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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SLS on July 25, 2005, at 10:32:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two, posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 25, 2005, at 9:02:04
Hi.
I wish you continued progress in your separation from Effexor.
I think what you did to discontinue Effexor abruptly and without an adequate taper took resolve and fortitude. It is not easy. However, I would not recommend it for people who have the time to invest in a taper.
I have grown increasingly suspicious that the abrupt discontinuation of Effexor (and other SRIs), and the allowance for a full withdrawal syndrome to develop and continue for more than a week, sets up the system to remain in a perpetual state of withdrawal that can last for weeks and months after taking the last dose of medication. Such a process might be mediated through a process known as the "kindling" effect, a model used to explain epilepsy.
I prefer to use a type of taper that remains flexible and does not allow for withdrawal symptoms to persist for more than an hour when they appear. It involves taking small doses of medication throughout the day, often necessitating the splitting pills into smaller and smaller pieces and using them as needed to stop the withdrawal symptoms whenever they reappear. One uses the medication almost like a PRN, similar to using aspirin whenever a headache appears. Much has been written about this in greater detail on the Withdrawal Board over the last few months.
For the people who have used this flexible-dosing method, withdrawal symptoms remain mild and brief after they take their last dose of medication. I don't think anyone using this type of taper has gone on to experience these mild withdrawal symptoms for more than a few days to a week after total discontinuation. Overall, their separation from Effexor was virtually painless and took as little as 2-3 weeks beginning at dosages as high as 300mg.
- Scott
Posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 25, 2005, at 11:01:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two » GoldenSlumbers, posted by SLS on July 25, 2005, at 10:32:29
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the response. I was taking Effexor for about 4 months. The highest dose was 75mg. I did taper down a little. Taking half a capsule for a few days and then tiny amounts for the next few days if the side effects got to bad. In all I tapered for about 10 days or so.
Now that a week has passed without the pills it seems the withdrawl is starting to show up. I don't want to take anymore so I'm trying to take each day as it comes.
Without the pills I have some dizzyness, mild nausea and mild stomach ache. With the pills I don't sleep very well, I lose weight to the point of others showing concern, I feel spacey and unable to concentrate, sweat, dry mouth and still battle anxiety wondering with each dose what I'm doing to my body.
So far I think it was the right decision. I did not know so many people battled anxiety and depression. All of you are an inspiration to work hard and live well.
Thanks
GS
Posted by CAROLINA on July 25, 2005, at 16:07:06
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two » GoldenSlumbers, posted by SLS on July 25, 2005, at 10:32:29
hey scott-im the 1 that quit effexor 150 a day cold approx. 10 days ago and im still ok???? could this be as i put on the other post-the calm b4 the storm? i have only had mild w/d symp. and feel better than when i was on it??? just wanted ur input-carolina
Posted by SLS on July 25, 2005, at 21:32:54
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two....SLS, posted by CAROLINA on July 25, 2005, at 16:07:06
Hi.
> hey scott-im the 1 that quit effexor 150 a day cold approx. 10 days ago and im still ok???? could this be as i put on the other post-the calm b4 the storm?
I doubt it. I think you're home-free. :-)
> i have only had mild w/d symp. and feel better than when i was on it???
Some people experience a temporary improvement when they discontinue a medication. This is called a rebound improvement. It is difficult to say how long it may last. Maybe a week or two. Alternatively, it may be that Effexor was actually making you feel mildly to moderately worse without your realizing it.
Whatever it is that has you feeling better, I hope it continues.
- Scott
Posted by Carolina on July 25, 2005, at 22:43:41
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two....SLS, posted by SLS on July 25, 2005, at 21:32:54
Posted by MtnMama on July 26, 2005, at 18:44:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatugue and Nausea, posted by apenname on July 14, 2005, at 18:58:05
I quit 150mg Effexor XR 5 days ago. Had been taking it since 11/5/02 originally at 300mg daily, then cut myself to 1/2 a dose about 18 months ago. So far, other than a couple panic attacks and spontaneous crying episodes, I feel great. I feel slightly stoned?? but not taking anything else. Is that the dizzy sensation? My eyes are a bit blurrier but I'm sleeping through the night for once. I've been watching what I eat--lots of salads, veggies, good stuff! and trying to keep the stressors out of my way, being proactive about situations before they come up. With 4 kids and a husband working out of town, it's been tough but very manageable. Now I wonder if maybe Effexor was hindering me before? I keep waiting, like everyone else, for the other shoe to drop. I plan on using my treadmill tonight for something other than a clothes hanger, and eating a meal of fish and veggies to feed my brain.
