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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by oilfan on February 23, 2005, at 23:26:32
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by oilfan on February 23, 2005, at 23:24:23
> > Well it's been a month and I am still weaning slowly off of the Effexor. I've been removing one little pellet a day, and today I took out 30 pellets from my XR. It may take 9 months for me to get off of this, but it seems to be the only way my body can handle it. I tried once to go off more quickly, and HOLY SH*T, it was a nightmare! Just wanted to check in with you all, and thank you for this board. I read it almost daily...
>
>the following message is from oilfan:
> I have been on a decline in my dosage for about 5 weeks now. I was at 300mg a day. I alternated down by 37.5mg every other day for 2 weeks. Then after two weeks I went down by 37.5 to 262.5 mg a day for 2 weeks. Then I started to alternate down every other day to 225 mg. I am currently at that dose. I have found that smoking marijuana daily .Is keeping the headache's away and with help from the good Lord above I will beat this sh*t.
>
Posted by JennaStarrett on February 24, 2005, at 21:51:02
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » JennaStarrett, posted by SLS on February 22, 2005, at 7:23:08
> actully found this site after I got out of the hospital. I took Claratin D (someone on the post suggested it) to help with the withdrawals. It helped a lot in my case.
>
> Which withdrawal symptoms specifically did the Claratin help with?
>
>
> - ScottHi Scott :)
It helped me with pretty much everything... the severe anxiety, sweating, zaps, being aggravated, headaches, nausea and dizziness etc... I went off the Claratin D about 5 weeks after I quit taking effexor and all of the withdrawal symptoms came back... I felt like I was going to come out of my skin. I took another Claratin D and the sypmtoms went away again in about 6 hours. I was also on 150 Wellbutrin at the time. I quit taking the Claratin D about 2 1/2 months and I was finally ok. I'm not sure why this worked but it really helped me.
Take care, Jenna
Posted by SLS on February 25, 2005, at 8:07:08
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by JennaStarrett on February 24, 2005, at 21:51:02
Hi Jenna.
Thanks for responding.
> > > actully found this site after I got out of the hospital. I took Claratin D (someone on the post suggested it) to help with the withdrawals. It helped a lot in my case.
> > Which withdrawal symptoms specifically did the Claratin help with?
> It helped me with pretty much everything... the severe anxiety, sweating, zaps, being aggravated, headaches, nausea and dizziness etc... I went off the Claratin D about 5 weeks after I quit taking effexor and all of the withdrawal symptoms came back... I felt like I was going to come out of my skin. I took another Claratin D and the sypmtoms went away again in about 6 hours. I was also on 150 Wellbutrin at the time. I quit taking the Claratin D about 2 1/2 months and I was finally ok. I'm not sure why this worked but it really helped me.
WOW! That is amazing.I am very surprised that the Claritin had such a positive effect on so many symptoms. Unlike Benadryl, Claritin does not travel to the brain or CNS. That would make it a better choice for most people whom don't want to experience the sedation and other side effects that are produced by Benadryl.
Does Claritin D give you dry mouth? What other side effects did it produce?
Had you ever tried the regular Claritin (not "D")?
Claritin D adds pseudoephedrine as a decongestant, which does cross the blood-brain barrier. I wonder how important that might be.
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by becks on February 25, 2005, at 23:51:41
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » roobie, posted by PoohBear on February 19, 2005, at 23:08:11
I've been on Effexor XL for so long now that I'm not even sure how many years??? Something like 5 to 8 years. I've tried to go off of it, but the side effects of the withdrawal are horrendous! Dizziness, imbalance, unsteadiness, nausea, etc...
I take 300mg each night before bed, along with 300mg of Trazadone (for sleep).I've talked to my doctor several times about wanting to discontinue taking this Effexor. I've always experienced horrifying nightmares and night sweats. My doctor does not want me to stop, so I'm going to find another doctor.
I'm wondering if anyone has taken an alternative while discontinuing Effexor in order to help with the withdrawl symptoms.
Posted by Cheyenne on February 25, 2005, at 23:51:42
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by janey on November 1, 1998, at 16:30:34
Hi everyone,
My boyfriend went off Effexor (150mg)cold turkrey, 4 weeks ago. He has experienced mainly dizziness, irritablity,electric shock sensations. It is so weird, and doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason, because he can be fairly good for a couple days, and then it comes back. Can anyone tell me, when will the hell totally be gone. I feel so bad for anyone who has been on this nasty drug...which should NOT even be on the market. Thanks for your help.
