![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 449 to 473 of 1313. Go back in thread:
Posted by jasonr on January 26, 2004, at 12:04:25
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl-My description of the Hell, posted by Stryker88 on January 26, 2004, at 3:54:50
Well, I figured I would post how it is going for me... (getting off effexor-xr that is)
I was up to 300 mg a day. (150 at wake up, 150 at dinner) I am also taking same dose of wellbutrin-sr at the same times so ya'll can keep tabs.
My plan with the p-doc was as follows: Reduce dose of effexor by 75mg every week on tuesdays. So, tuesday nights or tuesday morning is when I reduce a dose.
so, wk: morn/eve
1:150/75
2:75/75
3:75/0
4:37.5/0Tommorow is week 4 tuesday. So let me tell you what I have been feeling...
Week 1:
Tuesday night - Bad dreams, not restful sleep at all.
Wednesday: Dizzy. All day. Hanging on to walls. Afraid to drive. Bad headache in the morning. 30 min after morning dose, headache gone. 1pm headache starts. 3pm headache really bad. 4 advil do nothing. I get some little zaps in my head.. wierd! Feel like skin is crawling. Some times the floor looks like it is tilting upward or downward. Headache and dizziness get much worse until 30min after 6pm dose. Then things get back to "normal". Sleep sucks. I now know that my clock actually counts the hours while I am sleeping, cause I saw them. (I got 1hr naps all night)
Thursday: Same as wednesday, but headaches worse.
Friday: Same, headaches worse.
Saturday: returning to "effexor normal", that is withdrawal effects calming.
Sunday/monday: withdrawal effects pretty much gone. Occasional dizziness - not preventing driving though.Week 2: Same as week 1 for the most part. Dreams are much more vivid and much worse. I am having flash backs of all the crap I did not like in high school (bullies, bad exams, etc). Wed night while I was sleeping I almost punched a hole in the drywall due to a bad dream. (I am just glad I was facing away from my wife!!)
Week 3: Same thing, dreams worse.
Other notes: While on full dose, suicidal thoughts were few and far between. The further off effexor I get, the more the thoughts come on. Not good. P-doc warned me about it. I warned wife abotu it. We are keeping it in check.
Good notes: I am getting some energy back. I get occasional good moods. My sense of humor is returning a little bit.
-------------------------
Things my p-doc suggested that I did not need to do:She said that if my withdrawal sideeffects were too bad, to get off the drug slower. Either taking reductions every 7-10 days, smaller reduction steps (37.5mg), or both.
She also went through a ton of literature with me about SSRI discontinuation syndrome, official effexor withdrawal reports, and some unofficial reported things that can happen (like listed here).
Now, my withdrawal has not been smooth sailing, and I could have tapered slower, but I need to get this depression thing fixed. I am getting off to try a tri-cyclic, so I am toughing out these withdrawal problems (which are not as bad as some I have read about).
--------------------------
I should add that effexor did help somewhat in the beginning at keeping things from getting worse, but it has not been successful in getting me undepressed.No sexual side effects for me aside from inability to orgasm for 4wks after increase in dose.
I will post how it goes as I work the rest of the way off this stuff.
-jason
Posted by Roomy on January 26, 2004, at 13:34:45
In reply to Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300-75, posted by jasonr on January 26, 2004, at 12:04:25
Jason, Wow, thats a pretty quick taper if you ask me, but, you didnt! Props to you for doing it so quickly. I have been off Effexor now for 27 days. My energy level IS back. I have many more happy moods. I still have some sad moods and sad things make me cry but...is that so bad?? Crying is good. I used to do it all the time and that wasnt real kewl but for the past 7 years, while on Effexor (or friends) I have not even remembered once crying!! Suicide doesnt run in our family, it gallops!!! I have to be careful about suicide thoughts. I have to put forth an effort now to keep my anger in check whereas with the effexor, it was not a problem....or was it? I have a three yr old son and a 14yr old daughter. They do stupid things! I get ticked off. Is that so abnormal? Heck, while on effexor my little one pretty much did as he pleased. It happened right under my nose and I failed to see it. It didnt bother me. Now...effexor free... I am starting to finally restore some order in my household again. He isnt a BAD kid...he is just being three. He needs a scheduled daily routine. I can (and AM) doing that now and he is responding beautifully!!
