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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by willie on October 2, 2003, at 7:03:47
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
How long were you on the 37.5 of Effexor? I've been on that dosage for almost a year now and I'm thinking of coming off of it. I have been curious to withdrawal symptoms for someone who was on the same dosage as me. Willie
Posted by BJL on October 2, 2003, at 10:53:49
In reply to Hey BJL, posted by willie on October 2, 2003, at 7:03:47
I was at 150 mg twice a day and weaned back down. I was only on the 37.5 mg for a week, which I think was too short of a time before going off.
Irregardless of how large or small of an amount of Effexor you are on, I think the weaning has to go beyond the 37.5 mg. There needs to be smaller doses, such as 30 mg, 20 mg, and 10 mg to wean down even further, maybe on a weekly basis or every other week.
BTW, my symptoms had subsided, but they came back yesteday, 8 days after last tablet, and the dizziness was so horrible that I was throwing up last night. I couldn't get Dramamine, Benadryl, anything to help it. I called my psych this morning, and he says it should be better within the next couple of days. He said symptoms last a week to 10 days, but he swore up and down when I went off the 37.5 mg that I would have "no withdrawal." He obviously knew that I would possibly have withdrawals, but he chose not to divulge this information, maybe thinking mind over matter, I don't know. I'm upset because he should have been honest with me. People have jobs and need to continue to function. They need to be prepared for this. I am so mad, I can't even begin to express how mad I am, but he'll find out at my appointment next week, because I am going to rip him a new one.
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 2, 2003, at 12:10:20
In reply to Re: Hey BJL, posted by BJL on October 2, 2003, at 10:53:49
I still beleive having another AD (prozac,..) onboard before withdrawing from Effexor will help alot. I think you need at least two weeks of the replacement AD before tappering off the Effexor.
I am at 600 mg still and when I am ready to stop Effexor I will withdrawl at 75 mg per week. It should be interesting to say the least.
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 3, 2003, at 11:49:24
In reply to Re: Hey BJL » BJL, posted by Salty_Dog on October 2, 2003, at 12:10:20
High Blood Pressure has won in my battle with my doctor to continue taking Effexor. I'm tapering off now as I type. 150x2 daily to 150 & 75 daily, 2x75 daily. I'm hoping the Strattera that helps with my ADD symptoms will ease any depression.
My life is scary right now and changing my meds isn't making me happy.
KDi in Texas
Posted by BJL on October 3, 2003, at 13:42:44
In reply to Re: Hey BJL » BJL, posted by Salty_Dog on October 2, 2003, at 12:10:20
By everything that I've read, it definitely appears that Prozac is the way to go when coming off of Effexor. If these withdrawals aren't better by my appointment next Wednesday, I'm going to beg him for it. I'll shine his shoes, babysit his kids, walk his dog, do laundry, anything to stop feeling this way....except go back on Effexor and start all over again.
Posted by lioness on October 3, 2003, at 14:08:43
In reply to Re: Hey BJL, posted by BJL on October 3, 2003, at 13:42:44
I have been taking 10 mg of prozac for a week now, and I am feeling better. I am still on 75.mg of effexor, and I plan to cut back next week, but I really just want to feel ok for a few more days...and doctor said not to wean any more until I am symptom-free for 7 days. I think it is worth a try...it did work for me. Good Luck!
Lioness
Posted by zinya on October 3, 2003, at 14:44:14
In reply to Effexor Club Collapses, posted by KimberlyDi on October 3, 2003, at 11:49:24
First, greetings again to "old friends" here Willie and Kim... and hearing your anxieties about withdrawal...
Willie, i think it's important to remember that if there's anything this website has to teach us all, it's that drugs like this affect everyone differently... When your time to withdraw comes, just go VERY slowly.
And I'm glad to see that BJL even belatedly has discovered that too. I'm in the process of doing what i have advocated doing here, just based on my limited experience, of opening the capsules and dividing up the granules to reduce VERY gradually, and so far so good.
I am going through a phase again of some weight gain which had happened for me when i was on the way up, after starting at half the 37.5 level (19 mg) and then moving to 37.5, my appetite had dropped but weight stayed the same on half the amount of food... Only after about a month at 150, did that weight begin to come off. But once I'm completely off Effexor again, I will give some time to see if as I suspect, my metabolism will return to what it was before Effexor.
