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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lorily on July 8, 2004, at 13:21:46
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last? » alan38, posted by snake on July 8, 2004, at 10:41:45
> > My Pdoc does not think the withdrawal should even last this long. I don't believe he would prescribe the prozac. I will have to continue with the claritin. Hopefully/prayerfully, I will be done with this by week 5!
>
> How long does the nausea and headaches last? this is day 21 without med. i have bee using over the counter benadryl . it's not as bad as as 1 week. seems like it's not lasting as long. help help!
EFFEXOR HAS A VERY SHORT HALF LIFE!!!!! That's why we get the severe "discontinuance syndrome" Some people start feeling "withdrawals" if they don't take their dose on time. I'm surprised at the long withdrawal symptoms. Do you take any other medications? Perhaps your agony is because of the way the effexor interacted with them. This is my experience thus far:June 1: Cut Effexor from 75 to 37.5. Had that zap thing for one day, early in the morning. Regularly take 25 mg of Trazadone at night to cover the AD part-makes me groggy in the am.
June 22: Cut Depakote from 250 to 125. No biggie, just feel a bit groggy from the Traz.
June 27: Did not take Depakote anymore. consistantly getting worse over that week I'm feeling side effects of light-headedness, a bit dizzy here and there. I figured out this starts about 1-1/2 to 2 hours after taking the effexor and wears away during the day. So, makes sense that it's side effects from taking the effexor, not NOT taking it, right? I calculated the 1/2 life on the long end so it was out of my system by fri night.
Yesterday and today, I opened up the capsule and dumped out as close to 1/2 the effexor as I could get: NO DIZZINESS, NO ZAPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I feel better than I have in a while, too.
Tonight I will cut the Traz in half again. And continue with dumping 1/2 the effexor for a day or two, then lower it more. I'm doing this ever so slowly to avoid the horrors I've read about here. I'm sorry everyone is suffering so, but you all have brought me alot of help. I was almost too scared to do it, not wanting to suffer, but I do not want to be a slave to my doctor's schedule or to a medication that I no longer need. (Any pray I never will again)
I do have to say Effexor saved my life and I'm grateful I was able to get the pros and double grateful I'm eliminating the cons of it.
Posted by alan38 on July 8, 2004, at 13:58:13
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by seeknsolace on May 24, 2004, at 5:40:13
Do you still have the Zaps?
Posted by lorily on July 8, 2004, at 14:20:09
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by alan38 on July 8, 2004, at 13:58:13
> Do you still have the Zaps?
Me? None. and when I turn my head real quick, I don't feel disoriented, either.
Posted by Frisky_Cat on July 8, 2004, at 18:38:31
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by annesand on July 8, 2004, at 10:17:33
It's the short half life. It's easy to wean oneself off drugs with long half lives because that means when you reduce drug intake there remains a lot of the drug in the system and hence withdrawal symptons are manageable.
Effexor has a short half life, which is why the extended form was developed.
Posted by itsrick on July 8, 2004, at 22:00:32
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by Frisky_Cat on July 8, 2004, at 18:38:31
> It's the short half life. It's easy to wean oneself off drugs with long half lives because that means when you reduce drug intake there remains a lot of the drug in the system and hence withdrawal symptons are manageable.
>
> Effexor has a short half life, which is why the extended form was developed.what is the extended form?
Posted by KaraS on July 9, 2004, at 2:38:56
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last? » alan38, posted by snake on July 8, 2004, at 10:41:45
> > My Pdoc does not think the withdrawal should even last this long. I don't believe he would prescribe the prozac. I will have to continue with the claritin. Hopefully/prayerfully, I will be done with this by week 5!
>
> How long does the nausea and headaches last? this is day 21 without med. i have bee using over the counter benadryl . it's not as bad as as 1 week. seems like it's not lasting as long. help help!From reading many posts on this topic, the time it takes for withdrawal really seems to vary a lot. It probably depends on how long you took the medicine, your own genetic predisposition, the rate at which you're reducing etc.
Hang in there. I hope you feel better soon. (If not, find another doctor to help you more. You shouldn't have to suffer this much!)
Posted by KaraS on July 9, 2004, at 2:42:16
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by KaraS on July 9, 2004, at 2:38:56
Posted by lorily on July 9, 2004, at 8:15:52
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by itsrick on July 8, 2004, at 22:00:32
Effexor XR is the extended form. It's just extended release, like with many other drugs, even cold pills, they release into your system slowly to provide continued relief.
