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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by napaba on March 11, 2003, at 11:52:44
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal , posted by maliak on March 11, 2003, at 11:42:14
> Effexor is not approved for children, that's probably why you can't find anything out about it's effects on teenagers. I wish I could offer some advise, but all I can say is Effexor works great for me. I've never heard of it being prescribed for ADHD. I'd get a second opinion before I gave it to a 13 year old.
I am a mom of a 13 year old boy who has just been prescribed Effexor. He has been on Adderall for 2 years and some type of ADHD med for almost 8 years. Every time we thought we had his ADHD under control we would hear from school to find out we didn't. Since hitting Middle School things progressed for the worse. 6 months ago his therapist and pediatrician started him on Paxil changing his dose 3 times with no difference. He is now expelled from school due to lack of respect for authority. He simply can not stay focused and will not stop running his mouth. He is not violent nor does he have a drug and/or alcohol problem. It is heart breaking to watch him and listen to him when all he can do is cry because he can't help himself.
>
> The good I hear is that this drug is the preferred combo with Adderall (noted on more than just this site) but in adults. I am excited about what could be the answer to our prayers not to mention his misery. The problem is I can not find ANYTHING on the effects in a teenager going through puberty on top of everything else. HELP! I can not bare to think of him dealing with the withdrawal issues posted on this site. As an adult we tend to grind our teeth and get through it. For a teen who gets the flu and thinks the world is coming to an end I can not imagine telling him to hang in there and it will eventually subside over time.
>
> I do not question his pediatrician or his counselor for wanting to try Effexor. His doctor has been there since he was born and his counselor comes with high recommendations. I just fear the "unknown". I know they believe this is his best option right now and would hate to turn it down if it could truly help.
>
> I find a lot of info on how Effexor treats depression but how does it work in combo with ADHD and is it really worth the side effects and withdrawals, because if it is he will receive his first dose tonight and we will learn how to deal with everything that comes with it. Main item here is to help my son grow in to a respectful and responsible adult, his success will be my Effexor!
>
> Thanks!
Posted by lovemybabies on March 11, 2003, at 14:03:19
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal , posted by napaba on March 11, 2003, at 11:52:44
I read your post and my heart goes out to you. My kids are young(5 and 3) so I can't really speak to the ADHD issue. What I do want to say is do not fear the withdrawal hype. At this time, the most important thing is to get your son functioning and able to hang in a classroom setting. I have, in fact, read posts from people who say the withdrawal side effects were no big deal and/or only lasted a short time. In my opinion, any withdrawal would be far down the line. If this IS the right drug for your son, it would be well-worth it. I would trust your pediatrician and therapist's advice. They have your son's best interests at heart. Good luck.
Jen
Posted by Jewels on March 11, 2003, at 14:08:23
In reply to Efferox side effects, posted by Asyan Delight on February 20, 2003, at 13:17:48
Hi....just new to this site and needed some help. I "stopped" taking Effexor (just because I ran out) on Sunday. I am SO dizzy and nauseous and am having very distrubing dreams. I have been reading all your posts and am thinking I should STAY off this drug and just deal with the side effects. Have any of you quit cold turkey and if so, how long did the side effects last? I don't want to go back on, but will if weaning is better.
Thank you! Good luck to you all!
Jewels
Posted by natural on March 11, 2003, at 19:57:05
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
i have been taking effexor for a week i think and i beleive its 75mg's..i dont want to take a higher dose unless my anxiety gets worse.....i was wondering how anxiety affects peoples nerves and limbs and other various body parts....one of the things that sets of my panic attacks is when a part of my body feels different then usuall....ex:...the last couple days i have been paying close attention to my right arm and right leg because they feel different then my left side...i dont know how to explain how they do...but they do....
also when i exercise i feel like i cant breathe....iam pretty sure thats just me telling myself i cant but does anyone know how to overcome these things?...or better yet how to get your mind off of it??....90% of the time what is constantly on my mind is my anxiety and how iam feeling...so if there is anyway to ge tmy mind of it of it things would be alot easier obviously
thanks
Posted by RealTim on March 11, 2003, at 20:29:43
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Below is a site that discusses the unusual side effect referred to as brain shivers.
