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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by OliviaD on October 9, 2003, at 18:20:18
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Jonathan on June 19, 2000, at 5:36:38
Re: withdrawing from effexor. I was taking (and now have resumed taking) 600 mg of effexor sr per day, along with 300 mg of wellbutrin (I am a rather slight woman so this is a rather heavy dosage). Without complete awareness of how difficult withdrawal could be, I stopped both meds cold turkey (when I gave up illegal drugs) but found that in order to bear it I needed a beta blocker, and so was prescribed clonazepam (which I prefer to Xanax because it is longer acting and less addicting). This really and truly made going off the Effexor much easier than it had been. What also helped: I took five capsules of Tyrosine, B6 and whatever else it's usually potentiated with three times a day, as per the late Dr. Atkins nutriet formula for depression (phenalylanine is actually supposed to be even better). Anyway, the Tyrosine kept my depression semi- at-bay for quite some time, but due to terrible family situation and job loss I ended up deeper in the hole than ever and have resumed Effexor, Wellbutrin and clonazepam (plus Trazedone to sleep). I'm already feeling better after slightly over a week, but wondering whether the year or so I spent off of Effexor will be long enough to nullify the two-year poop-out tendency of this drug.
God bless and take care, you all!
> > I am supposed to be switching over to Prozac again but don't want to put another pill in my mouth until this withdrawal stuff stops. From other responses, I am getting the idea it takes two weeks for this to stop. I am so angry that these side effects were not listed in anything from the cmpany that made this disgusting pill. Not only did it make me worse than I was before I switched to it but to get it out of my system I have to put up with this. I thought this would be easing up just a little since I have been without it for four days but I guess not. I wish I had a good lawyer who could help me get the pharmacutical for the nightmare I have been through for six weeks. I guess we have to do what they call "hang in there."
>
> Lee,
>
> I understand you not wishing to start any new medication yet, but Prozac is probably the best drug there is for alleviating Effexor withdrawal symptoms.
> Since you're planning to switch to Prozac anyway, you'll feel better much faster if you start taking the Prozac immediately.
> I hope it does help you to get over the Effexor soon: I went through the same a few weeks ago and it was vile.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Jonathan.
>
>
Posted by lioness on October 9, 2003, at 20:28:59
In reply to Re: withdrawal from Effexor: what made mine easier, posted by OliviaD on October 9, 2003, at 18:20:18
> Re: withdrawing from effexor. I was taking (and now have resumed taking) 600 mg of effexor sr per day, along with 300 mg of wellbutrin (I am a rather slight woman so this is a rather heavy dosage). Without complete awareness of how difficult withdrawal could be, I stopped both meds cold turkey (when I gave up illegal drugs) but found that in order to bear it I needed a beta blocker, and so was prescribed clonazepam (which I prefer to Xanax because it is longer acting and less addicting). This really and truly made going off the Effexor much easier than it had been. What also helped: I took five capsules of Tyrosine, B6 and whatever else it's usually potentiated with three times a day, as per the late Dr. Atkins nutriet formula for depression (phenalylanine is actually supposed to be even better). Anyway, the Tyrosine kept my depression semi- at-bay for quite some time, but due to terrible family situation and job loss I ended up deeper in the hole than ever and have resumed Effexor, Wellbutrin and clonazepam (plus Trazedone to sleep). I'm already feeling better after slightly over a week, but wondering whether the year or so I spent off of Effexor will be long enough to nullify the two-year poop-out tendency of this drug.
> God bless and take care, you all!
> > > I am supposed to be switching over to Prozac again but don't want to put another pill in my mouth until this withdrawal stuff stops. From other responses, I am getting the idea it takes two weeks for this to stop. I am so angry that these side effects were not listed in anything from the cmpany that made this disgusting pill. Not only did it make me worse than I was before I switched to it but to get it out of my system I have to put up with this. I thought this would be easing up just a little since I have been without it for four days but I guess not. I wish I had a good lawyer who could help me get the pharmacutical for the nightmare I have been through for six weeks. I guess we have to do what they call "hang in there."
