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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by chase9 on February 12, 2004, at 18:47:02
In reply to Re: Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med? » sheri, posted by Clayton on February 7, 2004, at 21:43:52
I have been on 37mg for two weeks went up to 75mg for 4 days and was really depressed and ful of anxiety went back down to 37 and am going off it either makes me feel nothing or too much .any other experiances like mine.
Posted by Susan115 on February 13, 2004, at 0:43:02
In reply to Re: Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med?, posted by chase9 on February 12, 2004, at 18:47:02
Dudes- I am totally pissed that no one mentioned the severe symptoms that may accompany withdrawl. I was placed onto Effexor, against my better judgement and although my intuition advised me against it, because I have Hypothyroidism due to an Auto-Immune Disease. I do not have depression.... and I do not have anxiety. I have low energy due to my disease and also because I work at a high-impact physical job. HOWEVER.... Like most physicians I have encountered.... my doctor was adamant that I "....must be suffering from depression because you are tired and wish to stay in bed..." uhhhhh??? First of all, I feel that it is a degradation to depression/anxiety sufferers to be written off so simply as people who "just wish to stay in bed". It is the sufferers DESIRE to reclaim the selves that they "see" inside of them and to regain the ability and power to return back to their lives... that is their wish. The wish is not to remain in bed, although, like myself, is where we normally end up because we feel...like....crap!
BE WARNED and BE INFORMED..... As a collective whole we Do Not Feel Good.... unfortunately we have to depend on other PEOPLE to make us feel better. (Isn't THAT in itself a loss of self-empowerment?) We depend on other people to prescribe to us.... MAN-MADE pills. Think about prescription drugs from their "flip side".... WE as people have no idea what is used to manufacture these pills... their ingredients... etc...etc... They twist our mentality and inhibit our "sensors". Is this so different from using narcotics and becoming hooked? It's all man-made... and it is difficult to trust what you cannot see.
Be informed of the withdrawl symptoms... I advised my doctor in December that I was to be removed from my Effexor treatment because I no longer felt like myself. I had no change in my energy levels, however I did notice a change in my creativity. I could no longer cry, write songs, feel passion, paint pictures, feel compassion towards others, play guitar.... I felt nothing. So, I did the systematic half-steps and I have been Effexor free for 2 weeks now.
Unfortunately, I am now coming face to face, blow to blow with withdrawl symptoms. Severe electric shocks (imagine placing a bare "live" wire to your head every 30 seconds) mild seizures, blackouts and to be honest... I'm feeling pretty pissed off. (I think the man-made term for that is "hypomania"...at least that's what they WANT you to think... because, hey- it's one more thing that they can treat, right? ... it's all just money in the bank to them) I left my keys in the ignition of my car with the battery turned on while I was at work today and I also ran into a co-worker's leg while I was operating some "heavy machinery". Wouldn't that be ENOUGH to piss a person off? Do we really need to be called "hypo-manic"?!?
Look- I firmly believe that this medication works for many people out there. I believe that if you are seeking an inhibitor to assist and ease symptoms, then by all means, you should work with your doctor to find the correct and best treatment for you. However ... BE INFORMED... You are your own best ADVOCATE. Research a chemical drug and THEN decide if it is what's best for you. Don't allow a doctor who is in reception of bonuses from drug companies to decide for YOU.
God Bless... and wishes for you to find peace of mind.
Posted by Holly333 on February 13, 2004, at 20:20:04
In reply to Re: Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med?, posted by platinumbride on February 8, 2004, at 14:50:31
I was on effexor xr 75mg twice a day, for about 4 months (on 75mg a day for another 6 months before that). Have now been off, seemingly problem free, for about 3 months (now, just the weight to sort out!!!)
Another post here suggested, as I was on the xr capsules, to literally reduce by one 'granule' per day, which worked OK. I was lucky, I had flu or something horrible, and was able to stop teh night time dose 'cold turkey' without any noticeable side effects, as I felt like death anyway!! (not recommended!! :) ) I then reduced the remaining 75mg dose granule by granule.