Oh yeah--it's screwing with my monthly cycle as well. Anyone else have this happen?
Posted by Carolina on July 26, 2005, at 19:04:46
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatigue and Nausea, posted by MtnMama on July 26, 2005, at 18:44:09
hey there-i quit effexor cold approx. 10 or 11 days ago and felt the same way u are for the first 4 or 5 days. the "stoned" feeling was the same for me, had the crying outbursts, and after 6 days had a few sleepless evenings w/ nightmares but overall i also feel 110% better. i now have no w/d symptoms and i was slightly worried that this was the calm b4 the storm but even if it is-im enjoying it & feeling better than i have in years! keep me informed and take care-carolina
Posted by Carolina on July 26, 2005, at 19:19:12
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatigue and Nausea, posted by MtnMama on July 26, 2005, at 18:44:09
Posted by apenname on July 28, 2005, at 0:46:05
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatigue and Nausea, posted by MtnMama on July 26, 2005, at 18:44:09
I had the slighty stoned turn into dizzy in my case. A couple times I'd forgotten to take Effexor the years I was on it, I'd get the slightly stoned feeling.
Maybe you won't have the other shoe drop. Some people probably don't get terrible withdrawal.As for the monthly cycle, no, I hadn't noticed any change other than being on Effexor reduced my cramps. During tapering down, I had some more cramps, I'll know for certain after some months. I do know that stress definitely screws with my cycle from life before and during Effexor.
Posted by MtnMama on August 3, 2005, at 1:13:38
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Day one Fatigue and Nausea » MtnMama, posted by apenname on July 28, 2005, at 0:46:05
So I've had almost zero side effects. No headaches. No brain zaps. No skin sensitivity. I can sleep better at night than I have in 3 years and I'm staying up much later instead of crashing at 8pm. I can think so much more clearly and can multi-task once again at work (to a fault). I answer phones all day and have not once yelled at anyone!
The 2nd day of withdrawal was the one and only "episode" I had. Severe anxiety attacks, crying jags, anger. But that's all gone. In fact, we had some friends over last weekend and they said I need an "anti-happiness" pill now! Imagine that. I am able to handle my children fairly and somewhat calmly, which was my biggest fear. I didn't want to end up going "psycho-mom" on them. BUT--check this out-- my cobwebs are are cleared out and instead of continuing to accept our teenage daughter's rebellious behavior, like I did on Effexor because it was just easier, we actually made some major life changes regarding her and I AM OKAY. I HANDLED IT AWESOME! I did cry, but that was good, because like most of you know, you can't cry on Effexor. You can't feel anything. Well, I can feel everything now. I laugh hysterically again at stupid stuff, my husband says I talk a lot more now (probably too much!) and surprise, surprise, cravings are gone. Alcohol, junk food, soda, all of it. I mean, now I have a drink because it tastes good, not because I need to. And for whatever reason, I do have a real craving for veggies, fruit, whole grains and I have an aversion to meat. I've NEVER been vegeterian. What's up with that? Is it just my body wanting to get healthy again? I don't care. I've lost 7 pounds in the last 12 days.
One last note my hubby wants to point out is SEX. Wow, I want it again! And I have a voracious appetite for it! We're making up for lost time! I'm starting to cry just writing all of this because for so long, I was just in this horrible fog and felt nothing!!! And now, I tell everyone that I feel 110% better. And I feel 10 years younger. Sexier. Prettier. Happier. And peaceful. Really truly peaceful. And it is just so great, I though I would end up on meds for the rest of my life and end up killing myself. I've been down for so long. Life is beautiful. I so regret ever taking this horrible drug and missing out on so much happiness.
I hope you guys can find this happy place of mine. I was so afraid forever to take myself off this stuff, afraid I'd lose my mind and not be able to be "me" again. But, I'M BACK AND LIVING LARGE!!
