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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by IsoM on February 19, 2002, at 13:02:56
In reply to Re: Each person is unique., posted by Maria Warren on February 19, 2002, at 12:16:05
Maria, you may take months tapering down from your Effexor only to find that you were one of the people who could discontinue it reasonably quickly without suffering bad effects. You'll know how you react from the initial change from 375 mg to 300 mg. If you're going to suffer discontinuation effects, you'll feel it that first week.
If you don't feel bad, you probably can go with his tapering schedule. If you do feel bad, tell him you need to go much slower. By the way, 20 mg Celexa is pretty low. You may need 40 mg or even 60. Hopefully, adding the Celexa as you taper down from Effexor should quell the symptoms of discontinuing it.
I'm one of those who had to taper off SSRIs over months, a couple of mg at a time, & still felt sick every day & then even for months afterwards. My case is pretty rare, thank goodness. I'm taking adrafinil (Provigil's siter), Celexa, & synthroid now. I found, for whatever reason, that adrafinil's enabled me to stop Paxil this time with no problems whatsoever. I went from my 10 mg Paxil cold turkey (while taking the above combo too) to none. All other times I tried tapering off even a little, I'd get sick, woozy, etc. The only difference now is the adrafinil I take. Stopped the Paxil & never even noticed a difference.
Posted by NikkiT2 on February 19, 2002, at 16:36:10
In reply to Re: Each person is unique., posted by Maria Warren on February 19, 2002, at 12:16:05
I am tapering off Effexor (from 300mg) at 75mg a week. I am now down to 75mg and have had virtually no side effects. the best bet is cut down 75mg and see how you feel.. leave it, then do it again.. thats what I'm doing, just going at my own pace.
Nikki
Posted by Reneeb on February 19, 2002, at 20:54:39
In reply to Re: Each person is unique., posted by Maria Warren on February 19, 2002, at 12:16:05
> Maria, I am also tapering off effexor. I have gone from 150mg to 75mg and now I am on 37.5mg. My doc told me to stay on this for two weeks and then skip a day for another week. I haven't felt any bad withdrawal effects either. I listened to what people had to say here and took it really slow.
Good Luck,
Renee
Posted by Maria Warren on February 20, 2002, at 6:00:29
In reply to Re: Each person is unique. » Maria Warren, posted by Reneeb on February 19, 2002, at 20:54:39
> > Maria, I am also tapering off effexor. I have gone from 150mg to 75mg and now I am on 37.5mg. My doc told me to stay on this for two weeks and then skip a day for another week. I haven't felt any bad withdrawal effects either. I listened to what people had to say here and took it really slow.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> Renee
Hey Renee, Nikki,IsoM, and everyone,
you have no idea how much I appreciate your positive posts! I had read so much that was negative about coming off Effexor XR. It frightened me and caused me such saddness, because of all the AD's I had ever been on, Effexor had done the trick for me better than any other. Had it not been for the weight gain I probably would have stayed on it.
I like the title of this thread "everyone is unique" and I am trying to remember that. It is just so good to know that I have companions in this healing proccess. And thanks to you Dr. Bob for providing this site for us. Keep the support coming -- I have just begun to taper! Maria
Posted by SusanG on February 20, 2002, at 12:29:49
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by JAG on February 18, 2002, at 11:45:56
Could any of you help me with a weird symptom I've been having? I'm not sure if it is Effexor related but could be. It sounds like the Brain Zaps that have been mentioned by others. I get these odd sensations like dizziness but not exactly. They are somewhat like the feeling you would get if you stepped off a curb unexpectedly or like the feeling off starting to nod off in a boring lecture, then catching yourself. I feel it just in my head, like little head hiccups and notice it mostly when sitting quietly. I have experienced them before but they have been worse lately and I wonder if this is due to weaning off the Effexor. I thought it could be due to dehydration or allergies so I tried to address these issues but no change. I just wish it would stop. Anyone recognize this?
Posted by Reneeb on February 20, 2002, at 13:46:49
In reply to Re: Each person is unique., posted by Maria Warren on February 20, 2002, at 6:00:29
> > > Maria, I felt the same way. It was the weight gain that got me too. Keep in touch and let us know how its going for you. I will let you know how its goes when I am skipping a day. Thats the one I am worrying about.
Renee
Posted by shelia on February 20, 2002, at 13:47:10
In reply to weird symptom, posted by SusanG on February 20, 2002, at 12:29:49
http://depression.about.com/library/weekly/aa052598.htm
(that seems to explain it)
As for myself, no thanks, I was given this medication simply to quit smoking with.