If yr on non xr tablets this might not be quite so straightforward, but perhaps shaving bits off with a knife would allow you to reduce slowly enough. Another possibility, again another post from here, suggested waiting till the dizziness etc struck, then taking a v small amount of granules (or bits of tablet?), just enough to counteract the problems experienced. I don't personally like this idea, but it may work for you, or at least help if you find it too difficult to accurately reduce the tablets. I do hope this is some help.
Posted by Judie on February 15, 2004, at 10:59:26
In reply to Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Susan115 on February 13, 2004, at 0:43:02
I am stopping effexor xr after 6 months, because I , too felt "flat-lined"... like I wasn't depressed, but I felt no joy or passion in anything I did, either. My doctor (GP) wanted to double my dose, but I can't see how that would fix my problem. I want to feel SOMETHING, just not suicidal! My last dose was 2 days ago. I'd been taking 75 mgs. a day. When I woke up so dizzy today, I started hunting on the internet for some info and I'm thrilled I found this site. Looks like I'd better taper off instead of going cold turkey. I dumped half of the granules out of a capsule and I'm going to try that every day for a week. I don't want to drag this out too long, but I have to be able to function. Scares me that folks are having withdrawel symptoms AFTER two weeks of quitting!! Somebody PLEASE post a success story for getting off this stuff!
Posted by BJlass on February 15, 2004, at 15:44:42
In reply to Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Susan115 on February 13, 2004, at 0:43:02
It took me about 6 months to taper off Effexor!!! These damn pharmaceutical co's and some doctors don't tell you this! It's outrageous and they ALL should be sued!
I still have this weird feeling in the middle of my forehead -- and I've been off it over a year now. I can't explain it -- but it's like my body is "craving" the drug. Maybe I've changed my neurotransmittors permanently!
Please think carefully before you take serotonin enhancing drugs. The mfr's don't even understand exactly what they do to your brain! Are we permanently rewiring ourselves??!!
Posted by bristol on February 15, 2004, at 16:10:15
In reply to Re: Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Judie on February 15, 2004, at 10:59:26
Oh My God - DO NOT STOP COLD TURKEY and I DON'T THINK you're supposed to break the capsules up! You need to talk to your doctor and get the 37.5 mg capsules to taper yourself off the right way. You should only go down a max of 37.5 increments and then be on it for a while.
I almost killed myself by tapering too fast and I was on 225mg of Effexor - I ended up in ER and was unconscious for over an hour. Now I'm suffering from a bronchial infection and inflamed vocal chords b/c of the breathing tubes they stuck down my throat. Effexor makes you suicidal - Be careful with the drug.
Posted by Althea8869 on February 15, 2004, at 17:53:04
In reply to Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Susan115 on February 13, 2004, at 0:43:02
Chase9, Your closing is right on the money. In this day and age we all have access, in one form or another, to information about these medications - possible side effects, interactions, etc. This ISNT to say that significant changes arent needed in both the testing/reporting/oversight and prescribing phase, but for the interested and inclined, doing the research, i would wager, will improve your chances for success.
Posted by contemplative1 on February 15, 2004, at 18:59:38
In reply to Trade Effexor of Paxil??, posted by Clayton on February 10, 2004, at 2:21:35
Paxil pooped out on me and I went to Prozac with great success and it also helped minimize the withdrawals from Paxil which contrary to your fortunate experience was absolutely dreadful.
> I guess I'm a freek, too. I take Paxil (40mg/day) and had quit cold turkey several times with NO adverse side-effects at all. I have also restarted it after several months at the 40 mg dose (no titration upward) without ill effects.
>
> I realize Paxil is not Effexor, but it seems to have the next "best" reputation for problems with withdrawl symptoms insing "Brain Zaps"s, according the the posts I've read on this board.
>
> So why am I immune to these negative effects?
>
> It's enough to make me want to try Effexor to see if I am immnune to those side-effects, too. My recklesss intuition tell me I well may be.
