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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by clipper40 on February 8, 2008, at 7:43:14
If you didn't take another SSRI or serotonergic drug to help you through it, how long did it take for the side effects to decrease significantly and then to go away completely?
I'm trying to get some helpful information for a friend who is going off of this now. If you wouldn't mind adding what dosage of Effexor you were at when you stopped it and how long you had been taking it prior to stopping, I'd really appreciate it.
I wish I could see some data about how long this tends to take people. Those going through it should be able to have some kind of idea how long to expect this awful withdrawal to last!
Posted by bleauberry on February 9, 2008, at 19:12:29
In reply to How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by clipper40 on February 8, 2008, at 7:43:14
Most severe in the first week, still serious but less severe in the 2nd week, much more tolerable but still present in the 3rd week, and feeling like it is nearly all behind by the 4th week. If not going on another med, then probably another 8 to 12 weeks before settling into a baseline.
Temporary antidotes can help.
If there is a particular withdrawal symptom, or several, that are really causing trouble, please post those and some suggestions can be given.
The one drug that seems to hit at least somewhat all of the withdrawal symptoms is Benadryl.
Posted by 49er on February 19, 2008, at 15:17:16
In reply to How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by clipper40 on February 8, 2008, at 7:43:14
Clipper,
This is what you need to tell your friend.
The recommended withdrawal schedule on the Paxil Progress Boards is 10% of the current dose every 3 to 6 weeks. Yes, that is slow but your brain needs time to adapt to the neurochemical changes of having less medicine in the body. We all forget that these meds produce a huge number of changes neurochemically. It isn't just a case of stopping the med or a fast taper.
By the way, because I didn't have an accurate way to measure, I was making bigger Remeron cuts and paying dearly even though I waited 4 weeks to taper. I am not making another cut until I receive my digital jewelry scale that will enable me to measure the dose accurately. They can be purchased on e-bay.
With Effexor, you friend might have to go more slowly.
I want to be off this poison yesterday. But it is quite clear to me that steady and slow wins the race.
Hope this helps.
49er
Posted by riverwalk on February 22, 2008, at 2:28:33
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by 49er on February 19, 2008, at 15:17:16
I am struggling this with myself right now. I read on a md forum to just go to the lowest dose then take it every other day, then every 2 days, then 3 then stop. Any experience with that method? Thanks, I am in hell after trying to cut my dose in half for one day.
> Clipper,
>
> This is what you need to tell your friend.
>
> The recommended withdrawal schedule on the Paxil Progress Boards is 10% of the current dose every 3 to 6 weeks. Yes, that is slow but your brain needs time to adapt to the neurochemical changes of having less medicine in the body. We all forget that these meds produce a huge number of changes neurochemically. It isn't just a case of stopping the med or a fast taper.
>
> By the way, because I didn't have an accurate way to measure, I was making bigger Remeron cuts and paying dearly even though I waited 4 weeks to taper. I am not making another cut until I receive my digital jewelry scale that will enable me to measure the dose accurately. They can be purchased on e-bay.
>
> With Effexor, you friend might have to go more slowly.
>
> I want to be off this poison yesterday. But it is quite clear to me that steady and slow wins the race.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> 49er
Posted by 49er on March 1, 2008, at 10:35:40
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by riverwalk on February 22, 2008, at 2:28:33
> I am struggling this with myself right now. I read on a md forum to just go to the lowest dose then take it every other day, then every 2 days, then 3 then stop. Any experience with that method? Thanks, I am in hell after trying to cut my dose in half for one day.
>
That makes me so angry when I read advice like that. That is worse than making a big cut because you are putting your body into a roller coaster ride of cold turkey withdrawal every 2 days.Your body needs a steady amount of the drug every day even during withdrawal.
The advice on the Paxil Progress Boards which is 10% of the current dose every 3 to 6 weeks is the best advice out there. A registered nurse, Laurie Yorke, runs the boards. She almost lost her son to a Paxil Induced suicide as he suffered adverse reactions due to a tapering schedule that was way too fast.
You might want to visit those boards and register. People are very helpful and Laurie is always responding.
I would go back to the dose that you last felt stable at and taper slowly from there.
By the way, my digital jewelry scale is working great for measuring my Remeron Dose I am not going to lie and say it is easy but my withdrawal symptoms had been minimal until insomnia yesterday. But that might be due to too much caffeine.
