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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by DebraA. on August 30, 2002, at 16:42:46
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by Sahara on February 27, 2001, at 19:29:58
Hi There! I have been in the process of weaning off of Effexor. Actually, I tried to do it myself (without Dr assistance) and I thought I was plunging into psychotic episodes!). Right now,I'm at my 3rd week with a prescribed schedule to cut down by 75 mg every other week (I was taking 375 mg/day). In addition, my doc added serzone (I'm at 300 mg a day) to help ease me off the effexor. I'm furious that I have to be taking ANOTHER anti-depressant because this one is so incredibly difficult to get off of!). However, I plan to stop the serzone once this process is finished.
I've been on several anti-depressants throught the years, but not one of them compares to this nightmare. Even with the serzone, I've got stuff floating around in my peripheal vision - freaks me out like I'm paranoid, major tiredness all the time (but can't unwind enough to actually nap), my obsessive-like thinking has been in control a bunch, diarrhea, irritability, and hopelessness. Last week my entire body ached all the time, like I've been mountain-climbing;I kickbox 4 times a week (so I know I'm not really exerting my muscles and bones!) I can't concentrate, and I can't remember stuff - I honestly am feeling anxiety when someone asks me to remember something. I walk around like I'm on cocaine without the euphoria.
I'm glad to have found this website. Everybody else thinks I'm going crazy.
Thanks so much for the input!!
Posted by sleepy lizard on August 30, 2002, at 18:07:41
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent , posted by DebraA. on August 30, 2002, at 16:42:46
Yes, getting off of Effexor is nasty. I know about those nightmares, and shocks, and I have experienced these things on a two day drug holiday. I have read that after two to four weeks of your last dose you will be free. Sorry to hear you are having such a bad time with it.
Posted by Alara on September 2, 2002, at 6:17:11
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent » Sahara, posted by simone on August 27, 2002, at 18:40:12
Hang in there! I stopped taking my daily 75mg of Effexor almost two weeks ago and am only just staring to feel `normal' again. Yes, I went cold turkey, and I wouldn't recommend that anyone else tries this without first consulting his/her doctor.
Two days after my last dose, I rushed home early, convinced that I was having some kind of unprecedented attack of psychosis. (Have never been psychotic before and yet I was feeling so paranoid and anxious at work, that I thought that they were labeling me as `mad'.) I headed straight to bed with feelings of severe nausea and anxiety. I called in sick the next day and divided my weekend time between the toilet and the bucket under my bed...:-) One minute I was sweating, the next I was so cold that I couldn't get warm under my continental quilt.
Five days after my last dose, I started to feel like my true self again. The nausea became more intermittent and I was regaining some of my appetite. The electric shock feelings were the worst: They started in nerves located at my extremities (mainly fingers) and shot through my body, culminating in a yawning kind of sensation in my ears. Still, I knew by then that I was getting better and this gave me the courage to get through,
Tomorrow is the two-week anniversary of my last Effexor dose. I feel that I am finally regaining contact with the person that I was before I started this drug. The electric shocks are the only aspect of the withdrawal that bother me now - and they are becoming less and less troublesome each day.
Hang in there. Many of us know exactly how you feel. You will be OK.
Posted by Alara on September 2, 2002, at 6:24:12
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by Alara on September 2, 2002, at 6:17:11
BTW: Forgot to mention that Codral Night cold and flu tablets (similar to Benadryl) really eased the symptoms. I only took these for the first 4 or 5 days.
Posted by simone on September 2, 2002, at 8:59:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.Effexor XR eased my depression/anxiety but I gained nearly 15 pounds in eight months, was always constipated and tired. With the help of my doctor I decided to discontinue Effexor XR. I tapered off the medication gradually following my doctor's instructions. Two days after my last dose I developed severe anxiety, flu like symptoms, vivid dreams and basically I felt more depressed than before I ever started taking Effexor XR. This drug worked for me, but the withdrawls of this medication was hell. I never experienced this with other antidepressants. Good luck to all thinking about taking Effexor XR.