>
> Paxil is beginning to poop out and I may need a new AD soon. Any advive on this bizarre notion of mine? (Trade Pazil for Effexor)?
Posted by justjustine on February 16, 2004, at 12:59:10
In reply to Re: Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Judie on February 15, 2004, at 10:59:26
i'm 6 weeks off effexor and still feeling the withdrawals, although much much muted from what they were. i mean i was able to stop taking the vicodin a week ago, right?
i tapered to a point by pouring off the capsules, worked fine for me. i went faster than one granule a day - those little white pellets are quite small. and there's still a bunch of them stuck in the cracks in my wood floor (makes me sick to see them).
once i got myself to about 75mg, i saw the doc and he said "go to 37.5 for a week, then you should be able to stop."
holy moly was he ever wrong. and it's damaged our relationship because i don't trust him anymore. i was sick, sick, sick for over a month. all the doctors say is it must be because of something else - the vicodin, the xanax, because i refused the serzone that wasn't doing a darn thing to ease the withdrawal sickness, etc. etc. or maybe i had the flu for a whole month - a really weird flu with no fever!
for me, it worked out better to accept that i was going to be too sick to do anything for a while than it would have been to drag it out longer. but that's me.
note: chairman mao said he stopped effexor by using amphetamines, but i never got clarification on how that worked for him. (?)
here's a weblink on SSRI withdrawal you might find interesting:
http://www.fpnotebook.com/PSY169.htmand here's the 'treatment' they recommend:
--------------------------
Management: Specific Withdrawal SymptomsCholinergic rebound symptoms (See above)
Atropine 0.8 mg PO tid to qid
Cogentin 0.5 to 4 mg PO qd
Artane 1-4 mg PO tid to qid
Donnatal 2 tablets PO tid-qidAnxiety
Lorazepam 0.5 to 1 mg PO tid prnDizziness
Antivert 12.5 to 25 mg PO q6 hours prn
Dramamine 50 mg PO q6 hours prn
---------------------huh well i got through on vicodin, marijuana, ambien, and the occassional xanax. to each their own.
you WILL get through!!!
> I am stopping effexor xr after 6 months, because I , too felt "flat-lined"... like I wasn't depressed, but I felt no joy or passion in anything I did, either. My doctor (GP) wanted to double my dose, but I can't see how that would fix my problem. I want to feel SOMETHING, just not suicidal! My last dose was 2 days ago. I'd been taking 75 mgs. a day. When I woke up so dizzy today, I started hunting on the internet for some info and I'm thrilled I found this site. Looks like I'd better taper off instead of going cold turkey. I dumped half of the granules out of a capsule and I'm going to try that every day for a week. I don't want to drag this out too long, but I have to be able to function. Scares me that folks are having withdrawel symptoms AFTER two weeks of quitting!! Somebody PLEASE post a success story for getting off this stuff!
Posted by Judie on February 16, 2004, at 13:28:10
In reply to weight gain???, posted by poochi on February 11, 2004, at 11:38:27
I gained lots of weight while I was on effexor (75 mgs/day for 6 mos.) But I don't think it was the drug as much as my apathy about everything while I was on it. Does that make sense? I mean it didn't make me hungry... I just didn't have much passion or resolve about sticking to a diet. Now that I'm trying to get off, I'm eating more because my head and stomach feel weird... like I'll be sick if I don't have something in my stomach. They list anorexia as a possible symptom while you're on it AND while you're withdrawing... no such luck for me!!
