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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by nancy lotfi on November 27, 2003, at 16:59:55
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » john, posted by CMG on September 2, 2001, at 23:07:52
>
hi im new to this site but already feeling like ove come home.afther taking effexor for 1 year the side effect especialy nausea almost drove me nuts .not to talk about tne weight gain.i decided to quit cold turkey my dayli dose of 375 mg .i would spend half the day sick in bed from nausea but would feel great afther ward now whith tje withdraw i feel so sick almost like im dying diareah nausea headack .my doctor is on vacation i just dont know where to turn is there anything you can take to help deal with the withdraw..im just dam if i take them because of side effect and dam if i dont from withdraw i need to live pls help mother of 2.
Posted by linkline on December 23, 2003, at 14:24:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by nancy lotfi on November 27, 2003, at 16:59:55
> > are you ok? i am going thru effexor withdrawal also and just found this site. if you read many of the posts you can see that what you are going thru is about what to expect. maybe if you tapered off instead of cold turkey--esp if you are having to deal with 2 kids at the same time--it might help. And exercise, if you can drag yourself out the door helps a lot, mentally and physically. there are various supplements that will help also, but to be honest, I have kicked many drugs in my life, legal and illegal, and just the 75 mg of effexor I am trying to come off of is knocking me out. let me know if i can help by talking to you.....
> hi im new to this site but already feeling like ove come home.afther taking effexor for 1 year the side effect especialy nausea almost drove me nuts .not to talk about tne weight gain.i decided to quit cold turkey my dayli dose of 375 mg .i would spend half the day sick in bed from nausea but would feel great afther ward now whith tje withdraw i feel so sick almost like im dying diareah nausea headack .my doctor is on vacation i just dont know where to turn is there anything you can take to help deal with the withdraw..im just dam if i take them because of side effect and dam if i dont from withdraw i need to live pls help mother of 2.
Posted by selene on December 30, 2003, at 5:14:26
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » nancy lotfi, posted by linkline on December 23, 2003, at 14:24:09
Today I took my last dose of Effexor XR. I've been on 300mg/daily for a number of years now, and despite side effects when I forget a dose, I wouldn't still be alive without it. I had a marvelous psychiatrist for years who tried various ADs and "cocktails" until we found the one that really worked -- for me, Effexor. His patience, kindness, and prescribing brilliance was so reassuring.
Unfortunately, about a year ago, he had a stroke and, though he survived, thank God, he was unable to continue his practice and, in fact, was taken out of the area to rehabilitate with a family member. I felt terrible for him, and, yes, was grief-stricken by the loss of his empathy and his knowledge of me. I managed to find another pdoc and stayed on the Effexor XR, though I did reduce from 450 to 300 mg.
However, now I'm stuck in a terrible dilemma. My health insurance has lapsed so I can't afford to refill my prescription (my God, is it expensive!). My doctor sent an application to Wyatt Labs to enroll me in their patient assistance program so I could still get the Effexor for 3 months, by the end of which I should be back on my feet financially. Wyatt said it would take about 4 weeks to process the app. Meanwhile, my dr. gave me all his office samples to tide me over (how fun it's been taking about a million 37.5 capsules each morning in order to get my 300 mg!). If my original pdoc was around and healthy, he would have found some way to prevent this from happening, I'm absolutely certain. But ... not to be.
The sky darkens: it's been over 6 weeks since the application went to Wyatt, so I called them the Friday after Christmas. Coal in my stocking, dammit: they're running way behind, have no record of my app., and no suggestion except to wait since it may take 8 weeks total to get to mine. Aaaargh!!
I know full well what awaits me in stopping the Effexor cold turkey. And I'm horrified by the prospect. I'm fairly sensitive to the dose and have had withdrawal symptoms when I've even been 8 hours late in taking my meds. Those were mostly the "weird brain" feelings (as I call them), sudden weeping, and the feeling of being physically out of sync ... sort of a strange body perception, slightly out of normal time. Oh yeah, and the cranium-crushing headaches. That was with just a delay or a missed day. I am not looking forward to experiencing what going from 300 mg. to 0 mg. will be like. Yiiiiikes.
Anyway ... I do have some Prozac left from this doc prescribing it for PMS symptoms. And I've read the posts from several years ago about taking Benadryl to help alleviate some of the discomfort.
