![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 16 to 40 of 63. Go back in thread:
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by pyromelana402000 on February 20, 2005, at 16:21:19
Pray your doctor believes you and knows about the withdrawal. Many of us here have had NO support from the medical community. Print out some of the testimonials here and take them to your doctor. If your doc doesn't believe you, find a new doc.
Hang in there! I stopped cold-turkey and went through hell.
> Me again, those darn flu/flew(whoops) symptoms. I was never supposed to go off Effexor. I think I better stay on it until I speak to my Doc tomorrow. I NEVER knew until today that people were having these problems. What is Claritin "suposed" to do? Thanks
Posted by Braveheart on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » pyromelana402000, posted by Jiggitykid on February 20, 2005, at 16:56:28
My Doctor here in Scotland wouldn't accept advice off this or any other site so am doing it myself - am down to one 75mg every 2nd day now - but very very angry girl - and was quite down yesterday - it is as if i'm depressed again - but know full well i'm not!!
All the best but get straight back to Docs - don't go Cold Turkey!! - its hard enough coming down - i'm down from 225mg a day in a month and thats been hard enough.
All the best anyway.
Posted by boatsie on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Braveheart on February 20, 2005, at 17:03:19
oh it was so good to log into my email and see all these posts. I have been tappering off effexor since june, down from300 mgs and am now at 112.5., this started 1 1/2 weeks ago. I am diagnosed with severe recurrent depression and have been on meds f/t for 10 years. i have oterh drugs to come off once i whip this one
today is the worst day. i feel so depressed and lethargic. my doctor (psychiatrist) is so afraid that i will replapse and that the depressin will rear its head even worse than before ... she speaks of a wildfire in my brain and that this is what i am playing with. i trust my doctor and she has reluctantly supported me through this experience.
i am just really hating myself today. i thoughty the weight wold come off at least a little by now but instead i am eating sweets and drinking coco cola more than ever and smoking! i feel as tho i am trying to destroy myself.i keep thinking that the people who chat here don't have as severe a case as I had .... is there anyone out there who was SEVERELY, at times psychotically depressed?
I have little support, divorced last year (i'm convinced now that all the meds destroyed my marriage) and my daughter is off in college and who wants to worry her? she has some signs of depression emerging now which terrifies me.sorry to vent like this. i just feel terrified and so alone.
> My Doctor here in Scotland wouldn't accept advice off this or any other site so am doing it myself - am down to one 75mg every 2nd day now - but very very angry girl - and was quite down yesterday - it is as if i'm depressed again - but know full well i'm not!!
>
> All the best but get straight back to Docs - don't go Cold Turkey!! - its hard enough coming down - i'm down from 225mg a day in a month and thats been hard enough.
>
> All the best anyway.
Posted by Braveheart on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:32
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by boatsie on February 20, 2005, at 17:11:37
> Listen Boatsie - Use the site all you need - we've all been there in some form or another - the most important tool you have to beat this is 'YOU' - every time u have a negative thought - try and reverse it and make it positive - that is the key to beating depression. As for drinking and eating - i am grossly overweight - but small changes help - swap the coke for diet coke - better still caffeine free diet coke - treat yourself to a smoothie maker and some exotic fruit and make some amazing smoothies - makes u feel so much better than chocolate - and that is advice from the world's no.1 chocaholic!! If your psychiatrist is going on about fearing a re-lapse - change dr.s - she should be being positive with you - negativity is and causes depression - have you read the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy book by Dr.Burns - super book - saved mine and many, many other lives - especially as we all become drug free!!
All the best - and keep that positivity flowing!!
PS - and stop beating yourself up about the smoking - one thing at a time!
