![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1397 to 1421 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 22:59:46
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor, posted by BobS. on November 1, 2001, at 18:11:37
Bob - The original answer that I gave was regarding the weaning from a serotonergic antidepressant, used for depression. I am sorry that I misread your post the first time.
As for weaning from a serotonergic antidepressant being used for an anxiety disorder; in addition to following the steps in my original post to yours, you have to watch for a return of anxiety symptoms. These may be difficult to separate out from the withdrawl symptoms. A shor course of Rivotril™ (Klonopin™ - clonazepam) may be prudent to help quell the anxiety associated with weaning from the Paxil. Ask your doctor about this.
I still think, that because of their shorter half-lives, relative to Paxil, Effexor and Effexor XR are probably the worst offenders for causing serotonergic withdrawl syndrome. The added possiblity of cholinergic rebound with Paxil withdrawl, does throw another factor into the equation; although I have not really seen that many cases of cholinergic rebound with the Paxil (or I missed it, figuring it to be part of the serotonergic withdrawl syndrome, which resolved using the steps outlined in my last post).
I hope that this clears things up a bit more. - Cam
Posted by mary b. on November 2, 2001, at 11:20:49
In reply to Re: Long-term effects, posted by Cindy W on August 31, 2000, at 21:48:33
hi
I just read your note and am curious to know if anyone else out there is suffering from hair loss and brittle nails as a side effect of Effexor. I feel great on the Effexor but my doctor says it can't cause hair loss, I'm not so sure, how common is this? > > > HI
> > >
> > > My dr gave effexor xr to me about 4 weeks ago. I struggled with taking it because I just thought that taking something is a cop out,lol. I am having sever mood swings and I am angry and depressed a lot. I will pick fights with my oldest child..now 18 and my dh is confused because I swing in moods so quilckly. anyways, I took the first pill yesterday.....at 1 pm after another senseless blow out with my son. I felt fine all day maybe a bit nauses and could not fall asleep last night and right now I am feeling a bit edgy.....I have been reading alot of the posts and now I am so scared to takes this stuff!! I don't want the side effects or the withdraws.....I feel like I am having a hard tome breathing something i never had before......could it be this stuff already!!
> > >
> > > HELP,LOL
> >
> >
> > I have been on this stuff since it came out in 1994. The longer I take it, the worse the side effects become. I have developed what they call fibromyalgia, have developed hypertension, have terrible insomnia, nausea, no libido, no orgasm, dry skin and itching, incontinence, trouble starting to urinate, electric shocks through my legs and feet that cause them to move, brittle nails, thinning hair, my hearing is decreasing, mental fog and memory loss (what was I saying?), fatigue, no stamina, no enthusiasm, night sweats, profuse sweating, and weird dreams. I am terribly sensitive to medications, and have only been on the 37.5 dose! And yes, these might be symptoms of other problems, but I am careful about seeing my doctor, and there doesn't appear to be any other source. I am trying to wean myself from this stuff after attempting cold turkey once before. I just hope I haven't incurred some kind of permanent brain damage from this stuff. And since I've been on it so long, it will probably take forever to vacate the premises. Never take a new drug they know little or nothing about!
>
> Naanra, I take Effexor-XR 375 mg/day. A couple of months ago, I started itching terribly. Could you describe your itching? I'm trying to find out if my hives (which occur at night and fade by morning) are due to the Effexor-XR (which I've taken now for 9 months) or some kind of allergy. Thanks!!--Cindy W
Posted by BobS. on November 2, 2001, at 12:41:53
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » Dreamy, posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 1:39:51
Cam,
By implication then, does that mean anyone who experiences major symptoms is having a recurrence (anxiety disorders only)? Many have posted on various boards about Paxil, usually the worst offender. Personally, I am on my fourth attempt to discontinue Paxil, with increasing symptoms. Your post is the first time I have seen withdrawal played down, by someone generally well regarded by board users.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
BobS.