http://depression.about.com/library/weekly/aa052598.htm
Here is a quote from it: "One of the most disturbing things I was told by ASDers was that the "brain shivers" often continued long after the medication was stopped. Some expressed the fear that the brain was being permanently altered by their medication. It does indeed seem that the side-effect profile of Effexor is not fully understood. After collecting data on reported side-effects, Priory Lodge Education Limited has expressed the opinion that because side-effects are more severe than previously thought, Effexor should be used only in cases of depression resistant to other medications."
I have personally not encountered this effect.
I do agree with the recommendation that the 13 year old boy get a second opinion, especially in light of that quote above. I have a 10 year old boy and he is the whole world to me. You are trying your best to help your baby and it does you tremendous credit that you are even doing the research unlike so many others who are willing to give their kids pills without a second thought.
Good for you, keep hunting to help. The internet is also a powerful tool if you spend the time and read everything with a degree of skepticism. No one will help you like you can help yourself. Conclusions can only be reached after developing patterns in the things you read. No one knows your little guy like you do.
These issues and others are why I am weaning off of Effexor. My Dr had me on Wellbutrin for 6 months with zero side effects for me. I went a year with no meds no problem, and then a semi-traumatic event caused relapse but my Dr jumped to the conclusion that I needed something more "long term". Thus Effexor.
It did the trick, like a miracle. In fairness, he did recommend therapy too but I just can't bring myself to spend the time and money on it (even with insurance at co-pays of $40USD for 2X per week it ain't cheap)
Now that I am much better I am tapering off from 150 to 75. Cold turkey was so harsh with the "sea sick" feeling and weird/vivid dreams that I could not take it. No problem at 75. I will probably consult with my Dr before reducing to 37.5. I want to see if I can get some samplers of Prozac or something because there appears to be a consensus out there that Prozac 10 mg can help ease effexor withdrawl.
And to answer one posters question: I have read of withdrawl ranging from 0 days to 180 days, but the average appears to be 10 days or less...
Good luck all.
Posted by jtc on March 11, 2003, at 20:49:20
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal , posted by maliak on March 11, 2003, at 11:42:14
> I am a mom of a 13 year old boy who has just been prescribed Effexor. He has been on Adderall for 2 years and some type of ADHD med for almost 8 years. Every time we thought we had his ADHD under control we would hear from school to find out we didn't. Since hitting Middle School things progressed for the worse. 6 months ago his therapist and pediatrician started him on Paxil changing his dose 3 times with no difference. He is now expelled from school due to lack of respect for authority. He simply can not stay focused and will not stop running his mouth. He is not violent nor does he have a drug and/or alcohol problem. It is heart breaking to watch him and listen to him when all he can do is cry because he can't help himself.
>
> The good I hear is that this drug is the preferred combo with Adderall (noted on more than just this site) but in adults. I am excited about what could be the answer to our prayers not to mention his misery. The problem is I can not find ANYTHING on the effects in a teenager going through puberty on top of everything else. HELP! I can not bare to think of him dealing with the withdrawal issues posted on this site. As an adult we tend to grind our teeth and get through it. For a teen who gets the flu and thinks the world is coming to an end I can not imagine telling him to hang in there and it will eventually subside over time.
>
> I do not question his pediatrician or his counselor for wanting to try Effexor. His doctor has been there since he was born and his counselor comes with high recommendations. I just fear the "unknown". I know they believe this is his best option right now and would hate to turn it down if it could truly help.
>
> I find a lot of info on how Effexor treats depression but how does it work in combo with ADHD and is it really worth the side effects and withdrawals, because if it is he will receive his first dose tonight and we will learn how to deal with everything that comes with it. Main item here is to help my son grow in to a respectful and responsible adult, his success will be my Effexor!
