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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 375 to 399 of 735. Go back in thread:
Posted by Bubblehead on September 20, 2004, at 15:33:45
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Bubblehead, posted by Jiggitykid on September 18, 2004, at 22:52:46
Thank you for saying what you did. Honestly, if I did not find this board while going through this Terrible withdrawl; I would be in the mental hospital. I really feel like I'm going crazy. I didn't quit cold turkey but I was on a high dose of 450mg. The weird "whoossh" sound (as others have called it) is really getting me. And then you add the body surges, the dizziness, the bad dreams, the shakeing, the increased depressive thoughts....anyway, you know what I mean, the list could go on and on. Yesterday, was my worst. I wanted to just end it to excape the maddening mental pain not to mention the physical aching; but I held on and made it through. I almost even took some of the Effexor in hopes of finding relief. My husbands laughs today about it, but I was actually bribing him to try and get some of the meds. I can't wait until this is all over. It makes me so upset at how mis-informed we were. Again, thank you for replying. It is great to have this board for help.
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 20, 2004, at 16:55:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Jiggitykid, posted by Bubblehead on September 20, 2004, at 15:33:45
Bless your heart! Congrats on NOT going back to the Effexor - that would have been putting off the inevitable. You are lucky to have a husband there who sees what is going on and is helping you stay strong. Please continue to keep in mind that this is only temporary - "this, too, shall pass," and that you WILL get better. Ending things is a permanent fix for a temporary problem. You aren't crazy. This situation is, though, of doctors not being informed about this drug, or simply not choosing to be informed, whichever may be the case. Write your dreams down, if that helps keep a clear dividing line between reality and dreams. The whoosing noise and the zaps will stop; they are horrible, I know. Be careful driving.
Hang in there, and when someone comes along with this same situation, tell them what you know. Tell your pharmacist and your doctor what you are going through. They may or may not choose to believe you or may choose to think you are one of only a small number, but at least you'll know you did your part. Take care!!
> Thank you for saying what you did. Honestly, if I did not find this board while going through this Terrible withdrawl; I would be in the mental hospital. I really feel like I'm going crazy. I didn't quit cold turkey but I was on a high dose of 450mg. The weird "whoossh" sound (as others have called it) is really getting me. And then you add the body surges, the dizziness, the bad dreams, the shakeing, the increased depressive thoughts....anyway, you know what I mean, the list could go on and on. Yesterday, was my worst. I wanted to just end it to excape the maddening mental pain not to mention the physical aching; but I held on and made it through. I almost even took some of the Effexor in hopes of finding relief. My husbands laughs today about it, but I was actually bribing him to try and get some of the meds. I can't wait until this is all over. It makes me so upset at how mis-informed we were. Again, thank you for replying. It is great to have this board for help.
Posted by jujube on September 20, 2004, at 19:56:25
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Bubblehead, posted by Jiggitykid on September 20, 2004, at 16:55:30
I, too, am so thankful to have found this board. I am relatively new to this, but have found it extremely catharic. I was on Effexor XR for 6 months (prior to and during this period, I was also significantly iron deficient, which probably contributed greatly to my anxious and apathetic mood). After 6 months on Effexor XR (on doses as high as 225 mg), I just experienced increased lethargy, apathy and apprehension (In over 8 1/2 years, I had only had one episode, which as 8 months ago, that could have been considered an anxiety attack, yet I couldn't shake the "what if" mind set even on a 225 mg of Effexor). My doctor reduced my dose of Effexor XR from 150 mg to 0 over two weeks and started me on Celexa (I wanted to try something natural like Sam-e or Rosavin because I don't want to go through another Effexor-like experience). I have now been 1.5 weeks Effexor free and 1.5 weeks on Celexa. I am not sure if I am simply adjusting to the Celexa or still experiencing residual Effexor withdrawal, but I am sooooo tired, apathetic and nauseated. However, I had been severely nauseated for weeks before stopping the Effexor because of being given Depo Provera (my periods had become irregular and I was having night sweats (possibly caused by the Effexor) and with iron deficiency, bleeding every two weeks was not helping). The Depo Provera has certainly not helped my situation. Nevertheless, I remain confident that, yes, THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
I have to say that the board and people sharing their experiences not only helped me gain a better understanding, I was also able to help my aunt. You see, my uncle, who has been diagnosed with early stages dementia, had been put on Effexor XR last December. Like me, he was becoming increasingly apathetic (not interested in anything), tired and anxious on the Effexor. Anyways, he was taken off Effexor recently, and my aunt thought he had come down with some really, bad bug (he was sick, couldn't walk straight, crying all the time, tired). I told her what I had found, and she was able to relieve some of the anxiety my uncle was experiencing.
So, I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who have taken the time to share, support and empathize. This is a wonderful forum.
Sorry for the long message.
Tamara
> Bless your heart! Congrats on NOT going back to the Effexor - that would have been putting off the inevitable. You are lucky to have a husband there who sees what is going on and is helping you stay strong. Please continue to keep in mind that this is only temporary - "this, too, shall pass," and that you WILL get better. Ending things is a permanent fix for a temporary problem. You aren't crazy. This situation is, though, of doctors not being informed about this drug, or simply not choosing to be informed, whichever may be the case. Write your dreams down, if that helps keep a clear dividing line between reality and dreams. The whoosing noise and the zaps will stop; they are horrible, I know. Be careful driving.
>
> Hang in there, and when someone comes along with this same situation, tell them what you know. Tell your pharmacist and your doctor what you are going through. They may or may not choose to believe you or may choose to think you are one of only a small number, but at least you'll know you did your part. Take care!!
>
> > Thank you for saying what you did. Honestly, if I did not find this board while going through this Terrible withdrawl; I would be in the mental hospital. I really feel like I'm going crazy. I didn't quit cold turkey but I was on a high dose of 450mg. The weird "whoossh" sound (as others have called it) is really getting me. And then you add the body surges, the dizziness, the bad dreams, the shakeing, the increased depressive thoughts....anyway, you know what I mean, the list could go on and on. Yesterday, was my worst. I wanted to just end it to excape the maddening mental pain not to mention the physical aching; but I held on and made it through. I almost even took some of the Effexor in hopes of finding relief. My husbands laughs today about it, but I was actually bribing him to try and get some of the meds. I can't wait until this is all over. It makes me so upset at how mis-informed we were. Again, thank you for replying. It is great to have this board for help.
>
>
Posted by AIK on September 20, 2004, at 20:15:23
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » AIK, posted by Jiggitykid on September 17, 2004, at 11:48:22
I'm unfamiliar with the term "brain zaps". Please tell me what this feeling refers to. Oh, by the way, I had to increase my dose to 1 tab in the am and 1/2 tab in the pm (instead of 1/2 in the am & 1/2 in the pm). I got the symtoms back and couldn't afford to "not be able to function". As the days go by, I keep getting more angry at the doctor who prescribed this stuff for pain. Stupid me, didn't realize it didn't relieve any pain I was having. What it did do, however, has put me in a state of "whatever". I looked upon my husband and others as they could act out their feelings, and I on the other hand, just looked at them as if they were out of control or crazy. La, la, la, as life passed by. I am also on Diazepam (lowest dose Valium), which I do not abuse under any circumstance. I never thought to take any drug other than what was prescirbed for me...and here I am, taking a prescribed drug that apparently I can't get off without sick, ugly withdrawal symtoms. Now to get you all really mad, do you know the drug company reps tell the doctors if you write so many scripts for this or for that, we'll give you something back. For instance, how about a trip for your office staff to go to Atlantic City, or a new computer, and the list goes on. Every month the reps are pushing a new drug for the doctors to write scripts for. Probably the same drug company that has an antidote for the withdrawal symptoms. It's all about money. Think about it; if we have to go to a psychologist or psychiatrist to get off this stuff, or go back in to see the doctor, our money is going to the medical profession. Around and around we go; and who suffers? They gain, we lose. When I do taper down to 1/2 tab every other day (hopefully) you can be assured that I will not start any medication that a doctor prescribes for me before knowing it's side effects if stopped. I feel that I have been undermined and played a fool...or the MD doesn't know a "hill of beans" about this medication.