Posted by PixieEm on February 16, 2004, at 13:31:42
In reply to Re: Trade Effexor of Paxil??, posted by contemplative1 on February 15, 2004, at 18:59:38
Hey guys, I am having some serious problems right now. I could really use some help, if anyone can... I was originally put on A/D for a totally different reason... I have endometriosis and my OBGyn prescribed Lexapro for pain reduction. I later went to a GP and he told me that he thought Effexor XR would be a much better choice for me considering my history of sleep problems, migraines, drug sensitivity, and supposed fibromyalgia. WRONG!!! Yes, when I first started taking the Effexor it was not too bad as long as I took it everyday at the same time, but if I am a few hours late I started getting nausea, dizziness, sleeplessness, brain shivers, etc. I now know about the withdrawals, (through posts such as this), and I am scared to death to quit taking it. The 300mg effexor did nothing for the pain that it was prescribed for, and now I am just as tired when taking it as I was before I started. My relationship is really suffering from my lack of emotions and my nonexistant sex drive. I WANT TO GET OFF IT!!! What do I do? I have tried cold turkey and had such bad "brain shivers" that I could not leave my house. Driving was impossible. With much hardship I have managed to get down to 150 mg now, but that has taken 2 months. I am a student in my last semester of my senior year of college. I can't miss class. Funny enough, I am also a psychology major. Never heard anything about bad about effexor from my doctors. Wish I had known about this. I would have never taken it. I know it has helped some people, and I am happy for ya'll, but this is miserable for me. If anyone knows anything that will help relieve this pain, please let me know.
Last thing... I have thought about a malpractice lawsuit. I have no idea if I would even have a case. I just don't think that the doctor should have prescribed me a med without telling me about it. But at the same time, I don't know if it would be the doctor's fault, or the drug company's fault. All I know is that I feel like I have been wronged. I would like to be able to make informed decisions regarding any substance entering my body. Thanks!!!!~Emily
Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 16, 2004, at 15:52:39
In reply to hypomania, posted by Lyrical13 on January 5, 2004, at 22:22:46
> You can also have mixed states where you're depressed and agitated. depression with GAD is often confused with BP2 because they can look the same...in reality it's not depression with anxiety..it's a mixed state of BP...depression with an agitated or hyperaroused state. I believe my pdoc said that BP2 is mostly depression with some hypomania. <
Your post kind of ran together here. Have you read that depression with GAD can be misdiagnosed as BP2? If so, can you point me toward your source? This is the aregument I have been having with my current pdoc. That maybe my original DX was wrong, but I can't get her to budge.
Posted by Salty_Dog on February 16, 2004, at 17:12:01
In reply to Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Susan115 on February 13, 2004, at 0:43:02
Withdrawl from Effexor XR does not have to be painfull. I was able to withdraw from 600 mg Effexor XR (7 Months) in two weeks time by using Lexapro. Of course I would be remise if I didn't mention that I was an in-patient at an Acute Psychiatric Services unit. I could sleep and do what I needed to do to get off of the Effexor XR. I need to go now, I will post a longer response latter.
Posted by HSP on February 16, 2004, at 17:49:32
In reply to Re: Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by BJlass on February 15, 2004, at 15:44:42
> It took me about 6 months to taper off Effexor!!! These damn pharmaceutical co's and some doctors don't tell you this! It's outrageous and they ALL should be sued!
>
> I still have this weird feeling in the middle of my forehead -- and I've been off it over a year now. I can't explain it -- but it's like my body is "craving" the drug. Maybe I've changed my neurotransmittors permanently!
>I'm having the same problem with Paxil... I've been on for 11 years. Trying to get off it by going on Remeron and titrating down on the Paxil once Remeron reaches steady state. I get the same exact feeling that you do, however. I still have to give myself 2.5mg of Paxil every couple of days because my brain feels like it's lacking something.... this aside from the ocassional vertigo.
> Please think carefully before you take serotonin enhancing drugs. The mfr's don't even understand exactly what they do to your brain! Are we permanently rewiring ourselves??!!
>
>
>
>
Posted by contemplative1 on February 16, 2004, at 17:52:28
In reply to Re: Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by HSP on February 16, 2004, at 17:49:32
I took Prozac to get off Paxil and it made the transition effortless. Getting off Paxil without Prozac left me in dire dire straits.
>
> I'm having the same problem with Paxil... I've been on for 11 years. Trying to get off it by going on Remeron and titrating down on the Paxil once Remeron reaches steady state. I get the same exact feeling that you do, however. I still have to give myself 2.5mg of Paxil every couple of days because my brain feels like it's lacking something.... this aside from the ocassional vertigo.