Posted by Si Kottic on February 25, 2005, at 23:51:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Cheyenne on February 24, 2005, at 8:45:43
Getting off this drug is really scaring me - especially after reading all the posts on it. Why aren't the Doctors more informed about this drug. Didn't the AMA cover this drug before it went on the market. I'm now afraid to go off this drug, I'm not sure how I'll react or even when to do it.
shelley
Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 25, 2005, at 23:51:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by becks on February 24, 2005, at 7:04:14
> I've been on Effexor XL for so long now that I'm not even sure how many years??? Something like 5 to 8 years. I've tried to go off of it, but the side effects of the withdrawal are horrendous! Dizziness, imbalance, unsteadiness, nausea, etc...
> I take 300mg each night before bed, along with 300mg of Trazadone (for sleep).
>
> I've talked to my doctor several times about wanting to discontinue taking this Effexor. I've always experienced horrifying nightmares and night sweats. My doctor does not want me to stop, so I'm going to find another doctor.
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has taken an alternative while discontinuing Effexor in order to help with the withdrawl symptoms.Most use some sort of tapering method. Some people have had luck using Benadryl, of all things. Others have used Prozac. See the Withdrawal board for tips. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/ Good luck.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on February 25, 2005, at 23:51:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Cheyenne on February 24, 2005, at 8:45:43
> My boyfriend went off Effexor (150mg)cold turkrey, 4 weeks ago. He has experienced mainly dizziness, irritablity,electric shock sensations. It is so weird, and doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason, because he can be fairly good for a couple days, and then it comes back. Can anyone tell me, when will the hell totally be gone...
Did he quit cold turkey for a life-threatening reason, like a severe allergic reaction or something? Quitting many meds cold turkey can be a very uncomfortable process. He might need to start back up and use a tapering process for a few weeks, or use another AD, like Prozac, to go through the process. See the Withdrawal board for tips.
Posted by Cheyenne on February 25, 2005, at 23:51:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Si Kottic on February 24, 2005, at 10:08:22
Shelley..get off the drug ASAP, how long have you been on it. The doctor knows my boyfriend went off cold turkey, gave him some Wellbutrin, but hasn't taken any of it. I also ordered an all natural anti-depressant called ANXIUS, which does help somewhat...I am really curious to know how long it takes for the hell to be over. I feel bad for him and anyone else on the drug. The one nurse practioner at my doctor's said she has stopped prescribing it because it is too hard to get patients off of it.
Posted by Dkscully on February 25, 2005, at 23:51:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Cheyenne on February 24, 2005, at 10:40:01
Hi there! I stopped Effexor (150 mg) ALMOST cold turkey (my doctor had me take it every other day for the last few days, but that was it.) Stopping cold turkey is a BAD idea, and when I switched to an actual psychiatrist, she couldn't believe my doctor took me off it that quickly. At any rate, the withdrawal lasted about two months for me. It got better over time, but I'd say it was a couple months before they were totally gone. Wellbutrin did NOT help in terms of withdrawal--it doesn't effect serotonin levels, so it's pretty useless in that regard. I'd say if he's made it a month, the worst is over. It'll still be difficult for a few more weeks, but the only thing I found that was helpful was taking care of myself--drinking lots of water, getting sleep (take tylenol PM or something if you have to), etc.
I wish you and your boyfriend the best of luck!
Posted by Si Kottic on February 25, 2005, at 23:51:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Cheyenne on February 24, 2005, at 10:40:01
> Shelley..get off the drug ASAP, how long have you been on it. The doctor knows my boyfriend went off cold turkey, gave him some Wellbutrin, but hasn't taken any of it. I also ordered an all natural anti-depressant called ANXIUS, which does help somewhat...I am really curious to know how long it takes for the hell to be over. I feel bad for him and anyone else on the drug. The one nurse practioner at my doctor's said she has stopped prescribing it because it is too hard to get patients off of it.
I've been on it for the last 4 or 5 years, maybe more??? I'm a single parent with a 16 yr. old - a lawyer that's an X-husband, a high power stressful job, 2dogs, 2 birds, cat and a very large house. That's why I think I went on Effexor to begin with. If I'm not motivated each morning that I get up everything falls apart. My son is involved in every activity that there is and is a high achiever so I'm in the car running here and there after work every day. Oh, also since he is an only child I have an exchange student. He spends more time with me because of my son's schedule. 2 more years and he'll be in college and then I'll be going through something else. After selling the house and paying off everything I could be homeless. All my friends have retired and are in Florida. I guess things could be worse but the effexor had helped until I started becoming apathetic.