I had taken other pills, and although I cannot recall the name of them right now, they are prescriberd in order to quit......little purple pills with happy faces on them and I became so paranoid, I thought I was going to have a stroke.Maybe easier just to grn and bear it, instead of going though this anxiety....... ;-(
> Could any of you help me with a weird symptom I've been having? I'm not sure if it is Effexor related but could be. It sounds like the Brain Zaps that have been mentioned by others. I get these odd sensations like dizziness but not exactly. They are somewhat like the feeling you would get if you stepped off a curb unexpectedly or like the feeling off starting to nod off in a boring lecture, then catching yourself. I feel it just in my head, like little head hiccups and notice it mostly when sitting quietly. I have experienced them before but they have been worse lately and I wonder if this is due to weaning off the Effexor. I thought it could be due to dehydration or allergies so I tried to address these issues but no change. I just wish it would stop. Anyone recognize this?
Posted by Reneeb on February 20, 2002, at 13:53:50
In reply to weird symptom, posted by SusanG on February 20, 2002, at 12:29:49
> Susan, Yes! I do understand what you are feeling. I had that too when I started to wean myself off of effexor and decided that since I did well going from 150 to 75mg that I would try skipping a day. Not a good idea. I immediately took a capsule. I am down to 37.5 right now and next week I am planning to try skipping a day.
What dose are you on?
Renee
Posted by Maria Warren on February 20, 2002, at 14:24:24
In reply to Re: weird symptom » SusanG, posted by Reneeb on February 20, 2002, at 13:53:50
> > Susan, Yes! I do understand what you are feeling. I had that too when I started to wean myself off of effexor and decided that since I did well going from 150 to 75mg that I would try skipping a day. Not a good idea. I immediately took a capsule. I am down to 37.5 right now and next week I am planning to try skipping a day.
>
> What dose are you on?
>
> Renee
Susan,
Yes, I remember those. Someone around here called them "brain farts"! they can be unerving especially if you dont know what they are. I also call them "CNS Hiccups" . Evidently, depending on when and where they happen (fatigued, sitting up, concentrating vs relaxing) strange little things can happen. Like once we were eating and my arm just flipped my fork up! Usually though it's all internal. These too shall pass. Maria
Posted by SusanG on February 20, 2002, at 17:25:00
In reply to Re: weird symptom » SusanG, posted by Reneeb on February 20, 2002, at 13:53:50
Renee, I have the 75 mg capsules which I decided were too difficult to split. So with the advice of my doc, I have gone from one a day to one every other day, then every three and so on. Today would have dropped me to one every fourth day but it seems crazy to give myself a dose of 75mg then nothing for four days so I think I am off altogether now. I would have prefered to take daily doses at decreasing amounts but the doc (nurse actually) said this would work the same. Not so sure, but here I am. If only I could stop the twirlies but they are survivable, just disconcerting. Thanks for your input.
Posted by Lorraine on February 20, 2002, at 22:12:25
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by JAG on February 18, 2002, at 11:45:56
sophie
Posted by Maria Warren on February 21, 2002, at 6:05:58
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by Lorraine on February 20, 2002, at 22:12:25
> sophie
Susan,
Can you get your pdoc to prescribe a low dose of Prozac, like 10mgm? I have not tried this but have heard that it works. Maria
Posted by Reneeb on February 21, 2002, at 11:13:20
In reply to Re: weird symptom, posted by SusanG on February 20, 2002, at 17:25:00
> Susan, why didn't your pdoc lower your dose to 37.5mg?
Renee
Posted by NikkiT2 on February 21, 2002, at 15:51:35
In reply to weird symptom, posted by SusanG on February 20, 2002, at 12:29:49
Oh yeah, I get this.. like that vertigo feeling when you miss a step?? I get this as the first sign of withdrawal...
Nikki
Posted by SusanG on February 21, 2002, at 15:59:51
In reply to Re: weird symptom » SusanG, posted by Reneeb on February 21, 2002, at 11:13:20
> > Susan, why didn't your pdoc lower your dose to 37.5mg?
>
> ReneeRenee, I think because I use 75 mg capsules which are hard to split. It's my gyn who put me on this and perhaps she is not as familiar the best withdrawl method. She did initially suggest splitting the pills but when I told the nurse I use capsules, I was told to do the alternating days routine. When I questioned it, I was told it would work just the same. Not sure that was true but I went ahead with it. I'm still getting the twirlies pretty strong but doing ok otherwise.