> Dreamy - Most people do not have a problem with stopping Effexor™ (venlafaxine). Even those who are prone to Effexor withdrawl (eg. those who are rapid metabolizers - ie. those who have polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450-2D6 gene; approx. 5% of those of European heritage) can be weaned from the drug with proper management. Slow weanng [very slow in some instances (eg. decreasing by 37.5mg every 2 to 4 weeks)] and perhaps the addition of a small dose of Prozac™ (fluoxetine: 10mg - 20mg) can ease the discomfort. Occasionally, I have seen Xanax™ (alprazolam) or Rivotril™ (Klonopin™ - clonazepam) used on an "as needed" basis, to help with the anxiety.
>
> In my clinical experience, I personally have not seen a case of serotonergic withdrawl that couldn't be managed with little more than mild, transient short-term discomfort. Any significant discomfort was addressed and managed symptomatically, as it arose.
>
> This is just my clinical experience. - Cam
Posted by Dreamy on November 2, 2001, at 12:44:14
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » Dreamy, posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 1:39:51
> Dreamy - Most people do not have a problem with stopping Effexor™ (venlafaxine). Even those who are prone to Effexor withdrawl (eg. those who are rapid metabolizers - ie. those who have polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450-2D6 gene; approx. 5% of those of European heritage) can be weaned from the drug with proper management. Slow weanng [very slow in some instances (eg. decreasing by 37.5mg every 2 to 4 weeks)] and perhaps the addition of a small dose of Prozac™ (fluoxetine: 10mg - 20mg) can ease the discomfort. Occasionally, I have seen Xanax™ (alprazolam) or Rivotril™ (Klonopin™ - clonazepam) used on an "as needed" basis, to help with the anxiety.
>
> In my clinical experience, I personally have not seen a case of serotonergic withdrawl that couldn't be managed with little more than mild, transient short-term discomfort. Any significant discomfort was addressed and managed symptomatically, as it arose.
>
> This is just my clinical experience. - CamCAM,
WOW -Thanks for lightening my fears.
It is so nice to hear that not all people who have
taken and quit Effexor have had unbearable w/drawl
syptoms!
The more I have read about the horror stories the more
I have wanted to quit...so I really appreciate a
positive spin!
Again, Thanks!!!
Dreamy
Posted by Dreamy on November 2, 2001, at 12:55:22
In reply to Re: Long-term effects » Cindy W, posted by mary b. on November 2, 2001, at 11:20:49
> hi
> I just read your note and am curious to know if anyone else out there is suffering from hair loss and brittle nails as a side effect of Effexor. I feel great on the Effexor but my doctor says it can't cause hair loss, I'm not so sure, how common is this? > > > HI
> > > >
> > > > My dr gave effexor xr to me about 4 weeks ago. I struggled with taking it because I just thought that taking something is a cop out,lol. I am having sever mood swings and I am angry and depressed a lot. I will pick fights with my oldest child..now 18 and my dh is confused because I swing in moods so quilckly. anyways, I took the first pill yesterday.....at 1 pm after another senseless blow out with my son. I felt fine all day maybe a bit nauses and could not fall asleep last night and right now I am feeling a bit edgy.....I have been reading alot of the posts and now I am so scared to takes this stuff!! I don't want the side effects or the withdraws.....I feel like I am having a hard tome breathing something i never had before......could it be this stuff already!!
> > > >
> > > > HELP,LOL
> > >
> > >
> > > I have been on this stuff since it came out in 1994. The longer I take it, the worse the side effects become. I have developed what they call fibromyalgia, have developed hypertension, have terrible insomnia, nausea, no libido, no orgasm, dry skin and itching, incontinence, trouble starting to urinate, electric shocks through my legs and feet that cause them to move, brittle nails, thinning hair, my hearing is decreasing, mental fog and memory loss (what was I saying?), fatigue, no stamina, no enthusiasm, night sweats, profuse sweating, and weird dreams. I am terribly sensitive to medications, and have only been on the 37.5 dose! And yes, these might be symptoms of other problems, but I am careful about seeing my doctor, and there doesn't appear to be any other source. I am trying to wean myself from this stuff after attempting cold turkey once before. I just hope I haven't incurred some kind of permanent brain damage from this stuff. And since I've been on it so long, it will probably take forever to vacate the premises. Never take a new drug they know little or nothing about!