So yeah, effexor can control your emotions but when it totally takes over and you no longer have emotions, it time to get off it! Keep up the good work Jason! and keep your back to your wife when you sleep. hehehehehe
-Roomy
Posted by kelly7707 on January 26, 2004, at 23:03:42
In reply to Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300-75, posted by jasonr on January 26, 2004, at 12:04:25
> Well, I figured I would post how it is going for me... (getting off effexor-xr that is)
>
> I was up to 300 mg a day. (150 at wake up, 150 at dinner) I am also taking same dose of wellbutrin-sr at the same times so ya'll can keep tabs.
>
> My plan with the p-doc was as follows: Reduce dose of effexor by 75mg every week on tuesdays. So, tuesday nights or tuesday morning is when I reduce a dose.
>
> so, wk: morn/eve
> 1:150/75
> 2:75/75
> 3:75/0
> 4:37.5/0
>
> Tommorow is week 4 tuesday. So let me tell you what I have been feeling...
>
> Week 1:
> Tuesday night - Bad dreams, not restful sleep at all.
> Wednesday: Dizzy. All day. Hanging on to walls. Afraid to drive. Bad headache in the morning. 30 min after morning dose, headache gone. 1pm headache starts. 3pm headache really bad. 4 advil do nothing. I get some little zaps in my head.. wierd! Feel like skin is crawling. Some times the floor looks like it is tilting upward or downward. Headache and dizziness get much worse until 30min after 6pm dose. Then things get back to "normal". Sleep sucks. I now know that my clock actually counts the hours while I am sleeping, cause I saw them. (I got 1hr naps all night)
> Thursday: Same as wednesday, but headaches worse.
> Friday: Same, headaches worse.
> Saturday: returning to "effexor normal", that is withdrawal effects calming.
> Sunday/monday: withdrawal effects pretty much gone. Occasional dizziness - not preventing driving though.
>
> Week 2: Same as week 1 for the most part. Dreams are much more vivid and much worse. I am having flash backs of all the crap I did not like in high school (bullies, bad exams, etc). Wed night while I was sleeping I almost punched a hole in the drywall due to a bad dream. (I am just glad I was facing away from my wife!!)
>
> Week 3: Same thing, dreams worse.
>
> Other notes: While on full dose, suicidal thoughts were few and far between. The further off effexor I get, the more the thoughts come on. Not good. P-doc warned me about it. I warned wife abotu it. We are keeping it in check.
>
> Good notes: I am getting some energy back. I get occasional good moods. My sense of humor is returning a little bit.
> -------------------------
> Things my p-doc suggested that I did not need to do:
>
> She said that if my withdrawal sideeffects were too bad, to get off the drug slower. Either taking reductions every 7-10 days, smaller reduction steps (37.5mg), or both.
>
> She also went through a ton of literature with me about SSRI discontinuation syndrome, official effexor withdrawal reports, and some unofficial reported things that can happen (like listed here).
>
> Now, my withdrawal has not been smooth sailing, and I could have tapered slower, but I need to get this depression thing fixed. I am getting off to try a tri-cyclic, so I am toughing out these withdrawal problems (which are not as bad as some I have read about).
> --------------------------
> I should add that effexor did help somewhat in the beginning at keeping things from getting worse, but it has not been successful in getting me undepressed.
>
> No sexual side effects for me aside from inability to orgasm for 4wks after increase in dose.
>
> I will post how it goes as I work the rest of the way off this stuff.
>
> -jason
>Jason, your doc sounds like a good one...may I ask where you live? I know that's a bit personal, but right now I am searching for a doc that will know more, sit with me and discuss the meds and what the withdrawl period involves, etc...just seems as though mine keeps throwing a new prescription at me when I go in to see him.
If this isn't too personal, I'd love a response.