> I'm sorry for what you are going through (I've got FM and IA, too, so I truly, "feel your pain,") but I have to admit that it will be a blessing to others to have a pharmacist, someone on the front lines, who KNOWS what this is like. It is dreadfully disturbing to know that doctors don't know how to deal with this. I hate to tell you this, but you are going to deal with some kind of withdrawal no matter how you taper. This drug is evil, and will "get you," no matter how you wean. Hang in there, check back here, know that your symptoms are, "normal," and that you can get through it. Most of all, be an advocate for the people who will be dealing with this. My pharmacist had no clue. I filled him in, but he basically patted my hand and told me that sometimes "this happens."
>
> > I was put on Effexor 37.5 two times a day about a year and half ago to help with my fibromyalgia since pain medication upset my stomach (reflux, etc). I also have arthritis esp. in my fingers, and degenerative disk disease in my neck and back. Unfortunately, Tylenol just didn't cut it, so as I continued to plea for pain medication and finally got my Dr.'s associate to write a script for Ultram, but said I need to taper off the Effexor (chance of seizures taking both meds). He told me to take the Effexor only once a day for 3 days, then stop the Effexor and start the Ultram. Working in a pharmacy, I repeated back to the Dr. numerous times over the phone if this is what he said. It just didn't sound right to me for weening someone off this type of medication. I asked the Dr. if I shouldn't take one every other day, but he said one a day for 3 days. So, I did what he told me to do. I threw up the first dose of Ultram on day 4, continued vomiting multiple times during the following days, had dreams inside of dreams inside of dreams (thought I was awake, but was in another dream...spooky!), couldn't stay awake, couldn't hold my head up without feeling like falling over. I thought I had contacted a "bug" that was going around, or perhaps the one and only dose of Ultram I took was the culprit. I didn't contact the Dr. that prescribed the above because he wasn't the one I normally see (who was out of town for the week) so I consulted my pharmacist. "You've got to be kidding. You can't ween yourself off an SNRI (seretonin norephinepherine reuptake inhibitor) or SSRI's in 3 days without suffering withdrawal.
> > It takes a minimum of several weeks." She suggested to take an Effexor to get my head and stomach back on track, and continue with one a day for 1 week, then 1/2 tablet a day for 1 week, then 1/4 tablet a day for 1 week. I'm only on my 3rd day of one tablet a day. After I took one Effexor 3 days ago, within a half hour my sickness went away. I have an appt. with my Dr. in October. I want to find out what his associate wrote on my chart concerning tapering down the Effexor. If any of you out there aren't comfortable with what your Dr. tells you, consult another Dr. or ask your pharmacist.
>
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 20, 2004, at 22:16:15
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 20, 2004, at 20:15:23
"Brain Zaps" feel like electric shocks that start in the brain and feel like you've been suddenly shocked. Mine went from the top of my head all the way to my feet. It was periodic, and quite frequent, for the first several days, and began to lessen as the second week ended. It truly felt like electric shocks in my brain and in my body.
I don't blame you for doing what you have to do, but the time will come when you'll have to quit. I know how hard it can be to take prescription drugs for real conditions and have to be constantly vigilant to monitor and watch. What I've discovered in my personal experience (have to throw that in - I'm not a medical pro) that most people with REAL pain disorders are very, very careful and don't get that high from painkillers and other medications because the medication does what it is supposed to do.
I did find that the pain medication helped in the withdrawal. It helped me cope with the body pain that the effexor brought on. Also, ibuprofen helped. Bonine helped a little with the dizzies. I had to wear my glasses constantly because of the vision disturbances.
I'm facing a procedure tomorrow that is potentially painful. I'm frightened, but I know that I've got to do it, that others have done it and that I'll come out on the other side okay. That's the only way to face getting off of the effexor. The "reward" you'll get is that you'll get YOU back. I truly felt like the real me had died and disappeared forever when I was taking the effexor. I'm back, and finally moving forward. My marriage was nearly wrecked because of what the effexor did. Now that I'm off of that drug from hell, we just celebrated our 15th anniversary. Life isn't perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than when I was on the zombie drug.
The main thing is to know that you are NOT crazy, you are NOT alone, your anger and frustration ARE valid and that you must have someone around you who understands what you are going through (refer them to this board and by all means all of you sign the petition). Be an advocate for your customers. Please, take care of yourself and let me, and us, know of your progress. You are in my prayers. I am living proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and if I can get through it, you can too.
> I'm unfamiliar with the term "brain zaps". Please tell me what this feeling refers to. Oh, by the way, I had to increase my dose to 1 tab in the am and 1/2 tab in the pm (instead of 1/2 in the am & 1/2 in the pm). I got the symtoms back and couldn't afford to "not be able to function". As the days go by, I keep getting more angry at the doctor who prescribed this stuff for pain. Stupid me, didn't realize it didn't relieve any pain I was having. What it did do, however, has put me in a state of "whatever". I looked upon my husband and others as they could act out their feelings, and I on the other hand, just looked at them as if they were out of control or crazy. La, la, la, as life passed by. I am also on Diazepam (lowest dose Valium), which I do not abuse under any circumstance. I never thought to take any drug other than what was prescirbed for me...and here I am, taking a prescribed drug that apparently I can't get off without sick, ugly withdrawal symtoms. Now to get you all really mad, do you know the drug company reps tell the doctors if you write so many scripts for this or for that, we'll give you something back. For instance, how about a trip for your office staff to go to Atlantic City, or a new computer, and the list goes on. Every month the reps are pushing a new drug for the doctors to write scripts for. Probably the same drug company that has an antidote for the withdrawal symptoms. It's all about money. Think about it; if we have to go to a psychologist or psychiatrist to get off this stuff, or go back in to see the doctor, our money is going to the medical profession. Around and around we go; and who suffers? They gain, we lose. When I do taper down to 1/2 tab every other day (hopefully) you can be assured that I will not start any medication that a doctor prescribes for me before knowing it's side effects if stopped. I feel that I have been undermined and played a fool...or the MD doesn't know a "hill of beans" about this medication.
>
> > I'm sorry for what you are going through (I've got FM and IA, too, so I truly, "feel your pain,") but I have to admit that it will be a blessing to others to have a pharmacist, someone on the front lines, who KNOWS what this is like. It is dreadfully disturbing to know that doctors don't know how to deal with this. I hate to tell you this, but you are going to deal with some kind of withdrawal no matter how you taper. This drug is evil, and will "get you," no matter how you wean. Hang in there, check back here, know that your symptoms are, "normal," and that you can get through it. Most of all, be an advocate for the people who will be dealing with this. My pharmacist had no clue. I filled him in, but he basically patted my hand and told me that sometimes "this happens."