Posted by Carolina on August 3, 2005, at 7:42:59
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - 12 Days Later!, posted by MtnMama on August 3, 2005, at 1:13:38
MY EXPERIENCE W/ EFFEXOR AND W/O EFFEXOR IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS U DESCRIBED. I FELT SO HORRIBLE ON IT, I DECIDED TO QUIT,? 3 WEEKS ? AGO NOW AND AS U SAID, I FEEL 110% BETTER,MY ENERY HAS QUADRUPLED,I AM NO LONGER NUMB-I CAN CRY AND LAUGH,GET PISSED OFF AND BE SILLY,AND MY SEX LIFE IS BACK(THANK GOODNESS).I HAD ONLY THE MINOR W/D SYMPTOMS U DESCRIBED FOR ONLY A COUPLE DAYS AND IT WAS MY 2ND AND 3RD THAT WERE A BIT ICKY! I THINK IT'S WONDERFUL U FEEL SO WELL AND I'M HAPPY FOR U-TAKE CARE
Posted by iluvbsks on August 5, 2005, at 13:03:28
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - Week Two, posted by GoldenSlumbers on July 25, 2005, at 11:01:09
I am shocked at the symptoms that have begun after "tapering" off of effexor, I was only on this for 2 months and started weaning from it and have felt horrible. I have decided to take St. Joh's Wort for my panic attacks and had to cease the effexor to do this. The nausea and dizzyness are almost too much. I keep treading on because your threads have given me encouragement that "this too shall pass". How long did it take for the WD symptoms to ease off. I have been effexor free now for 7 days and still have terrible symptoms.
Thanks for your input.
Posted by MtnMama on August 5, 2005, at 15:33:25
In reply to 1st wk effexor - WD, posted by iluvbsks on August 5, 2005, at 13:03:28
I do have nausea now in the mornings, and it's not morning sickness. I think I have to attribute this to withdrawal, hope it goes away pretty soon! It goes away by my morning coffee time. I'm still dropping pounds and I forget to eat. Ginger will treat the nausea, and if I feel a panic attack coming near, I use all of my learned knowledge on how to fend it off. So far so good.
Keep on truckin'. Life after Effexor is what I've always wanted.
Posted by iluvbsks on August 5, 2005, at 15:59:16
In reply to Re: 1st wk effexor - WD, posted by MtnMama on August 5, 2005, at 15:33:25
>Thank you so much. I read where caffeine makes the nausea worse but I get headaches without it! I will try the Ginger. Have you tried St. John's Wort for the panic attacks. From what I have read you have to be off effexor to take it but I have taken it in the mornings to help me get through the nausea. (the bottle says 3x a day but I am afraid to take it that frequent since I don't know how long the effexor stays in your system) I can't wait to feel great again!
Posted by MtnMama on August 5, 2005, at 16:33:07
In reply to Re: 1st wk effexor - WD, posted by iluvbsks on August 5, 2005, at 15:59:16
I know that to replace your Effexor with St. John's Wort, you need to take an awful lot of the herbal supplement. Effexor XR is the worst for withdrawal symptoms because it's out of your system the fastest, leaving nothing behind to help you transition, like Prozac does. I would talk to an herbalist or compounding pharmacist to find out the correct dosage for SJW. If you've never used a compounding pharmacy, it's quite the learning experience. Remember--there's a reason God created medicinal herbs, for us to use for natural results.
Posted by iluvbsks on August 9, 2005, at 9:34:16
In reply to Re: 1st wk effexor - WD, posted by MtnMama on August 5, 2005, at 16:33:07
Well week two is now in full swing. I have had no major withdrawal symptoms. I have cut out the caffeine and haven't had any panic attacks as of yet. But like I told a friend, the withdrawal is MUCH WORSE than the panic attacks, at least a PA will only linger 10/15 minutes, WD lingers all day. I am so glad I didn't cave and go back on the meds. I have more energy, my sex life is back and my husband says I am more like the woman he married. I have lost 6 pounds in two weeks (which is main reason I quit meds) and I am beginning to rest better. Nightmares are slowing down. I haven't had as many mood swings. I am so glad I am beginning to get my life back.