> >
> > Naanra, I take Effexor-XR 375 mg/day. A couple of months ago, I started itching terribly. Could you describe your itching? I'm trying to find out if my hives (which occur at night and fade by morning) are due to the Effexor-XR (which I've taken now for 9 months) or some kind of allergy. Thanks!!--Cindy WMaryB
Need to tell you I was loosing gobs of hair on
celexa and I am pretty sure prozac too.
AND I am now on Effexor and I'm tellen ya, my hair
is sticking into my scalp like I was 4 year old
kid!!!
My hair loss has gone from a couple hundred in the morning
to virtually 10 or so...
It's really a miracle my hair has stopped falling out.I think I did see some info from PAX that he found
a rare occurance of hair loss w/Effexor.
I'm not seeing it though!
Look for a section on Hair Loss...I started it.
Virutally I payed the most attention to Celexa and
Prozac, the two drugs I thought were causing me the
problem. Again, my doctor told me that they didn't
make peoples hair fall out -but it was.
Dreamy
Posted by sweet_slider on November 2, 2001, at 15:22:24
In reply to Re: Long-term effects ..MaryB, posted by Dreamy on November 2, 2001, at 12:55:22
I too have had a lot of hair loss since starting Effexor XR 3 months ago. It comes out in big clumps of like 50 at a time, especially in the morning when I shower. But it's all day as well, everytime I run my hand through my hair I can pull tons out. I have been concerned about for awhile and have been told that its not unusual but it is to me since I didn't have the problem before taking effexor, so.....??
Hopefully it isn't permanent. :)
Sweet Slider
Posted by Dreamy on November 2, 2001, at 16:50:47
In reply to Re: Hair loss - MaryB - Dreamy, posted by sweet_slider on November 2, 2001, at 15:22:24
> I too have had a lot of hair loss since starting Effexor XR 3 months ago. It comes out in big clumps of like 50 at a time, especially in the morning when I shower. But it's all day as well, everytime I run my hand through my hair I can pull tons out. I have been concerned about for awhile and have been told that its not unusual but it is to me since I didn't have the problem before taking effexor, so.....??
> Hopefully it isn't permanent. :)
> Sweet SliderTell you what...my hair is growing back nicely...
However, I look funny w/spikes all over the top.
But it is coming back which is the important thing.
And like I said earlier...celexa did it to me, but
Effexor isn't...so you could try a different AD!
Good Luck!
Dreamy
Posted by VMBW on November 2, 2001, at 17:48:17
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » BobS., posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 18:46:45
Cam,
I too would like to thank you for your positive post on Effexor discontinuation. I've been on the XR for a few years but would like to try to discontinue for a number of reasons. The posts on this board, however, certainly make you wonder if it's a good idea. I have an even greater concern because I experienced "withdrawal from hell"about 6 years ago when I discontinued parnate - hospitatlized and nearly didn't make it. I am truly leary of a similar experience because I don't think I'd survive. That may seem like a good reason not to discontinue but I have a number of reasons why I would like to try. The reason I'm responding to your post is because I'd like to ask you a few questions. Roughly, what percentage of individuals that you have seen in your experience actually have major withdrawal? I'm guessing that a there is a large number of people who successfully discontinue every day but this board probably is visited most frequently by people experiencing difficulties (msyself included). Maybe we just don't get the benefit of hearing about the success stories. Second, how severe are the withdrawal symptoms that you HAVE seen. Are they mostly physical, i.e, nausea, muscle and joint aches, or are they predominantly emotional. I think I could handle most of the physical problems such a flu symptoms, but the emotional side is what scares me. I realize that your experience is just a very small sample and would only be anectodal but any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Bob - Ask your doctor about giving you 2 to 4 weeks of Prozac™ 10mg (or generic fluoxetine 10mg). Decrease your Paxil to as low a dose as comfortable, then add the Prozac 10mg in the morning. Take the two SSRIs together for a week or two (depending on the severity of the Paxil symptoms you have experienced in the past), then stop the Paxil. Continue the Prozac 10mg for another week or two and then stop. If withdrawl symptoms return after stopping the Paxil, have your doctor raise the Prozac dose to 20mg (2x10mg) for a week, and then decrease to Prozac 10mg for another week.