> >
> > > I was put on Effexor 37.5 two times a day about a year and half ago to help with my fibromyalgia since pain medication upset my stomach (reflux, etc). I also have arthritis esp. in my fingers, and degenerative disk disease in my neck and back. Unfortunately, Tylenol just didn't cut it, so as I continued to plea for pain medication and finally got my Dr.'s associate to write a script for Ultram, but said I need to taper off the Effexor (chance of seizures taking both meds). He told me to take the Effexor only once a day for 3 days, then stop the Effexor and start the Ultram. Working in a pharmacy, I repeated back to the Dr. numerous times over the phone if this is what he said. It just didn't sound right to me for weening someone off this type of medication. I asked the Dr. if I shouldn't take one every other day, but he said one a day for 3 days. So, I did what he told me to do. I threw up the first dose of Ultram on day 4, continued vomiting multiple times during the following days, had dreams inside of dreams inside of dreams (thought I was awake, but was in another dream...spooky!), couldn't stay awake, couldn't hold my head up without feeling like falling over. I thought I had contacted a "bug" that was going around, or perhaps the one and only dose of Ultram I took was the culprit. I didn't contact the Dr. that prescribed the above because he wasn't the one I normally see (who was out of town for the week) so I consulted my pharmacist. "You've got to be kidding. You can't ween yourself off an SNRI (seretonin norephinepherine reuptake inhibitor) or SSRI's in 3 days without suffering withdrawal.
> > > It takes a minimum of several weeks." She suggested to take an Effexor to get my head and stomach back on track, and continue with one a day for 1 week, then 1/2 tablet a day for 1 week, then 1/4 tablet a day for 1 week. I'm only on my 3rd day of one tablet a day. After I took one Effexor 3 days ago, within a half hour my sickness went away. I have an appt. with my Dr. in October. I want to find out what his associate wrote on my chart concerning tapering down the Effexor. If any of you out there aren't comfortable with what your Dr. tells you, consult another Dr. or ask your pharmacist.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 20, 2004, at 22:27:15
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Jiggitykid, posted by jujube on September 20, 2004, at 19:56:25
First of all, God bless you for being an instrument of calm and healing for your uncle and aunt.
Now, I have to ask this of everyone: What is it going to take for our country and the FDA to HEAR us and do something? I've contacted several television stations and newspapers and have gotten nowhere. SOMEONE has to know of a reporter who cares, maybe has been through this, who would be willing to make some noise. SOMEONE has to know of a lawyer who would be willing to file a class-action suit against the maker. SOMEONE has to know someone in the FDA who can help. There are too many people suffering because of this DRUG FROM HELL and no one outside of the people here know about it. What can we do??
Okay, enough of my tirade. Anyway, I'm glad you found the site and found that you are normal in what you have experienced. My heart breaks for your aunt and uncle. What a tragedy that a couple in such a sad situation to begin with has to be used as guinea pigs.
I was extremely nauseated for a couple of weeks during the effexor withdrawal. It took four weeks for me to feel "normal." The first two weeks were harder than the second.
Please take care of yourself and tell your aunt that they are in my prayers. Please sign the petition, and get everyone you know to sign it as well. Thanks for your post.
> I, too, am so thankful to have found this board. I am relatively new to this, but have found it extremely catharic. I was on Effexor XR for 6 months (prior to and during this period, I was also significantly iron deficient, which probably contributed greatly to my anxious and apathetic mood). After 6 months on Effexor XR (on doses as high as 225 mg), I just experienced increased lethargy, apathy and apprehension (In over 8 1/2 years, I had only had one episode, which as 8 months ago, that could have been considered an anxiety attack, yet I couldn't shake the "what if" mind set even on a 225 mg of Effexor). My doctor reduced my dose of Effexor XR from 150 mg to 0 over two weeks and started me on Celexa (I wanted to try something natural like Sam-e or Rosavin because I don't want to go through another Effexor-like experience). I have now been 1.5 weeks Effexor free and 1.5 weeks on Celexa. I am not sure if I am simply adjusting to the Celexa or still experiencing residual Effexor withdrawal, but I am sooooo tired, apathetic and nauseated. However, I had been severely nauseated for weeks before stopping the Effexor because of being given Depo Provera (my periods had become irregular and I was having night sweats (possibly caused by the Effexor) and with iron deficiency, bleeding every two weeks was not helping). The Depo Provera has certainly not helped my situation. Nevertheless, I remain confident that, yes, THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 20, 2004, at 22:28:40
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Jiggitykid, posted by jujube on September 20, 2004, at 19:56:25
I just found this post and thought I'd point everyone to it. PLEASE, do this:
Posted by jujube on September 20, 2004, at 22:47:14
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » jujube, posted by Jiggitykid on September 20, 2004, at 22:27:15
Thanks for your kind words. My aunt and uncle have been relying on their faith to get them through this. My uncle is actually a penticostal minister, and they probably would not be dealing with the situation as well as they have without their faith. The thing that I can not fathom is that, in addition to early stages dementia, my uncle is being treated for high cholesteral and high blood pressure. I was kind of surprised that he would have been put on Effexor as his first antidepressant given his medical history. I told my aunt that Effexor can cause high blood pressure, and, given this, was probably not a good choice for someone who already has high blood pressure. She was so astounded that the doctor would have prescribed the med. Anyways, I am venting. Thanks for listening.
Tamara
> First of all, God bless you for being an instrument of calm and healing for your uncle and aunt.
>
> Now, I have to ask this of everyone: What is it going to take for our country and the FDA to HEAR us and do something? I've contacted several television stations and newspapers and have gotten nowhere. SOMEONE has to know of a reporter who cares, maybe has been through this, who would be willing to make some noise. SOMEONE has to know of a lawyer who would be willing to file a class-action suit against the maker. SOMEONE has to know someone in the FDA who can help. There are too many people suffering because of this DRUG FROM HELL and no one outside of the people here know about it. What can we do??
>
> Okay, enough of my tirade. Anyway, I'm glad you found the site and found that you are normal in what you have experienced. My heart breaks for your aunt and uncle. What a tragedy that a couple in such a sad situation to begin with has to be used as guinea pigs.
>
> I was extremely nauseated for a couple of weeks during the effexor withdrawal. It took four weeks for me to feel "normal." The first two weeks were harder than the second.
>
> Please take care of yourself and tell your aunt that they are in my prayers. Please sign the petition, and get everyone you know to sign it as well. Thanks for your post.