> > Please think carefully before you take serotonin enhancing drugs. The mfr's don't even understand exactly what they do to your brain! Are we permanently rewiring ourselves??!!
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by poochi on February 16, 2004, at 17:58:08
In reply to Re: Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by contemplative1 on February 16, 2004, at 17:52:28
I"m SLOWLY getting off Effexor. I think that i will be breaking up the capsules soon, to go down from 37.5, i wish they made a lower dose . I just can't get into the idea of going onto somethig else to get off of something. Did that make any sense? lol, best luck to everyone.
Posted by Heath on February 16, 2004, at 19:13:07
In reply to Re: Sudden descent into Efexor hell, posted by MrsT on January 15, 2004, at 22:32:59
Hi,
Just wondered - I have been taking 300mg of Efexor XR twice a day and 700mg of Epilim as a mood stabilizer also twice a day - is this a lot..?
On top of this I have to take 80mg of OxyContin twice a day, do these mix well..?
Does anyone know?Any replies would be great.
Thx,
H
Posted by funnybunny on February 16, 2004, at 22:19:01
In reply to Re: Is anyone on more than me...?, posted by Heath on February 16, 2004, at 19:13:07
hi im new to the board. it seems like a lot of you have had good results with lexapro. i was on 75mg daily of effexor it seemed to work at first but after a year and half it didnt. so my doc gave me samples of lexapro i asked him if i needed to wean off the effexor first he said no not with that low of a dose. so yesterday i took my first pill of lex i felt great! today i dont feel so good. i have been having brain shocks off and on and felt tired and kinda sick like the flu. i was just wondering if anyone out there has switched and felt like this and if it will get better. thanks and god bless you all
Posted by poochi on February 16, 2004, at 22:25:07
In reply to Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro?, posted by funnybunny on February 16, 2004, at 22:19:01
I don't know anything about Lexapro, but I do know that even going off effexor at 37.5 is too much to do without slowly tapering. Your brain zaps ARE from the Effexor withdrawl. Good luck to you.
Posted by Judie on February 17, 2004, at 7:24:35
In reply to Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro?, posted by funnybunny on February 16, 2004, at 22:19:01
Can't help you out on the Lexapro... but I do know that even on only 75mgs of effexor, you'll have withdrawel symptoms. I've had vertigo, headaches and nausea... and that's the dose I was on for 6 months. MAKES ME SO MAD THAT OUR DOCTORS DON'T KNOW THE EFFECTS OF THIS DRUG!!! I'm tapering off now and feeling a little better. This posting board has helped me a lot... hang in there... you'll get through this.
Posted by ann72 on February 17, 2004, at 12:04:56
In reply to Re: Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro?, posted by Judie on February 17, 2004, at 7:24:35
Hate to switch the topic but after reading this thread i wonder has anyone stopped effexor and successfully switched to another drug (like an ssri) without the major withdrawl symptoms from effexor?
Posted by jimmygold70 on February 17, 2004, at 18:03:38
In reply to Re: Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Judie on February 15, 2004, at 10:59:26
Effexor becomes more noradrenergic at higher doses (like 225 mg/day) and the blunting tends to go away.
DO NOT stop effexor since if you tolerate it
(except the blunting) it's a great pill.If this stays after a month on 225, you should add something dopaminergic like amantadine, Mirapex in this order. If you live outside the US amisulpride is great.
Bye for now!
Jimmy> I am stopping effexor xr after 6 months, because I , too felt "flat-lined"... like I wasn't depressed, but I felt no joy or passion in anything I did, either. My doctor (GP) wanted to double my dose, but I can't see how that would fix my problem. I want to feel SOMETHING, just not suicidal! My last dose was 2 days ago. I'd been taking 75 mgs. a day. When I woke up so dizzy today, I started hunting on the internet for some info and I'm thrilled I found this site. Looks like I'd better taper off instead of going cold turkey. I dumped half of the granules out of a capsule and I'm going to try that every day for a week. I don't want to drag this out too long, but I have to be able to function. Scares me that folks are having withdrawel symptoms AFTER two weeks of quitting!! Somebody PLEASE post a success story for getting off this stuff!