>
> Because of Prozac's long half-life and active metabolite (desmethylfluoxetine - aka norfluoxetine), this SSRI should leave the body slow enough not to cause any withdrawl symptoms.
>
> Personally, I have seen the most problems with the regular Effexor, with it's 5 hour half-life. I have seen one elderly gentleman go through mini-withdrawls every night, because the pharmacy had given him 37.5mg regular tablets and not the XR capsules.
>
> Paxil's cholinergic rebound can be troublesome in some people withdrawing from it. It can mimic some of the symptoms of serotonin withdrawl (eg sweating and tremor). If this is the case, your doc may have to give you a low dose (0.5mg to 1mg/day) of an anticholinergic like Cogentin™ (benztropine) or some other similar drug and withdraw from one effect at a time.
>
> I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
>
> P.S. Perhaps, print this out and take it to your doctor.
Posted by Cam W. on November 2, 2001, at 21:47:33
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » Cam W., posted by VMBW on November 2, 2001, at 17:48:17
VMBW - To tell you the truth, I haven't seen many Effexor withdrawl cases since the XR version was introduced. This probably isn't indicative of the number that truly occur, because I generally only get called in to a situation when the doc can't be reached or their are multiple drug changes going on. I have trained our mental health nurses and therapists to recognize withdrawl symptoms. Still, I do not hear about it occuring very often.
When I am lecturing to doctors (both GPs and psychiatrists) I always have a number that are shocked that serotonin withdrawl syndrome really happens.
For the large number of people that we have taking Effexor, I was only seeing (or hearing about) one case every month or two. This may not reflect the true incidence, because severe cases would be referred to hospitals, and mild cases may not even be noticed.
I am sure that at work I mentioned serotonin withdrawl syndrome more than it actually happened. Also, many potential cases are probably masked. Usually, I was dealing with patients who would be taking an antidepressant for life. If they were not responding to Effexor XR, they were often switched to another serotonergic antidepressant, without a washout peiod. Therefore, there was no chance of serotonin syndrome developing. Also, we have a lot of people who are staying on Effexor, so they do not go through withdrawl, umless they quit taking it.
I guess to answer your question of percentages; I would have to say that overall, the incidence of a significant withdrawl effect is approximately 5%. Again, I warn that this is an unscientific guess; more of a feeling. I know that I don't hear about 1 in 20 having problems, but that would be my guess.
- Cam
Posted by Kristi on November 3, 2001, at 11:06:15
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » VMBW, posted by Cam W. on November 2, 2001, at 21:47:33
What percentage of the people on this board experience effexor withdrawal from hell?
> VMBW - To tell you the truth, I haven't seen many Effexor withdrawl cases since the XR version was introduced. This probably isn't indicative of the number that truly occur, because I generally only get called in to a situation when the doc can't be reached or their are multiple drug changes going on. I have trained our mental health nurses and therapists to recognize withdrawl symptoms. Still, I do not hear about it occuring very often.
>
> When I am lecturing to doctors (both GPs and psychiatrists) I always have a number that are shocked that serotonin withdrawl syndrome really happens.
>
> For the large number of people that we have taking Effexor, I was only seeing (or hearing about) one case every month or two. This may not reflect the true incidence, because severe cases would be referred to hospitals, and mild cases may not even be noticed.
