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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
Please! If you have taken Effexor XR for any extended period of time and then stopped (advised or unadvised), please answer the 9 questions below (even if you did not have any problems with the drug).
-- One-word answers are preferred when possible...no long explanations are necessary.
Any other comments are definitely welcome after the questions. THANK YOU.1) How long did you take Effexor XR?
2) What was the highest dose taken?
2) Why did you stop the medication?
3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"?
4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)?
5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)?
6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom?
7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping?
8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise?
9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)?(The point of this is that there has been a lot of discussion about Effexor's during-treatment and after-treatment side effects, but it has been difficult to figure out overall what portion of Effexor users go through withdrawal symptoms.)
Posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 20:01:58
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
> 1) How long did you take Effexor XR?
> 2) What was the highest dose taken?
> 3) Why did you stop the medication?
> 4) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"?
> 5) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)?
> 6) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)?
> 7) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom?
> 8) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping?
> 9) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise?
> 10) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)?1) 6 months
2) 150 MG.
3) Loss of sex drive
4) Tapered off
5) Yes
6) Yes
7) Brain Shivers
8) Stopped 4 days ago; symptoms continue today.
9) Yes. Advised to take 37.5MG of Effexor every other day for 2 weeks.
10) No.
Posted by Alara on March 14, 2003, at 21:01:28
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
>
> 1) How long did you take Effexor XR? 4 years> 2) What was the highest dose taken? 75mg (XR)
> 2) Why did you stop the medication? Ran out of money after emergency trip to vet.
> 3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"? Cold turkey.
> 4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)?
hell yes!> 5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)? YES.
> 6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom? The brain shivers/electric shocks (closely followed by nausea and then dizziness)
> 7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping? Physiological symptoms lasted 7-10 days but started to improve after 3-5 days. Psychological withdrawal (irritability) lasted 4-6 weeks.
> 8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise? Eventually. Prescribed Xanax.
> 9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)?
Not in hindsight.
>
> (The point of this is that there has been a lot of discussion about Effexor's during-treatment and after-treatment side effects, but it has been difficult to figure out overall what portion of Effexor users go through withdrawal symptoms.)Hope this helped.
Alara
Posted by Beastress on March 14, 2003, at 21:36:44
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
> Please! If you have taken Effexor XR for any extended period of time and then stopped (advised or unadvised), please answer the 9 questions below (even if you did not have any problems with the drug).
> -- One-word answers are preferred when possible...no long explanations are necessary.
> Any other comments are definitely welcome after the questions. THANK YOU.
>
> 1) How long did you take Effexor XR? 9 mos
> 2) What was the highest dose taken? 75mg
> 2) Why did you stop the medication? too many/too severe side effects.
> 3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"? tapered over 4mos
> 4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)? YES
> 5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)? Yes, initially
> 6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom? fatigue/muscle spasms
> 7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping? still going on
> 8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise? no insurance
> 9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)? Yes
>
> (The point of this is that there has been a lot of discussion about Effexor's during-treatment and after-treatment side effects, but it has been difficult to figure out overall what portion of Effexor users go through withdrawal symptoms.)
Posted by justyourlaugh on March 14, 2003, at 22:03:20
In reply to Re: ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped, posted by Beastress on March 14, 2003, at 21:36:44
some questions dont apply..
3months and a bit..
150mg
too much like a golden smartie..nothing..
cold..
y
my ,but how delightful they were,,what are you guys talkng about?
6.na
7.na
8.na
9.no no no no --keep in mind ,happy people are having kitchen parties right now,,,tooo busy to post
overall
it didnt do anything good or bad me i would cut off my leg for content,,,brain zapps,,are you kidding me? sorry .
Posted by shar on March 14, 2003, at 22:13:19
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
>
> 1) How long did you take Effexor XR?
a few years
> 2) What was the highest dose taken?
300 mg/day
> 2) Why did you stop the medication?
couldn't afford it and it pooped out
> 3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"?
tapered
> 4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)?
yes
> 5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)?
no
> 6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom?
rage reactions plus
> 7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping?
several weeks
> 8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise?
yes, recommended upping wellbutrin and klonopin for a while
> 9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)?
yes
>
> (The point of this is that there has been a lot of discussion about Effexor's during-treatment and after-treatment side effects, but it has been difficult to figure out overall what portion of Effexor users go through withdrawal symptoms.)How are 'after-treatment side effects' different from withdrawal symptoms?
Shar
Posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 22:16:35
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
Hi, I'd be happy to:
1) I took Effexor for 3 years.
2) Highest dose taken-75mg.
3) I stopped the medication because I was feeling great.
4) I stopped cold turkey.
5) I experienced no withdrawal symptoms except when it finally got out of my system after 2 months. I got depressed again-worse.
6) I got a few "brain shivers" but nothing major or untolerable.
7) N/A
8) My depression lasted 3 weeks before I immediately went back on it.