>
> Thanks!My daughter will be 9 in May and she has been on Effexor XR 37.5 mg for about four months now. I am really scared for her to be on it. She has severe anxiety and worry to the point it was affecting her school work. She was not paying attention in school and her teacher thought she might have ADD so we had her tested at a psychologist's office and he thinks it is just anxiety. He says she is a very bright girl and she does not have attention deficit but that her mind is going in 10 different directions and because of her anxiety she cannot concentrate on the task at hand but I think she might have a small degree of ADD just because she doesn't listen to me at home. The psychologist referred us to a psychiatrist and the psychiatrist suggested that we try Effexor so I talked with my daughter's pediatrician, who has been her doctor since she was born, and she said she thought it might help my daughter's anxiety to try the Effexor. It has helped the anxiety to a certain extent but she is still having a hard time staying focused at school. She is also having some outbursts when she doesn't get her way. She is in third grade and she is reading sixth grade level books. I think she is very intelligent and her teacher says she can do the work but is not applying herself. She has trouble with math though. I am going to take her off the Effexor during the summer and see how she does off of it. Good luck to your son. Keep us posted. This is a really good website. Take care, JC
Posted by Rosanne Rosannadanna on March 11, 2003, at 23:06:06
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by stjames on July 9, 2000, at 1:47:29
I am weaning off Effexor. It gives me nightmares - like melodramas all night long. I wake up exhausted. I can't get going. I dream about dead people. I dream that someone is trying to kill me or that I killed somebody. I dream about people I have not seen for years or who are deceased. They are horrible dreams and they are just upsetting my life. This is not a good thing.
Posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 23:18:33
In reply to I am weaning off » stjames, posted by Rosanne Rosannadanna on March 11, 2003, at 23:06:06
Hi, I don't know what the hell causes these weird, scary dreams. anyone know???? I got them the first few days on Lamictal,and they are scary.
They have gone away---for now, could you try to give the Effexor another chance??? Can you talk to your doc and tell him/her about this? I have seen and experienced first hand how well Effexor does for a lot of folks.
Any thoughts? Hope to hear back:-)
Kristen
==================================================================================================I am weaning off Effexor. It gives me nightmares - like melodramas all night long. I wake up exhausted. I can't get going. I dream about dead people. I dream that someone is trying to kill me or that I killed somebody. I dream about people I have not seen for years or who are deceased. They are horrible dreams and they are just upsetting my life. This is not a good thing.
Posted by donnap23 on March 11, 2003, at 23:29:48
In reply to Efferox side effects, posted by Jewels on March 11, 2003, at 14:08:23
I am on my 4th day of withdrawal and I wouldn't recommend anyone taking this drug. I have never had anything do me this way. I have been vomiting since Sat and here it is late Tues night. I'm holding out!
Posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 23:37:03
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by donnap23 on March 11, 2003, at 23:29:48
I am so sorry you are vomiting!! You do not need that. Some people just don't respond to Effexor-especially the withdrawals! Can you ask your doc for an anti-emetic so you can stop this horrible vomiting, not to mention 4 days of it, you are experiencing??? It's only been 4 days. May I ask what dosage are you on now and from what dosage did you start your withdrawals at?
Please reply and I hope you get to feeling better and hang in. *hugs to you*
Kristen
==================================================================================================I am on my 4th day of withdrawal and I wouldn't recommend anyone taking this drug. I have never had anything do me this way. I have been vomiting since Sat and here it is late Tues night. I'm holding out!
Posted by donnap23 on March 12, 2003, at 7:02:07
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects » donnap23, posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 23:37:03
I was taking 75 in the am and 75 in the pm. I did not taper off. I really wasn't aware of why I got sick until I went online to see if there were reactions to not taking meds. I had skipped my dose Fri and by Sat night it got bad. I didn't stop on purpose (emergency out of town visit and left meds at home). I had no idea it would be like this though. I am up and around now, which is a big improvement (although still sick), but at least I don't feel like I'm dying! I wasn't aware of any of these side effects. I knew if I quit I would have to taper off but I didn't know it would make you this sick in less than 24 hours. It is sooooo not worth it. Thanks for the support.