>
> > I, too, am so thankful to have found this board. I am relatively new to this, but have found it extremely catharic. I was on Effexor XR for 6 months (prior to and during this period, I was also significantly iron deficient, which probably contributed greatly to my anxious and apathetic mood). After 6 months on Effexor XR (on doses as high as 225 mg), I just experienced increased lethargy, apathy and apprehension (In over 8 1/2 years, I had only had one episode, which as 8 months ago, that could have been considered an anxiety attack, yet I couldn't shake the "what if" mind set even on a 225 mg of Effexor). My doctor reduced my dose of Effexor XR from 150 mg to 0 over two weeks and started me on Celexa (I wanted to try something natural like Sam-e or Rosavin because I don't want to go through another Effexor-like experience). I have now been 1.5 weeks Effexor free and 1.5 weeks on Celexa. I am not sure if I am simply adjusting to the Celexa or still experiencing residual Effexor withdrawal, but I am sooooo tired, apathetic and nauseated. However, I had been severely nauseated for weeks before stopping the Effexor because of being given Depo Provera (my periods had become irregular and I was having night sweats (possibly caused by the Effexor) and with iron deficiency, bleeding every two weeks was not helping). The Depo Provera has certainly not helped my situation. Nevertheless, I remain confident that, yes, THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
> >
>
Posted by AIK on September 21, 2004, at 5:58:34
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » AIK, posted by Jiggitykid on September 20, 2004, at 22:16:15
Did these "Brain Zaps" occur after you stopped the Effexor totally, or do they occur when tapering down? Also, along with this feeling is there an outside physical reaction that people will notice who are around me? Of course, when all this stuff starts up I'll probably be a bedriddin zombie like I was last week. Thanks for the info. Good luck with your procedure and hope for a speedy recovery.
> "Brain Zaps" feel like electric shocks that start in the brain and feel like you've been suddenly shocked. Mine went from the top of my head all the way to my feet. It was periodic, and quite frequent, for the first several days, and began to lessen as the second week ended. It truly felt like electric shocks in my brain and in my body.
>
> I don't blame you for doing what you have to do, but the time will come when you'll have to quit. I know how hard it can be to take prescription drugs for real conditions and have to be constantly vigilant to monitor and watch. What I've discovered in my personal experience (have to throw that in - I'm not a medical pro) that most people with REAL pain disorders are very, very careful and don't get that high from painkillers and other medications because the medication does what it is supposed to do.
>
> I did find that the pain medication helped in the withdrawal. It helped me cope with the body pain that the effexor brought on. Also, ibuprofen helped. Bonine helped a little with the dizzies. I had to wear my glasses constantly because of the vision disturbances.
>
> I'm facing a procedure tomorrow that is potentially painful. I'm frightened, but I know that I've got to do it, that others have done it and that I'll come out on the other side okay. That's the only way to face getting off of the effexor. The "reward" you'll get is that you'll get YOU back. I truly felt like the real me had died and disappeared forever when I was taking the effexor. I'm back, and finally moving forward. My marriage was nearly wrecked because of what the effexor did. Now that I'm off of that drug from hell, we just celebrated our 15th anniversary. Life isn't perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than when I was on the zombie drug.
>
> The main thing is to know that you are NOT crazy, you are NOT alone, your anger and frustration ARE valid and that you must have someone around you who understands what you are going through (refer them to this board and by all means all of you sign the petition). Be an advocate for your customers. Please, take care of yourself and let me, and us, know of your progress. You are in my prayers. I am living proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and if I can get through it, you can too.
>
> > I'm unfamiliar with the term "brain zaps". Please tell me what this feeling refers to. Oh, by the way, I had to increase my dose to 1 tab in the am and 1/2 tab in the pm (instead of 1/2 in the am & 1/2 in the pm). I got the symtoms back and couldn't afford to "not be able to function". As the days go by, I keep getting more angry at the doctor who prescribed this stuff for pain. Stupid me, didn't realize it didn't relieve any pain I was having. What it did do, however, has put me in a state of "whatever". I looked upon my husband and others as they could act out their feelings, and I on the other hand, just looked at them as if they were out of control or crazy. La, la, la, as life passed by. I am also on Diazepam (lowest dose Valium), which I do not abuse under any circumstance. I never thought to take any drug other than what was prescirbed for me...and here I am, taking a prescribed drug that apparently I can't get off without sick, ugly withdrawal symtoms. Now to get you all really mad, do you know the drug company reps tell the doctors if you write so many scripts for this or for that, we'll give you something back. For instance, how about a trip for your office staff to go to Atlantic City, or a new computer, and the list goes on. Every month the reps are pushing a new drug for the doctors to write scripts for. Probably the same drug company that has an antidote for the withdrawal symptoms. It's all about money. Think about it; if we have to go to a psychologist or psychiatrist to get off this stuff, or go back in to see the doctor, our money is going to the medical profession. Around and around we go; and who suffers? They gain, we lose. When I do taper down to 1/2 tab every other day (hopefully) you can be assured that I will not start any medication that a doctor prescribes for me before knowing it's side effects if stopped. I feel that I have been undermined and played a fool...or the MD doesn't know a "hill of beans" about this medication.
> >
> > > I'm sorry for what you are going through (I've got FM and IA, too, so I truly, "feel your pain,") but I have to admit that it will be a blessing to others to have a pharmacist, someone on the front lines, who KNOWS what this is like. It is dreadfully disturbing to know that doctors don't know how to deal with this. I hate to tell you this, but you are going to deal with some kind of withdrawal no matter how you taper. This drug is evil, and will "get you," no matter how you wean. Hang in there, check back here, know that your symptoms are, "normal," and that you can get through it. Most of all, be an advocate for the people who will be dealing with this. My pharmacist had no clue. I filled him in, but he basically patted my hand and told me that sometimes "this happens."
> > >
> > > > I was put on Effexor 37.5 two times a day about a year and half ago to help with my fibromyalgia since pain medication upset my stomach (reflux, etc). I also have arthritis esp. in my fingers, and degenerative disk disease in my neck and back. Unfortunately, Tylenol just didn't cut it, so as I continued to plea for pain medication and finally got my Dr.'s associate to write a script for Ultram, but said I need to taper off the Effexor (chance of seizures taking both meds). He told me to take the Effexor only once a day for 3 days, then stop the Effexor and start the Ultram. Working in a pharmacy, I repeated back to the Dr. numerous times over the phone if this is what he said. It just didn't sound right to me for weening someone off this type of medication. I asked the Dr. if I shouldn't take one every other day, but he said one a day for 3 days. So, I did what he told me to do. I threw up the first dose of Ultram on day 4, continued vomiting multiple times during the following days, had dreams inside of dreams inside of dreams (thought I was awake, but was in another dream...spooky!), couldn't stay awake, couldn't hold my head up without feeling like falling over. I thought I had contacted a "bug" that was going around, or perhaps the one and only dose of Ultram I took was the culprit. I didn't contact the Dr. that prescribed the above because he wasn't the one I normally see (who was out of town for the week) so I consulted my pharmacist. "You've got to be kidding. You can't ween yourself off an SNRI (seretonin norephinepherine reuptake inhibitor) or SSRI's in 3 days without suffering withdrawal.
