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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by yabby on October 8, 2006, at 14:16:50
I have been taking 75mg for 3 years. Stopped cold turkey 6 days ago. I have been feeling kind of sick to my stomach, tired, and my head feels like it is dizzy or light headed, especially when I turn my head. Also vivid dreams. How long will this last?
Posted by SLS on October 10, 2006, at 4:33:45
In reply to effexor xr withdrawl, posted by yabby on October 7, 2006, at 21:33:31
Hi Yabby.
Sorry no one answered any sooner.
> I have been taking 75mg for 3 years. Stopped cold turkey 6 days ago. I have been feeling kind of sick to my stomach, tired, and my head feels like it is dizzy or light headed, especially when I turn my head. Also vivid dreams. How long will this last?
A couple of weeks?
It is hard to say.
It should be getting better over the next few days.
The problem is, going "cold-turkey" can make things a real mess. Besides making the withdrawal symptoms more intense, it might actually make them last longer. You might be triggering events in the CNS that take longer for the system to equilibrate and stabilize. Hopefully, you won't need to do this again. However, if you do need to or know someone who will, use a gradual taper over the course of at least 2 weeks. I would go longer if you've been taking it for over 6 months or at a higher dosage. Not only does it make things easier to tolerate, it might also help to prevent a further relapse into depression.
Let us know how you do with it.
- Scott
Posted by fayeroe on October 15, 2006, at 19:09:35
In reply to effexor xr withdrawl, posted by yabby on October 7, 2006, at 21:33:31
> I have been taking 75mg for 3 years. Stopped cold turkey 6 days ago. I have been feeling kind of sick to my stomach, tired, and my head feels like it is dizzy or light headed, especially when I turn my head. Also vivid dreams. How long will this last?
Stopping cold turkey is not a good idea......however, now that you've off it, let me tell you about my experience. I halved my dosage first and I had headaches and my head felt as though rocks were tumbling around in it. I had a very hard time sleeping. My pharmacist and I counted out the little balls in the capsule and I tapered very, very slowly...it took me about 2 months to feel better. EfexxorXR is notorious for the hard withdrawal. Frequently your doctor can give you a low dose of Prozac and I understand that it can help you a lot.I hope you read this and will taper off. If you went back on a half dose and tapered off of it, you might feel better.
BUT I am wondering why you didn't consult your doctor before you took yourself off? My doctor refused to help me get off of the med so I was left to figure it out alone. But if you can, please talk to your doctor about stopping the med. Good luck, Pat
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