> I am so sorry you are vomiting!! You do not need that. Some people just don't respond to Effexor-especially the withdrawals! Can you ask your doc for an anti-emetic so you can stop this horrible vomiting, not to mention 4 days of it, you are experiencing??? It's only been 4 days. May I ask what dosage are you on now and from what dosage did you start your withdrawals at?
> Please reply and I hope you get to feeling better and hang in. *hugs to you*
> Kristen
> ==================================================================================================
>
> I am on my 4th day of withdrawal and I wouldn't recommend anyone taking this drug. I have never had anything do me this way. I have been vomiting since Sat and here it is late Tues night. I'm holding out!
>
>
Posted by napaba on March 12, 2003, at 8:39:19
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by donnap23 on March 11, 2003, at 23:29:48
The withdrawal from Effexor really scares me. How many mg's. were you taking? I only take 75 mg and hope because I'm on a low dose that when it comes time to quit taking it the withdrawal won't be so bad. I've also read that your you get use to the drug and have to up your dose. Has anyone else heard this? Or started on a low dose and ended up increasing it? If so how long was it before it had to be increase?
I am on my 4th day of withdrawal and I wouldn't recommend anyone taking this drug. I have never had anything do me this way. I have been vomiting since Sat and here it is late Tues night. I'm holding out!
Posted by Krissy P on March 12, 2003, at 9:03:28
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by donnap23 on March 12, 2003, at 7:02:07
wow, I'm glad you are feeling a little better though. I agree, it is sooooooooo not worth it.
Hang in there and try to keep me posted:-)
kristen
==================================================================================================I was taking 75 in the am and 75 in the pm. I did not taper off. I really wasn't aware of why I got sick until I went online to see if there were reactions to not taking meds. I had skipped my dose Fri and by Sat night it got bad. I didn't stop on purpose (emergency out of town visit and left meds at home). I had no idea it would be like this though. I am up and around now, which is a big improvement (although still sick), but at least I don't feel like I'm dying! I wasn't aware of any of these side effects. I knew if I quit I would have to taper off but I didn't know it would make you this sick in less than 24 hours. It is sooooo not worth it. Thanks for the support.
I am so sorry you are vomiting!! You do not need that. Some people just don't respond to Effexor-especially the withdrawals! Can you ask your doc for an anti-emetic so you can stop this horrible vomiting, not to mention 4 days of it, you are experiencing??? It's only been 4 days. May I ask what dosage are you on now and from what dosage did you start your withdrawals at?
Please reply and I hope you get to feeling better and hang in. *hugs to you*
Kristen
Posted by Krissy P on March 12, 2003, at 9:18:23
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by napaba on March 12, 2003, at 8:39:19
Hi there, IMHO, work with the Effexor NOW and try not to be concerned with the withdrawal effects, until you decide, or need to go off of it. Sometimes a person doesn't get used to their dose and don't have to up it. Example-yours truly. I have been on Effexor a lot and I have never had to go above 75mg. I know I was on 75mg at one time and my pdoc at the time increased it to 150mg Uh uhhh--couldn't deal, didn't help. 75mg does me just fime.
Hope this helped??
Kristen:-)
==================================================================================================The withdrawal from Effexor really scares me. How many mg's. were you taking? I only take 75 mg and hope because I'm on a low dose that when it comes time to quit taking it the withdrawal won't be so bad. I've also read that your you get use to the drug and have to up your dose. Has anyone else heard this? Or started on a low dose and ended up increasing it? If so how long was it before it had to be increase?
Posted by napaba on March 12, 2003, at 9:29:13
In reply to Re: Effexor side effects » napaba, posted by Krissy P on March 12, 2003, at 9:18:23
thanks, I'll try and take it one day at a time. Lately though I've noticed an increase in Anxiety. I feel anxious all the time. I don't like it. What helps with the anxiety? An increase in Effexor, a different med?
