![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 46 to 70 of 81. Go back in thread:
Posted by SLS on March 31, 2005, at 6:54:03
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by gardenia girl on March 30, 2005, at 20:08:01
Hi GG.
You are being stubborn. :-)
You are not afraid of tolerating pain. This is a display of your strong character.
I can understand a fear of getting "stuck" at some dosage such that you will never get off of this drug. However, you might be a bit too inflexible the way you are using Effexor right now. Inevitably, you will have to undergo some withdrawal effects when you finally discontinue it, but, hopefully, it won't last too long or be so intense.
You know what I'm about to say, so perhaps I don't need to. Oh well, I guess I can't help myself.
Take as little as you NEED to prevent the withdrawal syndrome from acting against you. Although it is important to allow the withdrawal symptoms to appear briefly, try not to allow them to persist for more than an hour before taking your next miniscule dose. Hopefully, it will be enough to last 6-8 hours. You are trying so hard to discontinue a drug quickly that cannot be because your individual neurochemistry won't allow it. Perhaps you can begin thinking of using Effexor as a PRN like aspirin. You take it only after you are convinced that the headache is not going to go away by itself.
Listen, your withdrawal state might pass right now without taking a single dose more of Effexor. I have no way of knowing. However, I never allowed myself to suffer as much as you are now, except when I tried to use a rigid tapering schedule.
Damn. I wish I could take your pain away from you. I guess that's what I'm trying to do, even if what I am suggesting is absolutely wrong for you.
I pray things pass quickly for you. I have a feeling you are going to continue along your current path. Not unexpected for you... :-) You are a fighter.
Be well.
- Scott
- Scott
> Update on Gardenia Girl
Posted by SLS on March 31, 2005, at 6:56:11
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by gardenia girl on March 30, 2005, at 20:08:01
Hi again.
Can you describe in detail in what ways you benefit from using Benadryl?
What symptoms does it ameliorate? To what degree?
Thanks for your input.
- Scott
Posted by gardenia girl on March 31, 2005, at 21:32:06
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal » gardenia girl, posted by SLS on March 31, 2005, at 6:54:03
Howdy Y'all,
Two good days in a row!<You are being stubborn. :-)
Ya Think? What gave it away? :)
<You are not afraid of tolerating pain…
I've had migraines since I was six. I learned to deal with pain long ago. I don't like it, but you either learn to manage it or have a very miserable life. I opted out of misery.
<Damn. I wish I could take your pain away …
I appreciate the thought. And I know that it will eventually go away. I have to hold onto that faith on the bad days. But ------------ I have had two reasonably good days in a row!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<I pray things pass quickly for you.
Many thanks. I expect I will have highs and lows for a while.
<I have a feeling you are going to continue along your current path. Not unexpected for you... :-) You are a fighter.
I did follow the same path as yesterday. 1/4 of capsule beads, 1 Benadryl, lots of water. NO OTHER MEDS. Very little queasies, no brain zapping, only a little dizziness. Water retention is returning, but a friend at work suggested something at health store. Pure Vinegar? Said it is a natural diuretic. Any knowledge of that?
>You are a fighter.
Actually, my mother always said I was " a little high-strung and strong willed". Whatever that means :) . Feels good to feel good! I know that two days in a row is not a big deal in the whole scheme of things, but right now I'LL TAKE IT.
Wishing everyone two good days! - Gardenia Girl
Posted by gardenia girl on March 31, 2005, at 21:43:54
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal » gardenia girl, posted by SLS on March 31, 2005, at 6:56:11
<Can you describe in detail in what ways you benefit from using Benadryl?What symptoms does it ameliorate? To what degree?Thanks for your input.- Scott
I can't really say just yet. I started the Benadryl the same time as I started back with the 1/4 capsule of Effexor. So, I don't really know for certain if 1/4 cap of Effexor is relieving symptoms all day or if Benadryl is. Or if it is the combination of both.
The days I took Valium instead of Benadryl, I also took diuretics and 1/4 of a 25mg Effexor tablet instead of time released capsule grains. Those two days I thought I was going to die, but I don't know which of the three messed me up.