Please, please, please -- does anyone have any other suggestions? Should my husband pad the walls of our room and lock me in with some food and water and my paltry supply of Prozac? Tell the neighbors to ignore my screaming?
Anyone? Help?
Posted by sick of being sick on January 4, 2004, at 21:01:22
In reply to Forced Effexor Withdrawal -- Help?, posted by selene on December 30, 2003, at 5:14:26
> I started taking 20mg of Sarafem two years ago for my PMDD. It was increased last year to 40mg (same as Prozac). The Sarafem didn't seem to be helping so the doctor's assistant put me on 150mg of Effexor. After about a week I started having electrical shock-like sensations in my head. The sensations were so bad I thought I was having a stroke and went to the hospital. I told the doctors I was on Effexor, but they didn't correlate the two. Was told they couldn't find anything wrong and sent me home.
I was then taken off of Effexor over a two week period and put on some other drug that only works on your seretonin levels. I was on it for about 3 weeks but still had my original symptoms of PMDD. So the doctor put me back on Effexor starting at 37.5mg for 2 weeks then up to 75mg. I was on the 75mg for 3 weeks and starting having the electrical shock-like sensations in my head, hands and feet again. I started having panic attacks and horrible, realistic, "no body likes me" nightmares. My thoughts started racing and I felt overwhelmed with all the things I needed to do! I felt like I was loosing my mind! I couldn't stop crying, couldn't sleep - but was tired and just felt plain rotten. So I called the doctors and they told me to just STOP taking the Effexor and wanted to see me. But I couldn't drive, so they told me I just had to "wait it out"It's been six days since I've taken the Effexor and I'm still experiencing these awful syptoms! I went to see the genius doctor yesterday and he said, "Oh you probably have an inner ear infection." I can't seem to get anybody to understand how bad I'm feeling, or how scary these electrical shock-like sensations feel! What should I do?! Don't the doctor's know?!
Posted by selene on January 6, 2004, at 1:57:43
In reply to Effexor Symptoms, posted by sick of being sick on January 4, 2004, at 21:01:22
No, I don't think a lot of the doctors know!! Obviously, from your experience.
I've never heard of anyone experiencing these symptoms when going ON Effexor. Just when going off. I'm really surprised that you were started at 150 mg. Again ... never heard of it. The recommended course is the one you were following the second time ... beginning with 37.5 and then increasing at that increment. I personally didn't experience any benefit until I hit 300 mg.
It sounds like it's good they took you off, but such a drastic stop was bound to bring on the withdrawal effects. I have been using Prozac at 20 mg. and also Benadryl as was advised at this site. It has kept the brain shocks and much of the emotional stuff under control amazingly well. I really didn't think it would work.
Is there anyone who is experienced with Effexor XR who can advise you?
Also ... sorry, but I don't know what your diagnosis (PMDD) is ... ?
Posted by sick of being sick on January 6, 2004, at 9:44:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » sick of being sick, posted by selene on January 6, 2004, at 1:57:43
> PMDD is premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - laymen's term "really bad PMS"
And you're right about having the symptoms while going on the Effexor. I think, after reading these threads, that the first dose of 150mg was too much too fast and the second time around I missed a dose, got scared, so I stopped taking it. Sure wish the doctors would have told me more info about this medicine.
Anyway, thanks for the reply. I'm on my way to the doctors this morning because they want me to go back on 37.5 mg and ween off, but it's been 8 days since I took any Effexor and I'm actually feeling better - so I think I'll just ask for 1 or 2 Prozacs 20mg to keep the withdrawl edge off.
No, I don't think a lot of the doctors know!! Obviously, from your experience.
>
> I've never heard of anyone experiencing these symptoms when going ON Effexor. Just when going off. I'm really surprised that you were started at 150 mg. Again ... never heard of it. The recommended course is the one you were following the second time ... beginning with 37.5 and then increasing at that increment. I personally didn't experience any benefit until I hit 300 mg.
>
> It sounds like it's good they took you off, but such a drastic stop was bound to bring on the withdrawal effects. I have been using Prozac at 20 mg. and also Benadryl as was advised at this site. It has kept the brain shocks and much of the emotional stuff under control amazingly well. I really didn't think it would work.