Thanks,
Kelly
Posted by jasonr on January 27, 2004, at 10:56:57
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300-75, posted by kelly7707 on January 26, 2004, at 23:03:42
> Jason, your doc sounds like a good one...may I ask where you live? I know that's a bit personal, but right now I am searching for a doc that will know more, sit with me and discuss the meds and what the withdrawl period involves, etc...just seems as though mine keeps throwing a new prescription at me when I go in to see him.
> If this isn't too personal, I'd love a response.
> Thanks,
> Kelly
>Long Island, New York.
In the region? We can work something out to further narrow it down.
Posted by Stryker88 on January 27, 2004, at 11:42:57
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300 » kelly7707, posted by jasonr on January 27, 2004, at 10:56:57
I feel the same way about my doctor, I get the feeling he gets commision on each new prescription he gives out. Figure it the more he gives out the more the drug companies can make $$$$$$$$$$$$
Posted by flyingdreams on January 27, 2004, at 15:30:35
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by Stryker88 on January 27, 2004, at 11:42:57
Yes doctors get kick backs from the drug companies. There are drug pushers that show up at the drs offices all the time pushing these drugs!!!! They give out free samples so that you will get addicted to their drugs and then have to buy them!!!! Amazing and it's legal! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$MONEY$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ is all the drug companies care about and most doctors become doctors because of the high salaries. I say drop their salaries and see more doctors that care!
Posted by kelly7707 on January 27, 2004, at 19:36:04
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300 » kelly7707, posted by jasonr on January 27, 2004, at 10:56:57
> > Jason, your doc sounds like a good one...may I ask where you live? I know that's a bit personal, but right now I am searching for a doc that will know more, sit with me and discuss the meds and what the withdrawl period involves, etc...just seems as though mine keeps throwing a new prescription at me when I go in to see him.
> > If this isn't too personal, I'd love a response.
> > Thanks,
> > Kelly
> >
>
> Long Island, New York.
>
> In the region? We can work something out to further narrow it down.
Hi Jason,
Thanks for the reply...but we are no where near each other. I am up in freezing cold Canada...but too bad...
Just to update on my own situation, as I have just recently stopped taking Effexor due to sexual side effects, I just had an appointment with my GP today and because my anxiety is so bad and the depression is back, I agreed to go back on another anti depressant...this time Celexa, which I have been on before. I know it still has the side effects, but in order for me to get through school I need this anxiety to go away...it's unbearable.
So, next week I have an app with a psychologist for the first time ever, and what my goal is is to establish a new way of thinking about all of this and hope that with some cognitive beh therapy, I might not need all these drugs which have terrible side effects....
Honestly, today I thought to myself, I honestly feel right now like I was better off without them at all...that I am now taking these meds to help with the side effects of them...like switching to a new one is only to help with the damage or whatever you wanna call it, from the last drug...
I dunno...
Wish me luck, as I wish everyone luck with either coming off of their meds, or struggling with being on one.
Posted by jasonr on January 27, 2004, at 21:10:50
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by kelly7707 on January 27, 2004, at 19:36:04
> > > Jason, your doc sounds like a good one...may I ask where you live? I know that's a bit personal, but right now I am searching for a doc that will know more, sit with me and discuss the meds and what the withdrawl period involves, etc...just seems as though mine keeps throwing a new prescription at me when I go in to see him.
> > > If this isn't too personal, I'd love a response.
> > > Thanks,
> > > Kelly
> > >
> >
> > Long Island, New York.
> >
> > In the region? We can work something out to further narrow it down.
>
>
> Hi Jason,
> Thanks for the reply...but we are no where near each other. I am up in freezing cold Canada...but too bad...
> Just to update on my own situation, as I have just recently stopped taking Effexor due to sexual side effects, I just had an appointment with my GP today and because my anxiety is so bad and the depression is back, I agreed to go back on another anti depressant...this time Celexa, which I have been on before. I know it still has the side effects, but in order for me to get through school I need this anxiety to go away...it's unbearable.
> So, next week I have an app with a psychologist for the first time ever, and what my goal is is to establish a new way of thinking about all of this and hope that with some cognitive beh therapy, I might not need all these drugs which have terrible side effects....