Posted by IsoM on February 21, 2002, at 16:02:42
In reply to Re: weird symptom » SusanG, posted by NikkiT2 on February 21, 2002, at 15:51:35
Just jumping into the middle of your thread, if you don't mind.
That vertigo feeling? I found the brain zaps worse but this strange vertigo is one symptom that has never left me even a couple of years after stopping Paxil. I now must live with it.
While I really do hate it, it's more of a highly disliked "bęte noir" (black beast, the French idiom for our too tame pet peeve) than a full-blown problem. I need to be careful of how fast I whip my head about (which is hard as I'm ADHD & normally move very fast) particularily looking over my shoulder for traffic when I change lanes or turn a corner. Got to be careful too of not straightening up too fast from bending over.
Posted by NikkiT2 on February 21, 2002, at 19:19:35
In reply to Re: weird symptom » NikkiT2, posted by IsoM on February 21, 2002, at 16:02:42
Yeah.. the brian zaps are a nightmare.. when i did cold turkey from 300mg though I think that was the least of my worries!!! The vertigo was continuous and it was like i was really sea sick.. I start getting it within 12 hours of a missed dose.. I'm down to 75mg and scared to knowck that on the head!!!
Nikki
> Just jumping into the middle of your thread, if you don't mind.
>
> That vertigo feeling? I found the brain zaps worse but this strange vertigo is one symptom that has never left me even a couple of years after stopping Paxil. I now must live with it.
>
> While I really do hate it, it's more of a highly disliked "bęte noir" (black beast, the French idiom for our too tame pet peeve) than a full-blown problem. I need to be careful of how fast I whip my head about (which is hard as I'm ADHD & normally move very fast) particularily looking over my shoulder for traffic when I change lanes or turn a corner. Got to be careful too of not straightening up too fast from bending over.
Posted by Reneeb on February 21, 2002, at 20:45:44
In reply to Re: weird symptom » NikkiT2, posted by IsoM on February 21, 2002, at 16:02:42
> Oh Boy, do I know what you are talking about!!I get that vertigo feeling a lot. What is really strange is a week before my period I get it for at least 2 or 3 days in a row.
Renee
Posted by Shanti on February 21, 2002, at 21:07:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
i have been taking paxil for the last 2 years with ok results but not enough durning my 2 week cycle of pms as some like to put it but for me it is much more than that and paxil wasn't helping. what i would like to know after reading different posts. what is your opinion about starting on 75mg AT ONCE (not broken down to 37.5mg like most have wrote about). my dr. said it was comparable to the 20mg of paxil i had been taking daily and the only thing to do for the transition is to stop the paxil for 2 days and then start with the Effexor. One other query, any women out their who experiencing their anxiety/depression during your menstural cycle? look forward to responses!
Posted by sid on February 21, 2002, at 21:40:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shanti on February 21, 2002, at 21:07:11
In the past couple of years I've been suicidal about 3 day per month. Not much else (!) in terms of PMS, but if I hadn't though of looking at the calendar, I'd have killed myself.
I'm on Effexor XR for long-standing dysthymia and anxiety now, and I'm on the pill (monophasic, 84 days in line, then 1 week off) to control my cycle-related symptoms.
Posted by birdy on February 22, 2002, at 2:21:07
In reply to Re: MARTHA Effexxor Side Affect - Horrible!!, posted by Mark H. on September 14, 2000, at 18:35:34
Am weaning from 225 to 37.5 (in steps) and can't sleep! After nine days of this, got put on 2.5 mm. (very low dose) of olanzapine - an anti-psychotic drug with potential horrid side effects! I feel like medication is making me crazy -- my shrink thinks I'm minor-leagie bipolar, which could very well be, but I'm afraid all this drug soup is going to do worse damage than my own depression. Opinions, please!
Posted by Maria Warren on February 22, 2002, at 7:17:03
In reply to is effexor making me crazy????, posted by birdy on February 22, 2002, at 2:21:07
> Am weaning from 225 to 37.5 (in steps) and can't sleep! After nine days of this, got put on 2.5 mm. (very low dose) of olanzapine - an anti-psychotic drug with potential horrid side effects! I feel like medication is making me crazy -- my shrink thinks I'm minor-leagie bipolar, which could very well be, but I'm afraid all this drug soup is going to do worse damage than my own depression. Opinions, please!