>
> Is there anyone who is experienced with Effexor XR who can advise you?
>
> Also ... sorry, but I don't know what your diagnosis (PMDD) is ... ?
Posted by sick of being sick on January 6, 2004, at 9:47:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by john on March 28, 1999, at 20:52:30
>Selene
PMDD is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - laymen's term "really bad PMS"And you're right about having the symptoms while going on the Effexor. I think, after reading these threads, that the first dose of 150mg was too much too fast and the second time around I missed a dose, got scared, so I stopped taking it. Sure wish the doctors would have told me more info about this medicine.
Anyway, thanks for the reply. I'm on my way to the doctors this morning because they want me to go back on 37.5 mg and ween off, but it's been 8 days since I took any Effexor and I'm actually feeling better - so I think I'll just ask for 1 or 2 Prozacs 20mg to keep the withdrawl edge off.
Posted by selene on January 6, 2004, at 10:42:36
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by sick of being sick on January 6, 2004, at 9:44:49
Oh, Jeez. Is that what PMDD is? I should have been soaking in Effexor XR for years then! My current psychiatrist had told me that Effexor is being used now for PMS and perimenopausal symptoms. He was surprised that I was having those still even though I was on 300 mg, so he added Prozac for "those days" as he put it. It actually did help for a while.
Oh yeah, the Benadryl WITH the Prozac is what works for me for withdrawals, as previous posts had mentioned. I suppose it's because Effexor affects histamine in addition to seratonin.
How are they treating you now?
Posted by selene on January 6, 2004, at 10:52:59
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl, posted by sick of being sick on January 6, 2004, at 9:47:09
By the way, I don't think I mentioned this: Effexor XR has been the o-n-l-y thing that has worked for me after literally years of being put on one after another. Once I hit the right dose, it was like a miracle. The only reason I'm weaning myself off is because I've temporarily lost my health insurance and I can't afford the insanely high price (of any drugs, actually). The withdrawal symptoms being so bad does not deter me from highly endorsing Effexor. I'm way beyond trying to be "natural" and drug-free ... and usually miserable! My brain chemistry, unfortunately, is messed up. Science has found an answer to that. Yay!
Posted by KimberlyDi on January 6, 2004, at 13:11:09
In reply to Effexor Symptoms, posted by sick of being sick on January 4, 2004, at 21:01:22
I seem to get those shock feelings more now since I've experienced my first taste of withdrawal with Effexor. I've also gotten used to the brain shivers and tingling hands, though they remain annoying. I think panic/fear increases the severity of these shocks.
Along with the other poster, I believe you were started on too high a dosage. I imagine it messed with your mental wiring. Good luck, KDi in TX.
Posted by twiggy on January 6, 2004, at 14:48:15
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » sick of being sick, posted by KimberlyDi on January 6, 2004, at 13:11:09
I get something I describe as a brain "Yawn", it is definately a "shiver" as you described. It is the strangest head feeling I've ever had and until now, never contributed it to the Effexor. I've been off the Effexor for two years now, but I still get those - less than once a month ( amongst major back pain, nerve problems, tingling feet, night sweats, itchy feet and hands). SO I fear for what I've already done to my body. I disagree 100% with the science solution. It's all BS, it's all a test, we're the subjects of course, they get all the $$, the trips to mexico, the dinners out with the pharm. reps and we get to deal with the short term and long term side effects because they don't do the homework before they push it down our throats. I remember my doctor talking me into taking drugs for the depression. I DID have problems but I did not want to go on anything - he literally persuaded me into it, reassuring me that it wouldn't hurt me, yada yada yada.I will always search for alternative treatment: vacation, relaxation, removing the things in my life that are at the root, yoga excerize - anything. I hope and pray I stay well mentally. Some of you don't have an option but if there's any chance that it's more than chemical - try something else first. Like living by a stream or listening to relaxing music, exercise anything
Posted by sick of being sick on January 6, 2004, at 15:31:23
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » sick of being sick, posted by selene on January 6, 2004, at 10:42:36
>Well I just got back from the doctors. She gave me 20mg of Prozac for a week then 10mg of Prozac for a week. This is suppose to ease the Effexor withdrawals. I'm actually feeling a little better today, still feel a little "drunk" and have a bad headache, but can actually function. I went to the grocery store today - that was a big step for me.
