Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by viengsone on December 17, 2002, at 3:42:55
I have been tapering off of effexor and finally am taking no more pills except the fact that my withdrawal symptoms are so bad I feel like I can't take it anymore. It has been almost 4 days I think and it feels like I'm going through hell. I often ask myself why I took them in the first place. I feel so much worst than when I actually thought I needed it. The nausea, headaches, brain spasm, insomnia, and frustration has been pretty unbearable. I think the company should explain to you how the withdrawal actually sucks. They make it sound like the withdrawal is no big deal. I wish they could experience what I have been through these past couple of days. I can't even concentrate. I ran into a mailbox. When I go to the store I keep on getting brain jitters and I feel like I can't function. I was on zoloft for 3 yrs and Effexor for 4 months. I feel like I'm going through major drug withdrawal. Now I know why some people who are on antidepressants either kill themselves or others. I believe some people really need to be on serious supervision, but instead these psychiatrists hand these pills out like its no big deal and that makes me so pissed!! They probably have never even taken the drug themselves. I feel abused. Misdiagnosed and so frusterated right now. Sorry to vent, but I didn't know where else to turn. It's almost 4 am and I can't even sleep. I don't know what to do. Hopefully a week from now I'll feel better, but I will never forget this and how frusterated and confused I feel right now.
Posted by Merci on December 17, 2002, at 8:52:27
In reply to Effexor withdrawal sucks, posted by viengsone on December 17, 2002, at 3:42:55
Viengsone,
I know exactly what you're saying - I've withdrawn from about a dozen antidepressants without any problems but withdrawing from effexor was HELL. I was a wreck, physically and emotionally. I agree with you - there should be major warnings to both doctors and patients about this drug. I imagine that if drug company executives and psychiatrists were forced to take effexor and then withdraw from it, things would be a little different.
My doctor prescribed a short term antianxiety med. to "take the edge off" while I was withdrawing - I don't know if that's an option for you but it might be worth a try.
It does get better. I hope it gets better for you soon.
Merci
Posted by NikkiT2 on December 17, 2002, at 12:05:34
In reply to Effexor withdrawal sucks, posted by viengsone on December 17, 2002, at 3:42:55
It really does suck... I feel for you having been there twice.
Not much helped ease it I'm afraid... a drowsy over the counter cough medicine (it was the only thing I had in the house that conatined paracetamol!) did seem to help.. though tablets I bought later didn't as I couldn't swallow them due to the nausea.
I mainly smoked pot as it helped me sleep as much as possible.I have read alot that a low dose of Prozac can help hugely.
good luck. And it does pass.. though sometimes it feels like it won't.
Posted by rainbowlight on December 17, 2002, at 18:53:18
In reply to Effexor withdrawal sucks, posted by viengsone on December 17, 2002, at 3:42:55
I can understand your frustration, withdrawel is hell. I have found Ginger capsules from the healthfood store work very well for the nausea. I wish I had more answers for you. It does end and you will feel better (even though you probably don't feel like it right now). I hope you are feeling better soon.
Posted by Amberlin on December 17, 2002, at 20:12:59
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal sucks, posted by rainbowlight on December 17, 2002, at 18:53:18
I completely understand. I had the same problem. The dizziness was unbearable. The worst part was that my doctor didn't believe that the dizziness was from Effexor withdrawal and said I had an inner ear infection.
This is the end of the thread.
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