When I get a little braver I will take the Effexor grains w/o Benadryl and see what happens. Then I guess, in its absence, we will know what it was doing. I'll let you know
Posted by tinytasha on April 6, 2005, at 2:42:18
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by gardenia girl on March 31, 2005, at 21:43:54
I have been on effexor for just a bit over 3 years now. Quite frankly, it saved my life at the time I began it, and also resulted in a reasonable explanation for a depression I had been under since I was a child.
Apparently, I have a brain chemical deficiency, including seratonin and melatonin. I don't precisely know what this means, however I do know that for the first time, I felt like I had always thought a "normal" person should feel within about a week of taking effexor.
Another (I believe) positive side effect of the Effexor was the seemingly effortless ability to quit smoking after nearly 25 years...I quit within 2 months of beginning the effexor and have now been entirely smoke free since March 25, 2002. After quitting smoking, however, I gained over 120 lbs in less than 4 months, and at first I attributed this to the quitting smoking even though my eating habits had not changed. I am only now beginning to lose this weight now, thanks to herbs I have been taking to target such things as adrenals, thyroid, liver, etc.
While I highly vouch for the effects of the Effexor in myself, about a year ago, I began to notice some things that could be termed "side effects". The "brain buzz" would begin literally within 30 minutes of forgetting to take a dose (I was on 75 mg for most of the 3 years). Hot flashes got so bad, I thought I might be going thru menopause, even though I'm rather young for it. I started to feel depressed because of my weight and my inability to lose it, particularly when because of it, I began to experience problems in all my leg joints, and developed what my doctor believed was severe plantar faciitis. This caused morning foot pain which resulted in my inablitity to support my own weight in the mornings. At first I would have to crawl to the bathroom for my morning toilet...which for some reason, always helped alleviate the pain...the use of the toilet, that is, not the crawling....after a couple months, I had done so much damage to my knees, I had to use my arms, wrists and shoulders to lever myself up and support myself with my dresser, then literally hang from the door jamb by my arms to get to the bathroom. This has now resulted in damage to my wrists, elbows and shoulders.
The only advice I was able to procure was "lose weight", yet I was eating everything healthy, and exercising as much as I could. No doctor believed me, even the doctors I had seen since I was a small child.
A few weeks ago, the depression got so bad, I thought about suicide for the first time in my life. And this occurred while taking the effexor.
Because of the reason for my needing effexor, I assumed this is why every other antidepressant I had ever been prescribed had never worked in the least. I felt that this was my only alternative, and while I still fought the over weight aspect, I was still quite happy with the drug. I suppose I should also mention that I was assured by several doctors that Effexor was completely and for sure, non addictive.
The problem arises in the simple cost of the prescription. To even maintain the current levels costs me about 1/4 of what I earn. Since I am the single mother of a teenager, I simply cannot afford this, so, about 2 weeks ago, realizing that I could no longer maintain my prescription, I had my last prescription issued in 37.5 mg dosages. I have been taking these, and suffering through the brain zaps and other symptoms, and ran out of meds about 4 days ago. I had not gone through my doctor since I had to relocate to another city due to work, and, wouldn't you know it, have not been able to find a doctor yet who is taking new patients. It has been very difficult finding any doctor, even in emergency situations and walk in centres willing to prescribe such a medication anyway.
Most of the side effects I am currently suffering I also suffered while taking the medication....diarrhea, alternating with constipation, dizziness, brain buzzing, tingling in my toes, numbness in my legs and arms, etc. The worst, by far, is the brain buzz and dizziness. I have no money whatsoever until next week, so taking any effexor is not possible at this time, and since the worst of my symptoms so far are more irritating than painful, I am willing to live through them for now.
I am, however, wondering if there is a natural alternative I can take which will help alleviate some of these symptoms. Due to the problems caused by the initial weight gain, I have several types of herbs in my cupboard, but I only take those specific to a need. St John's Wort has not particularly ever done anything for me, and again I think it is because my depression is not caused by mental/emotional reason, but chemical.
I truly wish I could have tapered more slowly than this, however it just isn't possible...not if my daughter and I are to have such luxuries as food also.