Hi there, IMHO, work with the Effexor NOW and try not to be concerned with the withdrawal effects, until you decide, or need to go off of it. Sometimes a person doesn't get used to their dose and don't have to up it. Example-yours truly. I have been on Effexor a lot and I have never had to go above 75mg. I know I was on 75mg at one time and my pdoc at the time increased it to 150mg Uh uhhh--couldn't deal, didn't help. 75mg does me just fime.
> Hope this helped??
> Kristen:-)
> ==================================================================================================
>
> The withdrawal from Effexor really scares me. How many mg's. were you taking? I only take 75 mg and hope because I'm on a low dose that when it comes time to quit taking it the withdrawal won't be so bad. I've also read that your you get use to the drug and have to up your dose. Has anyone else heard this? Or started on a low dose and ended up increasing it? If so how long was it before it had to be increase?
>
Posted by dde on March 12, 2003, at 9:32:28
In reply to Re: Increase in anxiety Effexor side effects, posted by napaba on March 12, 2003, at 9:29:13
Have you tried paxil for anxiety? It seems to work very well for my oldest daughter...hasn't had an attack for months. Just a thought.
Posted by Krissy P on March 12, 2003, at 9:34:34
In reply to Re: Increase in anxiety Effexor side effects, posted by napaba on March 12, 2003, at 9:29:13
Hi, your very welcome and I hope everything works out for ya! You may want to ask your doc for a benzo or an AP (low doses) as an add-on.
Just my opinion... You may just need that until your body adjusts to help with the anxiety you are experiencing.
Keep me posted:-)
Kristen
==================================================================================================
> thanks, I'll try and take it one day at a time. Lately though I've noticed an increase in Anxiety. I feel anxious all the time. I don't like it. What helps with the anxiety? An increase in Effexor, a different med?
>
> Hi there, IMHO, work with the Effexor NOW and try not to be concerned with the withdrawal effects, until you decide, or need to go off of it. Sometimes a person doesn't get used to their dose and don't have to up it. Example-yours truly. I have been on Effexor a lot and I have never had to go above 75mg. I know I was on 75mg at one time and my pdoc at the time increased it to 150mg Uh uhhh--couldn't deal, didn't help. 75mg does me just fime.
> > Hope this helped??
> > Kristen:-)
Posted by napaba on March 12, 2003, at 9:42:04
In reply to Anxiety, posted by dde on March 12, 2003, at 9:32:28
I was on Paxil some time a go. But not recently. I will ask my Dr. next time I see him. Another concern I have is weight gain. I've gained 50 lbs. over the past two years ans sense I've strated taking Effexor I've been able to control my eating better, and have actully lost weight.
> Have you tried paxil for anxiety? It seems to work very well for my oldest daughter...hasn't had an attack for months. Just a thought.
Posted by dde on March 12, 2003, at 9:42:09
In reply to Re: I am scared of this medicine, HELP ME!, posted by Moni on July 18, 2000, at 18:30:25
I have noticed several references of children under the age of 18 being put on this medication. I would say "Parents Beware." PLEASE NOTE: IN OCTOBER 2002 WYETH APPLIED TO THE FDA TO ADD PEDIATRIC ADHD AND DEPRESSION TO ITS LIST OF INDICATIONS. ON FEBRUARY 12, 2003 THE FDA DENIED THE REQUEST, STATING THAT INSUFFICIENT RESEARCH HAD BEEN DONE AND THAT LAWSUITS WERE PENDING. You can read this for yourself by going to the FDA website.
Children do not know how to express all the symptoms, and we, as parents and not experiencing them, cannot relate or pick up on them.
Have your child tested for bi-polar, it cycles fast in children and is often misdiagnosed as ADHD or ADD. If your child is crying a lot and is very sad, with ADHD, PLEASE do some research before you put him or her on Effexor.
I didn't and lost my child to this medication. Needless to say, I am doing the homework now and encouraging people to get second or third opinions before allowing Wyeth to use their child as a guinea pig.