Posted by pyromelana402000 on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:32
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Braveheart on February 20, 2005, at 17:31:42
Thanks for the input everyone. I had no idea. I was put on Effexor to try and ease physical pain associated with a broken back(secondary indication?). I agree that if this is somewhat common there is a real issue of "informed consent" in my book. This is crazy!!! It sounds like a lot of folks are better off treating depression without this crap. Does anyone have a feel for how widespread these withdrawls are??? I just checked the P.I. and the company does not shy away from the fact that you could have all these withdrawl symptoms....severity is obviously not addressed....P
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:33
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Braveheart on February 20, 2005, at 17:31:42
Not to mention the new 7up Plus. I really like it. It gives me the fizzy kick I want, but has calcium, vitamin C, no sugar, no caffeine, a great flavor; I also like the sugar-free Hershey's candies that are available in most grocery stores now. I also found a great replacement for Cheetos. It is called Pirate Booty (I know, weird name) and it is GOOD. It actually has FIBER in it, is low carb, low fat, sugar-free; yummy.
>
>
> > Listen Boatsie - Use the site all you need - we've all been there in some form or another - the most important tool you have to beat this is 'YOU' - every time u have a negative thought - try and reverse it and make it positive - that is the key to beating depression. As for drinking and eating - i am grossly overweight - but small changes help - swap the coke for diet coke - better still caffeine free diet coke - treat yourself to a smoothie maker and some exotic fruit and make some amazing smoothies - makes u feel so much better than chocolate - and that is advice from the world's no.1 chocaholic!! If your psychiatrist is going on about fearing a re-lapse - change dr.s - she should be being positive with you - negativity is and causes depression - have you read the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy book by Dr.Burns - super book - saved mine and many, many other lives - especially as we all become drug free!!
>
> All the best - and keep that positivity flowing!!
>
> PS - and stop beating yourself up about the smoking - one thing at a time!
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:33
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by pyromelana402000 on February 20, 2005, at 17:44:47
It doesn't shy away NOW. Back when most of us were taking it for the first time, there was NO mention of withdrawal, nor was there mention of any of the side-effects that most of us experienced. As awful as what you are going through/facing is, you're lucky that you have the opportunity to draw on our vast experience and wisdom (LOL). Seriously, though, this is a wonderful, supportive community, and I'm glad you've found it. Please, look through the archives and sign the petition.
> Thanks for the input everyone. I had no idea. I was put on Effexor to try and ease physical pain associated with a broken back(secondary indication?). I agree that if this is somewhat common there is a real issue of "informed consent" in my book. This is crazy!!! It sounds like a lot of folks are better off treating depression without this crap. Does anyone have a feel for how widespread these withdrawls are??? I just checked the P.I. and the company does not shy away from the fact that you could have all these withdrawl symptoms....severity is obviously not addressed....P
Posted by boatsie on February 21, 2005, at 8:14:35
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Braveheart on February 20, 2005, at 17:31:42
thank you so much for responding. i am doing all the work i possibly can in terms of meditation, food supplements, exercising. when i have days like this one, when i am totally all alone all day becuase of depression it is hard to have any hope... i just keep thining its coming back, its coming back. oh my god its coming back and as much as i try to believe all of your i just think it won't work for me. thank you.
>
>
> > Listen Boatsie - Use the site all you need - we've all been there in some form or another - the most important tool you have to beat this is 'YOU' - every time u have a negative thought - try and reverse it and make it positive - that is the key to beating depression. As for drinking and eating - i am grossly overweight - but small changes help - swap the coke for diet coke - better still caffeine free diet coke - treat yourself to a smoothie maker and some exotic fruit and make some amazing smoothies - makes u feel so much better than chocolate - and that is advice from the world's no.1 chocaholic!! If your psychiatrist is going on about fearing a re-lapse - change dr.s - she should be being positive with you - negativity is and causes depression - have you read the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy book by Dr.Burns - super book - saved mine and many, many other lives - especially as we all become drug free!!
>
> All the best - and keep that positivity flowing!!
>
> PS - and stop beating yourself up about the smoking - one thing at a time!
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 21, 2005, at 8:18:44
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » pyromelana402000, posted by Jiggitykid on February 20, 2005, at 19:09:29
> the petition.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding petitions to Psycho-Babble Social. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050215/msgs/461194.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by ladylizbug on February 21, 2005, at 20:37:14
In reply to Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey, posted by mintsi1v3r on February 4, 2005, at 20:11:27
Hey I am going through about the same thing you are. I think I have a good mind set for quitting effexor. It is mid-Monday and I haven't taken my effexor since Saturday. I feel perfectly fine. I would like to talk to you if you don't mind e-mailing me at ladylizbug@yahoo.com or giving me your e-mail address. Thanks!
