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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by 4WD on May 27, 2005, at 8:00:47
In reply to Going off Effexor- best way, posted by jubilee on May 22, 2005, at 13:46:25
> I found effexor to be highly addictive mentally and physically.
>
> It took me 5 months to go off
> I suggest going off when you have the most effexor possible and go real slow as I cut my 300 mgs in half and then went down 20 mgs every week or 2 . The point is to start quiting with as much as possible so you can go slow and not get so sick. Effexor destroys thee liver and is very poisonous I feel.
>
> Beg your doc to go off slow but most MDs think they know it all and slow is best .
> I was enraged for 5 months or 6 and crying and mad. Wouldn't know a true feeling if I had one almost lost all my friends.
> Good Luck seek God to get you through as he was my answer to the gentalist wway you can get off it. Gods is moved by prayer and youre gonna need it . Trust me , he cares for you and will see you through. JubileeI'm off Effexor for two and half months now and am still experiencing rebound anxiety so intense it's actually often terror. I'm not sure whether to attribute it to the Effexor. I do know that every time I switched from Effexor to a different drug, the panic started and I'd run back. It's getting better. I haven't had to contemplate going to the hospital in almost a week now. I'm still scared especially in the mornings and on through late afternoon. But it can't last forever.
Marsha
Posted by aramas on May 27, 2005, at 8:00:47
In reply to Re: JUST STARTED TAKING EFFEXOR XR » TANYA, posted by haddsl on May 26, 2005, at 12:02:30
THis morning I forgot to take my daily dose of 150 mg of Effexor XR, and, as when I have ever forgotten it in the past, I was so dizzy and wierd by 3 pm I almost couldn't walk home. When I took regular Effexor it made me nauseous. THis stuff helps, but it makes me stupid and the withdrawal, which starts within hours of forgetting, is awful.
Posted by SLS on May 27, 2005, at 9:01:47
In reply to Low dose Prozac VERY HELPFUL, posted by Mr.Scott on May 23, 2005, at 19:29:02
> I know I'm not alone in reiterating that adding a low dose of prozac while tapering Effexor can be very helpful.
Hi Scott.I hope all is well with you (all things considered).
How did you go about using the Prozac? What dosages? How many days?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on May 27, 2005, at 9:03:41
In reply to Going off Effexor- best way, posted by jubilee on May 22, 2005, at 13:46:25
Hi.
> Effexor destroys thee liver and is very poisonous I feel.
What makes you feel this way?
- Scott
Posted by Jom on May 29, 2005, at 9:56:16
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by RickC on May 23, 2005, at 14:47:06
> I got on effexor because I could see a layoff coming at work and my wife was diagnosed with breat cancer and I was having a lot of difficulty dealing with everthing. I was not able to concentrate at work and was very depressed and irratable and angry. Not good for a large ex-football player like myself.
>
> I was on effexor for around 41/2 months.
>
> I have been off effexor for 4 days now. Followed my doctors instructions to decrease dossage to get off of it. Went from 225mg down to 37.5 over 4 weeks. My withdrawal symptoms are just like yours. Very bad dizziness with head movement and feeling that my eyes need to catch up to my head. The hot flashes are worse now also. Not great when I was at the full dosage either, but worse now. The feeling like I am high on something is the only way to express it. Been dizzy since I started dropping down on the dosage, but this is bad. I space out driving to work and feel like I am disconnected. But I must work, so drive as carefully as I can. I will not go back on anything again. Will try to deal with things as best as I can with counselling.
>
> > Nice to see everyone on these message boards....
> > helps to know one is not alone.
> >
> > I have been on effexor xr for about 1 year - 150mg)
> > and it has really helped me with my depression!!!
> >
> > BUT I have found - from missing doses - that the
> > withdrawal effects are real. For me, they have
> > included strange effects in my brain. A feeling
> > of electricity or shocks, also vertigo when I move
> > my head from side to side or up and down. Then it
> > feels like my head has moved too fast and my eyes
> > take a few seconds to catch up. This prohibits
> > driving, makes me dizzy and feels very bizarre.