Posted by andrearenee on September 2, 2002, at 16:29:42
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by Alara on September 2, 2002, at 6:24:12
Hi, first I'm Bi-Polar, I 've been taking a high dose of this very addictive medication (I wish I would have known in the beginning). And basically...I feel like I'm going to die.
After complaining to my ECT doctor and reducing my dose twice, it's been about a week with no Effexor. I'm starting to feel fine but now, a few days later I feel worse (HORRIBLE). I went into a 2-day terrible depression, and it has been at least 8 months, since I have been that depressed.
I've had all of your same withdrawal symptoms; nausea, irritability, head spinning, body pains, nightmares, sweating, worse than any flu I've had, so bad that I just cry. I hope I lose weight like some of you, heh. I wish you all the luck! If you've never taken Effexor before, then research it before you take it. There are no words for the "sick" feeling that a person could feel. Good Luck!
Andrea
Posted by Kat on September 2, 2002, at 18:08:56
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by andrearenee on September 2, 2002, at 16:29:42
I've been on Effexor for about 3 years. I tried to wean myself off 2 times, going down to a 37.5 mg's every other day. It took over 4 months. But I get so sick, and the swishing in my head is a nightmare. I was totally off Effexor for 6 weeks, and the swishing or electrical current that runs through my head every coupls seconds, never stopped. I talked to my doctor about it, and I think she thought it was crazy to have that noise. I guess the company that puts this stuff out, failed to let docors know this. 2 weeks ago I went back on the Effexor just so the noise would stop. If I miss a dose, it all starts up again. Does anyone else have the same problem? I really want to get off this stuff.
Posted by rumbera on September 2, 2002, at 18:40:36
In reply to Re: I gained 20 pounds BLAH » Kazza, posted by MarkinBoston on February 26, 2001, at 12:50:04
> I was on Effexor Xr for about a year. This was my last choice after trying every SSRI out there. At first I loved it I thought I found the right medication. My panic attacks decreased and my depression was lifted. That was until I gained 25 pounds very quickly. I was bothered since I was always very thin ,but suprisingly not as bothered as my friends and family were. Then I noticed after a few months the intial high that I felt decreased into a almost sedated mode. I was sleeping more and tired all the time. I also cared less about things. I knew that this is not what I wanted but felt content not having the panic attacks and was scared to death of withdrawl. Well last week I went to the doctor and he advised me to go from my 150 daily(which I told him for the last month I was taking every other day against his advise) to 37.5 every day for a week and then that is it. This is my fourth day and I feel okay. I have the almost electrical sensations in my head and some of my anxiety has returned but I have been keeping a positive attitude and hoping to lose some of my effexor weight. If anyone has lost all of their weight please let me know.
Posted by Mr.Scott on September 2, 2002, at 20:25:16
In reply to Re: I gained 20 pounds BLAH, posted by rumbera on September 2, 2002, at 18:40:36
Your experience is probably standard rather than unique. It certainly mirrors mine and many others I know. Psychiatric drugs generally suck.
Posted by Angel1 on September 3, 2002, at 15:15:55
In reply to Re: I gained 20 pounds BLAH » rumbera, posted by Mr.Scott on September 2, 2002, at 20:25:16
i weaned myself off of Effexor against my Dr.'s
knowledge because of the exact same things you have experienced. The weight gain was less than
25lbs., but I am just now(six months later) feeling back to normal. I too became very sedated and all I did was sleep and work. The sedation doesn't help with the weight gain at all.
With perseverence and regular exercise, it will come off slowly. I'm sorry you had to go through this. My Dr. told me hardly anyone gains weight with Effexor. They just don't get it!
Posted by DebraA. on September 3, 2002, at 16:39:34
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares » Seraphim, posted by Bob ,RN on August 28, 2002, at 13:18:52
Anyone out there remember how long it took to get past the awful withdrawal from effexor? I finally went cold turkey 3 days ago and feel close to psychotic. Will this ever end?