Best regards, de
Posted by Jewels on March 12, 2003, at 9:42:30
In reply to Re: Increase in anxiety Effexor side effects » napaba, posted by Krissy P on March 12, 2003, at 9:34:34
I am feeling your trauma going off Effexor. I, too, went off due to "forgetting" meds. (Maybe I should get THAT fixed?):) It is day 4 for me and I am still so dizzy and lightheaded. My husband gave me some Tylenol PM and I still had weird dreams, but slept the night. Someone hit it right on the nose saying, it's like a migraine without the severe headache. I am not as nauseated this morning....but haven't had a day's worth of dizziness yet. I was on only 75mgs a day and only for 8 weeks. Anything that is this hard to go off of can't be all that worth it to be on in the first place. Don't get me wrong....it works miracles for some....just not for me. Be careful! Will keep you all updated....best of luck to you all!
Jewels
Posted by Krissy P on March 12, 2003, at 9:46:05
In reply to Re: Increase in anxiety Effexor side effects, posted by Jewels on March 12, 2003, at 9:42:30
Oh man Jewels, I hear you!! I started back on Effexor 2 weeks ago and I still feel nauseas. I'm glad you aren't though. I also had some weird dreams about rats last night! But I think it is due to starting back on the Lamictal too (after a year of being off of it)
Yes, please do keep us updated.
Take care, Kristen
==================================================================================================> I am feeling your trauma going off Effexor. I, too, went off due to "forgetting" meds. (Maybe I should get THAT fixed?):) It is day 4 for me and I am still so dizzy and lightheaded. My husband gave me some Tylenol PM and I still had weird dreams, but slept the night. Someone hit it right on the nose saying, it's like a migraine without the severe headache. I am not as nauseated this morning....but haven't had a day's worth of dizziness yet. I was on only 75mgs a day and only for 8 weeks. Anything that is this hard to go off of can't be all that worth it to be on in the first place. Don't get me wrong....it works miracles for some....just not for me. Be careful! Will keep you all updated....best of luck to you all!
>
> Jewels
Posted by jtc on March 12, 2003, at 19:20:53
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by donnap23 on March 11, 2003, at 23:29:48
> I am on my 4th day of withdrawal and I wouldn't recommend anyone taking this drug. I have never had anything do me this way. I have been vomiting since Sat and here it is late Tues night. I'm holding out!
Oh my gosh, good luck to you. I am also trying to go off Effexor. Today is my first day of not taking any. I took 37.5 mg for six days and today after not taking any I have been feeling very dizzy and off balance especially when turning my head. I also have a headache today but this is nothing new for me. I dread trying to go off this because I am afraid the anxiety and panic will come back and the withdrawal will only worsen as days go by. Keep us posted..jtc
Posted by Mikeyqld on March 12, 2003, at 19:38:04
In reply to Re: Efferox side effects, posted by donnap23 on March 12, 2003, at 7:02:07
I am now up to 7 days and still getting the "brain shivers"/ "electric shock feelings". Does anyone else get these shocks/shivers in their chest as well as their head? Does anyone else notice that they are in time with their heart which seems to be pounding when they happen?
My experience tells me that the vivid dreams go away fairly quickly. I have personally decided that tapering off effexor (which i did from a low dose over 2 weeks) only delays when the full force of the withdrawls will start. Cold turkey from a high dose doesn't appear to be a good idea. But a relatively quick taper and then none seems to make the most sense. Does anyone else get aches and pains in their arms (alternating over days) with cold hands etc???
Unfortunately, it appears that the brain shivers seem to be the thing that hang around possibly for a long time after stopping effexor. Nearly all my other withdrawl symptoms have gone but i am still getting the shiver/shock thing.
Anyways, back to the doc tomorrow to find out results from a CT scan on my brain and an EEG. Good luck to all of us and hugs to you all.
Posted by humbly72 on March 13, 2003, at 9:07:12
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by keroppi on February 13, 2003, at 21:31:42
I finished my fourth week of 75mg Effexor, and most of side effects have subsided. The vivid dreams are easier to remember, and what is strange is that I can feel when the medication kicks in. It feels like a flash in my brain and I can feel rushes of energy flowing through me.