Posted by itsrick on July 9, 2004, at 8:20:12
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by lorily on July 9, 2004, at 8:15:52
> Effexor XR is the extended form. It's just extended release, like with many other drugs, even cold pills, they release into your system slowly to provide continued relief.
ah, so longer half-life? i'm desperate for positive news on reducing withdrawal symptoms so i can get off this stuff
Posted by lorily on July 9, 2004, at 8:48:22
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by itsrick on July 9, 2004, at 8:20:12
I don't know that. I believe it's so you have a constant level during your 24 hours, rather than the whole load at say 7am and withdrawals 1/2 way through the day. I'm not sure what the 1/2 life is, do you know? From reading these posts here I've learned alot and my other research has informed me it must be done slowly and GRADUALLY. Some people post how they're "down to" 37.5 every other day or every 3rd or 4th day. That makes no sense to me, if you're withdrawing, you should be consistantly bringing it down. I've posted in this thread on my personal experience. Today I took about 1/3 of 37.5 capsule. The past 2 days were 1/2. I feel great, I also took only 1/2 of the trazadone. I have some pretty wild, vivid complex dreams, but then I usually do, it's just more so. I feel a tiny bit light-headed, MUCH more energetic, way, way better than I've felt in a while. I'm not getting those zap things, either. When I first went from 75 to 37.5 June 1st, I did have that feeling in the morning one day and it scared me, so I stuck with that dose for 5 weeks. I've also read here that someone who had tapered and stopped was experiencing that and dizziness and nausea was told to open up the capsule and take about 10 little balls and it worked for them. Another thing, my appetite is fine, no nausea. And I discontinued the Depakote as well, not so slowly though.
Good Luck and take it easy
Posted by itsrick on July 9, 2004, at 8:52:24
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by lorily on July 9, 2004, at 8:48:22
> I don't know that. I believe it's so you have a constant level during your 24 hours, rather than the whole load at say 7am and withdrawals 1/2 way through the day. I'm not sure what the 1/2 life is, do you know? From reading these posts here I've learned alot and my other research has informed me it must be done slowly and GRADUALLY. Some people post how they're "down to" 37.5 every other day or every 3rd or 4th day. That makes no sense to me, if you're withdrawing, you should be consistantly bringing it down. I've posted in this thread on my personal experience. Today I took about 1/3 of 37.5 capsule. The past 2 days were 1/2. I feel great, I also took only 1/2 of the trazadone. I have some pretty wild, vivid complex dreams, but then I usually do, it's just more so. I feel a tiny bit light-headed, MUCH more energetic, way, way better than I've felt in a while. I'm not getting those zap things, either. When I first went from 75 to 37.5 June 1st, I did have that feeling in the morning one day and it scared me, so I stuck with that dose for 5 weeks. I've also read here that someone who had tapered and stopped was experiencing that and dizziness and nausea was told to open up the capsule and take about 10 little balls and it worked for them. Another thing, my appetite is fine, no nausea. And I discontinued the Depakote as well, not so slowly though.
> Good Luck and take it easy
thanks... so do you know if there are capsules with less than 37.5? breaking them open and pouring stuff out seems less than scientific (but if that's what must be done!). and what's trazadone? does that help with withdrawal?
r
Posted by Frisky_Cat on July 9, 2004, at 9:33:19
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by lorily on July 9, 2004, at 8:48:22
Half life is the amount time required for half of the substance to disappear from your system.
By the way, it's crazy to reduce the dose every day. Give your body to adjust.
Posted by itsrick on July 9, 2004, at 10:42:26
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by Frisky_Cat on July 9, 2004, at 9:33:19
> Half life is the amount time required for half of the substance to disappear from your system.
>
> By the way, it's crazy to reduce the dose every day. Give your body to adjust.not clear what you mean above... it's crazy to reduce?
r
Posted by lorily on July 9, 2004, at 11:29:03
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by itsrick on July 9, 2004, at 10:42:26
I found this great site with all sorts of info
http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/anti_depressants/withdrawal/venlafaxine.html
Posted by alan38 on July 9, 2004, at 11:56:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by lorily on July 8, 2004, at 14:20:09
How long have you been off totally?
I still have a bit. I am taking (1) Claritin D daily to counter Zaps. Been doing that for (2) weeks.
Posted by dizzzzy on July 9, 2004, at 16:19:46
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by alan38 on July 9, 2004, at 11:56:31
> How long have you been off totally?