> Honestly, today I thought to myself, I honestly feel right now like I was better off without them at all...that I am now taking these meds to help with the side effects of them...like switching to a new one is only to help with the damage or whatever you wanna call it, from the last drug...
> I dunno...
> Wish me luck, as I wish everyone luck with either coming off of their meds, or struggling with being on one.
>
>I know how you feel. I got lucky. My psychiatrist was my first one. Took me 2 months to find one though! Almost seems like w/o a referral no one wants to see ya!
So far as meds.. I have been on lexapro, effexor, wellbutrin.. no luck so far. Time to try something again.
Good luck to ya.
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 27, 2004, at 21:18:03
In reply to Re: YESdoctors get kick backs from drug companies!, posted by flyingdreams on January 27, 2004, at 15:30:35
> Yes doctors get kick backs from the drug companies...
I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding kickbacks to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040120/msgs/306238.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by ann33 on January 28, 2004, at 17:01:27
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300-75, posted by Roomy on January 26, 2004, at 13:34:45
>wasnt real kewl but for the past 7 years, while on Effexor
>it was not a problem....or was it? I have a three yr old son and a 14yr old daughter.
Hi,
your text lead me to interpretation that you had a child on the time that you where on treatment.
Did you get pregnancy taking effexor?
I am curious about the effect of efexxor on pregnancy. Is there any study about it?
ann
Posted by micro on January 28, 2004, at 21:13:03
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl-My description of the Hell, posted by kelly7707 on January 25, 2004, at 12:28:59
> Hi. Yesterday I sat and read through a number of entries and found myself bawling at my computer. On top of how afraid I felt reading it all, I also found a bit of comfort in knowing that I was also not the only one. I am a university student, and dealing with this is close to impossible while trying to get anything done. My concentration is completely gone...I am finding that I am having close-to-panic attacks almost daily. The other day I was in one of my classes and the floor appeared to be uneven, and my heart started pounding and it took everything inside me to calm down and not pass out. I have made an appointment with my GP about the insomnia...but that is now only one of a number of things I need to bring up. I have been off of Effexor since before Christmas now...just before, so I am almost at 5 weeks, and this doesn't seem to be getting any better. Yes, some days are good, but it is always there to haunt you. Has anyone found any antidepressant that also helps with anxiety that didn't affect their sex drive? I tried Wellbutrin and that made me feel like I wanted to crawl out of my skin, and of all that I have tried, my GP said that would have been my best chance. Is there a drug out there that can counteract the sexual side effects that you can take while on an SSRI? I think this message board is really an amazing thing. I was deeply affected by what I read yesterday...and as scary as it is knowing that we all have to deal with this, it is a definate comfort to know that I am not losing my mind. It is so unreal how identical some of these entries are...how we are all really going through so much of the same thing. I can't believe how many people have to live their life like this...it is truly devestating.
> Anyway, any comments?
Hello,
First, try to be positive. I know that this is alot to ask right now but, it will get better! Second, Please see a biopsychiatrist. Your Pcp is not Qualified to handle the difficulties which you are experiencing nor do they have an extensive background in psychotropic meds. Some Psychiatrists do not do well in rxing either!Usually, there is a med that will work without compromising your intimacy issues or a combination is possible.
Third, Please purchase Jack Gorman's guide to psychiatric medicines. IT costs about 5 bucks and discusses sexual side effects and how to alleviate them. Sometimes with otc therapies.