Posted by johnlund on September 3, 2002, at 21:44:43
In reply to I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by sly on August 28, 2002, at 8:17:26
> In the last month or so I've developed a new side effect. During the day I'm fine, but at night I sweat like crazy, I wake up several times a night soaked, even my sheets are wet, it's disgusting.
>
> I've never experienced this before, I know it's not the air temperature, it's cool outside at night and I have air conditioning, I sleep practically naked with only a top sheet. Both my family doc and my psyc say it's the medication, but neither has any remedies - did anyone else have this problem and have any suggestions?
I have night sweats, and I also sweat during the day, and when I excercise. I do not consider it a big deal. Just a curious side effect. I have also noticed it with other ADs beside Effexor. I think sweating is good for a persoon anyway. It cleans out the pours.
John
Posted by rumbera on September 3, 2002, at 22:43:21
In reply to beginning to wean hopefully losing weight, posted by vanroni on March 21, 2001, at 20:37:32
In response to V,
I know it has been over a year since the post but I really want to know if anyone has lost the weight after witdrawing from effexor. I have gained 25 pounds as well. I hope all the widrawl is worth it. I have never felt so horrible. I too have the "brain shivers" and every time I would tell my doc they looked at me like I was crazy. I am glad to know that I am not the only one with these symptoms. I just wish there were an easier way.
Posted by DebraA. on September 4, 2002, at 7:59:40
In reply to Re: beginning to wean hopefully losing weight, posted by rumbera on September 3, 2002, at 22:43:21
>Yesterday was the worst day for those "brain shivers" since I went cold turkey 4 days ago. I'm glad to report that I finally slept okay for the first time in a week. Before going cold turkey, my shrink had me stepping down slowly from the Effexor. But, it felt like slow death. So, I decided to go ahead a make it "sudden death" instead.
I'll let you know if I drop any weight. It's highly likely because I've been so nauseated. I've also had diarrhea. I'm also pissed that Effexor packed on a few pounds for me, not to mention it KILLED my libido too.
I hope you're doing okay today. I'm still doing the brain shiver thing, but it seems more mild today (so far anyway).
Posted by DebraA. on September 4, 2002, at 8:12:07
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by Kat on September 2, 2002, at 18:08:56
>I too have the swishing sound that accompanies the brain freezes. I feel like I'm in a Frankenstein experiment. If anyone had told me that I would face this sort of withdrawal if I were to go on this drug, I'm not sure I would have taken it. One thing is for sure, I would never have believed it would be this bad. I sure hope this ends soon. I do know for sure that I'll never put this drug back into my system!
Posted by DebraA. on September 4, 2002, at 8:18:29
In reply to Re: I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by johnlund on September 3, 2002, at 21:44:43
I did a bunch of night sweating from time to time while on this drug. My doctor said I was starting menopause (which I'm not because I've had everything tested!). I'm pretty sure that it was the Effexor acting up in my system. I work out often and I've noticed that I was sweating more (I'm a big sweater anyway) than usual. So, I think you're right on about the drug causing all this extra sweating.
Posted by Kat on September 4, 2002, at 9:35:19
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by DebraA. on September 4, 2002, at 8:12:07
When I talked to my doctor about the brain buzz or swishing, she too thought I was crazy. I'm thinking it could be nerve damage. Ater 6 weeks off Effexor, no change, so I went back on it just to stop the swishing. Now, I trying to find another way to get off, for good!
Posted by sly on September 4, 2002, at 11:51:50
In reply to Re: I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by DebraA. on September 4, 2002, at 8:18:29
My doctor told me the symptoms were similar to menopause, something to do with the extra serotonin, my body thinks it's cold so it overheats to compensate - I wonder why it happens at night, I take my pill around noon, what time do you take yours?
Actually, I've had a revisit of my insomnia, for the past week I haven't been able to sleep (due to work-related stress, not depression), so sweating isn't a problem, it only seems to happen when I'm asleep. It's weird and annoying, but I guess I can live with it, all my other symptoms disappeared over time.