Posted by wildcard on August 9, 2005, at 9:56:27
In reply to RE: Week 2 -Effexor WD, posted by iluvbsks on August 9, 2005, at 9:34:16
Been there and FULLY understand except i still get the panic attacks but u sound great-best wishes!!!
Posted by MtnMama on August 9, 2005, at 10:41:26
In reply to RE: Week 2 -Effexor WD, posted by iluvbsks on August 9, 2005, at 9:34:16
Today is day 19. It's occurring to me this is the longest I've been "clean" in 3 years and I could kick myself for wasting those precious 3 years. I'm still nauseous in the AM, but's it wearing off a bit. I am quick to tell my kids/hubby if I feel myself getting tense or stressed. Still don't know how to deal with all that. Any suggestions? I can't keep avoiding stress, but how do I remain sane? My husband and I are better than when we first got married. I had no idea life could be this great.
Posted by wildcard on August 9, 2005, at 10:57:38
In reply to RE: Week 2 -Effexor WD, posted by MtnMama on August 9, 2005, at 10:41:26
that's great to hear about u and ur hubby!!! i've been off the effexor cold for 3+ weeks (i think) and i cld kick myself too! i still get that anxiety and it can just *hit* out of nowhere but is usually stressed related. i still take clonzeapam but very little(less now that i'm off the effexor) but i'm gonna try ur method of telling mine to BEWARE :) when i feel my mood change. take care
Posted by wildcard on August 9, 2005, at 11:01:49
In reply to RE: Week 2 -Effexor WD, posted by MtnMama on August 9, 2005, at 10:41:26
i have also had about a total of 3 headaches since quitting as opposed to at least 1 each day and they were awful. I don't know if the weight loss is due to effexor at all? my baby is 8 months old and i've been slowly dropping back down so it's prob. ALLL that i gained w/ my pregnancy! w/ effexor it's hard to say :)
Posted by iluvbsks on August 10, 2005, at 7:16:06
In reply to RE: Week 2 -Effexor WD....PS 4GOT, posted by wildcard on August 9, 2005, at 11:01:49
I have started to walk and it is helping with the stress. I have told DH that I would like a tread mill for Christmas we don't have kids but when I get real stressed I take a long hot bath with epsom salt and burn a lavendar candle. My nausea too is subsiding. I was reading in a health magazine that caffeine, spicy foods and sugar makes these side effects worse so I have limited those intakes and walah **** not so bad side effects. (strange huh?)
Glad you are doing better. God will give us strength to conquer!
Posted by wildcard on August 10, 2005, at 8:48:05
In reply to RE: Stress, posted by iluvbsks on August 10, 2005, at 7:16:06
thanx! i LOVE my bath too w/ the lavender bubbles and candle aromatherapy set my g-ma sent me from Florida. she has sold avon forever :) i have a treadmill but it was a clothes hanger for so long i put it in the closet..LOL it was one of the really *cheap* ones thank goodness! I luv my ab lounger som1 gave me after i had my baby but my biggest stress reliever yet is kickboxing!!! especially if ur mad at som1 in part. :) j/k glad to hear ur doing better..take care!
Posted by iluvbsks on August 18, 2005, at 15:58:33
In reply to RE: Stress, posted by wildcard on August 10, 2005, at 8:48:05
Feeling great. All withdrawls are gone and I am feeling great. St. John's Wort is working great. Hang in there.
Posted by MtnMama on August 18, 2005, at 16:41:34
In reply to RE: 4 weeks, posted by iluvbsks on August 18, 2005, at 15:58:33
I've been doing great! The nausea is wearing off finally, I can feel my moods evening out. I am NOTHING like I was pre-med's. Thank God!! Life is good. Still losing weight, sleeping soundly. Planning our first long vacation as a family for next month, and honestly, I can't wait!!! Hang in there guys! Life really is beautiful!
Posted by iluvbsks on August 25, 2005, at 10:40:41
In reply to RE: 4 weeks, posted by MtnMama on August 18, 2005, at 16:41:34
So glad you are doing so well. I too have been feeling so much better. My family and friends have noticed quite a difference. I am more like I used to be and not so quite and docile. I am almost through week 4 and can't believe how good I feel. It is like the world was in black and white and now color is appearing. Don't give in to the withdrawls it is soooo worth it to feel better.
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