family history of affective disorder also increases the risk of recurrence. Maintenance therapy with full doses of antidepressants is highly correlated with preventing recurrences for up to 5 years.
Posted by Cristy on July 10, 2001, at 8:14:54
In reply to Possible withdrawal agony scares me, posted by shar on July 8, 2000, at 23:29:13
I have been taking 300mg of Effexor for 3 years. Since my husband and I want to start our family, and I am in a MUCH better mind set (thanks to Effexor) it is time for me to get off.
I will be honest -- the withdrawl symptoms are HELL. After reading some of these postings, I realize my withdrawl was mild compared to some. I had terrible headaches, felt sick to my stomache, cried for no reason, was dizzy, and had those "electric shocks" people have talked about. That, I think was the worst part -- feeling that every time you moved or blinked your whole body would feel it.
Scary stuff -- I know. But, please keep in mind that not everyone has the same reaction to the withdrawl. That is why some doctors don't discuss these symptoms. However, they should tell you to taper off VERY slowly. The other thing to keep in mind -- it is possible to get through the withdrawl.
1 1/2 months ago, I found this tread because I thought I was losing my mind. I am now down to 1/2 of a 37.5mg pill every three days. I still have mild symptoms, but I am keeping my eye on the goal -- to get off of these pills.
So. . .
If you are thinking about starting Effexor, this is not a horrible drug. There are some side effects when you start that do go away. The sexual dysfunction is not as bad as some other drugs. If you have side effects that don't go away, talk to your doctor. This is the drug that finally got me into a good place -- a place I felt I could handle things again.
The withdrawl systems are bad. But, taper slowly! And, if the symptoms are too bad, increase until you are able to come down again. You are also not on a set decrease schedule. you should stay on a dose for at least two weeks. But at the end of those two weeks, if your symptoms are still bad, stay on that dose until YOU are ready to decrease again. I was on my second decrease for a month and have just started my third decrease. That gives you some control, and besides, who know better that your own body when you are ready to decrease again?!
As my doctor kept telling me -- be patient. You will get off the meds and you will feel better.
Good luck to all of you!
Posted by dshort on July 10, 2001, at 20:37:40
In reply to You CAN get off of Effexor, posted by Cristy on July 10, 2001, at 8:14:54
I finally did it! I got off of Effexor after being on it for seven years,it is crazy that I was allowed to take it for so long and have talked to the manufacturer and they were amazed as it is not even effective for that long,a year at most,closer to six months though.But what does still happen as you take it is damage to the nervous system,bad stuff.I had tried to get off several times and the doctor said to go slow,well I did or thought I did but even he didn't relaize how slow it would have to be.I was only taking 75mg. for most of the seven years but still had to go down by 5 or 10 mg. at a time and wait two weeks ,at least, for my body to adjust and then go down some more and everytime would bring on a rash on withdrawal,the worst for me was shaking and a swooshing sound that went across the back of my head and also my eyes not working"right" ,hard to explain that one,they couldnt; seem to keep up with my head.It was a horrible thing to go through and someone needs to be held accountable.The mfg. has snet me a report to fill out as they "certainly want to know of any problen with their product!" yeah right.They acted like they had never heard of anyone having problems with this drug,I told them to look on the internet,it was eye opening for me.Besides going slowly,there were two other things that helped me through that time.I used a little machine called a CES,cranial electro stimulator.The brand of the one I used is Alpha-Stim.It stimulates the pleasure center of the brain,not in a big way,but enough to take the edge off,it really helped with the shaking.It is the best non-drug thing to help with withdrawal.Another thing that helped me very much was colored light therapy.There is a doctor that uses this in his office and it is very interesting and may sound a little strange but what can I say...it works.I would be feeling beyond horribel when I went in there and after a time with the lights would be straightened out again,in the worst of times I would go in once a day for this therapy.Good luck and God Bless to all who are having trouble with this medication.
Posted by paulk on July 10, 2001, at 22:09:41
In reply to I did it--finally!, posted by dshort on July 10, 2001, at 20:37:40
Do you have any source to back up your statement “as you take it is damage to the nervous system” ?
The withdrawal symptoms are nasty – and you need to taper – VERY slowly. But the withdrawal effects do go away. For me, they lasted for over 4 weeks after I had completely stopped.
There are many how will read this and be scared off from taking it – despite the nasty withdrawal effects I consider it a wonder drug and would recommend it as a worthy candidate for treating depression.