I would appreciate any feedback
TT
Posted by winddancer on April 8, 2005, at 0:20:28
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by tinytasha on April 6, 2005, at 2:42:18
Sounds like you really got hit with problems, over and over again. Sometimes it seems like once I get one problem, the next one adds on and then the next and then its hard to get a window of feeling good to start making significant changes and improvement. Some suggestions to try for some of your issues:
For the foot pain - get a golf ball, (or tennis ball) and before you put your full weight on your foot in the morning or after sitting a while, roll the ball around under your arch with gentle to firm pressure (Ball on the floor - sitting on the side of your bed) Get a shoe or insert with a good arch support and metatarsal support - and NEVER, EVER walk around barefoot even for a minute or two to get to the bathroom in the night or something. Keep the shoes with arch beside your bed. Even in the shower, try to have a washcloth or something folded under your arch. Do this for several months until your foot heals. (Everytime you step barefoot, the fascia legament that runs the length of the bottom of your foot, gets stretched and re-inflames the points of attachment. [I suffered with this for several years, and this was what finally worked - it took 2 weeks to see 1st results] - I got a pair of Miphisto shoes - Big $$ - but there are others and I also worked with a shoe repairman who would use inserts to build up the arch and metatarsal of my existing shoes and some slippers. Once you can walk you can work on getting the weight off, and be able to exercise which helps with the depression and anxiety. Good luck!!Another thing you mentioned that I think is really important is a very very good diet with supplements and no sugar. Meaning - heavy on very fresh fruits and veggies and less volume of meats and bread and do organic as much as you can afford - avoid white flour. I believe this is a key thing that is rarely seriously addressed - its just assumed that you are eating great. I'm learning about grocery outlets where you can get less expensive produce. [I learned the hard way and was not eating well and am now very anemic - if you're feeling slowed down - get your iron checked - you just never know?]
I still suffer with tingly hands and feet and even mouth. I have problems with restless legs especially in the evening or if I have to sit still for very long. I still have excrutiating body ache and I'm not sure what's causing this. I've now weaned down to 25 mg of Effexor a day and take it in two halves as I need it.
Good luck and Keep us posted.
Winddancer
Posted by SLS on April 8, 2005, at 2:01:56
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal » tinytasha, posted by winddancer on April 8, 2005, at 0:20:28
Hi WindDancer.
> I still suffer with tingly hands and feet and even mouth. I have problems with restless legs especially in the evening or if I have to sit still for very long. I still have excrutiating body ache and I'm not sure what's causing this. I've now weaned down to 25 mg of Effexor a day and take it in two halves as I need it.
> Good luck and Keep us posted.
> Winddancer
Do you think what you are experiencing is withdrawal symptoms? If so, maybe it's time to switch over to Prozac and wean off that. I had hoped you would have an easier time with things.:-(
- Scott
Posted by winddancer on April 8, 2005, at 2:52:04
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal » winddancer, posted by SLS on April 8, 2005, at 2:01:56
Hi Scott,
I don't know what these symptoms are from -although the tingling and restless legs seem to be worse when I'm further away from my last dose of 12.5mg - taking the other half seems to help a little bit but the tingling and restless legs seems to never go away entirely. I don't know if I posted that I recently learned that I am very anemic (low iron in blood) and my dr. thinks that if my muscles aren't getting enough oxygen (carried by the hemoglobin), it could cause them to ache and hurt. I also have been getting some diagnosis of my SI joint pain and an MRI and chiro manipulation confers that I have some scoliosis and spinal discs that are very squished between the vertebre and immobile [but not yet fused]and it could cause some nerve impingment, and thus numbness - a spine specialist will be evaluating the MRI next week. Also I'm getting an evaluation from a dr who does prolotherapy. Have you or anyone ever heard of that?? If not, I'll explain or post a website.
In many ways I feel I've been somewhat successful in weaning down to no more than 25mg/day of the Effexor. If I keep my mind busy and engaged in a mental or physical activity, I can go further between doses but as evening approaches the symtoms seem to crop up - not allowing me to eliminate the 2nd half of the 25mg tablet. I no longer get the headaches or the sweats or constipation and the Chinese herbs are addressing those issues.
Winddancer
Posted by Detroit on April 8, 2005, at 9:31:52
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by Detroit on March 27, 2005, at 23:56:56
Final update on my progress - I'm free!
