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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 1:36:43
Hi! I'm in an unusual situation and am hoping for some guidance from some of y'all.
First some background. . . I was ramped up on Effexor (I think first 37.5 and then 75 mg) last fall. My follow-up app't for that initial ramp-up was scheduled for right after 9/11. In our city, we had hurricane-like weather the day of my app't and everything was cancelled. So between the cancellation, shock from 9/11, and other factors (ie, I procrastinated) it took awhile to follow up on that app't.
In the meantime, I started feeling REALLY weird. After a few weeks, a Drug-Queen friend of mine mentioned it sounded like w/d symptoms. Sure enough, it was the weird tingling, nerve-shorting "normal" effexor w/d. (Note: This was after maybe 2 weeks of ramping up Effexor, and the w/d symptoms lasted at least a month)
So, I finally made it to the doc, and have been on 150 mg of Effexor XR a day. When I miss a dose, I can tell because I start feeling weirded out again. A family member is also on Effxor, and has sent me some of his 75 mg capsules (to help me out financially.) Anyway, I personally think 150 mg is too high a dose for me--maybe 100 mg would be better. But that's just an aside.
Sorry this is so long!
We are now living in a European country. Everyone we know has been able to get their prescription meds here with no problem--usually for cheaper, too! ;) So, I haven't worried about getting Effexor. I started calling around to various pharmacies when I had two weeks supply left. It's hard trying to track something down when you aren't fluent in the language.
It turns out, Effexor is unheard of here. No pharmacy carries it, and the "American" clinic says we just can't get it here. Though I could get prozac or zoloft. There is a slight possibility I could order the Effexor from Germany, but I'm not sure the company is reputable or how long it would take to get here.
I have 6 150mg capsules and 1 75 mg capsule of Effexor left. I think I also have a few prozac hanging around. My Doc in the States told me I needed to get a doc here before we moved here. (I had thought I would be able to see a doc at the "American" clinic--but that isn't really working out.)
So, is it better to just stop cold turkey? Space out the 150mgs? I read somewhere that taking prozac helps combat the side effects? I am not a huge fan of self-medication, but I'm sort of forced into that situation.
Thanks for your input!
Posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 1:52:36
In reply to Effexor w/d help -- unusual situation, posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 1:36:43
i have done effexor cold turkey. It rteally is not as bad as everyone makes out. Go as far as you can and if you cant manage take a few dose of prozac and that will tied you over, because of it's long half life you won't need anything else. good luck. P.s. which European country are you in. Effexor is doled out redily in the u.k.
Posted by fairnymph on May 28, 2002, at 2:15:25
In reply to Effexor w/d help -- unusual situation, posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 1:36:43
I disagree with skills. I have tried 5 different antidepressants and of all of them, only Effexor had withdrawal symptoms that were literally unbearable. Effexor really does have some of the worst withdrawal symptoms of any drug (outside of the benzos).
I would NOT recommend stopping Effexor cold turkey.
I would taper off the Effexor as best I could using the dose you have left, and then take some prozac as necessary when you run out of Effexor. Prozac does indeed help buffer the Effexor withdrawal...
You will know if you need to take some prozac, if the headaches/nausea/electric shocks from the Effexor are extreme enough to really upset you.
Good luck!
~fairnymph
p.s. 150 mg of Effexor is not a particularily high dose. It really only starts having an effect at around 75-100 mg. I had to take the max dose (450 mg) and even at that level, it stopped working after a while...
Posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 3:06:29
In reply to Re: Effexor w/d help -- unusual situation, posted by fairnymph on May 28, 2002, at 2:15:25
For tapering off (as best as I can) would it be better to try to space out the 150s as best as I can? Or would the up/down/up/down be worse and counterproductive?
Posted by fairnymph on May 28, 2002, at 4:29:47
In reply to Thanks, FairyNymph (sp?) and Question. . ., posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 3:06:29
> For tapering off (as best as I can) would it be better to try to space out the 150s as best as I can? Or would the up/down/up/down be worse and counterproductive?
Yes, I would space them out as much as tolerable, and consider splitting them up if possible....
~fairnymph (only one 'y')
Posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 6:46:11
In reply to Re: Thanks, FairyNymph (sp?) and Question. . ., posted by fairnymph on May 28, 2002, at 4:29:47
i have also been on many different anti depressents and withdrawn from countless other drugs. For me the withdrawal syndrome was milder with effexor(375mg) than all the others i have tried. If you look at a range of clinical trials, but not those done by the manufacturer, which examine the withdrawal syndrome induced by effexor cessation in comparison with placebo patients the instances of unplesant events are remarkably similar in both types of patient. This begs the question, if someone is informed about such a withdrawal syndrome does this make that individual more susceptible to developing such ailments? Everyone is different.
Posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 6:49:38
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawalFairyNymph , posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 6:46:11
If i were you i would split the 150's and take 1/2 per day. Then switch to a few doses of prozac and if you still need relief try something like 40mg propanolol. Good Luck
Posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 7:09:11
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawalSuzyQ, posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 6:49:38
I have capsules, rather than caplets--can I split them and just swallow the stuff inside?
I'm concered about w/d because of my experience with it when I was on a very low dose before I knew anything about w/d. It's real for me, and really really weird. I haven't been on as much stuff as you have *grin* so it doesn't feel mild to me.
Posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 7:40:08
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawalSuzyQ, posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 7:09:11
Hi, yes you can open the capusle and swollow the stuff inside. W/d is proberly caused by low blood pressure caused by coming off effexor, part of the withdrawal syndrome profile. Lots of salt can help combat this, maybe even a rehydration package in water. Peace, Where in Europe are you?
Posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 7:54:15
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawalSuzyQ, posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 7:09:11
Hi just for your info, effexor is readily avalible where i am. Bye
Posted by Katalina on May 28, 2002, at 12:06:21
In reply to Effexor w/d help -- unusual situation, posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 1:36:43
SuzyQ
e-mail me at katieomac@aol.com - I may have a short term solution for you.
Katalina
Posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 13:15:08
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawalSuzyQ, posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 7:40:08
> Peace, Where in Europe are you?
You know, I'm still a bit paranoid about a weird internet experience. Eastern Europe is as specific as I want to get. I'm still in shock that a civilized country wouldn't have Effexor! ;)
Posted by kickink on May 28, 2002, at 14:06:16
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawalSuzyQ, posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 13:15:08
I am irritated at "skills". Obviously this withdrawal is an issue for you and has been for MANY other people. I personally experienced SEVERE HORRIBLE withdrawal effect. "Skills"!!! Everyone will react differently. Don't toot your own horn so much.
My personal experience was with 150 of capsules. I tried cold turkey. -awful for me.
I tried every other day, every couple of days- this was bad for me also.
I finally got ahold of Prozac. I did a week of 75 mg. Effexor only with a little withdrawal Then the next 7 days I took 10 mg of Prozac with the 75 of Effexor then next week did 37.5 of Effexor with the Prozac. Then I was emptying out the capsules and seperating the little balls so I was taking about 17 mg. Then finally I went to just the Prozac. It kept my head from zinging , kept me from uncontrollable sobbing, kept the headaches away, I had a few days of sweating outbreaks, but It has been the best "switchover for me". I hope maybe this will help you.Good Luck! Kelly
Posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 16:13:14
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawalSuzyQ, posted by kickink on May 28, 2002, at 14:06:16
Before you take the defensive read my treads properly. I say on a number of occasions everyone is different. Why do people get so offened by the suggestion that withdrawal for some is not a problem. Being irritated is a waste of your time.
Posted by kickink on May 28, 2002, at 16:21:10
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawalSuzyQ, posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 7:54:15
I acknowledge that you did mention that everyone is different. It is hard to read someone strictly through typing. I just got the feeling that you felt like people were making a bigger deal out of things than they should or that the withdrawal was psychosomatic for some. It seemed like you were proud that transition or withdrawal was easier for you than most. Toughie kindof thing. Sorry if I was wrong.I probably just read a little too much into everything I "hear".
Forgiveness requested. Kickin Kelly
Posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 16:49:58
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawalto Skills, posted by kickink on May 28, 2002, at 16:21:10
Forgiveness is my game. I was really praising the drug for its low ailment ratio. Peace
Posted by chiron on May 28, 2002, at 17:29:06
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawalkickink » kickink, posted by skills on May 28, 2002, at 16:49:58
Yes, its individual. But my psych did affirm that Effexor is very reputable shitty withdrawals. I personally was extrememly agitated/depressed. Wanted to end the torment so bad.
Posted by HelenG on May 29, 2002, at 9:04:02
In reply to Effexor w/d help -- unusual situation, posted by SuzyQ on May 28, 2002, at 1:36:43
SuzyQ,
Advise you go to the nearest hospital and explain the situation. It's not worth leaving it to chance. You have 9 days supply left? Best get it sorted out now rather than leave it until you're withdrawing and blow your cool with a blank faced doctor.
Good luck!
Posted by SuzyQ on May 29, 2002, at 15:38:07
In reply to Re: Effexor w/d help -- unusual situation » SuzyQ, posted by HelenG on May 29, 2002, at 9:04:02
I really appreciate everyone's advice and experiences. Thanks so much. I'm divvying up my capsules now and seeing what other options are open. Thanks. Like I said, I really appreciate y'all!
Posted by jenni.39 on November 15, 2002, at 18:28:22
In reply to Re: Effexor w/d help -- unusual situation, posted by fairnymph on May 28, 2002, at 2:15:25
> I disagree with skills. I have tried 5 different antidepressants and of all of them, only Effexor had withdrawal symptoms that were literally unbearable. Effexor really does have some of the worst withdrawal symptoms of any drug (outside of the benzos).
>
> I would NOT recommend stopping Effexor cold turkey.
>
> I would taper off the Effexor as best I could using the dose you have left, and then take some prozac as necessary when you run out of Effexor. Prozac does indeed help buffer the Effexor withdrawal...
>
> You will know if you need to take some prozac, if the headaches/nausea/electric shocks from the Effexor are extreme enough to really upset you.
>
> Good luck!
>
> ~fairnymph
>
> p.s. 150 mg of Effexor is not a particularily high dose. It really only starts having an effect at around 75-100 mg. I had to take the max dose (450 mg) and even at that level, it stopped working after a while...
isn't this a subjective thing tho? i found seroxat sent me OTT re: feeling good, cipramil eventually gave me dopey feeling, effexor seems less re: side effects for me...i also had dreadful, unbearable anxiety when starting Seroxat and Cipramil, valium saw me thru until it kicked in...i realise this is because of the actuallity of the serotonin 'kick starting' the brain again but talk about facing your demons....ye gods!
This is the end of the thread.
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