>
> I am sure that at work I mentioned serotonin withdrawl syndrome more than it actually happened. Also, many potential cases are probably masked. Usually, I was dealing with patients who would be taking an antidepressant for life. If they were not responding to Effexor XR, they were often switched to another serotonergic antidepressant, without a washout peiod. Therefore, there was no chance of serotonin syndrome developing. Also, we have a lot of people who are staying on Effexor, so they do not go through withdrawl, umless they quit taking it.
>
> I guess to answer your question of percentages; I would have to say that overall, the incidence of a significant withdrawl effect is approximately 5%. Again, I warn that this is an unscientific guess; more of a feeling. I know that I don't hear about 1 in 20 having problems, but that would be my guess.
>
> - Cam
Posted by Cam W. on November 3, 2001, at 13:50:29
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » Cam W., posted by Kristi on November 3, 2001, at 11:06:15
Kristi - That would be impossible to say. Many with withdrawl symptoms find their way here through search engines, while looking for Effexor withdrawl boards. Most of these people have not been weaned from the Effexor or had any of the other methods of relieving the symptoms.
Many on this board have stated that they stopped Effexor cold turkey, with little to no problems. Much of the Effexor hype is the squeaky wheel being heard. I am sorry that so many had to suffer when stopping Effexor, but in a vast majority of these cases the suffereing was needless. - Cam
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 3, 2001, at 16:41:49
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » Kristi, posted by Cam W. on November 3, 2001, at 13:50:29
My doc has suggested I try effexor. I had terrible tinnitus develope on zoloft. I am still having severe panic attacks when the ringing elevates. Right now I am on 3 mg lorazepam daily.
I'm scared to try anything new, but need to.
Mary
Posted by VMBW on November 3, 2001, at 18:20:16
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » VMBW, posted by Cam W. on November 2, 2001, at 21:47:33
>Thanks Cam - I know that it is an unscientific guess but it's reassuring to know that there are many cases where patients do not have problems and it is important that readers of this BB realize this. I really appreciate your time. Take Care
Vince
VMBW - To tell you the truth, I haven't seen many Effexor withdrawl cases since the XR version was introduced. This probably isn't indicative of the number that truly occur, because I generally only get called in to a situation when the doc can't be reached or their are multiple drug changes going on. I have trained our mental health nurses and therapists to recognize withdrawl symptoms. Still, I do not hear about it occuring very often.
>
> When I am lecturing to doctors (both GPs and psychiatrists) I always have a number that are shocked that serotonin withdrawl syndrome really happens.
>
> For the large number of people that we have taking Effexor, I was only seeing (or hearing about) one case every month or two. This may not reflect the true incidence, because severe cases would be referred to hospitals, and mild cases may not even be noticed.
>
> I am sure that at work I mentioned serotonin withdrawl syndrome more than it actually happened. Also, many potential cases are probably masked. Usually, I was dealing with patients who would be taking an antidepressant for life. If they were not responding to Effexor XR, they were often switched to another serotonergic antidepressant, without a washout peiod. Therefore, there was no chance of serotonin syndrome developing. Also, we have a lot of people who are staying on Effexor, so they do not go through withdrawl, umless they quit taking it.
>
> I guess to answer your question of percentages; I would have to say that overall, the incidence of a significant withdrawl effect is approximately 5%. Again, I warn that this is an unscientific guess; more of a feeling. I know that I don't hear about 1 in 20 having problems, but that would be my guess.