> I just want to let everyone know that it has been 3 days since i cut off effexor cold turkey and i have been doing great. Things are getting better and better, which is alot different from the posts that i have been reading from others.
>
> I was on effexor dosage of 225 mg and have been on it for almost 2 years. It has been 3 days, and yes, there are withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, brain zaps, stomach pains.. all of which are minimal when comparing to how i feel mentally - GREAT. I AM HAPPY AND RELIEVED to be finally off the drug. I know it has only been 3 days but the symptoms are already starting to wear off.
>
> The best advice i can give to someone considering to stop taking the medicine is to keep a positive mind set. I know it sounds cliche but like with everything else in life, a situation is as good as u see it, and u are only as happy as u make urself be. All i am trying to say is that it is 90% mental. Things will look alot better if u focus on a positive.
>
> I was almost going to panic a couple days ago when i read posts about people saying it was the "worst part of their life" or they were about to go crazy. So if u are planning to quit effexor, i'd suggest to not read those posts are take it very lightly, for if i can do it, so can all of u.
>
> GOOD LUCK and god bless.
>
>
Posted by CarlaL48 on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:47
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 14, 2005, at 15:02:19
February, 24, 2005
I am on Day 17 of cold turkey withdrawal from Effexor XR 150, after five years on the drug. The withdrawal has been hell, but getting progressively better by the week - the tiredness, brain fog, diarrhea, nightmares and headaches are less.
But yesterday, I began feeling so achy, like I was getting the flu. I almost called my husband to take me to the hospital, but went to bed, instead. Fortunately, was able to sleep without the same degree of vibrant nightmares, and do feel a little better today.
In the past, I tried withdrawal, but after a week, while feeling somewhat better, I was so down, I went right back to Effexor. At the time, I didn't know that I was still experiencing withdrawal, or I never would have gone back.
This drug was slowly killing me. Sure, I didn't feel depressed. Fact is, I didn't feel much of anything. Just lethargy and killing time until tomorrow and then tomorrow and then tomorrow. I didn't feel like doing anything. I didn't want to get out of bed in the morning because I'd have to look at more time to kill and call it a day. (I didn't recognize this as depressing, because I never felt sad or cried all the time.)
Anyway, even with this hellish withdrawal, my mind is finding things to do (when withdrawal symptoms allow)that give me joy and a purpose to get out of bed. From that standpoint alone, this withdrawal is worth it.
I hope I will be able to spend the rest of my life free of psychotropic drugs, however, should I need something in the future, it surely won't be Effexor.
God bless you all.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by CarlaL48 on February 24, 2005, at 12:27:14
It is so wonderful to hear that you are coming out of the tunnel of hell!! Enjoy life as it comes back to you in all of its technicolor beauty! Take care!
> February, 24, 2005
>
> I am on Day 17 of cold turkey withdrawal from Effexor XR 150, after five years on the drug. The withdrawal has been hell, but getting progressively better by the week - the tiredness, brain fog, diarrhea, nightmares and headaches are less.
>
> But yesterday, I began feeling so achy, like I was getting the flu. I almost called my husband to take me to the hospital, but went to bed, instead. Fortunately, was able to sleep without the same degree of vibrant nightmares, and do feel a little better today.
>
> In the past, I tried withdrawal, but after a week, while feeling somewhat better, I was so down, I went right back to Effexor. At the time, I didn't know that I was still experiencing withdrawal, or I never would have gone back.
>
> This drug was slowly killing me. Sure, I didn't feel depressed. Fact is, I didn't feel much of anything. Just lethargy and killing time until tomorrow and then tomorrow and then tomorrow. I didn't feel like doing anything. I didn't want to get out of bed in the morning because I'd have to look at more time to kill and call it a day. (I didn't recognize this as depressing, because I never felt sad or cried all the time.)
>
> Anyway, even with this hellish withdrawal, my mind is finding things to do (when withdrawal symptoms allow)that give me joy and a purpose to get out of bed. From that standpoint alone, this withdrawal is worth it.