I think you should plan to give some time too, Willie and BJL, post-Effexor, to seeing what happens just naturally in terms of weight before thinking of going on another substance... It's quite conceivable (though unpredictable, i think, cuz each of us is unique in how we process this drug) that going off Effexor by itself will yield some positive effects for weight loss.
I'm down to 37.5 now (and planning to stay -- HOLY COW! Writing this just made me realize as I looked to count up how many days i'd been on that level so far -- I fell asleep last night without taking it -- after only 5 nights at that level ... Yikes, well, i'm not going to take one now and screw up my daily timing -- and the amazing thing is that i haven't had any side effects yet. I'm in shock as i write. On the 3 or 4 occasions that this happened previously - of falling asleep before taking my nightly dose, I awoke in a dripping sweat about 3-5 hours later and had to change clothes etc., which was a wet reminder to take it ... but this time, a minor miracle in a way that i haven't had any effects yet... But I'm under NO illusions. I will resume the 37.5 tonight at usual hour (and just hope I make it til then without weird S-Es) and, as I was ABOUT to say when i looked to see how many nights i'd been at this level, i plan to stay on it for at least a couple of weeks and then down by 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 etc.. and then at the end -- which you might consider too BJL, as I've said here before is my plan, I will go to 1/4 dose every other day before finally quitting. I read too many nightmare stories here not to prefer "Safe over sorry" by trying to see if I can go a faster route offramp.
A friend from here - "mercedes" who Kim and Willie knew too - is tapering off now as well and already down to 75 from 225 and i've been encouraging her too from here on out to add an extra week to however long she's already thinking of staying at a certain level. I really think the final stages of the offramp are the biggies ... As some have said here, a drug like this really 'restructures" the brain in some ways and to think that such a restructuring will not require VERY gradual de-restructuring seems too naive.
I'm not going to opt for an alternate A-D like prozac in part cuz i'd already tried every other A=D at some point over last decade and had to quit due to some intolerable S-Es ...
Like Kim in a way, one of my main reasons for going off now is my heart, which i've never had a concern about before in my life. But my heartbeat on Effexor became so alarming that even gardening was now an aerobic exercise, that it made me fear what could happen if i actually resumed REAL aerobic exercise. I just want to get back to where i can do that and hope that with walking and swimming i can re-modify my metabolism again in a way that once years ago always gave me real energy and had restructured my metabolism (daily swimming especially had totally transformed my metabolism for the better - as i always used to say, it became the best addiction i ever knew)... That's what I'm looking toward from here...
wishing you ALL the best,
hugs,
zinya
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 3, 2003, at 15:20:11
In reply to Going off... Willie, BJL, Kim Di and all » KimberlyDi, posted by zinya on October 3, 2003, at 14:44:14
Hey guys and gals,
Another idea is to increase the time intervals from 24 hours to say 30 hours for 4 days and then increase the interval to 36 hours for 4 days, etc.
This is only an idea and it would require a log of some sort or another to get the exact timing that works for each individual. Some may get along with increasing intervals by 6 hours and some may get along at 4 hours or even 8 hours, this would alow a different tapper off for any number of reasons.Good luck
Posted by zinya on October 3, 2003, at 15:28:38
In reply to Re: Going off... » zinya, posted by Salty_Dog on October 3, 2003, at 15:20:11
Salty Dog's post reminds me of something else i meant to say in my already LONG post, namely that if you're not already doing it, i encourage all of you to start keeping a log -- i keep one on a word file - of when i switch doses, which today was VITAL to being able to confirm that indeed i'd skipped my dose last night by falling asleep -- AND to list all S-E's as they happen...
We think we'll remember exactly what happened and when (or i'll speak for myself) but really it's so helpful to have a log to look back on to assess for example too how long you've gone without s-e's diminished to the point that it's wise to consider decreasing another level...
again, good luck to all...
z.
(Salty Dog, you said you're at 600 mg?? my goodness, my mind boggles - that's a LOT - you seem to be happy with it though?)
Posted by BJL on October 3, 2003, at 17:33:06
In reply to Going off... Willie, BJL, Kim Di and all » KimberlyDi, posted by zinya on October 3, 2003, at 14:44:14
Zinya, that's exactly why I don't want to take Effexor anymore. My body has completely shut down. 3-1/2 years ago, I had energy like crazy. I was anxious and depressed, but I still had my energy. I started with Paxil and within the first month had gained 10 pounds, alot because I was soooo tired all of the time. I'm now currently 60+ pounds heavier, and I struggle just to get through daily activities and work. I want to feel normal again, even if it means being glum at times. I feel I am more depressed at this point being so heavy and out of shape. I am embarrassed by how I look, get frustrated because I can gain 3 pounds in a day, yet it takes me a week to work very hard and maybe lose one pound. People used to tease me because I seemed to "run" everywhere instead of walk. I had energy like crazy. Now I feel like I'm crawling. I really hate it.