I'll be off all these drugs in two weeks and I'm never going back on an antidepressant. I'd reather be a real bitch one week a month then feel this way all the time.
Thanks for your support
Oh, Jeez. Is that what PMDD is? I should have been soaking in Effexor XR for years then! My current psychiatrist had told me that Effexor is being used now for PMS and perimenopausal symptoms. He was surprised that I was having those still even though I was on 300 mg, so he added Prozac for "those days" as he put it. It actually did help for a while.
>
> Oh yeah, the Benadryl WITH the Prozac is what works for me for withdrawals, as previous posts had mentioned. I suppose it's because Effexor affects histamine in addition to seratonin.
>
> How are they treating you now?
Posted by selene on January 6, 2004, at 23:23:40
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by sick of being sick on January 6, 2004, at 15:31:23
A long time ago, before my first depressive episode, I was treated by a holistic doctor for severe PMS. I followed her strict diet which was vegan and based on a mix of natural whole grains, legumes, vegetables and some fruit. Nothing processed at all. And vigorous exercise -- I ran every other day and lifted weights. It was incredibly successful. Not only did the PMS disappear -- both emotional and physical symptoms -- but I had tons of energy.
You may be doing all this already, but, if not, you might consider it. Also, after I did a little research, I learned that the difference between PMDD and PMS, is profound. So, my little anectdote, above, may not apply to you considering the PMDD diagnosis
Good luck, and I hope you won't feel "sick" much longer.
> >Well I just got back from the doctors. She gave me 20mg of Prozac for a week then 10mg of Prozac for a week. This is suppose to ease the Effexor withdrawals. I'm actually feeling a little better today, still feel a little "drunk" and have a bad headache, but can actually function. I went to the grocery store today - that was a big step for me.
>
> I'll be off all these drugs in two weeks and I'm never going back on an antidepressant. I'd reather be a real bitch one week a month then feel this way all the time.
>
> Thanks for your support
>
> Oh, Jeez. Is that what PMDD is? I should have been soaking in Effexor XR for years then! My current psychiatrist had told me that Effexor is being used now for PMS and perimenopausal symptoms. He was surprised that I was having those still even though I was on 300 mg, so he added Prozac for "those days" as he put it. It actually did help for a while.
> >
> > Oh yeah, the Benadryl WITH the Prozac is what works for me for withdrawals, as previous posts had mentioned. I suppose it's because Effexor affects histamine in addition to seratonin.
> >
> > How are they treating you now?
>
>
Posted by sick of being sick on January 8, 2004, at 6:36:14
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » sick of being sick, posted by selene on January 6, 2004, at 23:23:40
> Thanks for the advise. I've already planned on going back to the gym. Was going to start last week but couldn't get off the couch, so I'm starting this Sunday. Hopefully this will help with all my symptoms. I'm actually feeling pretty good and I'm going to work today. I hope I don't bite anyone's head off!
A long time ago, before my first depressive episode, I was treated by a holistic doctor for severe PMS. I followed her strict diet which was vegan and based on a mix of natural whole grains, legumes, vegetables and some fruit. Nothing processed at all. And vigorous exercise -- I ran every other day and lifted weights. It was incredibly successful. Not only did the PMS disappear -- both emotional and physical symptoms -- but I had tons of energy.
>
> You may be doing all this already, but, if not, you might consider it. Also, after I did a little research, I learned that the difference between PMDD and PMS, is profound. So, my little anectdote, above, may not apply to you considering the PMDD diagnosis
>
> Good luck, and I hope you won't feel "sick" much longer.
>
>
> > >Well I just got back from the doctors. She gave me 20mg of Prozac for a week then 10mg of Prozac for a week. This is suppose to ease the Effexor withdrawals. I'm actually feeling a little better today, still feel a little "drunk" and have a bad headache, but can actually function. I went to the grocery store today - that was a big step for me.
> >
> > I'll be off all these drugs in two weeks and I'm never going back on an antidepressant. I'd reather be a real bitch one week a month then feel this way all the time.
> >
> > Thanks for your support
> >
> > Oh, Jeez. Is that what PMDD is? I should have been soaking in Effexor XR for years then! My current psychiatrist had told me that Effexor is being used now for PMS and perimenopausal symptoms. He was surprised that I was having those still even though I was on 300 mg, so he added Prozac for "those days" as he put it. It actually did help for a while.