>
> I hope I will be able to spend the rest of my life free of psychotropic drugs, however, should I need something in the future, it surely won't be Effexor.
>
> God bless you all.
Posted by Damos on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by CarlaL48 on February 24, 2005, at 12:27:14
Hang in there Carla! Wishing you well with the rest of the withdrawal, hopefully the worst will be over soon. I too share you hopes for a drug free future.
Take good care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you.
Damos
Posted by CarlaL48 on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » CarlaL48, posted by Damos on February 24, 2005, at 19:47:25
Thanks so much, Damos. Now that I know you and the rest are here, it definitely buoys my courage.
God love you all.
Carla
Posted by Tuna on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by CarlaL48 on February 25, 2005, at 9:38:00
Does anyone think these symptoms are from withdrawal? Do they compare with what others have experienced?
-Strange headache, unlike any other I've ever had. I get a sudden wave of pressure and pain when I turn or lift my head which passes quickly. The annoyance is in its frequency- every couple of minutes. It is mostly on one side of my head, but not like a migraine. It almost feels like my brain is moving inside my skull but at a slower pace than my head- I turn my head and then my brain has to catch up.
-Dizziness, unlike the postural hypotension I experience with fibromyalgia. I am dizzy even just sitting or lying still.
-Fatigue, worse than what I experience with the fibro. If any of you have or are familiar with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, you have an idea of what I might mean.
I wasn't sure that I would experience withdrawal symptoms, nor was my doctor, because I was on a relatively small dose (75mg) for nine months. My doctor prescribed it last May or June for some situational anxiety and I probably would have stayed on it longer despite the sexual side effects, but my normally borderline total cholesterol shot up to 268. This is the funny (NOT) part- my doctor was going to send me to a nutritionist even though I already eat mostly vegetarian (fish and chicken once each a week, fat free yogurt the only dairy) until I read Wyeth's own premarketing studies on Effexor and cholesterol. I told him I wanted to quit the Effexor, was worried about withdrawal so he had me drop down to 37.5 mg for ten days. That ended four days ago. Now yesterday these weird symptoms started and they are worse today.
Any ideas, comments anyone?
Thanks in advance,
Tuna
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Tuna on February 25, 2005, at 13:38:03
Welcome to the club! These symptoms are part and parcel, but if you're concerned that something else might be going on, please call your doctor. I have fibromyalgia, too, and I TOTALLY understand the fatigue. Give yourself two weeks to get it all out of your system. After that, if you go according to the "average" calendar here, you'll begin to shake them, perhaps sooner if you're lucky. Just be careful driving, be careful on stairs, etc., because the dizziness is really something.
> Does anyone think these symptoms are from withdrawal? Do they compare with what others have experienced?
>
> -Strange headache, unlike any other I've ever had. I get a sudden wave of pressure and pain when I turn or lift my head which passes quickly. The annoyance is in its frequency- every couple of minutes. It is mostly on one side of my head, but not like a migraine. It almost feels like my brain is moving inside my skull but at a slower pace than my head- I turn my head and then my brain has to catch up.
>
> -Dizziness, unlike the postural hypotension I experience with fibromyalgia. I am dizzy even just sitting or lying still.
>
> -Fatigue, worse than what I experience with the fibro. If any of you have or are familiar with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, you have an idea of what I might mean.
>
> I wasn't sure that I would experience withdrawal symptoms, nor was my doctor, because I was on a relatively small dose (75mg) for nine months. My doctor prescribed it last May or June for some situational anxiety and I probably would have stayed on it longer despite the sexual side effects, but my normally borderline total cholesterol shot up to 268. This is the funny (NOT) part- my doctor was going to send me to a nutritionist even though I already eat mostly vegetarian (fish and chicken once each a week, fat free yogurt the only dairy) until I read Wyeth's own premarketing studies on Effexor and cholesterol. I told him I wanted to quit the Effexor, was worried about withdrawal so he had me drop down to 37.5 mg for ten days. That ended four days ago. Now yesterday these weird symptoms started and they are worse today.