> > > > It takes a minimum of several weeks." She suggested to take an Effexor to get my head and stomach back on track, and continue with one a day for 1 week, then 1/2 tablet a day for 1 week, then 1/4 tablet a day for 1 week. I'm only on my 3rd day of one tablet a day. After I took one Effexor 3 days ago, within a half hour my sickness went away. I have an appt. with my Dr. in October. I want to find out what his associate wrote on my chart concerning tapering down the Effexor. If any of you out there aren't comfortable with what your Dr. tells you, consult another Dr. or ask your pharmacist.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by jujube on September 21, 2004, at 8:00:51
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Jiggitykid, posted by Bubblehead on September 20, 2004, at 15:33:45
I'm sorry you have been going through such a tough time. My heart goes out to you. I, too, did not have the most positive experience both on Effexor and going off of it. I have now been 1 week and 5 days off (after weaning off for a period of two weeks). I'm not sure what your experience was like, but for me, after 6 months on Effexor XR (on doses as high as 225 mg), I became an apathetic, lethargic and apprehensive slug (and, in spite of repeatedly telling my doctor this, I was told to continue the Effexor and just get out more and be active). I had already been off work for a number of months because of severe iron deficiency which left me exhausted. On the Effexor, I was beginning not to care if I ever went back to work (this coming from a self-professed workaholic). I have a good job, in a place where I have worked for 15 years (received 5 promotions in total). I even suggested to my boss that I did not want to continue in my management job anymore, but would rather do something less demanding. Thank God he refused my proposition. Anyways, I know that for some people Effexor is a God send, but I am glad I am off it and that, perhaps, I will soon be myself again (a little hyper, but generally enthusiastic, motivated and happy). Thanks for listening, and wishing you all the best as you continue to live Effexor free.
Take good care.
Tamara
> Thank you for saying what you did. Honestly, if I did not find this board while going through this Terrible withdrawl; I would be in the mental hospital. I really feel like I'm going crazy. I didn't quit cold turkey but I was on a high dose of 450mg. The weird "whoossh" sound (as others have called it) is really getting me. And then you add the body surges, the dizziness, the bad dreams, the shakeing, the increased depressive thoughts....anyway, you know what I mean, the list could go on and on. Yesterday, was my worst. I wanted to just end it to excape the maddening mental pain not to mention the physical aching; but I held on and made it through. I almost even took some of the Effexor in hopes of finding relief. My husbands laughs today about it, but I was actually bribing him to try and get some of the meds. I can't wait until this is all over. It makes me so upset at how mis-informed we were. Again, thank you for replying. It is great to have this board for help.
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 21, 2004, at 9:27:37
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 21, 2004, at 5:58:34
Since I quit taking it cold-turkey and did not taper, I can only refer you to other posts here that people who tapered have written. If memory serves me correctly, the brain zaps and other symptoms did come with the tapering, because each time less effexor is being received into the body, the body goes through that withdrawal. As for an outside physical reaction, I was never informed of one, other that my obvious discomfort and mood, etc. I didn't get to completely go to bed, because I have a small child, and the combo of pain management and help from husband/family got me through this. Not to mention LOTS of prayer, from me and for me.
The hardest part of this is probably the fear of what you may be facing. The only advantage to being in withdrawal before I knew what was wrong (I thought I was really, really sick at first) was that when I found out, it was a relief knowing that I wasn't crazy and that I wasn't critically ill. Since I was already on the withdrawal train, I just had to continue to ride. I didn't have to make a choice about when to quit and ready myself for withdrawal, which would, I can imagine, be more psychologically difficult. Do you have another doctor or psychiatrist/psychologist/counselor that you trust who could help you through this? Please take care of yourself, let us know how you are doing, and know that we've been there and are in your corner.
> Did these "Brain Zaps" occur after you stopped the Effexor totally, or do they occur when tapering down? Also, along with this feeling is there an outside physical reaction that people will notice who are around me? Of course, when all this stuff starts up I'll probably be a bedriddin zombie like I was last week. Thanks for the info. Good luck with your procedure and hope for a speedy recovery.
>
Posted by Dave001 on September 21, 2004, at 22:36:07
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! Lawsuit, posted by Jiggitykid on September 20, 2004, at 22:28:40
> I just found this post and thought I'd point everyone to it. PLEASE, do this:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030407/msgs/216941.htmlIt is precisely this kind of mentality that hampers medical progress in the U.S. As an adult, I feel it should be within my legal right to decide which medications I am allowed to put in my body, so long as my choice does not pose a threat to others, and does not interfere with *your* right to the same. However, that also carries with it the responsibility that if something bad happens to me as a result, I am also responsible for my consequences. Do you not also want that right? Because you can't have it both ways. The sort of legal action and regulatory measures you seem to be proposing would interfere with *my* freedom to exercise *my* judgment according to what I think is in the best interest of *my* health. The problem is that people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
Dave
Posted by Dave001 on September 21, 2004, at 22:42:14
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 20, 2004, at 20:15:23
I must be unique because I never experienced any adverse effects when discontinuing the Effexor XR I been taking for over a year at 450 mg/day. If you're going to be switching drugs, it probably would be a good idea to cross-taper though, when possible.
Dave
Posted by AIK on September 22, 2004, at 7:23:45
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » AIK, posted by Jiggitykid on September 21, 2004, at 9:27:37
My husband and I have been seeing a counselor to help us with our stress problems and me dealing with my physical aches & pains which keeps limited to the fun, physical things I used to be able to do. My specialists I see for other conditions, tell me to exercise, exercise, exercise. If my back and neck won't let me walk, bend, turn my neck (whenever it decides to stop movement and the pain that comes along with it) how can I exercise? I went through the rehab gambit, water therapy, tried Vioxx then Celebrex which the gastroenterologist & rheumatologist took me off because of a slight ulceration in my esophagus (those meds didn't help either). So I guess what I saying is, does it really matter what's going to happen to me in the future with the quality of life I have. The brain zaps I asked you about; I'm usually in "obvious discomfort" from all of the above I mentioned. "Moody", at times. What I've noticed & need to get a grip on is I'm starting to have Manic states which last for about a minute-which are quite exhausting. Example: I asked my husband's friend if he wanted a piece of cake I made (which is a rarity) and I flipped out on him by speaking to him incesantly, almost without a breathe in between words, on how dare he not eat my cake. This is NOT acceptable behavior. Tomorrow
(Thursday), I start 1/2 tab of 37.5 in the a.m. and the other half at night. I hope this flies without me getting sick again. If I can't function with my job, getting together my company Christmas Party, getting the invitations out for my 30th Class Reunion, and all my other responsibilities without the Effexor, will I remain an "addict"? Forgot to mention, I am a victim of an assault and the trial is the third week of October. My husband used to say referring to alcoholism, "it's another notch on the bottle". Is this what I'm doing?> Since I quit taking it cold-turkey and did not taper, I can only refer you to other posts here that people who tapered have written. If memory serves me correctly, the brain zaps and other symptoms did come with the tapering, because each time less effexor is being received into the body, the body goes through that withdrawal. As for an outside physical reaction, I was never informed of one, other that my obvious discomfort and mood, etc. I didn't get to completely go to bed, because I have a small child, and the combo of pain management and help from husband/family got me through this. Not to mention LOTS of prayer, from me and for me.
>
> The hardest part of this is probably the fear of what you may be facing. The only advantage to being in withdrawal before I knew what was wrong (I thought I was really, really sick at first) was that when I found out, it was a relief knowing that I wasn't crazy and that I wasn't critically ill. Since I was already on the withdrawal train, I just had to continue to ride. I didn't have to make a choice about when to quit and ready myself for withdrawal, which would, I can imagine, be more psychologically difficult. Do you have another doctor or psychiatrist/psychologist/counselor that you trust who could help you through this? Please take care of yourself, let us know how you are doing, and know that we've been there and are in your corner.