49er
49er
Posted by riverwalk on March 1, 2008, at 12:51:00
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by 49er on March 1, 2008, at 10:35:40
> > I am struggling this with myself right now. I read on a md forum to just go to the lowest dose then take it every other day, then every 2 days, then 3 then stop. Any experience with that method? Thanks, I am in hell after trying to cut my dose in half for one day.
> >
> That makes me so angry when I read advice like that. That is worse than making a big cut because you are putting your body into a roller coaster ride of cold turkey withdrawal every 2 days.
>
> Your body needs a steady amount of the drug every day even during withdrawal.
>
> The advice on the Paxil Progress Boards which is 10% of the current dose every 3 to 6 weeks is the best advice out there. A registered nurse, Laurie Yorke, runs the boards. She almost lost her son to a Paxil Induced suicide as he suffered adverse reactions due to a tapering schedule that was way too fast.
>
> You might want to visit those boards and register. People are very helpful and Laurie is always responding.
>
> I would go back to the dose that you last felt stable at and taper slowly from there.
>
> By the way, my digital jewelry scale is working great for measuring my Remeron Dose I am not going to lie and say it is easy but my withdrawal symptoms had been minimal until insomnia yesterday. But that might be due to too much caffeine.
>
> 49er
>
> 49erHello,.. I am at my 8th day without Effexor. Prior to that, I cut the 37.5 mg dose in half for 3 days. I am doing pretty well. The first 4 days were harder. I still have mild symptoms of withdrawal, but only for decreasing time each day. I will check out your suggested site. THank you for replying. I wish you had seen this sooner, but it is what it is now.
Posted by 49er on March 1, 2008, at 15:20:47
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take? » 49er, posted by riverwalk on March 1, 2008, at 12:51:00
Sorry, I wish I had seen your post sooner too. I don't visit these boards regularly.
But even though you're not having symptoms now, that doesn't mean you won't down the road. I don't want to alarm you but that seems to be so common in CT.
Anyway, it isn't too late to slow down now.
49er
Posted by maryannso on March 11, 2008, at 0:04:21
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by 49er on March 1, 2008, at 15:20:47
I am tapering myself off 150mg/d Effexor XR. I tried going to 75mg/d but had symptom of ringing in my ears. I now take 75mg for 3 days and 1 150mg for 1 day. I still have ringing in my ears, sometime worse than others. Anyone have this symptom and other suggestion. That is the only symtom I have.
Thank you
Posted by riverwalk on March 11, 2008, at 15:45:44
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by maryannso on March 11, 2008, at 0:04:21
To answer my original question for others, it took me 12 days of withdrawal before the symptoms stopped for good. I started at 37.5, tapered 3 days then quit. The withdrawal symptoms were their worst days 4 & 5, then slowly went away. Some would go away and I thought they were gone, then they would cycle back around. By day 12 of no pills, they were gone.
Posted by maryannso on March 11, 2008, at 16:47:01
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by riverwalk on March 11, 2008, at 15:45:44
Well, I have been doing gthis for 3-4 months and it doesn't seem toget any better. M aybe I should try the 75mg everyday now and see what happens. You had good luck only having 12 days of symptoms.
Posted by riverwalk on March 11, 2008, at 19:44:36
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by maryannso on March 11, 2008, at 16:47:01
2 weeks after final pill seems to be consensus on line for duration of withdrawal for most people, with a final dose being no greater then 37.7. Medical consensus seems to be to not stop meds until at 37.5 baseline. See this link http://www.fpnotebook.com/Psych/Pharm/Vnlfxn.htm for tapering schedule as recommended to family practitioners, and remember the standard recommendation is to follow your doctor's advice regarding discontinuing or changing medication schedule.
Posted by Shenandoah on March 15, 2008, at 9:58:42
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by riverwalk on March 11, 2008, at 19:44:36
Withdrawal Help & will I be normal?-
My last post was on thread Prozac vs Effexor before seeing my (Newish Doc.a few weeks ago)
1st:- I began on Xanax abt. 15 years ago due to Panic that I could not control. I was in an emotional abuse relationship & stayed in it 26 years because of my young daughter. I probably did not do the right thing. My old Doc also , soon after, gave me Zoloft-later Prozac, for life's depression & coping with both parent deaths-along with my marriage to an addict cruel husband. Both meds saved my life & I felt normal & strong. Later the bad relationship ended with scars for myself & daughter lingering, but I was OK. My great understanding doc retired-said I could choode a GP or whomever I chose & would write a letter on my behalf.