9) The only time I consulted with a professional was when I needed to go back on it, I was having SI. She put me back on it.
10) I'm glad I started it again, as it is the only med that works well for me-compared to Prozac, Paxil, etc.
Hope this helped?
Kristen
==================================================================================================Please! If you have taken Effexor XR for any extended period of time and then stopped (advised or unadvised), please answer the 9 questions below (even if you did not have any problems with the drug).
-- One-word answers are preferred when possible...no long explanations are necessary.
Any other comments are definitely welcome after the questions. THANK YOU.
1) How long did you take Effexor XR?
2) What was the highest dose taken?
2) Why did you stop the medication?
3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"?
4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)?
5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)?
6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom?
7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping?
8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise?
9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)?
(The point of this is that there has been a lot of discussion about Effexor's during-treatment and after-treatment side effects, but it has been difficult to figure out overall what portion of Effexor users go through withdrawal symptoms.)
Posted by fairnymph on March 14, 2003, at 23:27:28
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
> 1) How long did you take Effexor XR?I actually took IR, because ER gave me headaches and made me sleepy. I had no troubles with IR. Took it twice, once for 5 months and the other time for 2.5 months.
> 2) What was the highest dose taken?
450 mg
> 2) Why did you stop the medication?
Because it stopped working for me.
> 3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"?
I did a VERY LONG taper! Especially since I had to come down from such a high dose.
> 4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)?
Yes, usually tolerable.
> 5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)?
Is that like electric shocks? If so, yes, but usually not severe.
> 6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom?
Electric shocks. They were annoying. They were bad when I went running -- every step was a jolt up my body!
> 7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping?
After about 5 days completely off (following a long gradual taper).
> 8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise?
No, actually, I did it on my own. I did some research and most of all just listened to my body.
> 9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)?
No, not at all, I still found it to be a worthwhlie drug for the time I was on it. I think that people who answer 'yes' to this question simply didn't do a long enough taper.
>
> (The point of this is that there has been a lot of discussion about Effexor's during-treatment and after-treatment side effects, but it has been difficult to figure out overall what portion of Effexor users go through withdrawal symptoms.)-fn
22 yr old female, OCD
Posted by Dysfunk on March 15, 2003, at 13:27:06
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
On Effexor about 7 months.
I took 225 mg along with 40 mg Prozac.
Bad side effects. Rage, muscle aches, not working on depression.
I tapered off by 37.5 a week.
I had TERRIBLE withdrawal symptoms- worse than raising the medicine.
I seem to be the only one that did not experience brain shivers.
My entire body ached- my arms, legs, neck and back, plus my anger was scarey.Terrible nightmares, screaming in my sleep and sweats.
I had about a week of withdrawals after I stopped the medicine.
My doctor did not believe my pains were from the medication. Very frustrating! But he weaned me off of it.
I told my doctor I wish I never put that stuff in my body. It is evil and made me into a monster!
Posted by White Stone on March 15, 2003, at 20:26:36
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
> 1) How long did you take Effexor XR?
> 2) What was the highest dose taken?
> 2) Why did you stop the medication?
> 3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"?
> 4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)?
> 5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)?
> 6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom?
> 7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping?
> 8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise?
> 9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)?1) 6 months
2) 150 mgs of Effexor XR
3) Depression got somewhat better, but not significant; my thinking was fuzzy & disconnected.
4) Moved to Zoloft and later added Zyprexa (dr. changed my diagnosis to bipolar).
5) Yes, I went hypomanic and had a few "zaps."
6) Yes
7) Hypomanic behavior
8) About 4 days
9) Yes, he increased the dosage of Zoloft to a more comparable level of what I had been taking of Effexor
10) No.P.S. I think Effexor XR did a good job at moving me from severely depressed to less so. I just didn't like feeling out of it, less mentally capable, highly distractible, and wanting to take a nap every afternoon (side effects NOT related to withdrawal.)
Posted by shar on March 15, 2003, at 22:57:45
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
Are after-treatment side effects the same thing as withdrawal symptoms? If not, how are they different?
Thanks, Shar
> (The point of this is that there has been a lot of discussion about Effexor's during-treatment and after-treatment side effects, but it has been difficult to figure out overall what portion of Effexor users go through withdrawal symptoms.)
Posted by Andy Drinkard on March 16, 2003, at 1:51:58
In reply to After-treatment side effects? » Andy Drinkard, posted by shar on March 15, 2003, at 22:57:45
No, they're one and the same...sorry about the confusing wording. And thanks everybody for your posts so far...they are very helpful!
Bad Andy
Posted by Essence on March 16, 2003, at 7:52:07
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
> 1) How long did you take Effexor XR?
3+ yrs> 2) What was the highest dose taken?
225 mg
> 2) Why did you stop the medication?
Alteration in behaviour, blunted emotions.> 3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"?
Tapered over 9 days.> 4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)?
Yes!!!> 5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)?
