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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lorily on August 13, 2004, at 14:17:48
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877 » lorily, posted by corafree on August 13, 2004, at 13:17:12
CF I finally agreed to take an AD after years of trying to fight depression on my own. I am also an alcoholic (in recovery) I also have hypothyroidism (which is a major factor in depression) and I was taking depo-provera injections. After my last near-death experience with alcohol I agreed to try an AD, I had heard others experience with how wonderful their experience with it was and took it. At the same time I got my thyroid levels leveled, stopped the depo shots and was finally able to work the program of Alcoholics Anonymous properly. With all of those things in my favor, the desire to be med-free, and not controlled by a substance or a doctor, and the knowledge that depakote has horrible side effects to a fetus and the effects of effexor is unknown, and I am not willing to have an abortion at this point in my life, and the willingness to use another, safer medication if I had to, I decided to give it a try. Maybe I never needed it==maybe the depression was due to my thyroid problems and the depo shots? Who knows?
But I do know that I did the right thing taking it, apparently, hopefully it didn't cause me any harm and I'm free.
Posted by corafree on August 14, 2004, at 3:27:47
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877 » corafree, posted by lorily on August 13, 2004, at 14:17:48
Lorily, I see you have had some difficult decisions to make, and, yeah, think you made the right ones. I have had three children and had DPMS for many years, until I had a TAH-BSO, then just felt somewhat dispondent all the time. I now wear patches for just 'estrogen' replacement. Does Depo-Medrol have estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, and help with the thyroid? I tried an ERT called Estratest (to get the testosterone) and felt stronger, but my face broke out horribly. Last time I saw the doc that did the TAH-BSO, he said 'wish I would have left one ovary', and I thought 'great, now you tell me'! Experienced traumas from age 20 on and just recently my best friend, mentor, my father, and one of only two people in my large family that validate my illness, passed away. I am on, of course, Eff-XR, and Weds. just increased by 75mg to make a total of 187.5mg per day; Sat. added in Neurontin for nerve pain due to my c-spine injury; Trazodone for sleep; a meager 2mg Klonopin for anxiety; generic thyroid med; Endocet (good generic for Percocet); anti-inflammatory; and a muscle relaxer. Now I have had a migraine for 3+ days, which could be break through pain from c-spine injury, the increase of Eff-XR, or possibly, but prob' not, Neurontin. I also had a bit of a seizure today...whole body shaking for about 10m. Called and reported to caseworker; they said call 911; I said no; got appt. for Mon; took my little bit of Klonopin; had not taken my morning dose of Neurontin to see if that was causing the migraine (which didn't help), so took that; and rested it away. We've been crossing paths here and there. Thank you for letting me into a bit into your world. It helps to understand where people are coming from. cf
Posted by Louoicu81 on August 15, 2004, at 18:09:57
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877 » lorily, posted by corafree on August 14, 2004, at 3:27:47
As most of you know, I have been trying to get off of effexor for quite a while now. I am taking 37.5mg every third to fourth day...as long as I can stand the effects. Yesterday and today I had a rummage sale and have been out in the sun. Today, I had a panic attack out of nowhere. It felt like how I felt when I had my nervous breakdown about two years ago. I am doing better now, but still anxious and not feeling too hot. I am getting off of effexor cause I want to have kids soon and I will be off of insurance in October....expensive stuff. Anyone have any advice. Please help.....Linda
Posted by pablo1 on August 15, 2004, at 21:07:22
In reply to In need of advice, posted by Louoicu81 on August 15, 2004, at 18:09:57
I think the common advice is to take a daily dose decreasing a few granules from inside the pill each day. Every three days you are going up & down the roller-coaster by skipping doses, it should be smoother.
Posted by lorily on August 16, 2004, at 7:59:25
In reply to In need of advice, posted by Louoicu81 on August 15, 2004, at 18:09:57
This is the schedule I followed:
I was taking 75 mg until June 1 and changed to 37.5, it was a bit scary for a couple days so I stayed there.