>
> - Cam
Posted by Liberty Belle on November 4, 2001, at 1:12:20
In reply to Re: Hair loss - MaryB - Dreamy, posted by sweet_slider on November 2, 2001, at 15:22:24
I want to sincerely and enthusiastically thank the people who have shared their struggles with Effexor on this message board. I am indebted in the highest degree to all who have honestly and courageously shared their stories and grief and know that by reading your comments I have been saved a world of potential heartache worse than depression itself. I am hopeful and confident that I represent countless others who have been and will be encouraged, empowered, and educated by this powerful site. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Posted by Kristi on November 4, 2001, at 11:52:55
In reply to HOW THE TRUTH SET ME FREE, posted by Liberty Belle on November 4, 2001, at 1:12:20
> I want to sincerely and enthusiastically thank the people who have shared their struggles with Effexor on this message board. I am indebted in the highest degree to all who have honestly and courageously shared their stories and grief and know that by reading your comments I have been saved a world of potential heartache worse than depression itself. I am hopeful and confident that I represent countless others who have been and will be encouraged, empowered, and educated by this powerful site. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Posted by girlie on November 4, 2001, at 18:37:23
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » Cam W., posted by Kristi on November 3, 2001, at 11:06:15
I am now 2 days off of Effexor XR...from 300mg/day. I weaned off very slowly, staying steady at 75mg for a few weeks until after my wedding/honeymoon. My last dose of 37.5 was on Friday.
Yesterday went pretty well, just a very mild case of the brain swooshes. Today I'm doing a little worse. I feel like crying for no reason and, the first time I let go and cry, I couldn't catch my breath on the "intake sob". My husband was with me and didn't know what to do as I gasped for breath. I was scared which, of course, made me cry harder, which did NOT help trying to catch my breath. Once I calmed down I was weepy for a few hours and eventually fell asleep. My appetite has decreased (NOT a BAD thing, since I've gained weight since being on this drug!) and when I do eat I feel nauseated. The brain swooshes are worse today, as well as the "electric shocks".
The only thing I didn't count on in the withdrawl process was the shortness of breath, which scared me to death! The other stuff I anticipated.
girlie
Posted by Allen F. on November 5, 2001, at 16:00:05
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started taking Effexor two months ago and have had some strange effects since then, even after the Phy. cut the dosage from 150mg to 75mg per day.
I feel like I am not here, cognitively slower, confusion, abnormal vision, ringing in my ears (this is really getting to me), vertigo, impaired motor skills, loss of taste, and lack of feeling in my face. I have also been feeling increased sadness and this confuses me since Effexor was an antidpressant.
I was on Prozac for several years but the Doc. changed it to Effexor. I have read that Prozac can help with the side effects of Effexor, any truth to that?
Help ... my Doc. says the side-effects are not related to the drug, but I think they are, and I am going nuts. I also want to get off Effexor but I am nurvous given what I have read in the Posting.
Posted by Kristi on November 5, 2001, at 20:57:17
In reply to Re: side effects, posted by Allen F. on November 5, 2001, at 16:00:05
Allen,
In my experience and opinion..... prozac is the BEST way to get off of effexor. If you want to start taking prozac anyway, it would be the best time to get off of effexor when your making the transition. It totally helped me... and lots of people on this board, with the withdrawal effects some experience. Good luck,
Kristi
> I started taking Effexor two months ago and have had some strange effects since then, even after the Phy. cut the dosage from 150mg to 75mg per day.
>
> I feel like I am not here, cognitively slower, confusion, abnormal vision, ringing in my ears (this is really getting to me), vertigo, impaired motor skills, loss of taste, and lack of feeling in my face. I have also been feeling increased sadness and this confuses me since Effexor was an antidpressant.
>
> I was on Prozac for several years but the Doc. changed it to Effexor. I have read that Prozac can help with the side effects of Effexor, any truth to that?
>
> Help ... my Doc. says the side-effects are not related to the drug, but I think they are, and I am going nuts. I also want to get off Effexor but I am nurvous given what I have read in the Posting.
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 6, 2001, at 7:26:38
In reply to Re: side effects, posted by Allen F. on November 5, 2001, at 16:00:05
Allen, If you are having facial pain and ringing in the ears, please talk to your doc asap. I stayed on zoloft for 12 weeks, 10 weeks later I still have some ringing, and facial pain. I clenched my jaw so tight I broke a tooth in half. This has not been a fun trip for me. The sooner you see the doc the better.
Mary
Posted by Cherubee on November 7, 2001, at 12:20:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
HAS ANYONE HAD A PROBLEM WITH WEIGHT GAIN SINCE TAKING EFFEXOR?