Best money you'll ever spend. Peace Micro
Posted by kelly7707 on January 28, 2004, at 21:25:45
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl-My description of the Hell » kelly7707, posted by micro on January 28, 2004, at 21:13:03
> > Hi. Yesterday I sat and read through a number of entries and found myself bawling at my computer. On top of how afraid I felt reading it all, I also found a bit of comfort in knowing that I was also not the only one. I am a university student, and dealing with this is close to impossible while trying to get anything done. My concentration is completely gone...I am finding that I am having close-to-panic attacks almost daily. The other day I was in one of my classes and the floor appeared to be uneven, and my heart started pounding and it took everything inside me to calm down and not pass out. I have made an appointment with my GP about the insomnia...but that is now only one of a number of things I need to bring up. I have been off of Effexor since before Christmas now...just before, so I am almost at 5 weeks, and this doesn't seem to be getting any better. Yes, some days are good, but it is always there to haunt you. Has anyone found any antidepressant that also helps with anxiety that didn't affect their sex drive? I tried Wellbutrin and that made me feel like I wanted to crawl out of my skin, and of all that I have tried, my GP said that would have been my best chance. Is there a drug out there that can counteract the sexual side effects that you can take while on an SSRI? I think this message board is really an amazing thing. I was deeply affected by what I read yesterday...and as scary as it is knowing that we all have to deal with this, it is a definate comfort to know that I am not losing my mind. It is so unreal how identical some of these entries are...how we are all really going through so much of the same thing. I can't believe how many people have to live their life like this...it is truly devestating.
> > Anyway, any comments?
>
>
> Hello,
> First, try to be positive. I know that this is alot to ask right now but, it will get better! Second, Please see a biopsychiatrist. Your Pcp is not Qualified to handle the difficulties which you are experiencing nor do they have an extensive background in psychotropic meds. Some Psychiatrists do not do well in rxing either!
>
> Usually, there is a med that will work without compromising your intimacy issues or a combination is possible.
>
> Third, Please purchase Jack Gorman's guide to psychiatric medicines. IT costs about 5 bucks and discusses sexual side effects and how to alleviate them. Sometimes with otc therapies.
> Best money you'll ever spend. Peace MicroThanks so much Micro...I appreciate you taking the time to respond, and I will definately check out that book.
Posted by Norma_B on January 28, 2004, at 21:26:06
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by janey on November 1, 1998, at 16:30:34
My Doctor gave me Samples of this drug Effexor Which I took for about a month and I went off last Thursday. He had written me a prescription for 3 more months, I didn't fill it because of cost, But anyhow, the last 5 days have been horrible, I thought I had a flu, then thought it was a problem with my ears causing this dizzyness, etc. Was even beginning to think my husband got life insurance for me and was trying to do me in. I decided to check the internet to see if this Effexor had withdrawl side effects and I see it does. I just want to know if there are any home remedies to help me throught this and how long is it expected to last? I have taken Tylenol, gravol, and even took Mersyndol last night. I'm so sick of feeling this rotten.
Posted by kelly7707 on January 28, 2004, at 21:30:26
In reply to Effexor withdrawal, posted by Norma_B on January 28, 2004, at 21:26:06
> My Doctor gave me Samples of this drug Effexor Which I took for about a month and I went off last Thursday. He had written me a prescription for 3 more months, I didn't fill it because of cost, But anyhow, the last 5 days have been horrible, I thought I had a flu, then thought it was a problem with my ears causing this dizzyness, etc. Was even beginning to think my husband got life insurance for me and was trying to do me in. I decided to check the internet to see if this Effexor had withdrawl side effects and I see it does. I just want to know if there are any home remedies to help me throught this and how long is it expected to last? I have taken Tylenol, gravol, and even took Mersyndol last night. I'm so sick of feeling this rotten.
Honestly, I slowly got off of it, and now am thinking I didn't go off slowly enough (was about a three week period) and have officially been off for about 6 weeks. I am still feeling the withdrawl...but you have to understand that I am a very sensitive person to drugs of all sorts. I don't know what else to tell you except that in time I am sure it gets better...my symptoms seem to stay for a week, and when that week is done, other ones arise...but I know this won't last forever...just hang in there...I know it's hard...I am dealing with it too, but I am finding this site very helpful. A lot of people recommend taking other things to help with the symptoms, but if you can stand it, just plug through it...that's what I have done at least...it can't last forever.
Posted by Vasterling on January 28, 2004, at 21:33:50
In reply to Effexor withdrawal, posted by Norma_B on January 28, 2004, at 21:26:06
> My Doctor gave me Samples of this drug Effexor Which I took for about a month and I went off last Thursday.