Posted by leedoole on February 26, 2005, at 12:16:07
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Mary Dionne on February 21, 2005, at 19:09:44
I had been on Effexor for approx 6 years. I reduced the dosage, per doctor care, twice over the years. The latest dosage was 37.5. This week, I stopped taking it completely. I am pregnant, and do not want to spend the whole pregnancy going on & off different meds.
I am having extreme withdrawal symptoms, as well as nausea from the pregnancy. I cry several times throughout the day, and just feel lousy. I read many of the threads, and I'm very nervous about this withdrawal lasting so long.....
Posted by SLS on February 26, 2005, at 14:30:22
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by leedoole on February 26, 2005, at 12:16:07
> I had been on Effexor for approx 6 years. I reduced the dosage, per doctor care, twice over the years. The latest dosage was 37.5. This week, I stopped taking it completely. I am pregnant, and do not want to spend the whole pregnancy going on & off different meds.
>
> I am having extreme withdrawal symptoms, as well as nausea from the pregnancy. I cry several times throughout the day, and just feel lousy. I read many of the threads, and I'm very nervous about this withdrawal lasting so long.....Your baby is probably experiencing the same distress (withdrawal syndrome) as you are. I think you are better off discontinuing the drug in a way that prevents withdrawal.
I would either:
1. Reintroduce the Effexor and use a flexible dosing schedule to taper.
2. Take Prozac 20mg for 3-5 days and then discontinue the Effexor. You might not have to take Prozac beyond the fifth day.
When mothers take SSRI antidepressants or Effexor in the third trimester, the baby does undergo a withdrawal syndrome upon birth that is quite dangerous, and can last for weeks.
Symptoms include irritability, constant crying, shivering, colic, increased tonus, eating and sleeping difficulties, hypothermia, and convulsions, just to name a few.
- Scott
Posted by leedoole on March 2, 2005, at 8:10:43
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by SLS on February 26, 2005, at 14:30:22
I was wondering what is the correct way to "taper" off of effexor. If I go back on this drug, only to taper/wean myself off, I certainly don't want to experience the same withdrawal symptoms. What a nightmare this past week has been.
Posted by Penny G on March 2, 2005, at 16:47:29
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by SLS on February 26, 2005, at 14:30:22
I am currently trying to get off Effexor by skipping a day and will then go to 2 day, then 3 days, etc. but it appears after reading these postings that is a bad idea. I am in the process of seeking a new doctor as mine wants to double my dosage to help lose weight and I am against it. Do docs get a kickback from drug companies? Anyway, mine comes in a capsule, should I break it apart and take a smaller portion each day until I get off it? I have been taking it for about 5 years. I will use the Clariton D for side affects. Any help would be great!
Posted by oilfan on March 2, 2005, at 18:58:38
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Penny G on March 2, 2005, at 16:47:29
> I am currently trying to get off Effexor by skipping a day and will then go to 2 day, then 3 days, etc. but it appears after reading these postings that is a bad idea. I am in the process of seeking a new doctor as mine wants to double my dosage to help lose weight and I am against it. Do docs get a kickback from drug companies? Anyway, mine comes in a capsule, should I break it apart and take a smaller portion each day until I get off it? I have been taking it for about 5 years. I will use the Clariton D for side affects. Any help would be great!
I have found a way that works for me to taper off. Taking your reg. dose one day and then dropping by the smallest dose 37.5 mg for a day then back to reg. dose next day etc.. Do this for two weeks then go on the lower dose for two solid weeks. I then drop down another 37.5 mg and alternate for two weeks. So far I have dropped down 75mg. and am about to drop down another 37.5 mg and begin alternating for two weeks. The headache's are hell. But I found that I smoke a joint and it helps to lessen the migraine. And going on it to lose weight is b*llshit!! It causes weight gain.Just an idea. Hope it works for you.
Posted by NickH on March 3, 2005, at 11:04:26
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by oilfan on March 2, 2005, at 18:58:38
I just started weaning off of Effexor a couple of weeks ago. I was on 300mg. Went to 225, then 150, then 75. I didn't realize the possible side effects of quitting until dropping the 75's a couple of days ago. WOW! Nausea,vertigo,shocks, insomnia,and the rest of the usual suspects.
Doctor wanted me to switch to 20mg Prozac, but I decided to get off of all meds, so I didn't pick up the prescription for Prozac.
Yesterday was BAD! Felt horrible, and got worse. I picked up the Prozac after reading about the benefits on this site. Took one yesterday afternoon and this morning, and its getting better. Not perfect, but I'm not freaking out like yesterday.