As of today:
I have a 10 yr. relationship & marriage with an interesting (but not real patient) man. We have much to look forward to in the busy & exciting years ahead, even though I am now 55. But, I am struggling with Effexor withdrawal. My husband thinks I am nuts currently & I don't want our relationship harmed. Getting close!I raised concerns at my last appointment for a change in meds, due to reading how awful Effexor was for the long run + withdrawal. I also wanted to improve my sex life/libido, & weight- & told him that Prozac had worked pretty well for me for a long time till it pooped out & nightmares began. All I wanted was help with my own issues. My newish pDoc just wanted me to cut in half the Effexor.- no recommendations or understanding my concerns & no other choices- & it is not his fault totally that he does not know me well, as I am a newbie for him. But he does know that Wellbutrin never worked for me, even prior to being put on Effexor, that I knew little about. I figured it was abt. the same as SSRI's that had worked for me.
Anyway, I gave in to what he felt was right for me & tapered to 1/2 dose of 75 mg.Was not bad, but I want to be off this drug & recently stopped after tapering down for a while.
Yes, I am going through withdrawal. I can handle it most of the time-don't feel great. The worst is some periodic rage issues when provoked at home- memory probs, confusion, & dizziness. Reminds me of my one-time trial with Wellbutrin long ago.After Effexor withdrawal, will these things go away & will I feel normal again without these new anger feelings & symptoms. If the side effects at least taper?????? by themselves, I believe I can handle it. I need someone with experience that has gone past the withdrawal to read this. I will listen to any advice. & I do know I did not taper to 1/4, but have read that this did not really make any difference with many-----they still had the same bad withdrawals. My husband, who takes no medications, told me I better start back up, as he doesn't like the withdrawal. But I also know, he feels the Pharm. Co's are harming us in multi ways.
See, I bet I am rambling..........So Is there light at the end of the tunnel & do withdrawal symptoms taper too?
Thanks for listening.
Posted by riverwalk on March 15, 2008, at 17:01:38
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take? » riverwalk, posted by Shenandoah on March 15, 2008, at 9:58:42
The highest dose recommended by the medical community that I read on line to go cold turkey is 37.5 according to the tapering schedule below for effexor. Some people do a long tapering schedule from there, but I did the quit at 37.5. I had 11 days of withdrawal and was ok by the day 12. All the withdrawal symptoms were gone by then. I could not work or do anything during the first week. I couldn't drive or do anything else due to the symptoms of withdrawal. It was worth it, I feel much better than when I was taking it and the side effects of the drug went away. My husband likes me better now, he never saw me without effexor in me. I am also posting a link with about 110 pages of effexor withdrawal posts.
http://www.fpnotebook.com/Psych/Pharm/Vnlfxn.htm
http://www.abchomeopathy.com/forum2.php/1663/108
Posted by Shenandoah on March 17, 2008, at 8:48:37
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by riverwalk on March 15, 2008, at 17:01:38
Thanks for your response. Sounds like you did well very quickly. After posting on this site & feeling miserable, I read more & checked into suggestions of Benedryl & Omega 3's.
Then, online via Google, I read a bunch about Omega 3's -esp. from fish oil & the major help it gives the brain. I bought 2 bottles in the Organic section of my grocery store-began immediately- & am taking the recommended 3 per day.
I am feeling great this AM. Was a bit "Off" yesterday afternoon & evening, but not too bad. Took one mild Benedryl for 2 nights before bed, as it was suggested for the brain zapps. Those don't bother me too much though.
I don't expect miracles, but this could just be the ticket! I have been totally off Effexor for a week now, or almost a week. Went from 150 mg. for well over a year-Then tapered every-other-day from 150 to 75 mg. a week, maintained 75 for abt. a week. Then zero. 1st time off antidepressants in over 15 years!
I do not recommend anyone taper off as quickly as I have done. Do what is right for you & of course discuss it with your doc. I will write back about my progress-remember it has only been a week Effexor Free. Today I will be extremely busy-home working, writing proposals, & also out & about with some major tasks. A good day to see how I feel.