> >
> > Lee,
> >
> > I understand you not wishing to start any new medication yet, but Prozac is probably the best drug there is for alleviating Effexor withdrawal symptoms.
> > Since you're planning to switch to Prozac anyway, you'll feel better much faster if you start taking the Prozac immediately.
> > I hope it does help you to get over the Effexor soon: I went through the same a few weeks ago and it was vile.
> >
> > Good luck,
> >
> > Jonathan.
> >
> >
> You can start taking the prozac while still weaning off of the effexor. It may make a world of difference...it did for me!
>
Lioness
Posted by BJL on October 9, 2003, at 21:43:18
In reply to Re: withdrawal from Effexor: what made mine easier, posted by OliviaD on October 9, 2003, at 18:20:18
Lee, my withdrawal lasted 12 days, so two weeks is about right. I hear of some people who have what I call "the zaps" for longer. I have had a few still, but they are not as often, and I'm basically feeling good again (it's been 16 days since my last Effexor). People constantly talk about Prozac easing withdrawals, so if you are planning on going on it anyway, maybe you should consider taking it instead of suffering. Good luck!
Posted by tully on October 10, 2003, at 2:36:11
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Parks on January 4, 2000, at 16:10:07
I was on prozac for about 6 weeks and it did not do me any good, I still had the anxiety and It made me very ill, to the point I lost nearly 2 stone. My doctor then put me on Effexor 75 XR, and I have been on it for about 4.5 weeks now I seem to be having great results, and my doctor is very pleased, Im sleeping a lot better, the anxiety is nowhere near as bad and im getting on with things a lot better. I have read a lot of horror stories about effexor, but everyone is different, so I I just hope that effexor keeps on helping me the way it has been.
Posted by bigfish1911 on October 10, 2003, at 6:08:39
In reply to Lithium+Effexor????, posted by Troubled_Boy on March 25, 2003, at 0:29:05
My wife has been suffering from depression for many years. for the past three years she has been on 1200mg Lithium, 375mg effexor XL, plus weekly injection 200mg of Clopixol. She has been admitted to hospital very depressed and suicidal. Overnight they have dropped her medication as follows Lithium down to 400mg. effexor doen to 225mg and clopixol down to 100mg. This seems to be an large drop very quickly she is already very distressed and confused. Can anyone advise as to wether this is a normal occurance.
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 7:39:27
In reply to Question for thread, posted by Music on October 9, 2003, at 16:57:31
Wellbutrin SR had ZERO sexual side effects. It helped with depression but not much help with anxiety. I'm a big fan of it.
KDi in Texas
> Today I went to my PsyDoc and she wants me to gradually switch to Wellbutrin SR because of the sexual SE's that Effexor XR has. Has anyone successfully had luck with Wellbutrin SR for sexual SE's? If so, please comment. Also wondering if Wellbutrin SR works just as good as Effexor XR does? I am on 300mg per day of Effexor XR and it finally works really good for me and now my PsyDoc is changing my meds. I am kind of scared. Any suggestions for me would help. Thank you thread...
>
> Music
Posted by Music on October 10, 2003, at 8:36:41
In reply to Re: Question for thread, posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 7:39:27
Thank you so much for responding. I started this morning with the tappering process of Effexor XR. My PsyDoc wants me to start with 75mg of Effexor XR and 100mg of Wellbutrin SR in the morning and still take my regular dose of Effexor XR of 150mg in the afternoon. After 4 days I'll drop off the 75mg of Effexor XR in the morning and just take the 100mg of Wellbutrin SR. And then in 2 weeks I go back and see her. I hope this works for the sexual thing. I want to sleep better as well, but my PsyDoc said that we'll work on switching for the sex thing and then start with something else to help me sleep. Maybe like adding trazadone or something else. Anyway, what SE's does Trazadone have or a higher dose of Wellbutrin SR have? Life is crazy sometimes. I am a professional and I feel that I am supposed to have it together, but sometimes it is very hard. Any suggestions would help.