Birdy
You seem to have been responding to an old post and sort of popped up in the middle of this one. I think I got that straighteded out, but I am not as seasoned at helping as some others might be. One possibility is sometimes a low dose or Prozac. Anyone else out there able to help? Also you don't say HOW gradually you are cutting from one dose to another? Maria
Posted by NikkiT2 on February 22, 2002, at 12:35:12
In reply to Re: is effexor making me crazy????, posted by Maria Warren on February 22, 2002, at 7:17:03
OK... So I've been singing and dancing about how good my withdrawal is going.. but past 3 days I;ve been feeling increasingly pukey... just uncomfortable tummy, slight upset tummy, and just ickyness...
Down to 75mg a day (taking it in morning)... will try it at evening I think and see how that goes!
Nikki
Posted by Shanti on February 22, 2002, at 13:45:59
In reply to Re: is effexor making me crazy????, posted by Maria Warren on February 22, 2002, at 7:17:03
> > Am weaning from 225 to 37.5 (in steps) and can't sleep! After nine days of this, got put on 2.5 mm. (very low dose) of olanzapine - an anti-psychotic drug with potential horrid side effects! I feel like medication is making me crazy -- my shrink thinks I'm minor-leagie bipolar, which could very well be, but I'm afraid all this drug soup is going to do worse damage than my own depression. Opinions, please!
>
>
> Birdy
> You seem to have been responding to an old post and sort of popped up in the middle of this one. I think I got that straighteded out, but I am not as seasoned at helping as some others might be. One possibility is sometimes a low dose or Prozac. Anyone else out there able to help? Also you don't say HOW gradually you are cutting from one dose to another? MariaBirdy
Do you or anyone else out there agree that we have to do A LOT of mental work as well to even begin to feel what one calls "normal" in this world, that is one of the hardest things for me to work at especiallly during my menstural cycle but if i manage to keep upbeat i usually get through with only 2-4 days of wanting to scream, yell,short tempered, etc.
i start my med's tomorrow and am looking forward to it after my 2 years with paxil and i truly hope it is an easy transition - i will defenitely post my experience!
i do have to say i stumbled upon this website and wow! this is very theraputic to read that other people in this world experience the same things as me (yes, at different levels - i'm like someone else who wrote i'm a mild bi-polar if you can call it that
before i sign off i want to tell a short story that happened to me a few months ago.
i recently had a baby (4 months ago) and about 1 month later i went out with my sister for the first time in a long time to a bar. while at the bar she kept telling people that i had just had a baby and they commented on how good i look - the weight just fell off (i am very skinny to begin with and subconcisouly i am anorixca - i don't purposely strave myself - food just doesn't appeal to me but i agree with my therapist that it is a way of me not liking myself so i do this even if i don't really "think" about). After about the 5th time i finally looked at her and said if i could trade my mental illness in for some extra weight and what society considers to be fat i would in a second because i think that would be a lot easier to deal with than what i have now
gotta go - i'm from Canada and the men's hockey team is playing right now - go canada go!! right now it is 2-1 for canada
peace!
Posted by LisaDiann on February 22, 2002, at 20:05:55
In reply to Re: weird symptom, posted by shelia on February 20, 2002, at 13:47:10
Oh my....I can't believe I found this site!! I was on Prozac for about 8 yrs and went off it a couple months ago..doctor put me on effexor because I felt Prozac wasn't helping me with my depression and anxiety. After a couple months of taking Effexor I started getting the brain zaps like what you people are talking about except I also have a strange feeling in my legs, arm and fingers at the same time of the zap in my brain. It happens anytime..standing, sitting, laying...turning head..moving eyes. I also became severly constipated and breasts very tender. I went off the effexor even tho doctor told me he really doubts it is related to the medication...some days are worse than others. I even went to the emergency room thinking I was having a stroke! I had a complete hysterectomy a few years ago so the same time he switched me from prozac to effexor he also switched my Premarin l.25 to vivelle patch and estrotest...maybe the breast tenderness is from the patch or estratest, I don't know. My doctor sent me to a cardiologist for the "zapping feelings" and had heart monitor on for 24 hrs and am scheduled for stress test next week...he also sent me for barrium enema. Yesterday I took my estrogen patch off and went back on Premarin to see if that was my problem for these feelings. I haven't got results back yet from any of the tests. I can't tell you how happy I am to find others that are experiencing some of the same symptoms. I've been doing research on the heart and stroke...thinking thats what is wrong with me. I'm amazed my doctor didn't mention others having same side affects as me. I'm definately finding another doctor after these tests are complete. I'm wondering if these "zaps" are from the prozac I was on for 8 yrs or the effexor I was on for only 2 months. Anybody else experiencing the tingling feelings in their arm, fingers or legs along with the brain zaps? They all happen at the same time. Thank you so much !
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