> >
> > Muscular tension and knots in my leg and hip -
> > where I previously had bursitis - GREATLY
> > increased when I decreased my dosage from 325 mg
> > back to 150mg od.
> >
> > The side effects, that I can live with, are
> > weird dreams plus a LOT of twitching and
> > involuntary movements of arms and legs when in bed.
> > These wake me up lots of times, but that is much
> > preferrable to the weight of depression.
> >
> > This drug is wonderful for some,
> > and disasterous for others.
> > Worth a try if you really want to be rid of
> > that dreaded pit of despair!!!
> >
> > Maggie
>
>I am glad to have found this board...I was beginning to think I was crazy....stopped taking 150 mg Thursday - thought using Buspar would help the withdrawal...but after 4 days of vertigo I am beginning to think I made a mistake...Dr apt on 7th and I know I will get a scolding. Prescribed for hot flashes and insomnia - but the 12 lb weight gain is more dangerous, I think, than any relief - which by the was was minimal. Started at 75 than to 150 mg...and hate it.
Does this muzziheadedness go way any time soon?
I REALLY do not want to take any more of this drug....it has caused joint pain, sleepiness, but no sleep, weight gain. I was taking 10 mg Buspar for work related stress/anxiety and Dr. thought Effexor a better fit for the stress and menopausal symptoms.So...how long does it take to REALLY get off this drug....and be symptom free ?? I am almost afraid to drive.
Posted by Emmi on May 29, 2005, at 14:53:23
In reply to Re: Why worst fears realized, posted by Blucky on February 13, 2005, at 19:20:50
Well I was at 150mg. Found pharmacy.ca who makes it in any dosage. Started diminishing 10mg per month. Got down to 65mg 2 weeks ago. Opened up the capsule and counted 150 granules in the 65mg capsule. I took 1/3..or 50 granules in a tablespoon of yogurt (or apple sauce or whatever).
Talked to the pharmacists- 50 granules is about 22 mg...did that for 5 days (per parmacist). I'm now down to 40 granules and all is well.
I can't beleive I'm THIS close to being off it!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Posted by Jom on May 29, 2005, at 16:32:03
In reply to withdrawl..its all going well...FINALLY!, posted by Emmi on May 29, 2005, at 14:53:23
> Well I was at 150mg. Found pharmacy.ca who makes it in any dosage. Started diminishing 10mg per month. Got down to 65mg 2 weeks ago. Opened up the capsule and counted 150 granules in the 65mg capsule. I took 1/3..or 50 granules in a tablespoon of yogurt (or apple sauce or whatever).
> Talked to the pharmacists- 50 granules is about 22 mg...did that for 5 days (per parmacist). I'm now down to 40 granules and all is well.
> I can't beleive I'm THIS close to being off it!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGood to know there is hope....I remember my Dr saying dont read that insert now...it will just scare the hell out of you....
Thanks for the reply....I was really beginning to think something was seriously wrong.
Posted by Mr.Scott on May 29, 2005, at 21:53:31
In reply to Re: Low dose Prozac VERY HELPFUL » Mr.Scott, posted by SLS on May 27, 2005, at 9:01:47
Don't know how I missed this...
I took 10mg capsules. 1 every other day for a week then just stopped to get off paxil.
Used liquid prozac to to get off effexor, and I recall using basically whatever I needed for a couple weeks to stave off the zaps. I had gotten down to 37.5mg Effexor and just couldn't get any lower. I never used more than 5mg in a day though. Sort of trial and error with an eye towards zero.
Scott
Posted by Jom on May 29, 2005, at 22:41:22
In reply to Re: Low dose Prozac VERY HELPFUL » SLS, posted by Mr.Scott on May 29, 2005, at 21:53:31
Thanks....silly thing to do to go cold turkey. Took 75 mg this pm and feeling much better...will just taper off....I think this must be what a drug addict must feel like....if so...not for me....
This is a great board and am glad to have found it....