Posted by girlie on November 7, 2001, at 12:34:17
In reply to WEIGHT GAIN?, posted by Cherubee on November 7, 2001, at 12:20:57
> HAS ANYONE HAD A PROBLEM WITH WEIGHT GAIN SINCE TAKING EFFEXOR?
Yes, just about everyone. Go back a few days or weeks and look for long discussions on this subject.girlie
Posted by samssopp on November 7, 2001, at 19:19:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal, posted by KellyG on October 23, 2000, at 23:50:34
I am having an absolutely awful time withdrawing from Effexor - I've been on the med about 19 months and, though initially had good results, have grown resistence and have had "breakthrough depression/anxiety symptoms." (this is a common occurrence for me -- usually switch meds about every 2 years and have been on just about all of them over the past 13 years.) I stepped down from 150mg of Effexor to 75mg a few weeks ago and had the same awful symptoms I'm having now. At the same time, started on a new med called Serzone (which causes wooziness when first stepping up on it). So, I may be getting hit from both sides.
I dropped the other 75 mg last Friday and have had an incredibly strong return of symptoms -- major dizziness and exhaustion (both my therapist and secretary commented today how wiped out and tired I looked :( Also have incredible joint aches and headaches. I am only in my job 4 months and cannot take significant time off. I did take one day off last week, but cannot continue that...so, I push myself through the day with much effort and return home to exhaustion and try to lay down as much as possible with a 6 year old and a 3 year old. My doc says that the withdrawal symptoms usually last about a week, so am really hoping I'm feeling better by the weekend. This is horrendous! I had heard about the withdrawal from this med, but had no idea how awful it would be until it finally knocked me for a loop!!! Thanks for letting me vent -- let me know if any of you has any advice for getting through this!! I'm doing major advil for the joint pain, but nothing beyond that...although I heard Benadryl might be an option???? Am afraid to mix too much stuff now!
Posted by girlie on November 7, 2001, at 20:18:42
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal, posted by samssopp on November 7, 2001, at 19:19:04
I took my last dose (at 37.5) on Friday and have been in hell ever since. At first I thought I could handle it, but things kept getting worse. The nausea alone kept me in the house for 3 days. Yesterday the emotional effects happened....and this afternoon I had a breakdown. Started having the "it would be easier just to fall off the face of the earth" thoughts. The swinging between uncontrollable crying and then anger was no fun either.
I had my doctor paged and she called in a prescription for 25mg for me. I'm to take that for at least a week, then cut it in half for at least a week. At that point I may go to every other day.
I told her that I was afraid that I just wasn't going to be able to function off of it, and she assured me that this is typical withdrawal, that it's "horrific" as she put it.
(BTW, I was on 300mg/day for a long time and have been weaning down since June of this year. I went down at 75mg intervals. I was at 75 mg for about a month, then 37.5 for a week, then off.)
I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I honestly didn't expect it to be this hard.
girlie
> I am having an absolutely awful time withdrawing from Effexor - I've been on the med about 19 months and, though initially had good results, have grown resistence and have had "breakthrough depression/anxiety symptoms." (this is a common occurrence for me -- usually switch meds about every 2 years and have been on just about all of them over the past 13 years.) I stepped down from 150mg of Effexor to 75mg a few weeks ago and had the same awful symptoms I'm having now. At the same time, started on a new med called Serzone (which causes wooziness when first stepping up on it). So, I may be getting hit from both sides.
>
> I dropped the other 75 mg last Friday and have had an incredibly strong return of symptoms -- major dizziness and exhaustion (both my therapist and secretary commented today how wiped out and tired I looked :( Also have incredible joint aches and headaches. I am only in my job 4 months and cannot take significant time off. I did take one day off last week, but cannot continue that...so, I push myself through the day with much effort and return home to exhaustion and try to lay down as much as possible with a 6 year old and a 3 year old. My doc says that the withdrawal symptoms usually last about a week, so am really hoping I'm feeling better by the weekend. This is horrendous! I had heard about the withdrawal from this med, but had no idea how awful it would be until it finally knocked me for a loop!!! Thanks for letting me vent -- let me know if any of you has any advice for getting through this!! I'm doing major advil for the joint pain, but nothing beyond that...although I heard Benadryl might be an option???? Am afraid to mix too much stuff now!