I love this board because I have felt so alone, like no one in the world could understand what I've been going through. I'm tired of crying alone, and I do cry, A LOT! I just want to be normal. I don't want to be special, just normal. Thanks for all of the support everyone! - Bobbi -
Posted by Mercedes on October 3, 2003, at 20:53:49
In reply to Re: For ANYONE who is SWEATING (also re quitting), posted by lioness on September 27, 2003, at 20:18:15
Hi Lioness, I posted here back in June. I come back to read sometimes. I read your note and found it interesting that you suffer from Tennitus. I too suffer from Tennitus, something new that developed this past July. It drives me crazy. It's constant. My neuro says it's incurable but didn't relate it to taking Effexor. I also developed severe migranes, which prior to effexor, didn't even have headaches. The sweating was tolerable but got to a point where I couldn't even be in the sun for fear of the migranes. I also have vision problems, having had my glasses changed 5 times in the last year. The killer was that my blood pressure also went very high. I now take blood pressure meds to add to the many other meds I take.
I am also withdrawing from Effexor because of the high blood pressure. I was at the 300mg level and actually felt that my depression/anxiety had lifted tremendously. But I never had any energy like I used to before. I swore on Effexor as having given me my life back, I laughed, smiled more and truly felt like a "happy" person finally after 7 yrs of depression. However I didn't know the drug was going to leave me with more health problems than when I began. I also had terrible problems concentrating, memory problems and being an accountant for 25 yrs, could not even add or subract simple numbers in my head. I guess I became a "happy" STUPID IDIOT.
I've decreased weekly from 300mgs during the past month and now I'm on 75mgs plus my pdoc put me on 25mgs of Paxil. I'm doing fine. I noticed the SE working in reverse as you said, titrating. At first I just had some shooting pings and pangs exiting my body especially my arms and face. But again, this only happened a few days and at the first two decreases. My headaches are not so frequent now. My vision seems to be clearing up a very little bit. I now have appts. with a ENT and a OPthamologist for my new ear & vision problems. I thought I was supposed to get better, now have more doctors than I can count on one hand.
But I'm interested to know how many other's have developed the ringing in the ears or tennitus and like me, just thought "it just happened". and just a little note here, if there is a law suit, I'm IN!
MercedesLioness wrote: September 27, 2003
I have experienced all of the awful withdrawal symptoms, from profuse sweating ( which is also common when titrating up on effexor) to the brain zaps with visual disturbance, and jumping muscles, to name a few. I felt an odd, dissociated feeling and was quick to anger, sensitive to light and sound...etc. When i finally called my doctor, he confirmed that this is typical effexor rebound or withdrawal symptoms. Because effexor has such a short half life, the rapid drop in seratonin levels causes these symptoms. Using a longer half life seratonin agent..prozac is supposed to be best for this...you can alleviate the withdrawal symptoms from the effexor and ease the process. I have taken 10 mg. of prozac for the past three days, and my symptoms seem to be getting better. I still suffer the headache, tinitus and incredible fatigue , but I no longer find myself in a pool of perspiration. Any doctor who says that these symptoms are all in their head has no business prescribing these meds. Effexor works well for many people. I know several people who also take this drug for chemo related maladies and i used it for cfids/fms. However, not every medicine is right for everyone. Some people have to try many different meds before finding what works best with their chemistry. I do know, that if i had known that I would have to go through this much discomfort and distress, I would have opted for a different medication altogether. Live and learn, i guess. Good luck to you all.
Posted by Mercedes on October 3, 2003, at 21:17:08
In reply to Effexor Club Collapses, posted by KimberlyDi on October 3, 2003, at 11:49:24
Hi KDI,
Add me to the Effexor collapse. (read my note to Lioness) I too, developed high blood pressure which caused migranes and with the (attacks) I get, it just was not a good thing for me to continue on effexor. I was on 300mgs XR for quite some time, months anyway, can't remember. I just heard on the radio today a commercial re: Effexor and just heard the last part, "Effexor may increase blood pressure so check with your dr......". Eeee Gaaaad, how long before they put Effexor causes Tennitus, vision problems, migranes...etc etc.