Posted by SLS on May 30, 2005, at 8:11:53
In reply to Re: Low dose Prozac VERY HELPFUL » SLS, posted by Mr.Scott on May 29, 2005, at 21:53:31
Posted by flmj79 on June 1, 2005, at 21:28:01
In reply to Re: Effexor for Hypocondria?, posted by McGuyver on April 3, 2001, at 12:37:19
I have been off Effexor now for two weeks, I feel like I am never going to be me again, how I was before I ever started this med. When do the withdrawls and feelings of body aches go away, and the Dizziness wierd sensations in my head too. If someone has quit and feels great how long did it take????
Posted by SLS on June 2, 2005, at 8:48:12
In reply to When do you feel yourself again?, posted by flmj79 on May 30, 2005, at 12:48:35
> I have been off Effexor now for two weeks, I feel like I am never going to be me again, how I was before I ever started this med. When do the withdrawls and feelings of body aches go away, and the Dizziness wierd sensations in my head too. If someone has quit and feels great how long did it take????
That might depend upon how quickly you removed the drug from your system. How did you go about tapering the dosage?
- Scott
Posted by Mr.Scott on June 3, 2005, at 18:51:01
In reply to When do you feel yourself again?, posted by flmj79 on May 30, 2005, at 12:48:35
My experience is that a minimum of 14 days up to 6 weeks when ridding yourself of any drug you've been taking a while is necessary to 'begin' evaluating whats what...Scott
Posted by latina10 on June 10, 2005, at 17:57:38
In reply to Please don't take Effexor- it kills, posted by jubilee on June 9, 2005, at 11:33:49
> I was on Effexor for 4 years and I am half blind because of it . I had every side affect except the high blood presure. It chacnged my personality to hyper manic for 4 years and is physically addicting . It took me 5 months to get off it or I could have gone faster aand been sick as a dog. I feard for my life as one time off I had stroke symptoms. I know a gal that is dying from irriversable liver damage from it as it overworks the liver.
> Just refuse the drug . I found a site called effexor petition that told me all the problems they weree having with the drug and Weth is getting sued big time.
> It can kill you and its quickly addicting.
>
> Hope you can take my word for this.Jubileewas wondering jubilee , did u ween urself of the effexor. after reading lots of info on this site and begining to think maybe i should, i was takeing 150mg (when i would remeber, but mostly everyday) and i just decided it wasnt doin me any good any longer and just quit cold turkey, 3 days gone by now and im terrible, i feel like i just might have a heartattack, but god willing i wont i have two girls that need me, god bless everyone!
Posted by corafree on June 10, 2005, at 17:57:39
In reply to Re: Please don't take Effexor- it kills, posted by latina10 on June 9, 2005, at 14:46:38
latina10 - There are a lot of suggestions on the Alternative posts and Withdrawal posts about things to help you get through the 'getting off of Eff-XR'. It got to the point where it was no longer working for me also. I had a bit of a 'breakdown' and was having non-stop panic attacks; so managed to get my insurance to pay for hospitalization. While there, I was started on a long-acting benzo (Valium) and mood stabilizers (never considered these as had never been diagnosed bipolar, but they worked) Trileptal and Seroquel. You sound like you need help so reach out to your doctor and close people, and keep posting; try Withdrawal and Alternatives too. Best wishes, cf
Posted by vilneram on June 19, 2005, at 20:08:01
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Jom on May 29, 2005, at 9:56:16
When I was on effexor, I felt normal for the first time in years. I had forgotten what it felt like to not feel depressed. It was well worth the side effects of dry mouth and constipation. Unfortunately I had a very rare side-effect of a myopathy, and had to get off it. Effexor is like all of the SSRI medications, you have to go off SLOWLY, by doing that I had very little in the way of side effects: 225 mg for a week, then 185,5 mg, then 150mg, etc.
> > I got on effexor because I could see a layoff coming at work and my wife was diagnosed with breat cancer and I was having a lot of difficulty dealing with everthing. I was not able to concentrate at work and was very depressed and irratable and angry. Not good for a large ex-football player like myself.