Posted by rumbera on September 4, 2002, at 11:55:59
In reply to Re: I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by DebraA. on September 4, 2002, at 8:18:29
You know I am tired of docs blaming things on you instead of saying the truth (you going thru menopause) my doc said that the weight gain that i got from effexor was probably the fact that i have a glass or two of wine with dinner a couple of times a week. First of all I would have to drink a whole lot for that to happen and second 25 pounds in the first few months of beginning weight i also must have eaten cheeseburgers every day if that were the case.
I am so upset at my doc he also took me from a dose of 150 to 37.5 for a week and to then completly discontinue. From what I read and heard that is if he wanted me to suffer. This is my 4th day of the 37.5 dose and last night I had nightmares and nightsweats. I cannot imagine what it will be like to be completly off it.
Posted by jannbeau on September 4, 2002, at 11:58:41
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by Kat on September 2, 2002, at 18:08:56
> During withdrawal from Effexor XR (150 mg/day) I, too, had this swishing (or "swooshing")in my head accompanied by what appeared to be a momentary disconnection between my eyes and my brain, a sort of "dizziness" that seemed to occur when I turned my head; It seems associated with the balance mechanism in the inner ear or 7th cranial nerve (auditory nerve) or something. I also had a major increase during Effexor XR treatment of my ongoing tinnitus (my rt ear seems very sensitive to ANY medication that causes tinnitus or ringing in the ear). I figured this was the "brain shivers" or "brain zaps" I had read about. The swooshing effect only seemed to occur during discontinuation while I was tapering (tapered for about one month from 150 to 75 to 37.5 to 0. Stayed on 37.5 for two weeks, then discontinued) and disappeared within (if I can remember correctly) about one week of complete discontinuation of Effexor. I suffered only mild discontinuation syndrome, perhaps because I am older and already was dealing with some balance problems. I was able to stop rather easily. I stopped because I could NOT tolerate the side effects associated with taking the medication - namely, my total inability to stay alert and to do my job, no matter when I took my medication or how much or little I took. I took Effexor for only six or seven months before stopping. I was sorry to have to dc this med because I took it to control intractable pain and it definitely decreased my pain, even at low doses.
I've been on Effexor for about 3 years. I tried to wean myself off 2 times, going down to a 37.5 mg's every other day. It took over 4 months. But I get so sick, and the swishing in my head is a nightmare. I was totally off Effexor for 6 weeks, and the swishing or electrical current that runs through my head every coupls seconds, never stopped. I talked to my doctor about it, and I think she thought it was crazy to have that noise. I guess the company that puts this stuff out, failed to let docors know this. 2 weeks ago I went back on the Effexor just so the noise would stop. If I miss a dose, it all starts up again. Does anyone else have the same problem? I really want to get off this stuff.
Posted by jannbeau on September 4, 2002, at 12:09:09
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by Kat on September 4, 2002, at 9:35:19
>Kat, how fast did you discontinue the Effexor? I somehow get the impression that going off too quickly (that is, reducing your dose too rapidly over too short a time) might extend the time you suffer from a condition some call "discontinuation syndrome" which may be what you are experiencing. Maybe if you discontinue very slowly the next time you can avoid suffering the "zaps"--?? I am not a physician nor do I know much about pmeds, but I've read a lot of these posts and have come up with this thought from what I've read here and other places. BTW, drug companies do seem to recognize and mention a "discontinuation syndrome" for various pmeds, seemingly most often the SSRI's (???).
Cheers,
JannbeauWhen I talked to my doctor about the brain buzz or swishing, she too thought I was crazy. I'm thinking it could be nerve damage. Ater 6 weeks off Effexor, no change, so I went back on it just to stop the swishing. Now, I trying to find another way to get off, for good!