I loved this drug cause it lifted my depression and as I said in my previous note, I became a "happy" Stupid Idiot. Is that what you mean by ADD? Cause I also have the memory problems, lack of concentration, comprehension problems..etc. Well I explained it all in my long note to Lioness.
Hope things get better for you and I'd like to hear from you.
Mercedes
KDI writes:
> High Blood Pressure has won in my battle with my doctor to continue taking Effexor. I'm tapering off now as I type. 150x2 daily to 150 & 75 daily, 2x75 daily. I'm hoping the Strattera that helps with my ADD symptoms will ease any depression.
>
> My life is scary right now and changing my meds isn't making me happy.
>
> KDi in Texas
Posted by kcg33 on October 4, 2003, at 6:58:59
In reply to Re: For ANYONE who is SWEATING (also re quitting) » lioness, posted by Mercedes on October 3, 2003, at 20:53:49
Working on this, as soon as I have the name of the firm and the number to give you, I will post it.
BJL, Lioness and Mercedes, my thoughts EXACTLY. No energy, low metabolism, night sweats, MIGRAINES, sensitivity to the sun, visual problems, and no sex drive whatsoever. And this is just while TAKING the drug - and the horror quadruples when you try to get off of it! There will be Liberty and Justice for All in the end.
Posted by Kacy on October 4, 2003, at 9:19:17
In reply to Effexor Club Collapses, posted by KimberlyDi on October 3, 2003, at 11:49:24
KimberlyDi:
I was on 150 mg of Effexor. One higher dose of 225 mg didn't help me at all. I finally settled in at 112.5 mg of Effexor because it was worth a little bit reduced Effexor effect to reduce side effects. When I added Strattera, the Effexor worked so much better, I was able to go down to 75 mg of Effexor and get a better result than I was getting at 112.5 mg of it.
I don't know what order you began taking those pills, but maybe you will find you can get the benefit of Effexor at lower doses and that might change the blood pressure problem.
Effexor never helped with any Add/inattentive issues at all. It just helps me with excessive ruminating. You might settle in at each of those lower doses long enough to see if your blood pressure goes down and you still get benefits comparable to other seratonin meds.
On the other hand, if I could take Wellbutrin instead of Effexor, I would. That was the best ever for me for Add. (Unfortunately, right as it began working, I broke out in hives.) I highly recommend you try that one. Dopamine and epinephrine–it's perfect.
Posted by BJL on October 4, 2003, at 9:21:55
In reply to Re: For ANYONE who is SWEATING (also re quitting) » lioness, posted by Mercedes on October 3, 2003, at 20:53:49
Mercedes;
As far as the ringing in the ears goes, I've had three ear surgeries, and my ears have been ringing ever since, even before Effexor, so I'm not great for answering that. But, as for the vision, I've really wondered. I had laser eye surgery two years ago. My eyesight was better than 20/20, as was the dozens of people in our area who had the surgery, as well. None of them have had problems. I, however, have blurriness in the right eye. I thought something went wrong after my eye surgery. I never attributed it to the Effexor, but I'll be curious to see if it gets any better now that I'm off. I've been off for 11 days now, and it's not better yet, but how can I really tell when I've had a headache and dizziness from withdrawal. We'll see once this goes away. I'm starting to think it never will. -Bobbi-
Posted by Kacy on October 4, 2003, at 9:32:47
In reply to Re: For ANYONE who is SWEATING (also re quitting), posted by BJL on October 4, 2003, at 9:21:55
Bobbi: I quit Effexor and went back on again. By the tenth day or a little after, my vision was clear enough to easily read the phone book. Before that, I needed a magnifyer to read it, thanks to Effexor. I went back on Effexor and I needed those reading glasses near the phone book to read it again. Maybe this bodes well for you. If it doesn't happen right away, don't panic. My withdrawal symptoms were a piece of cake compared to the severity and duration some of you get.
Posted by BJL on October 4, 2003, at 10:21:07
In reply to About your vision: » BJL, posted by Kacy on October 4, 2003, at 9:32:47
Kacy;
Thanks! It's always nice to hear that there is a smoother road up ahead. I'm glad things are better for you!
Posted by Mr Mikey on October 5, 2003, at 2:36:22
In reply to Lawsuit Anyone?, posted by kcg33 on October 4, 2003, at 6:58:59
You go girl!