Yes!> 6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom?
Flu-like symptoms. (nausea & vomiting)> 7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping?
Some a few days, others a few weeks.> 8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise?
No.> 9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)?
YES!
Posted by T_R_D on March 17, 2003, at 13:11:04
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
> Please! If you have taken Effexor XR for any extended period of time and then stopped (advised or unadvised), please answer the 9 questions below (even if you did not have any problems with the drug).
> -- One-word answers are preferred when possible...no long explanations are necessary.
> Any other comments are definitely welcome after the questions. THANK YOU.
>
> 1) How long did you take Effexor XR?I was on the drug for about 4 years
> 2) What was the highest dose taken?
375mg per day that was augmented with Wellbutrin for a few months and then with a thyroid drug called Cytomel for the remainder of those 4 years.
> 2) Why did you stop the medication?
I was having sexual problems...no drive.
> 3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"?
I stopped cold turkey but then switched to another drug, Manerix (I'm just off that now and trying Serzone...the Manerix didn't seem to help with my depression.)
> 4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)?
YES! OH MY GOD YES!!!
> 5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)?
Yes indeedy...just terrible!
> 6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom?
Probably the "shivers" but really, I had severe nausea and fatigue as well. I wanted to crawl out of my skin!
> 7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping?
Probably about 2-3 weeks...again, I was switching drugs, not completely anti-depressant free.
> 8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise?
I didn't seek help...I knew or rather learned that this was a consequence of stopping Effexor.
> 9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)?
Yes and no. It feels like hell at the time but it is only temporary. If I don't have any luck with other drugs I'll probably have to go back on it.
> (The point of this is that there has been a lot of discussion about Effexor's during-treatment and after-treatment side effects, but it has been difficult to figure out overall what portion of Effexor users go through withdrawal symptoms.)
Posted by DissTired on March 17, 2003, at 18:32:46
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
> Please! If you have taken Effexor XR for any extended period of time and then stopped (advised or unadvised), please answer the 9 questions below (even if you did not have any problems with the drug).
> -- One-word answers are preferred when possible...no long explanations are necessary.
> Any other comments are definitely welcome after the questions. THANK YOU.
>
> 1) How long did you take Effexor XR?
About four years
> 2) What was the highest dose taken?
150 for a few weeks, but 75 mgs for almost all that time.
> 2) Why did you stop the medication?
Side effects
> 3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"?
Tapered
> 4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)?
Y
> 5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)?
Y
> 6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom?
Brain shivers
> 7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping?
Brain shivers one week, other symptoms (GI) four weeks.
> 8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise?
Yes consulted, no advice except that brain shivers were not dangerous, and surprised that I got them after tapering for a long time, with 25 mgs dose
> 9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)?
No
I got the side effects even after tapering all the wasy down to 25 mgs a day. For the first few days not only did I get brain shivers and bad stomach upset, but the depression was AWFUL. However, the depression got better after about a week. If I ever have to take this antidepressant again (it was very effective in many ways, but left me, foggy and unmotivated/apathetic) and I taper off, I will try doses every other day for a while.
Posted by Rachel2 on March 18, 2003, at 2:46:08
In reply to ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Andy Drinkard on March 14, 2003, at 19:56:25
1) How long did you take Effexor XR? a few months
2) What was the highest dose taken? Can't remember
2) Why did you stop the medication? Didn't work/can't remember
3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"? Tapered off
4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)? Yes
5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)? No
6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom? Severe depression, dizzy to the point where I couldn't drive, slept 20 hours straight.
7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping? 2 weeks
8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise? I had stopped the medication, so it would be silly to go back on it and try to taper off even more slowly at that point.
9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)? Yes
Posted by mfarne on August 17, 2003, at 8:26:45
In reply to Re: ANYONE who has taken Effexor and since stopped..., posted by Rachel2 on March 18, 2003, at 2:46:08
1) How long did you take Effexor XR? 3.5 yrs
2) What was the highest dose taken? 150
2) Why did you stop the medication? Emotionless, no sex drive, felt like a zombie
3) Did you "taper off" or stop "cold turkey"? Tapered off w/prozac as recommended
4) Did you experience withdrawal symptoms (Y/N)? Yes
5) If so, was "brain shivers" one of these symptoms (Y/N)? YES!!!
6) If applicable, what was the single most unpleasant withdrawal symptom? FLU like ACHINESS all over for 8 days and zaps, RAGE.
7) How long did the withdrawal symptoms last from the time of stopping? I have still been having zaps and it's been 4 weeks and the RAGE continues.
8) If applicable, did you consult a medical professional about the withdrawal symptoms? What was his or her advise? No, my GP had been prescribing this for several years.
9) Are the withdrawal symptoms enough to make you wish you had never started Effexor (Y/N)? Not really but I never realized how colorless the world was while on this medication until I stopped. Sex drive returning and I have feelings again. Thank god.
This is the end of the thread.
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