> >
> > I was on effexor for around 41/2 months.
> >
> > I have been off effexor for 4 days now. Followed my doctors instructions to decrease dossage to get off of it. Went from 225mg down to 37.5 over 4 weeks. My withdrawal symptoms are just like yours. Very bad dizziness with head movement and feeling that my eyes need to catch up to my head. The hot flashes are worse now also. Not great when I was at the full dosage either, but worse now. The feeling like I am high on something is the only way to express it. Been dizzy since I started dropping down on the dosage, but this is bad. I space out driving to work and feel like I am disconnected. But I must work, so drive as carefully as I can. I will not go back on anything again. Will try to deal with things as best as I an with counselling.
> >
> > > Nice to see everyone on these message boards....
> > > helps to know one is not alone.
> > >
> > > I have been on effexor xr for about 1 year - 150mg)
> > > and it has really helped me with my depression!!!
> > >
> > > BUT I have found - from missing doses - that the
> > > withdrawal effects are real. For me, they have
> > > included strange effects in my brain. A feeling
> > > of electricity or shocks, also vertigo when I move
> > > my head from side to side or up and down. Then it
> > > feels like my head has moved too fast and my eyes
> > > take a few seconds to catch up. This prohibits
> > > driving, makes me dizzy and feels very bizarre.
> > >
> > > Muscular tension and knots in my leg and hip -
> > > where I previously had bursitis - GREATLY
> > > increased when I decreased my dosage from 325 mg
> > > back to 150mg od.
> > >
> > > The side effects, that I can live with, are
> > > weird dreams plus a LOT of twitching and
> > > involuntary movements of arms and legs when in bed.
> > > These wake me up lots of times, but that is much
> > > preferrable to the weight of depression.
> > >
> > > This drug is wonderful for some,
> > > and disasterous for others.
> > > Worth a try if you really want to be rid of
> > > that dreaded pit of despair!!!
> > >
> > > Maggie
> >
> >
>
> I am glad to have found this board...I was beginning to think I was crazy....stopped taking 150 mg Thursday - thought using Buspar would help the withdrawal...but after 4 days of vertigo I am beginning to think I made a mistake...Dr apt on 7th and I know I will get a scolding. Prescribed for hot flashes and insomnia - but the 12 lb weight gain is more dangerous, I think, than any relief - which by the was was minimal. Started at 75 than to 150 mg...and hate it.
> Does this muzziheadedness go way any time soon?
> I REALLY do not want to take any more of this drug....it has caused joint pain, sleepiness, but no sleep, weight gain. I was taking 10 mg Buspar for work related stress/anxiety and Dr. thought Effexor a better fit for the stress and menopausal symptoms.
>
> So...how long does it take to REALLY get off this drug....and be symptom free ?? I am almost afraid to drive.
>
Posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 19:08:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » DeeCee, posted by Carolina on July 30, 2005, at 14:07:42
I am trying to find out if anyone knowes if severe muscle and joint pain is a withdraw sympton of effexor today is my tenth day off it seems to keep getting worse
Posted by Carolina on July 31, 2005, at 19:08:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 10:17:11
hey there-i personally have never heard of that being a w/d symptom but every1 is different. i quit effexor cold trky 2 weeks ago and was one of the few 2 have no w/d side effects...i feel 100% better now since i've been off! i hope that u begin 2 feel better soon...best wishes-carolina
PS-have u mentioned this 2 ur doc??
Posted by ReadersLeaders on August 1, 2005, at 1:28:53
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by compguy on July 31, 2005, at 10:17:11
> I am trying to find out if anyone knowes if severe muscle and joint pain is a withdraw sympton of effexor today is my tenth day off it seems to keep getting worse
Yes, it absolutely is.
RL
Posted by Raggs on August 3, 2005, at 2:21:29
In reply to Redirect: withdraw sympton, posted by Dr. Bob on July 31, 2005, at 19:10:27
Hi there,
I had severe withdrawl symptoms when I tapered off of effexor xr several years ago and body aches and joint pain were among them....We then upped the dose slightly and started tapering off in tiny amounts (by 37.5mg at a time), it took about three months to stop it altogether without the symptoms being to debilitating.