As I posted before, Friday evening March 25th I started using granules from a 37.5mg capsule to alleviate the horrific withdrawal symptoms.
I only took granules when the symptoms appeared(mostly brain zaps and leg and feet sensations) - not on any set schedule.
I took less granules as time went on also - started with about 30 (not counted), and ended with 10 (counted) for the last 3-4 days.
One week ago, Friday morning April 1st, was my last use of any granules.
Occasional very small brain zaps, and occasional foot sensations are all I've experienced in the past week.
My message is that the flexible dosage schedule really worked for me, and I'd recommend this process to others. The process was quick and painless (as opposed to the pure torture of trying to quick cold-turkey from 37.5mg).
Other than a bad cold I caught along the way, I feel better than I have in a long, long time.
Also, a sidenote - I was sorely disappointed in my Psychiatrist's lack of knowledge on the withdrawal issues. He was completely unaware. When I talked with him, he saw no reason not to proceed with the tapering process I was using.
The lack of knowledge is serious, and applies to the psychiatric world - not just the general MDs.
Good luck to the rest of you. Keep helping each other, and keep educating your doctors!!
Detroit
Posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 14, 2005, at 9:03:47
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by Detroit on April 8, 2005, at 9:31:52
What a wonderful site to find! I began TRYING to come off of 150 mg Effexor XR 2 weeks ago tomorrow. I first tried to stretch my once daily dosage out--trying to go longer each time before taking the next dose. I supplemented this with lots of Dramamine trying to overcome the vertigo as I called it and could NEVER explain this feeling to anyone! (Thank God I do have one friend who knew exactly what I meant and exactly the side effects I was having!)Even my Dr did not think these side effects were normal! Ha! Now I know better! Thank you all! After coming to work last Friday and being violently ill and going home, I began searching for answers and found ya'll! I then changed my doseage. I first split my capsules into 1/3's and supplemented with Benadryl. Now I am down to 1/4's. I took a dose Wed at 6 a.m. I had to breakdown and take a dose this morning-Thursday--at 8 a.m. because the brain zaps were starting and I have to work! I will also take Benadryl throughout the day.
I want desperately to be rid of this drug! Do I keep on as I am going and taking 1/4 as I feel the zaps coming on? Will I eventually not have the zaps--which is the only reason I take it when I do?? Since being on Effexor XR (approx 4 yrs), I have also gained tremendous amounts of weight, experienced tingling in my hands and feet, sweat like crazy, have the wildest dreams and never sleep through the night! My hands are now swelling like crazy, there is mental confusion and I am so worried that I may be acting "weird" since I am not on my 'calming' meds!!! Please tell me this will all end!
~Dizzy in Dixie
Posted by canadiangirl3 on April 14, 2005, at 13:57:35
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 14, 2005, at 9:03:47
Hi D in D.
I couldn't get off the drug fast enough. I was only on it for about one year and a half. I started to experience all things you talked about. Weight gain (I hate myself), tingling, night sweats and crazy dreams. My simple withdrawal plan with my doctor was not going well and taking far too long. So I added a 20mg dose of Prozac each day and tapered off the Effexor in about three weeks. I am completely effexor-free now (it has been about one week). I don't have any of the nightime ailments or tingling. Just the wrteched 30 pounds that I have to shed! The only other side effect I get is a mild brain zap (?) when I make a sudden or big movement, (like putting on my coat or knapsack) I am hoping that will disappear in another week or so. Good luck with your tapering. Try the Prozac, if it is available to you. Or talk about it with your doctor.
Posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 14, 2005, at 14:28:27
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by canadiangirl3 on April 14, 2005, at 13:57:35
See, you make me feel like I am not going crazy with all the side-effects that I had no idea were being caused by this wicked drug! My Dr did offer to put me on something that started with an L but I refused. Honestly, I told him I cry anyway and am miserable and I am taking meds, why bother taking anything! I was on Prozac and it seemed not to be helping and this is when I weaned onto Effexor! And here I am TRYING to wean off. How do you live with the brain zaps??? The sleeping issues I have come to deal with because to not sleep all night, sweat, etc seems normal to me! The weight gain, well, this is a whole nother issue!!! I pray some of it comes off and the ME that I know is inside will come out! I think I have about 18 150 mg capsules left. I hope I can be off of it before I run out because I am not refilling it! I feel like an addict opening my capsules and splitting the little balls into 1/4ths!!!!