I just want to know if there are any home remedies to help me throught this and how long is it expected to last? I have taken Tylenol, gravol, and even took Mersyndol last night. I'm so sick of feeling this rotten.
When I went through the withdrawal, someone told me on the chat board that benadryl and dramamine would help. I took both of them and it helped tremendously with the dizzyness and nausea. I hope this helps and good luck.
Posted by Roomy on January 28, 2004, at 22:07:38
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by ann33 on January 28, 2004, at 17:01:27
ann, Yep, I was on effexor when I was pregnant. No doctors or studies showed too much information about it either way. I had an 11 yr old daughter and was not really planning on another baby when I got pregnant. We all thought it best to stay on the effexor during the pregnancy. My hubby said I was such a "good sport" during my 9 months. I do drink alot of beer and I do smoke ciggerettes. I gave it all up during those 9 months. The only thing I didnt give up was the Effexor. I had no problem giving up smokes, and no problem giving up the beer...the baby was fine...9 pounds 3 ounces and beautiful. I doubt that I could have done it without the effexor. Giving up the effexor,however has been rougher than quitting smoking, quitting the drinking, or pretty much anything else in my life I have ever done. I have been off it for like a month now, after being on it for 7 years, and the physical side effects are pretty much gone. THANK GOD!!!! I am now dealing with a "rush of emotion" is what I like to call it. 7 years with a lack of emotion, and now BAM all my emotions are pouring out. I can only hope its from the withdrawl. I hope and pray that its withdrawl. If it continues much longer, I will have to consider another anti-depressant, and that alone makes me depressed!!
Posted by kelly7707 on January 28, 2004, at 22:12:59
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by Roomy on January 28, 2004, at 22:07:38
> ann, Yep, I was on effexor when I was pregnant. No doctors or studies showed too much information about it either way. I had an 11 yr old daughter and was not really planning on another baby when I got pregnant. We all thought it best to stay on the effexor during the pregnancy. My hubby said I was such a "good sport" during my 9 months. I do drink alot of beer and I do smoke ciggerettes. I gave it all up during those 9 months. The only thing I didnt give up was the Effexor. I had no problem giving up smokes, and no problem giving up the beer...the baby was fine...9 pounds 3 ounces and beautiful. I doubt that I could have done it without the effexor. Giving up the effexor,however has been rougher than quitting smoking, quitting the drinking, or pretty much anything else in my life I have ever done. I have been off it for like a month now, after being on it for 7 years, and the physical side effects are pretty much gone. THANK GOD!!!! I am now dealing with a "rush of emotion" is what I like to call it. 7 years with a lack of emotion, and now BAM all my emotions are pouring out. I can only hope its from the withdrawl. I hope and pray that its withdrawl. If it continues much longer, I will have to consider another anti-depressant, and that alone makes me depressed!!
Roomy, that is EXACTLY what I am going through right now. I had an app with my GP this week and he has actually prescribed me Celexa, which I have been on before and I haven't started it yet...mainly because I have exams ( I am a university student ) and I remember how brutal those first few weeks are on these drugs...just can't deal with that right now...am dealing with the withdrawl a bit better these days...just the past FEW days...but ya...I went back to him because of exactly what you are contemplating...it's scary...and I don't want to have to be on anything anymore...esp cause of the sexual side effects...but sometimes, you think, what else is there for me to do???
Posted by Althea8869 on January 28, 2004, at 22:40:17
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by Vasterling on January 28, 2004, at 21:33:50
I have been following many of the different threads on this site and learned much from the posts - so first a quick thanks for the info. It is a strangely cathartic process to learn of other struggles that are indeed very similar to mine.
With regard to effexor I can tell you that its withdrawl is worse than any other drug that I have ever tried - in no small part because of its relatively short half life.
Here are some reccomendations that may help some of you - though make no mistake - the ride is extended and it is difficult - but is does end.