>
> > Did these "Brain Zaps" occur after you stopped the Effexor totally, or do they occur when tapering down? Also, along with this feeling is there an outside physical reaction that people will notice who are around me? Of course, when all this stuff starts up I'll probably be a bedriddin zombie like I was last week. Thanks for the info. Good luck with your procedure and hope for a speedy recovery.
> >
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 22, 2004, at 7:36:36
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! Lawsuit, posted by Dave001 on September 21, 2004, at 22:36:07
I can only make an informed decision about *my* treatment if I AM GIVEN THE FACTS UP FRONT. The drug company is KNOWINGLY hiding information about this drug and about how ADDICTIVE it is and the HORRIBLE WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS suffered regardless of tapering or quitting cold turkey. They are DELIBERATELY DECEIVING the public and the physicians, and a lawsuit brought against them would REQUIRE that the information from INDEPENDENT CLINICAL TRIALS as well as their own trials be REVEALED TO THE PUBLIC AND TO THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY UP FRONT. This "mentality" you are denegrading is one of protection, for YOU and for ME. A lawsuit would not require that this drug be removed from the market, but that the drug companies do something refreshing, TELL THE TRUTH. That's what this is about.
I ask you: HOW DO YOU PROPOSE THAT ONE MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT MEDICAL TREATMENT WHEN ONE IS NOT GIVEN ALL OF THE FACTS, GOOD AND BAD, ABOUT THE DRUG?????? This forum is to share information about reactions, responses and experiences with prescription drugs. That is *my* right.
I also ask you, have you personally suffered the hellish withdrawal effects of this drug??????? I think your opinion would change.
> > I just found this post and thought I'd point everyone to it. PLEASE, do this:
> >
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030407/msgs/216941.html
>
> It is precisely this kind of mentality that hampers medical progress in the U.S. As an adult, I feel it should be within my legal right to decide which medications I am allowed to put in my body, so long as my choice does not pose a threat to others, and does not interfere with *your* right to the same. However, that also carries with it the responsibility that if something bad happens to me as a result, I am also responsible for my consequences. Do you not also want that right? Because you can't have it both ways. The sort of legal action and regulatory measures you seem to be proposing would interfere with *my* freedom to exercise *my* judgment according to what I think is in the best interest of *my* health. The problem is that people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
>
> Dave
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 22, 2004, at 7:53:43
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 22, 2004, at 7:23:45
Your situation is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry you've had so many things fall like dominoes. I fully understand your frustration about exercise. I'm told to walk - "it's the best thing" - but my hips and knees just scream and the next day my energy tanks are empty. Our culture has made many wonderful medical advances, but when it comes to pain and physical disorders that limit activity, we are still in the dark ages.
I think the decision about what to do about the effexor is one that you need to make with your physician, counselor and husband together. The amount of stress that you are under isn't helping the situation, I know.
I imagine that you've tried just about everything, but have you tried a pain patch? It isn't a cure-all or a miracle, but it does help some because of the lack of gastrointestinal involvment. My mother has degenerative spinal disease, and is using the patch in combination with other therapies and is at least moving some. I've watched her deal with this disease, as well as arthritis, fibromyalgia and other debilitating diseases all of my life, and there are times that I don't see how she continues to function. It gets really, really hard sometimes.
I know there isn't much I can say that will really help you. I hear your frustration and anger, both of which are rightfully yours.
In answer to your question about the future, that is your decision alone. I can only tell you what my experience with this drug was, and that was increased stress, lethargy and utter fatigue. My doctor wanted to increase the dosage again, which is what seems to be the pattern with this drug. Maybe now isn't the time for you to quit - maybe it is. That's something that I, as a non-medical person, can't answer.
However, I will try to put your mind at ease by telling you this - your body is "addicted" to this drug, but you are not an "addict," in the street-drug sense of the word. You are not psychologically dependent on this drug. You are not at fault here. This isn't a moral failing of yours. This is a medical problem only, not a fault or "craving" or weakness of yours. You are in a difficult spot right now and sadly have been prescribed a drug that has given you a bad reaction. Many times, people who have pain disorders are given antidepressants to help with the stress and sadness of dealing with the disease. In many cases, it is the right thing to do. In others, it isn't. I think seeing a counselor, provided he/she is the *right* one, is a good thing and I wouldn't stop that right now. You need lots of support. Your husband also needs support. I wish that I could wave a magic wand and make everything okay for you. All I can tell you is to know that you are heard, you are respected, you are NOT at fault here for any of this, and that you are in my prayers. Please keep posting so I and others will know how you are doing.
> My husband and I have been seeing a counselor to help us with our stress problems and me dealing with my physical aches & pains which keeps limited to the fun, physical things I used to be able to do. My specialists I see for other conditions, tell me to exercise, exercise, exercise. If my back and neck won't let me walk, bend, turn my neck (whenever it decides to stop movement and the pain that comes along with it) how can I exercise? I went through the rehab gambit, water therapy, tried Vioxx then Celebrex which the gastroenterologist & rheumatologist took me off because of a slight ulceration in my esophagus (those meds didn't help either). So I guess what I saying is, does it really matter what's going to happen to me in the future with the quality of life I have. The brain zaps I asked you about; I'm usually in "obvious discomfort" from all of the above I mentioned. "Moody", at times. What I've noticed & need to get a grip on is I'm starting to have Manic states which last for about a minute-which are quite exhausting. Example: I asked my husband's friend if he wanted a piece of cake I made (which is a rarity) and I flipped out on him by speaking to him incesantly, almost without a breathe in between words, on how dare he not eat my cake. This is NOT acceptable behavior. Tomorrow
> (Thursday), I start 1/2 tab of 37.5 in the a.m. and the other half at night. I hope this flies without me getting sick again. If I can't function with my job, getting together my company Christmas Party, getting the invitations out for my 30th Class Reunion, and all my other responsibilities without the Effexor, will I remain an "addict"? Forgot to mention, I am a victim of an assault and the trial is the third week of October. My husband used to say referring to alcoholism, "it's another notch on the bottle". Is this what I'm doing?
>
> > Since I quit taking it cold-turkey and did not taper, I can only refer you to other posts here that people who tapered have written. If memory serves me correctly, the brain zaps and other symptoms did come with the tapering, because each time less effexor is being received into the body, the body goes through that withdrawal. As for an outside physical reaction, I was never informed of one, other that my obvious discomfort and mood, etc. I didn't get to completely go to bed, because I have a small child, and the combo of pain management and help from husband/family got me through this. Not to mention LOTS of prayer, from me and for me.
> >
> > The hardest part of this is probably the fear of what you may be facing. The only advantage to being in withdrawal before I knew what was wrong (I thought I was really, really sick at first) was that when I found out, it was a relief knowing that I wasn't crazy and that I wasn't critically ill. Since I was already on the withdrawal train, I just had to continue to ride. I didn't have to make a choice about when to quit and ready myself for withdrawal, which would, I can imagine, be more psychologically difficult. Do you have another doctor or psychiatrist/psychologist/counselor that you trust who could help you through this? Please take care of yourself, let us know how you are doing, and know that we've been there and are in your corner.
> >
> > > Did these "Brain Zaps" occur after you stopped the Effexor totally, or do they occur when tapering down? Also, along with this feeling is there an outside physical reaction that people will notice who are around me? Of course, when all this stuff starts up I'll probably be a bedriddin zombie like I was last week. Thanks for the info. Good luck with your procedure and hope for a speedy recovery.