Posted by Terry Comeau on July 10, 2001, at 22:19:37
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have used effexor from October 2000 up
until July 5 2001. The stuff seemed to work
and I was quite happy with the treatment.
That is until I discontinued it. Since being
off the stuff I have suffered dizziness and
other very disturbing after/side effects.
I have just discovered that many people have
suffered these types of side effects for months
and months after discontinuing the treatments.
My job requires me to be focused and very sharp
day in and day out. I am having a lot of trouble
with concentration because of the lasting effects
of this drug.
Needless to say I am really pissed of. DO NOT USE
THIS DRUG unless you suffer from severe problems.
The long lasting (who knows how long lasting?)
after affects of this drug are just not worth
the little amount of relief I got from my anxiety
induced disthymia.
Again DO NOT USE THIS DRUG unless you want an entirely
different set of lingering problems.
Posted by Terry Comeau on July 10, 2001, at 22:30:07
In reply to Re: RE:How long do people take this drug?, posted by SalArmy4me on July 10, 2001, at 0:59:10
Considering the cost of the drug... and the largely unexpected length
of withdrawal, as well of the horrible withdrawal effects , does
agree that the manufacturer should be held responsible for the cost
and damages that we incur as we struggle to get their drug out
of our system?Anybody agree with this? Someone should get a legal opinion regarding
the validity of a class action lawsuit. Maybe this might be a good summer
project to pursie.Needless to say I am PO'd to the extreme.
Posted by ksc on July 11, 2001, at 8:34:36
In reply to I did it--finally!, posted by dshort on July 10, 2001, at 20:37:40
OK… here it is… For all of you who are having those crazy dreams and can’t sleep through the night…..BENEDRYLL… yup that’s right the over the counter allergy medication also works as a sleep aid with no side affects. For 9 months while on the Effexor, I have gone without a real night’s sleep. I teetered between awake and REM (dream state) all night long, never reaching the deep NREM stage of sleep that the body needs to rejuvenate itself. My sleep was so restless, that I often couldn’t tell if I were awake or asleep. My racing mind would take me into a dream and go non-stop until I woke out of it, remembering the entire thing. One night I actually counted how many times I woke up throughout the night…I counted 11 times in an 8-hour stretch, that’s more than once per hour, and that was a common night for me.
You can only imagine what a toll this lack of sleep takes on a person’s body. For me it produced symptoms of Fibromyalgia (extreme fatigue, muscle pain and weakness). It also caused lack of memory and concentration, dizziness, nausea and inability to focus.
My doctor recommended the Benedryll because I didn’t want any more heavy drugs or side affects (sick and tired of them… literally). I tried the Benedyrll for the first time last night and low and behold I got my first real night of sleep in almost a year. My legs were a little bit jumpy at first, but it soon went away and I slept like a baby.
I’ve been off the Effexor XR for a week and a half now (112.5mg), with side affects going strong. I think the side affects would probably last for months if I couldn’t find some way to rest my body. Although it’s probably going to take a few weeks of restful sleep for my body to catch up and rejuvenate, I finally feel like there is an end in sight to my misery.
Posted by dshort on July 11, 2001, at 9:10:08
In reply to Re: I did it--finally! » dshort, posted by paulk on July 10, 2001, at 22:09:41
Sorry,should have added that long term use of Effexor does damage to the central nervous system .A very good book to read is "Prozac Backlash" by Joseph Glenmullen.A person should be getting help from a psychologist while being treated for depression because the drugs mask the problems that caused the depression in the first place and they will still be there when you stop taking the drugs if not sufficiently dealt with.
Posted by paulk on July 11, 2001, at 15:42:04
In reply to Re: I did it--finally!, posted by dshort on July 11, 2001, at 9:10:08
I guess I disagree – I don’t think he quotes any scientific research to support such an opinion. In fact SSRIs have been show to promote new Neuron formation that have the ability to actually repair the brain.
On the other hand, there is research that shows that psychotherapy fails to show any lasting effect. Measuring objective data (such as ability to keep a job, completing school, prevention of suicide etc.) shows that 5 years later there is no benefit. (There is I feel some benefit in a therapist arbitrating relationships). With psychotherapy about 1/3 get better, 1/3 get worse, and 1/3 stay the same – without psychotherapy about 1/3 get better, 1/3 get worse, and 1/3 stay the same.