I went back on Effexor xr about a year and a half ago to treat the return of my anxiety disorder. On another note I recently suffered a full tonic seizure and the hospital seemed to think that it was caused by missing 3 doses of my effexor xr. I have no known seizure disorder and since that seizure I've not had another - mind you I'm am extremely careful about not missing my meds!
Posted by compguy on August 3, 2005, at 2:21:29
In reply to Re: Redirect: withdraw sympton, posted by Raggs on August 1, 2005, at 11:16:05
Thank You for your input!
Posted by compguy on August 13, 2005, at 10:23:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by ReadersLeaders on August 1, 2005, at 1:28:53
> > I am trying to find out if anyone knowes if severe muscle and joint pain is a withdraw sympton of effexor today is my tenth day off it seems to keep getting worse
>
> Yes, it absolutely is.
> RL
>
>
do you happen to know how long it takes to go away I have been off almost three weeks and my muscles hurt non stop
Posted by graceneeded on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:39
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by emma67 on June 4, 2005, at 1:28:52
I have been on Effexor xr for 4 years and worked up to 225mg. I thought it was great stuff at 150 but had to go up to 225 and the side effects were too much. Started to come down to 150 on Friday 8-19-05 and started Wellburton the same day. The headaches have been unreal along with the sweats and irrational thoughts. I took Dramamine today to see if it helps. I am due to be off Effexor in two weeks. I sure hope the Wellburton helps. Depressed with a headache in Georgia.
Posted by kim79 on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:39
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by graceneeded on August 21, 2005, at 9:10:40
That is a HUGE step down by 150mg. I would ask your Dr if he has any sample and drop by 37.5 mg each time and then every other day
ex:
225 start
week 1: 225/187.5 every other day
week 2: 187.5 (150 and a 35.7 pill) daily
week 3: 187.5/150 every other day
week 4: 150 daily
week 5: 150/112 every other day
week 6: 112 (75 pill and 37.5 pill) daily
week 7: 112/75 every other day
week 8: 75 daily
week 9: 75/37.5 every other
week 10: 37.5 daily
week 11: 37.5 every other day
week 12: 37.5 every 3rd day
week 13 and on I hear getting off that last bit of meds is hard too so you will have to see take it as you need it. However being on 37.5 is way better than 300...anyway my mom an RN says if I ever try to go off again to do it this way to help my body adjust and not suffer such bad with drawls.
Kimberly
> I have been on Effexor xr for 4 years and worked up to 225mg. I thought it was great stuff at 150 but had to go up to 225 and the side effects were too much. Started to come down to 150 on Friday 8-19-05 and started Wellburton the same day. The headaches have been unreal along with the sweats and irrational thoughts. I took Dramamine today to see if it helps. I am due to be off Effexor in two weeks. I sure hope the Wellburton helps. Depressed with a headache in Georgia.
Posted by KMM on August 22, 2005, at 22:01:40
In reply to Re: Weaning from Effexor - Nightmares, posted by graceneeded on August 21, 2005, at 9:10:40
I too am reducing off 225 mgs of Effexor. My psychiatrist recommended taking 187.5 for two weeks then 150 for two weeks. At this point I am to add 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL and see how I feel. If it is too much, I will reduce the Effexor down to 75. We just moved to the UK for my husband's job and they do not sell the 37.5 in XR here. It takes forever for my medicine to arrive from the US so in the meantime I have been opening the 75 mg capsule, splitting the contents and taking 1/2 each day with 2 75 mg tablets (total of 187.5). I feel fine. I also experienced too many side effects at 225 mgs of Effexor.
Just an FYI, my doctor did not recommend adding the Wellbutrin right away at all. She said that it would make me feel quite jittery and unwell. I give you a lot of credit for realizing that your thoughts are irrational - we can't all do that.
Good Luck!
Kris
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