Should I keep on going as long as I can before taking a dose? Will my brain eventually not zap?
~Dizzy in Dixie
Posted by Detroit on April 16, 2005, at 6:56:40
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 14, 2005, at 14:28:27
Dizzy-
My suggestion is to use smaller and smaller doses when you break the capsules apart. Another poster here recommended getting the 25mg tablets because they are easier to split up accurately and you don't have to worry about the small, medium, large issue with the beads inside the capsules.
DON'T let the brain zaps get too strong before taking another dose. There are no points awarded for suffering longer - nor does it help from my own experience. Just keep reducing the dose, and take it right when the symptoms appear.
I had no strong brain zaps from the time I started to break my capsules apart until I stopped taking any effexor (1 week later).
My last reduction was from 37.5mg - coming down from 150mg to nothing may take a few weeks.
Since my last dose I have had some small to medium zaps - mostly they don't last long, but a couple of times a little Benadryl did help me.
Keep at it and good luck - but don't let yourself suffer for no benefit.
Detroit
Posted by Dizzy In Dixie on April 16, 2005, at 20:29:41
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by Detroit on April 16, 2005, at 6:56:40
Detroit,
Thank you for your post. It is now about 9:30 p.m. My last 1/4th dose was 25 hrs ago. Yes, the brain zaps have started but I was fighting it and trying to stretch out the time! I guess one day I will get the hang of this process! I take it I should now reduce the doseage further rather than draw out the time between doses? I guess I am being stubborn. I refuse to refill my rx! As I reduce the doseage, will the time between doses increase as my body learns to do without this god-awful stuff? The brain zaps just make me feel like a space cadet! I swear I am almost scared to be around people! I have horrors that I am acting as spaced out as I feel! Never again!
Posted by winddancer on April 16, 2005, at 21:47:27
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal » Detroit, posted by Dizzy In Dixie on April 16, 2005, at 20:29:41
Hi -
I've just managed to get completely get off the Effexor and taking smaller and smaller doses as was suggested worked pretty well - I did ask my pdr for the 25mg tabs and was able to break them in 1/2 and take it in the morning and then when I felt uncomfortable symptoms I would take the other half. A couple days I was late getting up or forgot to take it early and would take it later. Finally one day I left the house early and forgot to take the 1/2 tab and at noon remembered but was feeling ok so I just decided not to take anymore. Last night I felt a little anxious and scared but took benedryl and went to bed. My counselor was amazed when I told her that I had been taking the benedryl during the day and not falling asleep. It just goes to show how the Effexor keeps some people pretty wired and awake. I had not experienced brain-zaps that others mentioned but now that I'm off the drug altogether, I occasionally have these weird sensations in my ears - like a hummm and I think it must be the brain-zaps. I have been grateful for this board - my dr and counselors claim they have not heard of all the side-effects that others mention. Even though I know these chat lines probably don't attract thos people who LOVE Effexor - with as many as describe the symptoms, we couldn't all be making it up or being hypocondrics. Since I've been off for just a few days - I rejoiced that I'm starting to feel some emotions again - I was crying at a sad story and it felt good to cry. Then I was out with a friend and it felt good to laugh again from some deep place - not the tee-hee laugh. I've found some humor that I'm now able to giggle again. I still get these weird sensations (brain-zaps I guess, but the constipation is gone) I'm looking forward to when I have better sensation in my tongue and boths hands.I'll post more info about my particular experience later. I'M GOING DANCING and Celebrate!
winddancer
Posted by Detroit on April 17, 2005, at 11:55:01
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal » Dizzy In Dixie, posted by winddancer on April 16, 2005, at 21:47:27
Dizzie-
I think smaller doses is better than increasing the time between doses. It was suggested to decrease your dose so that the symptoms start in about 6-8 hours (who knows what the "right" answer is - just experiment and see what works best for you).
Again, I found no benefit to enduring the symptoms for any period of time - just take some small dose whenever the symptoms start, and keep decreasing the dosage. Benadryl did help with the brain zaps, but I didn't use it until after I was off the Effexor.