Posted by Kat on September 4, 2002, at 13:08:49
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by jannbeau on September 4, 2002, at 12:09:09
I tapered off this very slowly, over 4 months. I was on 75mg's 3 times a day. Towards the end, I was taking 37.5mg about 1 every 3 days. The buzz wouldn't go away. I certainly don't want to continue taking Effexor. Over the past 15 years, I've tried probably 5 different medications. This has been, so far, the worst antidepressant to get out of my system. It's like my body is so addicted, and the doctors don't understand.
Posted by Rusty Shackleford on September 4, 2002, at 14:08:23
In reply to Effexor ER and Zoloft combination, posted by butterfly58 on August 30, 2002, at 8:30:58
> Has anyone taken both Effexor ER and Zoloft together. Have you had success and what have you found in the way of side effects?
> My doctor prescribed both Effexor ER and Zoloft to be taken together. Zoloft by itself did not seem to help so he added Effexor ER 75mg. After over 2 weeks on effexor I don't feel any better but I have many side effects. I have Insomnia, difficulty waking up, extreme tiredness, "spacy" feeling shakiness, dry mouth, vision disturbances, absolutly no motivation, sometimes hyperness and other minor symptoms. Will these side effects go away? Actually I feel worse than before the meds. I feel no anxiety but I don't feel life is worth living.
>I have taken similar combinations.. I dont know what kind of mental problem you have though. If its basiclly panic attacks and the panic attacks and phobias are what is making you depressed then I would suggest you get a new doctor.
I personally go to Abbot Lee Granoff I can see him over the phone from out of state and hes the best doctor I have ever been to. I was about hopless until I ran across doctors like him.
http://www.drgranoff.com
Posted by DebraA. on September 4, 2002, at 14:34:49
In reply to Re: Long term effects of Effexor/permanent, posted by Kat on September 4, 2002, at 9:35:19
Sounds like we're all onto something with this brain stuff - swishing, freezing, buzzing - you can bet that if I could EVER prove that some sort of permanent damage has been done, I'll be the first in line to sign up for a class action suit. I can't believe that the other person still has it after 6 weeks! I've had it for four days and I feel like I'm losing it - six weeks? No way. I am so angry that I was not warned about this and I'm angry that doctors have the CONTINUAL NERVE to dismiss what's going on with me. How the hell would he or she know anyway? And do you think the medical company is going to step up to the plate on this stuff if it means paying out $$ to people, or losing future prescriptions? And what doctor is going to even get close to anything that might smell like a malpractice claim!
I know for sure that I've NEVER experienced anything like this coming off a drug - not even a powerful one like nicotine! I've been on prozac, wellbutrin, and serzone (and even one of the ancient drugs that was a precursor to all of these) and I have never experienced this. You can bet your $$ that if I continue to feel like this for 6 weeks, someone is going to hear about it.
I'd also like to say, that weight management is impossible on Effexor. I have gained some weight, and no matter what I do, it will not come off while I'm on this drug. Drinking or not drinking a glass or two of wine in the evening makes no difference.
Sorry if this sounds like I'm irritated, but after 4 days of hell getting off this drug, I am VERY IRRITATED!!!
Posted by DebraA. on September 4, 2002, at 14:44:48
In reply to Re: I can't stop sweating - can anyone help?, posted by sly on September 4, 2002, at 11:51:50
I used to take 375 mg of Effexor, 300 in the a.m. and 75 mg at night. If you scan down and look at the other messages, you'll see that I'm one of those people commiserating about my withdrawal ordeal with this drug.
Thanks for the heads up on the sweating though. I also noted that I would sweat more when I was conversing with someone - I'd get a little hyper and sweaty when the discussion got going.
My doctor ended prescribing Trazadone for me to take at night because I could never get to sleep. The whole four years I've been on the stuff I've had to take the Trazadone to get me to sleep at night. So I think that's just another side effect of the drug in your system for sure. Trazadone's okay, but it takes quite a while in the morning to shake the drugged-out effect from taking it. Have you ever taken some of that Tylenol p.m. stuff and felt woozy in the a.m.? Trazadone has the same effect.
Effexor is really weird stuff in my opinion.
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