Posted by spacecase on October 5, 2003, at 10:19:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I've been on every antidepressant in the last 10 years, and Effexor XR is the first antidedressant to take my depression away, and with no side-effects. After going through over 25 antidepressants, I really think I found the one for me. Has anyone else had this kind of luck with Effexor XR.
Posted by spacecase on October 5, 2003, at 10:24:19
In reply to love and hate, posted by kimi on July 18, 2000, at 20:10:21
I just replied how much I loved Effexor Xr and had no side-effects but I just read this message. I've been having eye twiches, but my doctor thought it was tardive dyskenesia from antipsychotics because I'm bipolar. So, know I'm really not sure about Effexor Xr. I'm on so many meds that I'm not sure what is doing what.
Posted by lioness on October 5, 2003, at 11:09:26
In reply to Re: love and hate, posted by spacecase on October 5, 2003, at 10:24:19
> I just replied how much I loved Effexor Xr and had no side-effects but I just read this message. I've been having eye twiches, but my doctor thought it was tardive dyskenesia from antipsychotics because I'm bipolar. So, know I'm really not sure about Effexor Xr. I'm on so many meds that I'm not sure what is doing what.
Hi Kimi,
I know how you feel. I liked effexor as well, however, even on the extended release form, i experienced brain zaps and muscle twitchs. I, too, am on many different meds for cfids, fibromyalgia and hashimotos (thyroiditis), and therefore, it is sometimes difficult to figure out which is the offending agent. I decided early on that the side effects were not upsetting enough for me to discontinue the meds, until I was able to try something else. I did decide to stop the effexor as it did not help my illnesses and I wanted something for both the illnesses and the depression they caused (which I may have found- I am keeping my fingers crossed!). Maybe you need to decide if the side effects are tolerable for you. I am not sure how you can know which med is causing the SE unless you discontinue one of them for a period of time. Also, I have been wondering if those of us who experience SEs while on this medication are those who have the toughest time getting off of it? I hope it continues to work for you, as I have seen it do great things for people.
L
Posted by BJL on October 5, 2003, at 11:12:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by spacecase on October 5, 2003, at 10:19:10
I definitely will agree that I felt better while taking both Paxil and Effexor, but because of the fatigue, weight gain, and inability to function, I had to give it up.
I'd like to know how long it takes to start feeling "normal" again after going off of these medications. I am SOOOOO depressed that I literally wish God would let me die. I don't believe in suicide because of the selfishness of it, and this is selfish too, but at least my loved ones wouldn't feel "as much" pain. I don't want to cry anymore. I want to feel like I matter. I feel so lost and alone. I hate feeling like this. -Bobbi-
Posted by lioness on October 5, 2003, at 11:29:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by BJL on October 5, 2003, at 11:12:03
Bobbi,
I am so sorry that you are feeling so badly. Have you tried stratera? It is an ADD medication which not only will increase your energy and wakefulness without stimulant side effects, but also has AD effects. Hope this is helpful.
L
Posted by BJL on October 5, 2003, at 18:26:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by lioness on October 5, 2003, at 11:29:07
No, I haven't tried Strattera, but my stepdaughter is on it and has had great success with it. She still has energy, hasn't gained a pound, looks great, feels great, so if he pushes me to go on another drug, I may request to go that direction. I'm still on wellbutrin, but it has done nothing to prevent me from having depression during this withdrawal. I'd prefer to be on nothing, but I am miserable and feel like I'm making everyone around me miserable.
Thanks so much for your well wishes! -Bobbi-
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 5, 2003, at 20:09:43
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by BJL on October 5, 2003, at 11:12:03
As I have previously posted, I gave Effexor XR my best shot. I didn't want to wounder if the SE's I had where related to Effexor XR or not. At 600 mg per day, I fairly well know all of the mentioned SE on this BB. I found a solution to put a stop to the night sweats and the lazy eye (try using one or the other eye alone to see if there is improvement) the shakes, the twitching, the inability to think, the Tinititus and all of the other unmentionable SE's. I tryed Neurontin 600 mg three times a day and found great results. I also stopped taking the Neurontin for a week and got back the SE's like night sweats and lack of energy. So, in my own testing and in my case, Neurontin has done wounders to clear up the undesired SE's (even the sex issue) and has given my Eye Dr. a break. Untill I tried going off the Neurontin, I thought maybe I had become used to the SE's, but it turns out that's not case. I highly recomend it. Remember, I am at 600 mg of Effexor XR and while using Neurontin I was able to put an end to most, if not all, of the SE's.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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