>
> Any ideas, comments anyone?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Tuna
Posted by SLS on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Tuna, posted by Jiggitykid on February 25, 2005, at 13:55:04
Someone on the WITHDRAWAL board reported that using Claritin D worked to ameliorate withdrawal symptoms. Others have used Benadryl. The advantage to using Claritin is that it doesn't produce the sedation that sometimes accompanies Benadryl. However, Benadryl has been recommended by many for quite a while. If you do decide to go with Claritin D, be aware that the "D" stands for decongestant, for which pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient. Hopefully, regular Claritin would work just as well.
Please submit a report on the Withdrawal board if you discover anything that you find helpful.
Thanks.
Good luck!
- Scott
Posted by psi-chick on February 25, 2005, at 23:53:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » CarlaL48, posted by Jiggitykid on February 24, 2005, at 15:56:43
Great to find you here! Been on E for 5 years. Dropped from 75 to 37.5mg three weeks ago and now going to every other day to complete weaning.
IMO it is much better to wean, than cold turkey. Last time I stopped for 4 days I thought I was doing great, then realized I was manic-y as hell. A very good friend/therapist explained the "half-life" effect of this drug, and said you can come crashing down as much as two months after stopping, not realizing it is still withdrawal symptoms and not necessarily you.
I am noticing the HUGE impact that nutrition is having on my moods, especially sugar. I get angry, tired, and depressed, and can even "pass out" from too much, just like alcohol. (Stopped drinking nearly 20 years ago.
Just read a great article in Alternative Medicing magazine about a study done with Omega 3 fatty acids and depression. Very positive results for this and many other things.
My experience and belief too - we "depressives" are often very sensitive - emotionally, spiritually, and psychically - and there are many ways to use this sensitivity to our advantage, rather than medicating what can be a great asset.
Blessings and best wishes to all of you connecting to your true selves! Julia
Posted by debinfl on February 27, 2005, at 11:25:32
In reply to Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2005, at 7:55:48
hi everyone, i am on my second day without effexor. my doctor prescribed me wellbutrin. Has anyone tried this. I am having some of the withdrawal, like dizzy/cloudy head, nausea, itching (oh my gosh, does this drive you crazy?) I am glad to be getting off of this stuff but am not looking forward to what is to come. Why don't doctors tell patients of these withdrawal symptons and let us decide for ourselves whether we choose to feel this way? I am glad that this site is here, otherwise I might be going crazy about now. Debinfl
Posted by SLS on February 27, 2005, at 13:16:10
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by debinfl on February 26, 2005, at 15:36:43
How much Effexor had you been taking before you stopped completely?
You might be better off reintroducing the drug and tapering gradually off of it. The withdrawal symptoms really get worse three days after discontinuing the drug abruptly.
- Scott
Posted by msmardigra on February 27, 2005, at 15:01:29
In reply to Re: Redirect: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by debinfl on February 26, 2005, at 15:36:43
> hi everyone, i am on my second day without effexor. my doctor prescribed me wellbutrin. Has anyone tried this. I am having some of the withdrawal, like dizzy/cloudy head, nausea, itching (oh my gosh, does this drive you crazy?) I am glad to be getting off of this stuff but am not looking forward to what is to come. Why don't doctors tell patients of these withdrawal symptons and let us decide for ourselves whether we choose to feel this way? I am glad that this site is here, otherwise I might be going crazy about now. Debinfl
Hi Deb, and everyone else. I am new to this board but have read almost every post since the first one in 2003 in order to educate myself and learn if I was just crazy or if my feelings as of late were were related to the Effexor. A little history of my Effexor,XR history is this: I began E in Nov. '03 after the sudden, unexpected death of my partner (I have a history of chronic mild depression). At that time my pcp put me on 75mg, and after several months she upped it to 150mg (supposedly to help me sleep). Afer I informed her that I saw no difference between the 75 and the 150mg, she returned me to 75. I began counseling with a social worker in March, 2004 and still go. About 2 months ago my counselor suggested that I see a psych. dr to determine how my meds were interacting together ( I also take Lamictal daily for migraines, and Imatrex and Percoset for when I get headaches). I have had migranes since my teen years (I am now 52) and have battled being overweight since my early 20's. I saw the psydr. last month and gave him a history but also told him I was doing much, now seeing someone, but unhappy with my weight gain and the loss of my sex drive. He suggested I switch from Effexor to Wellbutrin. He gave me samples of 150 mg of the W and gave me a script for 37.5 mg of E, explainig that I would phase the E out as I phased the W in. After one week the W was increased to 300mg and I was to keep taking the new dosage of E for a month. This past Tues. (2/22) I saw the dr again and reported that everything was going great. He told me therefore to quit taking the Effexor, which I did. By the next afternoon I was geeting teary and fussy, and by Friday (day 3) almost all of the symptoms I have read about here had begun (except the eyeball thing). I didn't attribute it to withdrawals since my psycdr had mentioned NOTHING. Howeverafter screaming at my girlfriend yesterday, and crying uncontrollably much of yesterday and then again today from when I woke up until just a couple of hours ago. Fortunately, my gf had thought I was hving withdrawals, and had already gotten online and found this site. Today is Day 5 for me. After catching up, and reading the post of Effexor and Wellbutrin, I felt compelled to join and write this post. So thanks for bearing ith me through this long post, and please know how very grateful I am for each and everyone of you posting about your own experiences with Effexor. Thanks to you, I now understand where all this is coming from.