> > >
> > > Oh yeah, the Benadryl WITH the Prozac is what works for me for withdrawals, as previous posts had mentioned. I suppose it's because Effexor affects histamine in addition to seratonin.
> > >
> > > How are they treating you now?
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by trishagni on January 11, 2004, at 15:38:23
In reply to Effexor Symptoms, posted by sick of being sick on January 4, 2004, at 21:01:22
Hi there,
I too got those symptoms of tremors when i was put on a dose of effexor that i felt was too high for me.
Fortunately, I live in Seattle and have access to Bastyr university's natural health clinic. Bastyr University conducts research on alternaitve medicine. I consulted a naturopathic doctor at the university's clinic who informed me that the tremors were because effexor depletes minerals from the body. I was sent home with mineral supplements and haven't had that horrible experience again.Around a month ago i also began the process of getting off effexor with the help of doctors at the clinic. I started accupunture to help me with the anxiety that i have always felt, that even effexor was unable to help with beyond a point. I feel that effexor helped contain anxiety by dulling me out... the anxiety was gone but then so was positive constructive life energy. I feel that accupuncture has helped me lessen the anxiety without making me feel like a dulled out moronic vegetable. Accupuncture also helped contain the effexor withdrawl symptoms as i went about tapering off effexor. Oooh! i feel so relieved and so reassured that i have placed my trust in a system that is so non intrusive, is millenia old instead of being decades old and helps me work with my body instead of taking it over.
Of course it will be good to check out the credentials of any alternative health practitioner one visits, but after reading the posts here i feel that even 'conventional' medicine is not without its hiccups.
Take care everybody! Hope my post is of help.
> > I started taking 20mg of Sarafem two years ago for my PMDD. It was increased last year to 40mg (same as Prozac). The Sarafem didn't seem to be helping so the doctor's assistant put me on 150mg of Effexor. After about a week I started having electrical shock-like sensations in my head. The sensations were so bad I thought I was having a stroke and went to the hospital. I told the doctors I was on Effexor, but they didn't correlate the two. Was told they couldn't find anything wrong and sent me home.
> I was then taken off of Effexor over a two week period and put on some other drug that only works on your seretonin levels. I was on it for about 3 weeks but still had my original symptoms of PMDD. So the doctor put me back on Effexor starting at 37.5mg for 2 weeks then up to 75mg. I was on the 75mg for 3 weeks and starting having the electrical shock-like sensations in my head, hands and feet again. I started having panic attacks and horrible, realistic, "no body likes me" nightmares. My thoughts started racing and I felt overwhelmed with all the things I needed to do! I felt like I was loosing my mind! I couldn't stop crying, couldn't sleep - but was tired and just felt plain rotten. So I called the doctors and they told me to just STOP taking the Effexor and wanted to see me. But I couldn't drive, so they told me I just had to "wait it out"
>
> It's been six days since I've taken the Effexor and I'm still experiencing these awful syptoms! I went to see the genius doctor yesterday and he said, "Oh you probably have an inner ear infection." I can't seem to get anybody to understand how bad I'm feeling, or how scary these electrical shock-like sensations feel! What should I do?! Don't the doctor's know?!
Posted by Patrick James on January 28, 2004, at 16:34:38
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » sick of being sick, posted by trishagni on January 11, 2004, at 15:38:23
Hi All-
I have been on Effexor Xr since i was 19/20 yrs old. im now almost 25. But today is the third day i have been without my effexor, and it has scared the "you know what out of me". I should be getting my prescription in another day or so, but last night i went to bed and 1.5 hrs later i woke up and had the most uneasy and not normal feeling. I had awaken from the most graphic and real nightmare i have had in a long time. I too also experience that pin and needle feelings when i miss a dose or two. I had the chills so bad, that i had my electric blanket on, plus my comforter and still couldnt get warm. I take 300 mg a day and I for the most part feel very good on the effexor when i take it. i also take buspar. But the fact that i cant miss a dose without withdrawl symptoms really sucks. I just found this website because the only thing that i could think today, was that i dont really have the Flu, it would have to be WITHDRAWL sypmtoms . Just Knowing that Im not the only one with the experiences of the chills/shakes, nightmares, and nausea, makes me feel a little better and a little less anxiety prone.