> > >
> >
>
>
Posted by Bubblehead on September 22, 2004, at 9:45:04
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! Lawsuit, posted by Dave001 on September 21, 2004, at 22:36:07
> > I just found this post and thought I'd point everyone to it. PLEASE, do this:
> >
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030407/msgs/216941.html
>
> It is precisely this kind of mentality that hampers medical progress in the U.S. As an adult, I feel it should be within my legal right to decide which medications I am allowed to put in my body, so long as my choice does not pose a threat to others, and does not interfere with *your* right to the same. However, that also carries with it the responsibility that if something bad happens to me as a result, I am also responsible for my consequences. Do you not also want that right? Because you can't have it both ways. The sort of legal action and regulatory measures you seem to be proposing would interfere with *my* freedom to exercise *my* judgment according to what I think is in the best interest of *my* health. The problem is that people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
>
> Dave
>
Hold on a minute here!! Where is the hostility
coming from?... >medical progress? responsible for my consequences? find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever?What is your bug here? You definately have my feathers in a ruffle, Dave!
Do you seriously call all of these reactions MEDICAL PROGRESS!?! How is suffering, progress? You are just the type of person I do not want working for these pharmacy companies. All you see is the growth for the drugs and not the damage of the people being used as guinea pigs.
Here is where you truly burn me up. >responsible for my consequences? find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever?<... That just plain hurts, Dave! I would have thought twice about ever putting those pills in my mouth, if I had known everything. You see, our doctors, pharmacists, whoever... failed to inform us or was not informed themselves about these drugs. They don't know how to solve the problem. They only know how to sign a paper with a 'script on it.
How dare you say we are not acting responsibly! That is presisly what we are doing! We are trying to warn others before thier lives are damaged possibly for life. I personally have never in my life said I wanted to sue anyone before. After nearlly killing myself the other night and realizing it was the withdrawl that drove me to that point...MAKES ME WANT TO BLAME SOMEONE for not informing me! Are you seeing where we are coming from now or are you too stubborn to see the suffering?
Dave, I also was on 450mg of Effexor. Let me tell you, on the Effexor I was completely emotionless. I was dead to feeling. Imagine what that does to your life and your family...relationships suffer greatly!!! Add all the side effects and you have yourself a cocktail for a lower depression than you realize; except you are so numb, you can't do a thing about it. You are so dead, you can't even kill yourself if you were to try. Now, remove the Effexor because of all the problems from it and you just opened yourself a gateway to Hell. Keep in mind, this all could have been avoided "IF" I was properly informed about this medicine. Would that not make you want to "blame" someone and possibly "help" others along the way?
I'm sorry for getting upset Dave. No, I take that back. I'm not sorry. What I am sorry of, is that you either did not know all of this OR you simply are really that harsh. I hope it is the first.
In ending I leave you with something another poster said...
"your body is "addicted" to this drug, but you are not an "addict," in the street-drug sense of the word. You are not psychologically dependent on this drug. You are not at fault here. This isn't a moral failing of yours. This is a medical problem only, not a fault or "craving" or weakness of yours."
Well put Jiggitykid! Thanks for the support!
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 22, 2004, at 16:35:20
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! Lawsuit » Dave001, posted by Bubblehead on September 22, 2004, at 9:45:04
> people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
>
> Dave001> You are just the type of person I do not want working for these pharmacy companies. All you see is the growth for the drugs and not the damage of the people being used as guinea pigs.
>
> BubbleheadPlease don't jump to conclusions about others or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post(s), should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Erica22 on September 22, 2004, at 20:53:18
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 22, 2004, at 7:23:45
I was pretty mean grumpy for awhile, around the end of my three weeks off Efexor but Im not like that anymore. It should pass if its part of the withdrawl.
Love,
Erica Ann
> My husband and I have been seeing a counselor to help us with our stress problems and me dealing with my physical aches & pains which keeps limited to the fun, physical things I used to be able to do. My specialists I see for other conditions, tell me to exercise, exercise, exercise. If my back and neck won't let me walk, bend, turn my neck (whenever it decides to stop movement and the pain that comes along with it) how can I exercise? I went through the rehab gambit, water therapy, tried Vioxx then Celebrex which the gastroenterologist & rheumatologist took me off because of a slight ulceration in my esophagus (those meds didn't help either). So I guess what I saying is, does it really matter what's going to happen to me in the future with the quality of life I have. The brain zaps I asked you about; I'm usually in "obvious discomfort" from all of the above I mentioned. "Moody", at times. What I've noticed & need to get a grip on is I'm starting to have Manic states which last for about a minute-which are quite exhausting. Example: I asked my husband's friend if he wanted a piece of cake I made (which is a rarity) and I flipped out on him by speaking to him incesantly, almost without a breathe in between words, on how dare he not eat my cake. This is NOT acceptable behavior. Tomorrow
> (Thursday), I start 1/2 tab of 37.5 in the a.m. and the other half at night. I hope this flies without me getting sick again. If I can't function with my job, getting together my company Christmas Party, getting the invitations out for my 30th Class Reunion, and all my other responsibilities without the Effexor, will I remain an "addict"? Forgot to mention, I am a victim of an assault and the trial is the third week of October. My husband used to say referring to alcoholism, "it's another notch on the bottle". Is this what I'm doing?
>
> > Since I quit taking it cold-turkey and did not taper, I can only refer you to other posts here that people who tapered have written. If memory serves me correctly, the brain zaps and other symptoms did come with the tapering, because each time less effexor is being received into the body, the body goes through that withdrawal. As for an outside physical reaction, I was never informed of one, other that my obvious discomfort and mood, etc. I didn't get to completely go to bed, because I have a small child, and the combo of pain management and help from husband/family got me through this. Not to mention LOTS of prayer, from me and for me.
> >
> > The hardest part of this is probably the fear of what you may be facing. The only advantage to being in withdrawal before I knew what was wrong (I thought I was really, really sick at first) was that when I found out, it was a relief knowing that I wasn't crazy and that I wasn't critically ill. Since I was already on the withdrawal train, I just had to continue to ride. I didn't have to make a choice about when to quit and ready myself for withdrawal, which would, I can imagine, be more psychologically difficult. Do you have another doctor or psychiatrist/psychologist/counselor that you trust who could help you through this? Please take care of yourself, let us know how you are doing, and know that we've been there and are in your corner.
> >
> > > Did these "Brain Zaps" occur after you stopped the Effexor totally, or do they occur when tapering down? Also, along with this feeling is there an outside physical reaction that people will notice who are around me? Of course, when all this stuff starts up I'll probably be a bedriddin zombie like I was last week. Thanks for the info. Good luck with your procedure and hope for a speedy recovery.
> > >
> >
>
>
Posted by Erica22 on September 22, 2004, at 20:53:52
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 22, 2004, at 7:23:45
I was pretty mean grumpy for awhile, around the end of my three weeks off Efexor but Im not like that anymore. It should pass if its part of the withdrawl.