>
> I still have a bit. I am taking (1) Claritin D daily to counter Zaps. Been doing that for (2) weeks.
I have been on Effexor for at least 4 years in combination with Topamax. I am going through withdraw from the Effexor, the Topamax had no withdrawal symptoms. I was on 225mg a day, then cut it in half weekly until I was down to 37.5mg a day to then nothing. But I was dizzy when I stopped that the doctor has me on it every other day for a week. The days I don't take it I am so dizzy by the evening, I can't really do much! I only have one pill left, so I am a little nervous about stopping.During this withdrawal I have been dizzy, nausea, emotional (crying alot and very angry). My poor husband can do nothing right, I only get mad. I hope that this will end soon!
Why do you take Claritin for the side affects? What does it do?
Posted by LynnPerley on July 10, 2004, at 0:47:57
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects » alan38, posted by dizzzzy on July 9, 2004, at 16:19:46
I am curious as to why the Claritin would help, and why the generic Ritalin helps me. The worst day I had was the first day I went from 75 to 37.5, although I did have a lot of sporadic diahhrea over the last months as I reduced from 300mg. I hope someone can comment on the pharmacology. I'm guessing that the ritalin acts a lot like caffeine to eliminate headaches and generally brings one's mood up.
I have noticed some sporadic irritability but nothing close to what I expreienced before I took effexor xr. I attribute this to the psychotherapy I received. I will be finished with the 37.5 pills I have in a few days.
Posted by ishy on July 10, 2004, at 0:51:59
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects » alan38, posted by dizzzzy on July 9, 2004, at 16:19:46
Check out this month's issue of Self magazine. There is an excellent article about withdrawl from Effexor and the fact that doctors rarely tell their patients about it. It's called "Hooked on Antidepressants?". Unfortunately, it is not on Self's website.
Posted by lorily on July 10, 2004, at 11:17:01
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by LynnPerley on July 10, 2004, at 0:47:57
Well today I took about 1/4 of effexor. This is the fourth day of weaning off of 37.5 and I'm feeling great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No zaps, no nausea, just a bit light-headed, but not in a horrible way at all.
Posted by KaraS on July 10, 2004, at 16:35:38
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by lorily on July 10, 2004, at 11:17:01
So good to hear. I'm on 3/4 of a 37.5 mg pill and will cut back to 1/2 shortly.
Posted by lorily on July 10, 2004, at 17:47:14
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by KaraS on July 10, 2004, at 16:35:38
> So good to hear. I'm on 3/4 of a 37.5 mg pill and will cut back to 1/2 shortly.
Kara, how do you feel? I posted the subject "look what I found" something like that and I named a link to a great site that has a schedule for this type of cutting out the effexor.
Posted by itsrick on July 10, 2004, at 20:54:10
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by lorily on July 10, 2004, at 17:47:14
> > So good to hear. I'm on 3/4 of a 37.5 mg pill and will cut back to 1/2 shortly.
>
> Kara, how do you feel? I posted the subject "look what I found" something like that and I named a link to a great site that has a schedule for this type of cutting out the effexor.hi, congrats! do you have capsule or pill form?
r
Posted by lorily on July 10, 2004, at 21:28:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by itsrick on July 10, 2004, at 20:54:10
I have the capsule, I know you're not really supposed to do what I'm doing, but I'm feeling wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought it was going to be REALLY bad, but I'm good. I got off depakote first, I'm not taking any other meds than trazadone and that I'm cutting back on, too
Posted by itsrick on July 10, 2004, at 21:31:55
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by lorily on July 10, 2004, at 21:28:48
> I have the capsule, I know you're not really supposed to do what I'm doing, but I'm feeling wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> I thought it was going to be REALLY bad, but I'm good. I got off depakote first, I'm not taking any other meds than trazadone and that I'm cutting back on, toodoes trazadone take the edge off effexor reduction? not sure what that is
Posted by Raggy on July 10, 2004, at 23:28:56
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects » lorily, posted by itsrick on July 10, 2004, at 21:31:55
I want to thank who ever mentioned the article in SELF magazine. The only thing about the article is the fact that it doesn't mention that the FDA has put out the warning how some people can become more depressed and suicidal while taking this drug and also from withdrawal from it.
This article will explain a lot more to my son who is still devastated by the death of his dear wife, from this drug.
Please, please, listen to your docrors and if you are trying to get off this terrible drug, do it safely.
My thoughts and prayers with you all.
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