Posted by selene on January 28, 2004, at 17:15:54
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by Patrick James on January 28, 2004, at 16:34:38
Hi Patrick -- Knowing that you will have more Effexor soon should keep you going ... that's great. If this is the first time you've had withdrawl symptoms like this, it can be a good learning experience, I think. Congratulations on finding the mix that works for you (EFfexor & Buspar). Being a young adult is tough enough without brain chemistry wroking against you! With having missed only a few days, you should be able to start back in on 300 mg. without problems -- at least that's been my experience. Good luck! By the way, if the reason you're out is that you have insurance that won't cover it again for a few days, your pharmicist will very likely "front" you a couple days of pills; mine does, bless his soul.
> Hi All-
>
> I have been on Effexor Xr since i was 19/20 yrs old. im now almost 25. But today is the third day i have been without my effexor, and it has scared the "you know what out of me". I should be getting my prescription in another day or so, but last night i went to bed and 1.5 hrs later i woke up and had the most uneasy and not normal feeling. I had awaken from the most graphic and real nightmare i have had in a long time. I too also experience that pin and needle feelings when i miss a dose or two. I had the chills so bad, that i had my electric blanket on, plus my comforter and still couldnt get warm. I take 300 mg a day and I for the most part feel very good on the effexor when i take it. i also take buspar. But the fact that i cant miss a dose without withdrawl symptoms really sucks. I just found this website because the only thing that i could think today, was that i dont really have the Flu, it would have to be WITHDRAWL sypmtoms . Just Knowing that Im not the only one with the experiences of the chills/shakes, nightmares, and nausea, makes me feel a little better and a little less anxiety prone.
Posted by Shanooska on January 30, 2004, at 3:45:37
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » Patrick James, posted by selene on January 28, 2004, at 17:15:54
Effexor free, five days now. Cold turkey method, truly a nightmarish path. Please share your experience. The knowledge of approximately HOW LONG withdrawl effects last would prove supportive. 300mg of Effexor SR for six years. It proved helpful getting me through the first 6 years of my twin girl's life, however I want to remember what it feels like to be me, without meds. Been on Prozac, Wellbutrim and Effexor since age 20. The "edge" was taken off slightly with children's benadryl. Brain vibrations, vertigo, frightening, hopeless vivid dreams, sensation of tremors, hearing loud repeating noises in silence, weeping, feeling scared as though not in the present, heightened sexual response, can't sleep, can't awake. I must add a side of laughter I find myself enjoying...more genuine, carefree. This sight has provided great support as even the most understanding compassionate person, could not possibly understand "this" without living it. Thank you!
Posted by trishagni on January 30, 2004, at 11:39:18
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by Shanooska on January 30, 2004, at 3:45:37
> Effexor free, five days now. Cold turkey method, truly a nightmarish path. Please share your experience. The knowledge of approximately HOW LONG withdrawl effects last would prove supportive. 300mg of Effexor SR for six years. It proved helpful getting me through the first 6 years of my twin girl's life, however I want to remember what it feels like to be me, without meds. Been on Prozac, Wellbutrim and Effexor since age 20. The "edge" was taken off slightly with children's benadryl. Brain vibrations, vertigo, frightening, hopeless vivid dreams, sensation of tremors, hearing loud repeating noises in silence, weeping, feeling scared as though not in the present, heightened sexual response, can't sleep, can't awake. I must add a side of laughter I find myself enjoying...more genuine, carefree. This sight has provided great support as even the most understanding compassionate person, could not possibly understand "this" without living it. Thank you!
Hi there, I got off effexor on January 5th. Along with all the things that you mentioned as withdrawl symptoms i also suffered from extreme feelings of unease in my body which translated as symptoms of diabetes that the effexor was helping mask.
I of course took help from my accupuncturists who did detox protocols on me whenever i went to them, which was about twice a week.
I am happy to say that 25 days after effexor i think that all of the symptoms that you have mentioned are gone, or atleast come down to manageable levels. I also find that the reason why i began taking effexor... the anxiety, is non-existent. I am much calmer, more positive about life, though i attribute this more to the accupuncture that i have been undergoing for the past year. Accupuncture helps these feelings move through the body instead of getting stuck and managed the way that effexor does.