I have started taken a quarter of a 1mg pill of Klonopin at night for sleep and that seems to help mellowing out the dysphoria (where your mind goes at 80mph and can't focus). I still get mild headaches (back of brain) though.
All in all, I can say I am tolerating this drug so far, and I am beginning to see a bit more progress in my mood. Have faith!
Posted by Andy Drinkard on March 13, 2003, at 17:56:14
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Geoff , Keroppi, posted by Tina P on February 16, 2003, at 9:26:06
>>>People tell me please...
I am a sufferer of clinical depression, and I have found that anti-depressant drugs relieve my misery miraculously. I would never, EVER want to stop taking my Effexor and go back to the sadness I was living with. So, why are so many of you doing this, and struggling with these awful side affects? I guess I have no concept of why anyone would want to stop taking this drug when it is so helpful to me and has improved my quality of life so much. Would some of you please share your scenarios with me so I have a better understanding, and perhaps I can be better prepared for the possibilty of having to give up this drug in my future? So far, the only withdawl I've had to deal with was switching from Paxil to Effexor XL, and that was because the Paxil was causing weight gain. (I would have avoided the Paxil altogether, but it's the only drug my doc could offer me during my pregnancy). After the baby was born, I made the switch, and it wasn't too difficult. But to give up my medication completely and go through withdrawls like those I'm reading about in your posts, I would never attempt it!!!!! I hated the way I felt before taking my meds anyway! Any input for me?<<<Your question is not unfounded, but some of the wording sure makes it seem like you think we're all retards for getting off the meds. Nonetheless, I'm glad you asked, and I'll give the answer my answer for why I'm letting go of Effexor:
I'm now 19 years old. My depression hit hard around age 16. The doc started me with Wellbutrin, and, upon deciding that I also had ADD, stuck me on Adderall. Wellbutrin did it's job and relieved me of that depressed hell. Adderall did it's job and let me concentrate. Together, they worked overtime to make sure I never got another minute of sleep. So, we tapered off of Adderall (a painless process). Sleep problems continued. So, we decided to let go of the Wellbutrin to see if perhaps the depression could stay away for good. Well, no luck there. In about 6 months, which is exactly when my doctor had told me it might come back, the slumps started again. ADD, which seems very secondary when compared with depression, returned as soon as Adderall fled the battlefield. So, time to get started on meds again. This offensive drive consisted of both Wellbutrin and Effexor XR, and Concerta was called upon to counter the ADD (sorry about the weird wording, I'm just trying to make this slightly entertaining). The doc decided going with 150mg of Effexor XR would do the trick. He was right. It slaughtered my depression as fast as it had returned. Unfortunately, all wars have civilian casualties. In this case, the victim was my sex drive. It was about as dead as dead gets. Concerta, by the way, is the best drug I have ever taken (in terms of effectiveness vs. side effects). Anyway, after several months on Effexor, we decided to taper off the same that we had with Wellbutrin in the beginning in hopes that the depression was just plain gone. Fast forward to the present, and here I am, two days off of Effexor (after being on the lowest dose for about three weeks). Currently, I'm in living hell. Concerta has helped keep me afloat, but the withdrawal symptoms of Effexor FOR ME have been awful. The "brain shivers" are awful. I'm hallucinating sounds. I feel like someone is violently rocking my head back and forth. Ever time I move my eyes, for any reason, my brain screams. I'm writing this in a half-daze from being so dizzy, and without Concerta, I probably wouldn't be able to begin.
Well, I read earlier that someone said that these symptoms had disappeared after 3 or 4 days, so I'm hopeful.
To directly answer your question, it's all just a balancing act. For me, I'm willing to accept that depression might reappear in order to get my sex life back. I don't know what side effects if any you are having from Effexor, but it sure sounds like to you nothing makes getting off of the drug seem worth it. More power to you! I hope that your success with Effexor continues for good.
In all honesty, I expect to be right back in the doc's office in 6 months with a renewed depression and a new need for help fighting it. However, for the next 6 months I won't have to pick between happiness and erections...
Thanks,
Bad Andy
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