One excellent recommendation that was given to me was to reduce the effexor to a relatively low dose (rather quickly) and then introduce prozac(low dose) to the mix. Continue this for about two weeks and then dump the effexor rapidly (3 days) continuing with the prozac for another week and then titrate off the prozac quickly thereafter. At this point you may want to introduce low level benzo (klono works well) for another couple weeks. The idea here is simply to replace the Effexor with a similarly acting agent that has a very long half life(prozac) that makes for far less withdawl (in most). A few other suggestions: DHA from algea (aka neuromins) - laugh all you want those of you against "supplements", but the top pharmacologists at harvard, mit and Mass General believe this drug could well become the single most important "brain" supplement ever discovered. The research is out there (plenty of it in fact) you could call any one of a number of the doctors at Mass General Psychiatry and ask them for info. It is a specialized formation of the popular Omega 3 supplement, but is derived directly from algea using a very special patented technology. Almost all Omega 3 supplements come from fish oil. Getting it from algea improves its efficacy by as much as 500%. Another excellent supplement that is helpful is Inositol powder (must be pure).Hope all this helps. All i can tell you is that the withdrawl from Effexor @300mg per day was the single most awful experience of my life. It felt somtimes like my eyes and my head were completely disconnected - many of you know just what I am talking about. The "brain shocks" became almost constant during the first four or five days. But the bottom line here- and I hope you walk away with, if nothing else, this: its does end - though many of the symptoms you were talking the Effexor for may return, they are nothing in comparison to the protracted withrawl from effexor. There should be far more serious warnings about effexor withdrawl for those considering it - all this despite the fact that Effexor for many people proves very succussful.
Good luck to all of you and thank you again for your honesty.
Posted by Stryker88 on January 29, 2004, at 12:41:45
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by Roomy on January 28, 2004, at 22:07:38
I understand Benydryl may help with the withdrawl, but Benydryl makes you drowsy ( sleepy). In the middle of the day dont you feel too tired, and just want to sleep????
Posted by jasonr on January 29, 2004, at 12:52:50
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by Stryker88 on January 29, 2004, at 12:41:45
> I understand Benydryl may help with the withdrawl, but Benydryl makes you drowsy ( sleepy). In the middle of the day dont you feel too tired, and just want to sleep????
I told her I heard about this on here, and my p-doc said that the Benydryl helping with the withdrawl is a myth. She said that the only thing it would help with is what it says on the label, or as a placebo effect.
Just passing the info along.
Posted by Norma_B on January 29, 2004, at 14:11:26
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by Vasterling on January 28, 2004, at 21:33:50
I'm feeling not to bad today, it's by evening that I am feeling poorly. I asked my husband to dig me a hole so I could crawl in.Today I am able to function a little better than I did 2 days ago. As for getting these remedies, I can't get out because I live 20 miles away from a store and it's -40F. If I could get rid of this buzzy, dizzy feeling in my head i'd probably feel not to bad.
Posted by on-the-wave on January 29, 2004, at 15:16:05
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by Norma_B on January 29, 2004, at 14:11:26
Hi,
My story is that after 3 years at 300mg once a day, I reduced as follows:
2 weeks - 225mg
2 weeks - 150mg
2 weeks - 75mg
1 week - 37.5 mgI have been off altogether for 4 days.
The tapering process above was excellent compared to the stories on this site.
About 4 - 5 days after reducing the dose I would experience mild symptoms of anxiety, etc for 1 - 2 days.
Untill today all has gone very well. Today i experienced brain zaps every few seconds all day. I have also experienced a heightened emotional state for the last two days.
Other than the above, no other side effects yet. Is this going to get worse or better? I have had no recurrence of the depression or anxiety, although that was pretty much sorted out with therapy, etc.
Has any-one experienced total recovery from symptoms once quitting effexor, and if so, how long does it take.
Thanks
D
Posted by jeenobeano on January 29, 2004, at 15:29:37
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300 » kelly7707, posted by jasonr on January 27, 2004, at 10:56:57
Just thought I'd chime in with my experience so far.