I believe we will all have our own paths out of the post-effexor nightmare (for me it was for though i got more connected to my own drive, there was a heightened feeling of fear as well), but i too wanted to know 'how long'. And well, here i am twenty five days away from it and feeling like a normal person again who hasn't got to go yelling and crying back to 'mamma-effexor'.
Posted by fayeroe on January 31, 2004, at 17:47:57
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by Shanooska on January 30, 2004, at 3:45:37
I did not take nearly as much daily of Effexor as you did, but it took me a very long time to get through withdrawal. I tapered off gradually with my pharmacist's help. (the doctor didn't think that the 38 lbs I lost was caused by the med...of course it was....i'm healthy again!!!)
So hang in there and I'll keep you in my thoughts. Fayeroe
Posted by MeggE on March 9, 2004, at 19:43:01
In reply to Effexor Symptoms, posted by sick of being sick on January 4, 2004, at 21:01:22
I am so incredibly relieved to see all of this talk about Effexor withdrawl and the symptoms, because everything that has been said, especially by you, defines exactly how I have been feeling ever since I stopped taking it. It's insane, and unfair, and the worst part about it is, I heard it can take up to a few weeks for the symptoms to go away. I actually had to go to the hospital about a week ago after(for the second time within days) I sort of 'flipped out' and was extremely tense, with chills, terrible thoughts, hysterical crying, this wierd twing kind of feeling running through my body nonstop(like the electrical shock you speak of)..i thought i was dying. And of course, going to emergency, it took about two or three hours for the doctor to actually come see me, and by that time, i had fallen asleep because they gave me some muscle relaxers and benadryl to help calm me down. I couldn't even explain what I went through, because it had already passed. All they wanted to know was if I had thoughts of suicide..or plans of how to kill myself. This was ridiculous to me, because the problem was the withdrawl..I was afraid that I was going to die, and I didn't want to! Since then, I've had similar (but less intense) feelings, but everyday it gets a little better. I'm still getting those twings..kind of like..I can feel my pulse through my head and my whole body, but different. My dreams have also been incredibly vivid ever since about a month or two ago, when I started to ween myself off. I just haven't felt right..but it's comforting to know that it's very likely everything happening to me is because of the withdrawl, and hopefully it will all be over soon. I already hated the feeling of being on anti-deppresants, but I hate this feeling even more, which leaves me in sort of a predicament. I don't want to go back on them, and I'm trying to be strong..but I feel as though I am going through withdrawl from Heroin, or some heavy drug, which is why I will now say..DO NOT take effexor if these side effects and withdrawl symptoms are not worth it.
I have gone through hell in the past few weeks trying to get this out of my system, and with all the other stuff I am hearing, I cannot understand why they haven't taken this drug off the market. I know they just started saying nobody under 18 should be on it, because it can possibly increase suicidal thoughts, but what about the withdrawl? Are doctors completely unaware of this?
Posted by fayeroe on March 9, 2004, at 20:21:16
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » sick of being sick, posted by MeggE on March 9, 2004, at 19:43:01
Not one doctor has ever mentioned the withdrawal to me!! Hang in there.......you'll feel so much better when it is totally out of your system.
Posted by Jetta on March 10, 2004, at 7:55:24
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl (nm) » john, posted by Jetta on March 10, 2004, at 7:53:02
This is confusing me! I think I ticked the wrong box. Anyhow if anyone wants my attachment which might help them with tailing off the Efexor, then email me jetta_222@yahoo.co.uk Computers really baffle me : )
Posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:19:34
In reply to Re: Effexor Symptoms » Shanooska, posted by fayeroe on January 31, 2004, at 17:47:57
how long did it take for you to feel normal? I'm on day 57 and still feel like crap
Posted by fayeroe on March 11, 2004, at 18:13:04
In reply to fayroe -Re: Effexor Symptoms, posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:19:34
> how long did it take for you to feel normal? I'm on day 57 and still feel like crap
It was probably 90 days before I knew that it was completely out of my system. In the meantime, I went back on Prozac 20 mg a day. That was about 20 days before I was totally off the Effexor. Everyone is different and I think it has to be completely out of your system before you feel better. Good luck!!
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