July 7 & 8, I dumped out half the granules
July 9 I dumped out 2/3 (took 1/3)
July 10 I took 1/4
July 11 I took a bit less than 1/4
July 12 & 13 I took nothing and felt like crap, the dizziness and irritability were too much.
July 14 I took about 5 granules and it took the edge off.
July 15 to present NONE!!!!!
Now, I did this on my own, no doctor's directions, although towards the end I did find a good site on venlafexadine (sp?) and their recommendation for getting off it was almost the same. Take your time, 2 months should be enough for you hopefully. Good luck.
Posted by jenn007 on August 16, 2004, at 19:26:03
In reply to Re: Quit Effexor cold turkey--meow71877 » lorily, posted by corafree on August 14, 2004, at 3:27:47
the head zaps are really bothering me. i am also very stressed out right now so that is not helping. any suggestions? what about sjw? will that help? is it ok to take with birth control pills? any info would be much appreciated! thanks as always, jenn
Posted by Louoicu81 on August 16, 2004, at 19:44:13
In reply to no effexor - 3 days now!, posted by jenn007 on August 16, 2004, at 19:26:03
I wouldn't take Saint John's Wort. I've worked in the pharmacy for four years now and am going to be a nurse. I have heard nothing good about SJW. I think its risk/benefit ratio is poor and the pharmacists won't recommend it. You need to get off it slow. That's really the only way to do it. I am taking something herbal that my TMJ doctor told me to get for nerves and sleep. It is called TAGAR- I sleep all night and am less nervous now. HEY---all of you who are breaking open the EFFEXOR XR capsules---I asked the pharmacists at work if I could do that and they said absolutely NOT. Each pebble is different in there with different medication release times. Just wanted to let you know that breaking them open is not recommended. Thanks for the advice guys.
Linda
Posted by pablo1 on August 16, 2004, at 23:00:56
In reply to Re: no effexor - 3 days now!, posted by Louoicu81 on August 16, 2004, at 19:44:13
Someone else I know asked their pharmasist about splitting doses in half & they said "no problem" Maybe it's not guaranteed every granule but you can still split them in 3/4 - 1/2 - 3/8 - 1/8 over a couple or few weeks with reasonably good odds of a more consistent taper than dosing every three days. Common sense.
Louoicu81 wrote:
"I asked the pharmacists at work if I could do that and they said absolutely NOT. Each pebble is different in there with different medication release times. Just wanted to let you know that breaking them open is not recommended. Thanks for the advice guys."
Posted by Sanityplz on August 17, 2004, at 6:06:20
In reply to Re: no effexor - 3 days now!, posted by Louoicu81 on August 16, 2004, at 19:44:13
First of all St John's Wort I found useless and for those women on the pill be VERY careful. I have a darling 4 year old son that is the result of taking St. John's Wort while on the pill. It makes the pill useless.
Secondly, this is now a week I have been without the Effexor. I went through the last 3 days of extream hell but now I am getting back to a bit better. My doctor suggested breaking open the capsuls and sprinkling the medication in apple sauce to take a little bit. But he also said unless I was willing to go back on medication there wasn't really much he could do for me. Mind you at the time I thought my head was going to explode (never does though) and hadn't kept anything down for two days so take his advice with a grain of salt since my fist reaction was you kept upping this crap and now you are leaving me hang.