I feel great currently (even though I did not sleep well last night). Also very hopeful that the Withdrawal will be TOTALLY gone very soon. Next goal-loose some weight & hope it will be easier off any SSRI's or others.
I will probably always have my prescribed Xanax in my purse, if I feel panic coming on- otherwise I don't & won't take it. Drug free sounds nice to me!
BTW- I also read Omega 3's may prevent breast cancer & heart problems. My husband just started them last eve. for lowering cholosterol & heart health.
Also I will be very curious to hear of anyone else trying this approach & any benefits.
Posted by riverwalk on March 18, 2008, at 2:40:49
In reply to Re:Effexor withdrawal take? » riverwalk, posted by Shenandoah on March 17, 2008, at 8:48:37
You're doing well. I also used the benadryl & omega 3's. My withdrawal problems were gone by day 12 and it seems the average is about 2 weeks to 2.5, plus or minus some days. I am having still hot flashes but I hope it is temporary. It has been 3 weeks and 2 days since I took my last pill. Mostly I feel wonderful, can think, feel, and interact better than I ever did on Effexor. My bp and heart rate came down considerably. I hope to lose that weight I gained on Effexor also. My husband likes me a lot more than when I was on it. He never knew me when I was not on it, so he's really happy.
Posted by cactus on March 25, 2008, at 4:41:21
In reply to Re:Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by riverwalk on March 18, 2008, at 1:40:49
for me it was 2 weeks of pure hell, 2 weeks of feeling crappy. It then took 2 months for me to feel relatively normal again. I am one of the unlucky ones that has a very hard time coming of SNRI/SSRI. Everyone is different, my sister had no problems and she was on triple my dose but she was hospitalized during withdrawal but didn't know what all the fuss was about, she was fine with effexor withdrawal, but luvox withdrawal really messed her up and me too for that fact. Good luck
Posted by hahndog on April 12, 2008, at 20:48:47
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take? » riverwalk, posted by Shenandoah on March 15, 2008, at 9:58:42
check out the RE safe for all withdrawl symtoms great meadicine
Posted by Shenandoah on April 13, 2008, at 10:09:00
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by hahndog on April 12, 2008, at 20:48:47
Thanks-
Hope it helps someone-I am done & doing fine. Felt agitated & yucky for a couple of weeks. Won't go back on antidepressents unless I need to in the future. If that should happen, I would ask for prozac. For some odd reason- I am needing/& using less anxiety med since going off Effexor. Now to get rid of the extra poundage after meds for 15-20 years. My main meds now are Xanax (only when I may need it)- & Tylenol for headaches & that is about it.
D
Posted by tondie on June 11, 2008, at 20:32:09
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by maryannso on March 11, 2008, at 0:04:21
Just like no one dosage or med helps us, I think it's the same with going off of the meds. It 's even scarier when they put you on something while you are going off something. You don't know which to blame. I was on 300mg Effexor for 2yrs, and slowly decreased on my own. By the time I was at 75mg I was so manic I couldn't sleep and was bouncing of the walls. Pdoc agreed to take me off and said here's some 37.5 take for a week you'll be fine. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA I have never been so not fine since I hadn't been diagnosed as BP! I just figured I'd live through it. And I did. I still hurt, feel like a big bruise, joints hurt, feet swollen, but I believe it is related to a new med he put me on.
BTW, I'm new here and if I've crossed any boundries by focussing on my experience or anything please let me know. And best of luck getting off the Effexor.
Tondie
Posted by karinamarie on September 11, 2008, at 3:29:11
In reply to Re: How long did your Effexor withdrawal take?, posted by riverwalk on March 15, 2008, at 17:01:38
Hi there
It really depends on how you do it. I can't tell you how to do it because I did it the wrong way and paid as a result. I can tell you how not to do it. My withdrawl was hell because I did not take the time to break down my Efexor gradually! It took about 10 days and then some for my poor body and brain to get back to normal. The symptoms were awful (too many too list) and the experience worse than giving birth to my daughter. Please take the time to do this slowly and without haste, you will be better off in the end. I know the impulse is too just get off it as soon as possible but it is not worth the carnage it will cause your brain and body. Hope that this helps.
This is the end of the thread.
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