Posted by Doctor Feel Good on February 18, 2004, at 2:41:32
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Cocaine use !, posted by Warrior13 on December 17, 2003, at 11:09:20
Do NOT use cocaine. Effexor is the best antidepressant for people suffering from cocaine abuse, even a year after stopping it your brain wont be the same.
I'm a recovering addict to cocaine, meth, benzos, alcohol, ecstasy, basically everything. Do NOT use drugs if not prescribed to you. Oh yeah, you could have a seizure/stroke or worse mixing cocaine with an activating antidepressant like Effexor
Posted by Semi-conscious on February 18, 2004, at 3:34:59
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Cocaine use ! » Warrior13, posted by Doctor Feel Good on February 18, 2004, at 2:41:32
> Do NOT use cocaine. Effexor is the best antidepressant for people suffering from cocaine abuse, even a year after stopping it your brain wont be the same.
> I'm a recovering addict to cocaine, meth, benzos, alcohol, ecstasy, basically everything. Do NOT use drugs if not prescribed to you. Oh yeah, you could have a seizure/stroke or worse mixing cocaine with an activating antidepressant like Effexor
I'VE BEEN TAKING EFFEXOR SR 175MGS FOR OVER A YEAR. I'M STILL DEPRESED AND I HAVE GAINED SO MUCH WEIGHT I LOOK LIKE A PIG. I'M TIRED AND APATHETIC AND I USUALLY DON'T GET OFF THE COUCH FOR A WEEK AT A TIME. THE ONLY TIME I GET ANYTHING DONE OR EVEN BRUSH MY TEETH IS WHEN i USE METH AND THEN I DRINK A COUPLE VODKAS AND COKE IN THE EVENING, THEN I TAKE MY NIGHT TIME MEDS, ALL THREE OF THEM. THE ONLY REAL PROBLEM I CAN FORSEE OR HAVE HAD IS WITH MY LIVER CAUSE EFFEXOR IS A LITTLE HARD ON THE LIVER ANYWAY. I SELF-MEDICATE. I'M SO TIRED OF TRYING SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS AND GOING OFF OF ONE AND TRYING ANOTHER AND UPPING THE DOSAGES. I WANT RELIEF NOW. I KNOW IT MAY NOT BE THE BEST THING, BUT AS LONG AS I CAN AFFORD IT ($20) A DAY, I'LL PROBABLY CONTINUE. I'M NOT ADVOCATING THAT OTHERS DO THIS, NOT EVERYONE CAN HANDLE IT LIKE I CAN.
Posted by contemplative1 on February 18, 2004, at 10:20:19
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Cocaine use !, posted by Warrior13 on December 17, 2003, at 11:09:20
I am a recovering cocaine user. I was taking Celexa and was doing cocaine. Suffice to say I had no idea if the Celexa had any effect as the cocaine superceded any other emotion, purpose, desire, meaning or importance. I had a singleness of purpose and that was to stay high on the cocaine. Celexa (similar to Effexor in the SSRI component) was just a placebo at that point that I continued to take out of fear that its discontinuation would conflict with my cocaine high.
NOW the important part, and I will not address the potential for abuse as I would be preaching to the choir I hope, is that when I discontinued the cocaine the Celexa DID NOT WORK for 2 months. According to my doctor at the time, cocaine releases massive amounts of seratonin into your bloodstream and once you stop using cocaine, your body/brain yearns for the same effect. Any SSRI does not even come close to having the same effect. It is like taking aspirin after using heroin.
I went through two of the worst months in my life. The Celexa was not doing what it was supposed to do because the cocaine blew it out of the water and I was craving for the cocaine that at that point was just causing massive paranoia every time I used.
I hope this helps.
> Hi There, I wondered if recreational use of cocaine would be detrimental to the affects of Effexor or worse still damaging overall ?
>
> Any ideas on this subject ?
>
> Many thanks
>
> Wilf
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