Of course, continuous pharmatherapy has much better statistics and there is some (but controversial) evidence that shows lasting improvement after stopping SSRIs.
Posted by MB on July 11, 2001, at 17:47:57
In reply to I did it--finally!, posted by dshort on July 10, 2001, at 20:37:40
> >I used a little machine called a CES,cranial electro stimulator.The brand of the one I used is Alpha-Stim.It stimulates the pleasure center of the brain,not in a big way,but enough to take the edge off,it really helped with the shaking.It is the best non-drug thing to help with withdrawal.Please tell me more about this machine. It sounds interesting. Do you think it would have any benificial efects on depression when used alone?
> >Another thing that helped me very much was colored light therapy.This is also interesting. I wonder if anyone out there has any information regarding flashing lights and their effect on depression. Two days ago, I was in a room with a ceiling fan than spun right under a bright light. I closed my eyes and looked up at it. The frequency of the flicker must have been "just right." For what, however, I don't know. All I know is that it felt like it "tuned up" my brain, or something. The slurry of racing thoughts in my mind came to a halt, and I felt like something "clicked" into normalcy. When I opened my eyes, however, it was gone. It felt really good, though...pleasantly, meditativly hypnotic.
Posted by dshort on July 12, 2001, at 0:01:38
In reply to Re: I did it--finally! » dshort, posted by MB on July 11, 2001, at 17:47:57
I do not know how the CES machine works for depression but it is supposed to be helpful for depression.There is info. on the internet for the Alpha-Stim and phone numbers of dealers that you can reach,they are trained in how and when to use them.I first rented mine from the doctor to see if it would help me and then I knew of an acquaintance that sold them so bought mine from him.
For the light therapy ,there is a book out ,"Light Years Ahead" .My doctor wrote the third chapter in that book.Interesting,your experience with the light that flickered as that is how he uses the lights,at different flicker rates and different colors to stimulate various parts of the thinking.
Posted by girlie on July 12, 2001, at 13:54:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Terry Comeau on July 10, 2001, at 22:19:37
Terry,
Did you go off of Effexor cold turkey? Just as you were eased onto the mg you were taking, you also need to be eased off. Mine was just backed down, by my doctor, from 300mg/day to 225mg/day. While I do have some of the side effects of withdrawl, I am certainly able to function.It seems that many of the severe withdrawl symptoms come from people who just stop taking it, or reduce their doseage too quickly, possibly without doctor supervision.
Effexor XR has been AWESOME for me and made a huge POSITIVE difference in my life. I would never tell anyone not to try it. JMHO
> I have used effexor from October 2000 up
> until July 5 2001. The stuff seemed to work
> and I was quite happy with the treatment.
> That is until I discontinued it. Since being
> off the stuff I have suffered dizziness and
> other very disturbing after/side effects.
> I have just discovered that many people have
> suffered these types of side effects for months
> and months after discontinuing the treatments.
> My job requires me to be focused and very sharp
> day in and day out. I am having a lot of trouble
> with concentration because of the lasting effects
> of this drug.
> Needless to say I am really pissed of. DO NOT USE
> THIS DRUG unless you suffer from severe problems.
> The long lasting (who knows how long lasting?)
> after affects of this drug are just not worth
> the little amount of relief I got from my anxiety
> induced disthymia.
> Again DO NOT USE THIS DRUG unless you want an entirely
> different set of lingering problems.
Posted by jotho on July 12, 2001, at 15:32:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Terry Comeau, posted by girlie on July 12, 2001, at 13:54:25
Girlie...Two things, three actually, first, congatulations on your success with Effexor. Second, I, and I would bet many, on this posting site were never told by our doctor of the possible extent and severity that might accompany the taking, and stopping, of Effexor. Third, before I did stop I read about many instances of problems and decided to withdraw slowly. I was on the lower dosage of 75 mg. I reduced it by 1/4 and stayed on it for over a week at which time I reduced it by another 1/4 (of the original dosage). I followed this procedure (taking over a month) till finally I stopped totally. It is between 3-4 weeks now since I stopped and the notorious "brain swooshing" is still there (not as bad, though). I also still have problems sleeping, and I still have the involuntary jerkiness in my legs as I try to fall asleep. My wife says this occurs even after I have taken a sleep aid and am in a deep sleep................john
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