God Bless! Sanity
Posted by lorily on August 17, 2004, at 8:10:11
In reply to Re: no effexor - 3 days now!, posted by Sanityplz on August 17, 2004, at 6:06:20
Hang in there, Sanityplz, IT DOES GET BETTER. I took a about 5 granules for a day after nothing for 2 days, then back to nothing. It helped. It didn't take too long, it seemed like it, but all of a sudden one day you realize that you didn't have that zappy feeling or the shiftiness when you turned your eyes. LOL
Posted by lorily on August 17, 2004, at 8:19:35
In reply to Review the previous post:, posted by pablo1 on August 16, 2004, at 23:00:56
Lou, If you are totally against it then ask your doctor to switch you to the tablet form, then you can use a splitter to break it up. Although it's much easier to dump out those granules!!!! I lived and my withdrawals were FAAAAARRRRRR less than what I've read about here. Taking a full dose, then nothing for a couple/three days, then a full dose is insanity. I'm an addict/alcoholic. What you do when you follow that pattern is start to detox yourself (torture yourself), then bring back the dependancy---what's the point? You are supposed to gradually decrease the dosage. Period. I posted a link to a very good site about effexor in July under "look what I found" It should be helpful to anyone looking to understand this drug and get off it.
Good Luck
Posted by meow71877 on August 17, 2004, at 10:38:35
In reply to no effexor - 3 days now!, posted by jenn007 on August 16, 2004, at 19:26:03
Hey Jenn-I have been off effexor for 11 days now cold turkey and I am here to tell you...IT DOES GET BETTER!!! I still have the woo-woos but not nearly as bad but I do get a lot of heat flashes. There really isn't much you can do but know it does get better...
Posted by jenn007 on August 18, 2004, at 9:49:21
In reply to Re: no effexor - 3 days now!, posted by meow71877 on August 17, 2004, at 10:38:35
well the brain zaps are fewer i have noticed. i have been super busy (and stressed) working on a dilemma with my boyfriend, so i think i have been too busy to notice any other side effects. it's really not too bad. i tried before to taper off but couldnt. i have only been on for a few months - but the head zaps are really wierd... hopefully they will end in another week or so. thanks for all the suggestions!
Posted by hydromatic on August 20, 2004, at 9:09:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
My husband has been taking effexor for approximately 10 days. He said that he has not had one erection in the past two days. Will this go away? Should he continue to take this? Is this normal?
Posted by Camille Dumont on August 20, 2004, at 10:03:30
In reply to still effexor-free, posted by jenn007 on August 18, 2004, at 9:49:21
> well the brain zaps are fewer i have noticed. i have been super busy (and stressed) working on a dilemma with my boyfriend, so i think i have been too busy to notice any other side effects. it's really not too bad. i tried before to taper off but couldnt. i have only been on for a few months - but the head zaps are really wierd... hopefully they will end in another week or so. thanks for all the suggestions!
Hang in there, it takes a lot of willpower to put up with the w.d. effects. For me on the fifth day it was too much and I had to take a little bit of Celexa ... but it totally masked the withdrawal effects and I've been off my usual 300mg Effexor for close to a month now. If it gets too bad I would go see the doctor and ask for a script for prozac or something similar.
Posted by Rockson on August 20, 2004, at 18:06:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by hydromatic on August 20, 2004, at 9:09:12
> My husband has been taking effexor for approximately 10 days. He said that he has not had one erection in the past two days. Will this go away? Should he continue to take this? Is this normal?
Hi, I thought I'd respond to your question. You didn't mention his dosage, but I had some erectile issues when first going on Effexor XR. I was worried similarly to your husband, but everything went back to normal within 3-4 weeks - if anything my response is now somewhat better. At 75 mg, I noticed that I was having a bit more difficulty with ejaculation, but I hear this is normal with SSRIs, etc. This is only a personal opinion, but I would give it another 10 days before making any regimen changes. Also, again my opinion, I would not suggest making any increase in dosage until the presenting issue is resolved, otherwise he may find his body in a constant state of re-ajustment. I hope this helps.
Posted by Smileyjil on August 21, 2004, at 19:37:20
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I was on Effexor for a little over 3 months, starting at 37.5mg and ending up at 150mg. Though it did seem to help with anxiety and depression etc. I often felt groggy and so decided that I would get off it. My doctor weened me off within three weeks, dropping to 75mg the first week and then down to 37.5mg by the end. Sadly, I did not react well and had major withdrawal symptoms. Those symptoms were and are nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, bad headaches and basically an overall feeling of misery. Subsequently, the doctor put me BACK ON Effexor at 37.5mg and instructed me to take an 18mg dose for the week following. Now, I do feel a little better but not the way I normally should do. I seem to be still experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Is this normal, and how long will it take to end? Does anyone think that my doctor gave me the right instructions to go back on Effexor? He feels that by the time I finish this last dose, I won't have any more withdrawal symptoms.