God Bless you all for the information. I don't know what I would feel like today, if I hadn't gotten the info on this site. Hopefully, we will all get past this, and return to a "normal" life.
Whatever that means....
Posted by Penny G on March 3, 2005, at 12:22:55
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by oilfan on March 2, 2005, at 18:58:38
Oilfan thanks for the advice! Thanks to everyone for being so open about your experiences. I had no idea how bad the withdrawal was going to be or I would have never gone on this med. The drug companies always play the numbers game on the side affects, but where are the withdrawals listed? How can a company make millions off people trying to get better by not being honest about how bad the withdrawals are? Doesn't seem right!
Posted by oilfan on March 4, 2005, at 16:42:07
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Penny G on March 3, 2005, at 12:22:55
> Oilfan thanks for the advice! Thanks to everyone for being so open about your experiences. I had no idea how bad the withdrawal was going to be or I would have never gone on this med. The drug companies always play the numbers game on the side affects, but where are the withdrawals listed? How can a company make millions off people trying to get better by not being honest about how bad the withdrawals are? Doesn't seem right!
NO IT'S NOT RIGHT BUT THAT'S BIG PHARMACY FOR U.
Posted by Janise on March 20, 2005, at 14:20:40
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by oilfan on March 4, 2005, at 16:42:07
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I sitting here crying like a baby reading these notes and seeing myself in so many them. I was put on Effexor last summer, I have severe, chronic migraines and no therapies have worked. My family doc thought it would help me cope with one failed therapy after another. Now though, between my neuro's and family doc, I'm getting off of all drugs except for abortives for the migraines; we've started with acupuncture and natural food supplements, at least it's not poisoning my body.
I'm on 7 weeks and counting with the Effexor reduction, I alternate between being extremely hot with sweats and excessive cold with chills. I'm at 37.5 right now and I can go every other night without exacerbating the symptoms but I have added the emotional upheaval, I cry at anything and everything.These notes have given me such relief! I don't feel alone!
A huge Thank You about the brain zaps..knowing that it's this and not that I'm going nuts: priceless!
I'm going to work with my Acupuncturist about the withdrawal, I'll let you know about that
Posted by wintermoon on July 13, 2005, at 11:40:25
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Mary Dionne on February 21, 2005, at 19:09:44
Just curious...is there a class action suit against the makers of this drug???And if not,why?
Posted by angelbean on July 16, 2005, at 2:21:37
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by wintermoon on July 13, 2005, at 11:40:25
> Just curious...is there a class action suit against the makers of this drug???And if not,why?
As a matter of fact.....
http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/157.html
Posted by maxwella on July 17, 2005, at 18:02:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by wintermoon on July 13, 2005, at 11:40:25
I'm about a month into effexor withdrawal. Started at 150mg, now at approx 30mg. Am irritable, have no short term memory, dizzy, nauseous, sad, and at times frustrated and rageful. Am planning to stop completely in about a week. Am taking 20mg Prozac-have been for about 2 months. Any other advice? Am so glad I found this site, I have felt I'm going crazy and wondering how I can work when I feel like this. I teach emotionally disturbed children! Stressful! Words of wisdom/advice welcomed.
Posted by kcgordon on July 27, 2005, at 18:25:53
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » wintermoon, posted by angelbean on July 16, 2005, at 2:21:37
I'm just starting on my way 'down' from 375 mg, dropped to 300 last week and this week started on 225. I've been on 375mg of Effexor for a couple of years and got to a point a few months ago where it 'quit'--my depression was yoyoing up and down and I started getting side effects like mild Tardive Dyskinsia, some skin sensitivity etc.
So far, nothing very noticeable during withdrawal--just a little aching and headache. I've had one or two shooting pains in my head. I'm looking for advice about the later stages of withdrawal. Is it recommended to go down by 37.5mg instead? Do most people experience problems and if so, are these at the lower doses? Finally has anyone ever tried acupuncture to address and minimize side effects? Thanks.
Kath
Posted by canadiangirl3 on July 28, 2005, at 12:49:38
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by maxwella on July 17, 2005, at 18:02:39
My advice to you is don't rush it. I tapered withdrawal of Effexor with Prozac. I felt pretty good once I stopped the Effexor and just continued with Prozac. Once i stopped the Prozac all those symptoms hit me again. This went on for about three months even though I was not ingesting any anti depressant. I just had to ride it out. Finally, about early July sometime, i woke up one morning and forgot I ever had any w/d symptoms. Be patient and know that in time you will be back to your old self.
D.
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