Posted by Damos on February 27, 2005, at 15:12:01
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by psi-chick on February 25, 2005, at 22:45:39
Hi,
Just wanted to say that I'd heard the same report about Omega3. I've actually been seeing an energetic healer (Reiki and the like) for a while now and find whatever she does really helps. Also been using Australian Bush Flower Essences and liquid Chlorophyll (blood tonic) and have found all of them help in there own way.
Take care hey.
Posted by CarlaL48 on March 1, 2005, at 10:14:22
In reply to Re: Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey » mintsi1v3r, posted by ladylizbug on February 21, 2005, at 13:24:57
I am on Day 22 of cold-turkey withdrawal from Effexor XR 150. Today and the last couple of days, I feel like I've reverted back to the end of week 1.
The brain fog won't quit. I'm still achy, my stomach hurts and the diarrhea seems worse. While the nightmares aren't as frequent or severe, they are still here - and I'm having trouble getting to sleep at night.
I have no energy and don't feel like doing anything.
I know this must still be withdrawal, but I need reassurance - so I don't run to my doctor and ask for some other mind-numbing antidepressant to get me through this.
God love you all.
Carla
Posted by Damos on March 1, 2005, at 14:50:42
In reply to Re: Withdrawal after 3 days from cold turkey, posted by CarlaL48 on March 1, 2005, at 10:14:22
Hi Carla,
I'm at day 24 now and the last few days have brought me a few new sensations that I can only put down to withdrawal as there is nothing else that has changed recently.
If you can imagine having a mobile (cell) phone that's set to vibrate in your right shoe and having it go off every few seconds zzzzzzzt, zzzzzt, zzzzzzt, that's one of the newys, usually lasts about 4 hours first thing in the morning. The other that hit Friday, Saturday and Sunday was like someone had reached inside and was wringing out everything in the right hand side of my torso like a wet dishcloth. This was accompanied by the sensation of molten metal being poured in to my chest cavity. Very pleasant. Actually spent a good hour on the floor each day the pain was so bad. The rest of the day just felt like someone had punched a hole between my shoulder blades and ripped all my organs out through the hole. Apart from that I had a lovely weekend :-)
Happy to report that the last fews apart from the foot thing have been good. Sleeping much better now and feeling less emotionally wobbly.
A leap from 150 is a big thing so I imagine your body is going to make absolutely sure you know it's not happy and to never ever do that to it again.
Hang in there and take good care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you.
Damos
Posted by heatheratx on March 1, 2005, at 23:48:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Heather33 on October 4, 2003, at 21:27:27
I have been taking Effexor XR for almost 4 years, and have worked up to a dose of 200 mg a day and i also have been taking Paxil 60 mg day for almost 2 years. If i wait too long between doses (LIKE NOW) because I WANT TO STOP having to take anti-depressents It feels like SH*T...numbness, tingling cold hot waves, a disconeected floating feeling...a BAD HIGH...so do I ran home and take the meds and feel better in a few hours??? I feel like an addict
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