I would really appreciate anyone who can help me on this. Any answers or advice would be great as I am really needing some. Thank you so much.
Posted by Evita on August 22, 2004, at 22:01:06
In reply to Suffering and looking for answers, posted by Smileyjil on August 21, 2004, at 19:37:20
I started on Effexor XR in May2004 for panic attacks. It helped me tremendously, however, I did not wish to stay on forever and I did experience some weight gain. I quit cold-turkey 4 days ago. I have experienced insomnia, flu-like symptoms, excessive sweating and diarreha, GROSS! I had been on Paxil before which was also very helpful but with other unwanted side effects. There is a very helpful and informative article in the July 2004 SELF magazine written by Jennifer Wolff, I encourage anyone who is experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor to read the article if you can find it. I found mine at a used bookstore after reading the magazine while waiting for my car to get serviced at the dealership.
Posted by owensmar on August 22, 2004, at 22:10:52
In reply to feeling anhedonic on effexor?, posted by sageblue on August 8, 2004, at 17:55:12
I've been on Effexor (off and on) for about five years now and I'm still very anhedonic. I keep trying other things because I feel like the Effexor just isn't working very well (because of the anhedonia). But I can't tolerate the side effects of the others I've tried. Not that Effexor doesn't have side effects - they are just not as intolerable as the others. And I'm on a low dose 37.5 mg/day.
Posted by owensmar on August 22, 2004, at 22:31:29
In reply to Suffering and looking for answers, posted by Smileyjil on August 21, 2004, at 19:37:20
I found it extremely difficult to taper Effexor. I had to open the capsules and take like a third of the little round pills inside for a while. Then a fourth of them. Then a fifth of them and so on. I tried to make sure I got a rougly equal amount of the big ones and the small ones. I ended my tapers by taking only 2-3 of the little time release things a day and STILL had some withdrawal shocky-head feelings.
Posted by lorily on August 23, 2004, at 9:24:06
In reply to Re: feeling anhedonic on effexor? » sageblue, posted by owensmar on August 22, 2004, at 22:10:52
What does "anhedonic" mean? Couldn't find it on the encarta dictionary.
Thanks
Posted by pablo1 on August 23, 2004, at 9:48:13
In reply to Re: feeling anhedonic on effexor?, posted by lorily on August 23, 2004, at 9:24:06
inability to experience pleasure
Posted by lorily on August 23, 2004, at 9:51:33
In reply to anhedonia » lorily, posted by pablo1 on August 23, 2004, at 9:48:13
Thank you, Pablo. I was that way before taking effexor. In my depression, I could appreciate that things were fun or funny etc, I just couldn't "feel" it. Now I know the name for it.
Posted by Darla on August 23, 2004, at 12:01:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been doing a lot of research on this topic and i have some theories...
THEORY QUESTION: before i begin... I need someone to answer this..
INFO before question: It is stated that in Parkinson's Disease, L-Dopa is given (a dopamine supplement). Dopamine cannot be given because it doesnt pass the blood-brain barrier. Anyhow, Only 20% of L-Dopa gets past the barrier, ther rest goes into the peripheral nervous system and causes nausea, vomitting and shortness of breath.
QUESTION: is it possible that if your body was to produce too much dopamine, for IT to go to your PNS (peripheral nervous system)????If so, my theory is...
Your body goes into shock when usual amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine are not released.
What if dopamine was secreted as a supplement for serotonin-like feelings.
What if serotonin was rleased at a functionable rate and dopamine was therefore over-produced?If so, what if exceoss dopamine is transfered to the PNS?