With my pdoc's blessing, I've been titrating down at a ridiculously slow pace, opening up the 75mg capsule and dumping out an additional 2 beads (every third day) or one bead (the other two days) every day. I've been doing this for about 1.5 months now and have managed to get myself off about 20% of the little beads. I'm totally fine about 90% of the time; the other 10% of the time I'm not fine and go thru mild-to-moderate versions of the symptoms described on this board. When that happens, I sit tight at the level I'm at and the feelings dissipate in about 2 days.
It's gonna take me a good 6 months to get off this stuff, at least, but I've tried to go from 75 to 37.5 before and it was too horrific to bear. Excruciating, excruciating. My itty-bitty daily reduction method might be too slow for people who need off NOW, but I figure I've got time. And I'm bad with pain. ;-)
Posted by baddog55 on January 29, 2004, at 22:35:38
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by jeenobeano on January 29, 2004, at 15:29:37
HI,
I am chiming in also. I totally agree with the fact that you need to wean SLOWLY from this drug. I am going even slower, starting at 75 mg for 2 years to 37.5 for a month, then to 18 3/4. I am splitting the capsules to do this and it's really very easy. I am at the 18 3/4 dose for a week now and I promise, the brain zaps are almost bearable. It think it helps if you know what they are and you are expecting them. I would be happy to share my process with anyone if it could help them get off this drug. I have found that patience is the key. good luck to us all!
> Just thought I'd chime in with my experience so far.
>
> With my pdoc's blessing, I've been titrating down at a ridiculously slow pace, opening up the 75mg capsule and dumping out an additional 2 beads (every third day) or one bead (the other two days) every day. I've been doing this for about 1.5 months now and have managed to get myself off about 20% of the little beads. I'm totally fine about 90% of the time; the other 10% of the time I'm not fine and go thru mild-to-moderate versions of the symptoms described on this board. When that happens, I sit tight at the level I'm at and the feelings dissipate in about 2 days.
>
> It's gonna take me a good 6 months to get off this stuff, at least, but I've tried to go from 75 to 37.5 before and it was too horrific to bear. Excruciating, excruciating. My itty-bitty daily reduction method might be too slow for people who need off NOW, but I figure I've got time. And I'm bad with pain. ;-)
Posted by Roomy on January 30, 2004, at 6:18:03
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by baddog55 on January 29, 2004, at 22:35:38
I apologize ahead of time for this lenghthy story but I need to share it to make myself feel better.
My sis-in-law, her hubby, and their two children lived only 1/2 hr away. Our girls are 4 months apart in age so they are close cousins and we all spend alot of time together. Boyde, a very kind man, hard worker, overly loud and friendly (after a few drinks esp,) became withdrawn, paranoid, and downright angry in only a few short months. His personality changed so much that he even told his wife to not leave him home alone with the kids for fear that he may harm them. Long story, short, he shot and killed himself one year ago. The family moved away so as to not live in the same house. Not too far away, so we still get together quite often. About 2-3 weeks ago, she came to me with a question. This was at the peak of my Effexor withdrawl. I had been on the drug for about 7 years. Her question to me was, "You have been on an anti-depressant, give me some advise as to which drug to get my son on. He has gone to a doctor and started up one but I want to know your opinion. Is it a good one?" I was afraid to ask. Yep! Effexor!!!! When I asked her WHY? Why Effexor of all the drugs out there? She told me that when the police gave her back all of Boyd's personal belongings about 6 months ago, after all the police investigations, one of the things they gave her was his partially used bottle of Effexor. She didnt even know he was on it. She doesnt know why the doctor would put her son on it, since it OBVIOUSLY didnt work for Boyd. My question is, WAS he taking it and stopped??? Was it the withdrawl that made him kill himself? It certainly explains the nightmares I have been having over and over. The same stupid voice, chanting and laughing "ya should have talked to him! ya should have talked to him!!! hahahahaha" <- thats just sick and wrong. The same voice. Any dream, every dream, the voice is always there and always says that same thing! It's making me lose my mind! Now I have to figure out a way to get my nephew off Effexor.
-I have been drug free for one month exactly. I feel better now. If the voice in my dreams would go away, I would be downright perfect!!!
-Thanks for reading along. I just had to vent this.
-Roomy
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.