Good luck
Detroit
Posted by Detroit on April 17, 2005, at 12:06:16
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal » Dizzy In Dixie, posted by winddancer on April 16, 2005, at 21:47:27
Windancer-
I've had bad versions of both the brain zaps and the ear-buzzing. They are definitely separate symptoms.
You may be one of the really lucky ones if you never experience one!
I've tried to find a good description of a brain zap so I could explain to my wife. Nothing I've seen (or come up with on my own) do them justice. The closest I've seen is this: if you are watching TV and the electricity flickers, the picture on the screen starts to disappear then reappears. A brain zap is kind of like the whole world doing that (not just the TV). Kind of like there is a power flicker in your brain.
In my case the zaps came 10-12 at a time at the peak and were painful, not just disorienting. They happened whenever I moved my eyes from side to side. I didn't have to actually move my head as others have suggested, and they did happen even if my eyes were closed - although much less severe.
Anyone else have a good description?
Detroit
Posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 18, 2005, at 7:23:30
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by Detroit on April 17, 2005, at 12:06:16
For the last two or so years I have called the "Brain Zaps" as I now know them to be Vertigo! I finally realized they were a result of me missing a dose. Another way I tried to describe them was that when I moved my head and it stopped moving, my brain kept on sloshing around! (It is like trying to descibe the flashing lights of a migraine to someone!)
Posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 18, 2005, at 7:34:08
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by Detroit on April 16, 2005, at 6:56:40
OK. I will now start taking a small dose as soon as the brain zaps start. I am down to 1/8th with my last dose at 6:00pm last night. I sure do think someone needs to inform the medical community about this drug and how difficult it is to come off of. How come they do not tell you this when they put you on it?!!!
Again, thanks to everyone for their input here! This really is trial and error process!
p.s. I am not crying all the time like I was on the effexor! Strange huh?
Posted by canadiangirl3 on April 18, 2005, at 15:02:31
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 18, 2005, at 7:34:08
Hey all,
I've been off the Effexor for about 10 days now. I am still on 20mg of Prozac though. I have started to exercise again. Don't feel like to I need to eat everything all the time, etc. As for 'brain zaps', if that's what I'm still experiencing, I will try to describe it. I get a buzzing sensation all over my body, it seems, several times throughout the day when I'm moving around (taking the stairs, putting on coat etc). It definitely starts at my head. It is a much milder form than I experienced when I was on actual withdrawal....but still....I wonder how much longer this will last? I enjoyed reading all your descriptions. It is very hard to describe but I have a feeling we are all talking about the same thing. It's like trying to describe how it literally feels when you're drunk. Everyone has a different experience with it.
PS- I wouldn't recommend breaking up with your boyfriend throughout this- He's the reason I withdrew in the first place. He never knew me off Effexor. And the low libido was an issue. But I guess that is for another board:)
Posted by gardenia girl on April 18, 2005, at 20:45:30
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by Detroit on April 17, 2005, at 12:06:16
Regarding brain zaps:
For me it sounded like the light sabers in the Star War's movies. Kind of a mid-to-low range zzzzzzt, zzzzzzt. With the noise in my head, there was almost a time delay or short circiut in my consciousness. I felt as though I had a ton of electricity stored up in my body. About 15 years ago I tried to push a wire back onto a spark plug on a lawn mower when the mower was running (yep, pretty stupid) and got a hefty electric shock. I can still remember the icky feelings throughout my body, and these brain zaps have that same sensation, but to a lesser degree. Head movement, eye movement, something or someone moving in my peripheral vision, basically anything that stimulated my brain could cause them to happen. They were at their worst when I was using the day-skipping method (every 2nd day for a month, then every third day for a month, then 4th...)which I DO NOT RECOMMEND!! Like clockwork, on the evening of the third day the zaps started and got progressively worse until I was throwing up. About three hours after I took an Effexor it stopped.
I am now at about 8 grains plus 1/2 benadryl each morning. I have not needed the evening dose in quite some time. Some days are good, others not so good. I usually have about three good days then one day when I feel like I am walking around drunk. My husband and my co-workers have all learned to quickly recognize my "drunk" days and they all try to keep me from harm's way.