**peripheral Nervous System= part of the central nervous system (ie. brain n spine) that sends messages.
This will cause nausea, vomitting and shirtness of breath.My theory continues.. a sub category of the PNS is the autonomic nervous system (beating of heart etc.), thereafter going into the sympathetic nervous system (readies body for response to threat, activates the organism.).
Therefore making your body feel as if there's an attack and it begins ward off this 'attack'. My theory s that your body begins to act as if its attacking the attacker.. this may cause the flu-like symptoms. Fever to burn bacteria and such.. vomitting out poison.. nausea, etc.
Also because the dopamine enters the central nervous system, it may be the cause of these "zaps" that feel like back spasms (pinched nerve in spine).
Because of the change in norepinephrine, the area concerning your adrenal glands may be affected.. I believe this could cause your body anxiety symptoms.. panic attacks, etc. Also PNS activation n sympathetic nervous system also makes panic attacks. "Surge of anxiety, tremors, profuse sweating, dry mouth, palpitating heart".THEORY 2:
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work together. PARA calms body after attack therrefore "maintaining body's store of energy, such as regulating blood-sugar levels, secreting saliva, eliminating wastes, regulating heart rate and pupil size"
I think these are also withdrawal symptoms...Conclusion: If it is true and out body does over produce dopamine, then this could be the reson for winthdrawal symptoms. Also, this is the parts of the body that are targeted when we are pumped with norepinephrine and serotonin. So if this is the question.. we just need some answers...
THEORY 3:
If these theories stand to be somewhat correct.. and we are over producing dopamine during withdrawal, then isnt i possible to suffer from parkinsons disease-like symptoms if youve gone thu enough withdrawals (from going ona nd off too many drugs/??)If anyone actually reads all this 'psycho-babble', can you answer my q's to my theories?
I dont have to time to read this over, so pardon my errors.....
Posted by Darla on August 23, 2004, at 12:44:46
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
sleep deprivation- neo citron tea. Puts you to sleep and relieves you of a lot of flu-like symptoms
nightmares- all i can say is that what worked for me is to fully experience the dream. For some odd reason, when it gets scary I continue w it, try to put the fear aside, and then it begons to unravel. The nightmare turns to normal somehow. In the morning, try to analize it and really think about it. Accept it and embrace it. The morepositive you can get about what you see tricks your mind and somehow relievs the anxiety... I dont know
sweating: nothing.. accept it, change, take a shower, laugh at the hilarity of it all
Zaps/shocks, etc: Not sure, Im trying out the chiropractor and masseuse, Ill tell ya
Anxiety: breath, analize, feel what your body is going through, accept it, and embrace it.
Apetite: when you want food, but nausea arises from most foods, I suggest Mr.Noodle soup. Honestly! Its great!
Drink water, eat right.. no sugar! (or try).. waffles are great for breakfast.. with jam not syrup.
Most of all, please try to analize your body and feel what its going though. Really sit back and feel how it hurts and what your body may need to feel better. Its a part of you, and will eventually tell you what it needs. Try to give in to cravings (in smaller amounts).. also, try to laugh it iff. What really helped me was reading all these posts (i was at the comp for a whiiiiile) but it makes you feel so much better KNOWING what it is, and that theres ppl going though it as well. Also, I noticed we all have a sarcastic sense of humour.. its really funny if you notice it.. Try to laugh.. its what i think is the best armour. To gt psycho babbly: i think our postive thinking and laughter releases chemicals that allow our body to have enough positive eergy to fight whatever it is that is hurting us.
If at all possible, allow something good to happen to you. Something to make you feel as close to 'happy' as possible. A guy/girl you like, friends.. etc.. even sitting outside w you or a pet as well, and feeling how beautiful things can be. It sounds ard.. and it is if you are cynical ( I have many a those moments ;) )
But it really helps.Breathe.
Also, for nausea and anxiety: sleep!!!! AND rest
Use neo citron if you have to :p
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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