Posted by witchypoo on November 8, 2001, at 11:27:52
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi there
I am new to the board, this is my 1st post.
It was great to find this on the internet.
I started reading starting from the begining,
and was hoping it would get better...does'nt seem that way.
I have been on Effexor XR for the last 9mo.
I started on AD right after i had my 3rd baby.
severe post partum. tried alot of different things none worked. zoloft, prozac,buspar,and several others, the my pdr put me on effexor.
I now am taking 300mg of it a day in the morning.
I'm glad to know that im not AS crazy as i thought i was.
It has helped with my moods and feeling irritable
all the time,helped me to to sit around and cry.
However...
I have had the vivid dreams, dreams that seem so real they stay with you all day long.
I have had the acne arounf the scalp. Ive never had acne before.
I have also had the fatigue, cant sleep at night,
not gained weight, becasue i started taking Ad
right after having the baby, however i hav'nt dropped a pound.
I have had no motivation, the things i use to love to do, id still love to do, i just dont want to. its very werid!
and God forbid i miss a dose! Whoa! I feel so
dizzy, i feel like im here and im aware of everything around me, but im just there. a blob!
i hate that feeling!
Im now convinced i'll be on this the rest of my life! i have 3 little girls and i cant afford at this point in my life to go through withdrawls as
severe as everyone has dicribed in here. I have not read where one person has said it was easy i had no problems. Maybe thats what the pharmasutical compant intended, get people addicted, and we make money FOREVER! I know when i miss my dose, im like trying to get to ASAP!
so no one can tell me its not addicting!
Right now im looking for the right meds that i can combine any sugestions would be great!
Something that will get me going and something that will help me sleep.
its funny but my pdr says i should not be feeling this way. he says it should have the opposit effect on me more energy, better sleep, lose weight, and the reason it has'nt happened yet, is
because im on not on the right dose. how high can
it go? anyone that could give me any info id appreciate. Also the pdr is talking about putting me on welbutrin, what does anyone know about this?
thank you-
witchypoo
Posted by Sleepy on November 8, 2001, at 11:37:19
In reply to HOW THE TRUTH SET ME FREE, posted by Liberty Belle on November 4, 2001, at 1:12:20
After reading some of the posts on Effexor, all I can say is--am I glad to hear I'm not alone in my distrust of this medication. I'm not saying it doesn't work for somebody (my dr. assures me he's had great success treating patients with it), but as for me, I suffered terribly from memory loss and confusion with this drug and would NEVER go on it again. The first really bad episode consisted of myself and my two children on our way to my daughter's weekly music lesson. After 3 months of driving her there every Saturday I suddenly FORGOT how to get there and drove around frantically searching (of course this frightened my children and scared the bleep out of me). As for weaning myself off slowly, I was so freaked I took myself off of Effexor (and yes, I did get sick, I admit I should have probably gone to my doctor and let him give me smaller and smaller doses, but I couldn't DRIVE on this stuff). I work at a job where I have to have my wits about me and on Effexor (which my dr. said should "increase concentration") I couldn't think straight. I'm wondering, though, if this could have something to do with combining Effexor with another drug (Depakote, in my case--I'm bipolar)??? In any event, Effexor is, for me anyway, some scary stuff!
> > > I want to sincerely and enthusiastically thank the people who have shared their struggles with Effexor on this message board. I am indebted in the highest degree to all who have honestly and courageously shared their stories and grief and know that by reading your comments I have been saved a world of potential heartache worse than depression itself. I am hopeful and confident that I represent countless others who have been and will be encouraged, empowered, and educated by this powerful site. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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