I have often wondered what this syndrome must look like to others, and how to describe it adequately. I thought I was surely about to have a stroke until I found this web site, then others. It is not like anything else I have ever experienced in my life. I hope to never experience anything like it again.
Wednesday I am dropping to 8 grains. I need to make a trip back home to Texas, but I cannot imagine being in a car for a 12 hour road trip until this nightmare is over. I'm getting a little impatient. On the one hand it is kind of nice to have that emotion back, on the other... I never was really good at waiting.
Posted by Dizzy in Dixie on April 19, 2005, at 7:27:47
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal » Detroit, posted by gardenia girl on April 18, 2005, at 20:45:30
It is truly amazing to read these posts and see that I am not alone! Please tell me why the Dr's tell you to do the every-other-day method of tapering when it so obviously is NOT the way to taper? I too had the major nausea at the end of my first week of tapering when I tried to push the length of time in between doses. I began this process on 4/2. Hit rock bottom 4/8 with the brain zaps and nausea as I was trying to follow Dr's orders. I then found this site and began cutting the doseage. I am now taking about a 16th as soon as I feel the tightening in my head which is followed shortly by the zaps. I have also cut out alot of the benedryl. I am not using Prozac or anything else to help with the taper. So far, so good...
Posted by dr_laura on April 27, 2005, at 22:44:06
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by tinytasha on April 6, 2005, at 2:42:18
I just finished coming off Effexor XR myself after 5 years of being on it to combat depression. I am experiencing the exact same symptoms you are. I was on 150 mg and had to taper down. The brain buzz, diarrhea, nausea and dizziness are lessening with time (4 wks), but I still experience these symptoms in smaller doses. It has been one week since I have been totally off the meds. I am taking the supplement 5-HTP which is a pre-cursor to serotonin. I take 50 mg 2x/day. I notice less intensity of symptoms after I take it. I've only been taking it for the past week that I have had no Effexor in my system. It appears to be helping, but that may be part pyschosomatic. Hope this info helps you. I get my 5-HTP off Puritan's Pride website; they frequently have buy 1 get 2 free and they ship quite quickly. I believe 1 bottle of 60 tabs cost me $15. I do not work for this company, I have just found them to be the most economical and order all my supplements from them. Good luck!
Posted by FREDDY on May 18, 2005, at 19:33:59
In reply to Re: About the Effexor XR Withdrawal, posted by dr_laura on April 27, 2005, at 22:44:06
I was on Effexor XR for about 6 months, and had leveled off at 150mg. When I decided to withdraw, my shrink suggested reducing the dosage by 37.5 for a week at a time until I weaned down to zero. So, it took me 4 weeks to get off the drug. It went pretty well until I took the last 37.5 mg dose. Starting the next day I began to have what others are calling brain zaps. That is, whenever I move my eyes to look in a different direction, I hear clinking sounds which feel like a zap in my head. I usually get 3-5 clinks before it stops, but it starts again immediately when I move my eyes to look in another direction. Its almost like short fast electric zaps. It also has some quick dizziness related to it. I have been off the drug now for 15 days, but I am still getting the eye movement clinking reaction described. My question is, how long does it take before it stops? I find it annoying, but can tolerate it as long as I know it will eventually stop. One would think that after 15 days the drug should be completely out of your system. So why is it still happening to me? Anyone know if this is a normal reaction for such a long time? Thanks
Posted by Dizzy in Dixie on May 19, 2005, at 7:50:48
In reply to Effexor XR Withdrawal- BRAIN ZAPS, posted by FREDDY on May 18, 2005, at 19:33:59
>...My question is, how long does it take before it stops? I find it annoying, but can tolerate it as long as I know it will eventually stop. One would think that after 15 days the drug should be completely out of your system. So why is it still happening to me? Anyone know if this is a normal reaction for such a long time? Thanks
Hey Ya'll, I am with Freddy on this! I have been "weaning" from 150mg per day to just a few grains (balls-maybe 15 or so) a day since the beginning of April. I still get brain-zaps so bad at around 24hrs that I have been unable to break from this drug! What to do and how long will it last? I just dont think I can deal with the brain zaps. I hate losing days to feeling bad and we all know this is one bad feeling!
~Dizzy in Dixie
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