Love,
Erica Ann
> My husband and I have been seeing a counselor to help us with our stress problems and me dealing with my physical aches & pains which keeps limited to the fun, physical things I used to be able to do. My specialists I see for other conditions, tell me to exercise, exercise, exercise. If my back and neck won't let me walk, bend, turn my neck (whenever it decides to stop movement and the pain that comes along with it) how can I exercise? I went through the rehab gambit, water therapy, tried Vioxx then Celebrex which the gastroenterologist & rheumatologist took me off because of a slight ulceration in my esophagus (those meds didn't help either). So I guess what I saying is, does it really matter what's going to happen to me in the future with the quality of life I have. The brain zaps I asked you about; I'm usually in "obvious discomfort" from all of the above I mentioned. "Moody", at times. What I've noticed & need to get a grip on is I'm starting to have Manic states which last for about a minute-which are quite exhausting. Example: I asked my husband's friend if he wanted a piece of cake I made (which is a rarity) and I flipped out on him by speaking to him incesantly, almost without a breathe in between words, on how dare he not eat my cake. This is NOT acceptable behavior. Tomorrow
> (Thursday), I start 1/2 tab of 37.5 in the a.m. and the other half at night. I hope this flies without me getting sick again. If I can't function with my job, getting together my company Christmas Party, getting the invitations out for my 30th Class Reunion, and all my other responsibilities without the Effexor, will I remain an "addict"? Forgot to mention, I am a victim of an assault and the trial is the third week of October. My husband used to say referring to alcoholism, "it's another notch on the bottle". Is this what I'm doing?
>
> > Since I quit taking it cold-turkey and did not taper, I can only refer you to other posts here that people who tapered have written. If memory serves me correctly, the brain zaps and other symptoms did come with the tapering, because each time less effexor is being received into the body, the body goes through that withdrawal. As for an outside physical reaction, I was never informed of one, other that my obvious discomfort and mood, etc. I didn't get to completely go to bed, because I have a small child, and the combo of pain management and help from husband/family got me through this. Not to mention LOTS of prayer, from me and for me.
> >
> > The hardest part of this is probably the fear of what you may be facing. The only advantage to being in withdrawal before I knew what was wrong (I thought I was really, really sick at first) was that when I found out, it was a relief knowing that I wasn't crazy and that I wasn't critically ill. Since I was already on the withdrawal train, I just had to continue to ride. I didn't have to make a choice about when to quit and ready myself for withdrawal, which would, I can imagine, be more psychologically difficult. Do you have another doctor or psychiatrist/psychologist/counselor that you trust who could help you through this? Please take care of yourself, let us know how you are doing, and know that we've been there and are in your corner.
> >
> > > Did these "Brain Zaps" occur after you stopped the Effexor totally, or do they occur when tapering down? Also, along with this feeling is there an outside physical reaction that people will notice who are around me? Of course, when all this stuff starts up I'll probably be a bedriddin zombie like I was last week. Thanks for the info. Good luck with your procedure and hope for a speedy recovery.
> > >
> >
>
>
Posted by Bubblehead on September 23, 2004, at 9:57:01
In reply to Re: please be civil » Dave001 » Bubblehead, posted by Dr. Bob on September 22, 2004, at 16:35:20
> > people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
> >
> > Dave001
>
> > You are just the type of person I do not want working for these pharmacy companies. All you see is the growth for the drugs and not the damage of the people being used as guinea pigs.
> >
> > Bubblehead
>
> Please don't jump to conclusions about others or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down.
>
> If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
>
> Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post(s), should of course themselves be civil.
>
> Thanks,
>
> BobI apologize Bob. I was speaking from the hurt I felt from his message and I probably did the same hurting in return. My emotions are truly out of control and I can't make excuses for them. I can just make sure I apologize for lossing control of them. So, once again, I want to say that I am sorry. Thank you for pointing out my ill actions.
Bubblehead (Kelly)
Posted by AIK on September 23, 2004, at 10:49:26
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by Bubblehead on September 23, 2004, at 9:57:01
In response to Dave stating that looking for someone to sue is wrong and/or a knee jerk reaction, I would like you to consider the following analogy. A vehicle manufacturer such as GM or Ford produces thousands of vehicles a year. If they receive reports of a defect that may occur in less than 1% of a particular model that may cause personal injury they issue a recall and repair the defect on all potentially affected vehicles. If they didn't issue a recall they would be sued for neglegence for not notifying the consumer and be ordered to pay damages. Many people posting on this thread are experiencing similar severe withdrawal symptoms after taking Effexor. Unfortunately Wyeth does not acknowledge this in their product literature or inform physicans or pharmacists of these effects upon withdrawal of this drug so that they may properly counsel and inform their patients of these potential effects. The main premise of this lawsuit is to get Wyeth to educate health professionals of potential severe withdrawal and addiction to Effexor so they may pass this on to their patients so they themselves can make an informed decision to use Effexor. Withholding this information from health professionals and patients is NEGLEGENCE. It is sad that a car salesman is given more information about his product than a health professional.
> > > people want to be able to do whatever they want without taking any responsibility for their actions. Something bad happens and immediately the knee-jerk reaction is to find someone else to blame, to sue, or whatever.
> > >
> > > Dave001
> >
> > > You are just the type of person I do not want working for these pharmacy companies. All you see is the growth for the drugs and not the damage of the people being used as guinea pigs.
> > >
> > > Bubblehead
> >
> > Please don't jump to conclusions about others or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down.
> >
> > If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
> >
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
> >
> > Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post(s), should of course themselves be civil.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Bob
>
> I apologize Bob. I was speaking from the hurt I felt from his message and I probably did the same hurting in return. My emotions are truly out of control and I can't make excuses for them. I can just make sure I apologize for lossing control of them. So, once again, I want to say that I am sorry. Thank you for pointing out my ill actions.
> Bubblehead (Kelly)
Posted by Bubblehead on September 23, 2004, at 11:05:09
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by Bubblehead on September 23, 2004, at 9:57:01
> > Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post(s), should of course themselves be civil.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Bob
>
Whoops! I did'nt see this the first time I read it. I'm sorry. I'm just screwing up all over the place. So, so, sorry!
Posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 11:59:00
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Erica22 on September 22, 2004, at 20:53:52
Maybe I should quit reading these posts...they are freaking me out! I think i posted this elsewhere, but here it is again.
Anyone out there on a low dose (75mg) of effexor? I've been on 37.5 for 3 days, working up to 75 max. Right now I am jittery and can't concentrate, but I am quite happy, albeit in a "high" sort of way. I am tempted to just stay at 37.5 forever! Anyway, do you think that coming off of 75mg will be as much a problem as coming off of higher doses or does the amount not matter?
Should I get off now before it's too late????
Posted by AIK on September 23, 2004, at 12:44:30
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 11:59:00
I quess it depends why the doctor has prescribed it for you (your condition). My opinion only is this drug is being prescribe as a "cure all" in lieu of other medications that could be used for treatment (without the abuse or withdrawal potential). Today I started another dosage decrease as I am attempting to taper down every 7 days by 1/2 of a 37.5 mg tablet (1/2 in the am & 1/2 in the pm). That didn't work 2 weeks ago, so I upped it to one 37.5 in the am and 1/2 tab pm. I've been on 37.5 mg. twice a day for a year and a half, and the sickness in my head and stomach when I tried to stop were worse than any hang-over I ever experienced. Hangovers go away a day later; I was sick for 4 days and nights straight until I took an Effexor-I chirped up pretty quick. Please tell your doctor if you are uncomfortable taking this medication and perhaps he can prescribe something else for your condition. Good luck.
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