Music
Posted by BJL on October 10, 2003, at 9:26:04
In reply to KimDi and BLJ, posted by Music on October 10, 2003, at 8:36:41
Music, the trazodone definitely helped me sleep well, but I was also extremely groggy the next morning. It was better when I took just 1/2 tablet, but still some grogginess. -Bobbi-
Posted by lioness on October 10, 2003, at 10:12:28
In reply to Re: Question for thread, posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 7:39:27
Today I was planning on reducing my effexor dose from 75 mg to 37.5 mg, but am afraid it is too much of a jump for me to handle well. Does anyone know how many granuals are in the 75 mg capsule? I thought I could reduce by 1/3 or 1/4. That might be more tolerable for me.
Thanks!
Lioness
Posted by Rainman23 on October 10, 2003, at 10:17:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by BJL on October 6, 2003, at 10:54:37
This is day 3 of no Effexor XR. I thank God for this message board. I thought I was losing my mind. I have been smoking a pack of cigarettes a day (ususally only smoked 5-6) and didn't care. I hated being around people, didn't want to talk to my friends and I couldn't sleep at night. The final thing for me was that I have gained over 20 lbs. in 4 months (that vanity will get you every time!). I cannot fit into any of my clothes and I have been working out and doing pilates every day!! I seriously thought I was losing my mind and I want to thank all of you who have posted. I now know that it has been this evil drug the whole time. I was on 75 mg. and just quit. I am a recovering drug addict/ alcoholic with over 7 years clean and sober and I am all for just quitting. I flushed all my pills. I feel like shit, but I know there is light now at the end of the tunnel. I do feel the "zaps" and feel like I'm going to fall over and feel basically... well, like shit! But, after reading all of the postings I see that I'm supposed to feel this way for a while. I will let you all know how long it takes to get better. I'm also taking Dexedrine for Narcolepsy (20 mg in the am) and I just started Topamax at 25 mg at night(the day I quit the Effexor XR). My doctor wants me to go up to 100 mg on the Topamax. I hoping to just go to 50, but we'll see. I suffer from depression and narcolepsy - they say. I just want to feel good again!! Thank you all!
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 14:51:42
In reply to KimDi and BLJ, posted by Music on October 10, 2003, at 8:36:41
I had to half the Trazadone at first because it really knocked me out! Some people report a slightly "hungover" feeling in the morning. I had no problem with that when i waited a few weeks to raise my dosage to 100mg as prescribed.
:)
KDi in Texas
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 14:58:09
In reply to Re: Question for thread, posted by lioness on October 10, 2003, at 10:12:28
You might get a ton of responses to that one, for and against. The granuals are different size so try to split them proportionately. If you don't have enough capsules, someone said you could mix it in a spoonful of applesauce to swallow. I've got 150mg and 75mg capules that i'll have to break down soon. See if you can get your pdoc to prescribe some of the Immediate Release Effexor. When you cut down too severely and feel sick, you can break a tiny piece of the pill off and get relief rather quickly.
KDi in Texas
> Today I was planning on reducing my effexor dose from 75 mg to 37.5 mg, but am afraid it is too much of a jump for me to handle well. Does anyone know how many granuals are in the 75 mg capsule? I thought I could reduce by 1/3 or 1/4. That might be more tolerable for me.
> Thanks!
> Lioness
Posted by lioness on October 10, 2003, at 22:16:26
In reply to Re: Question for thread, posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 14:58:09
Kim, thank you so much for the advice. I have been trying to get off this stuff now for about 31/2 weeks. I just knew I could not decrease by 37.5 mg at a time. I took about 1/3 of the granuals out this morning, and I feel ok. I am going very, very slowly with this. I still have some old 25mg tabs, thanks for the advice, as I never thought to take a bit off of one when it gets bad.
THANK YOU!!!
Lioness
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:18:09
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone?, posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 8, 2003, at 15:36:41
I take no offense nor am I trying to start a war. I just want to put some prospective on the whole thing. Effexor has been prescribed and is currently taken by 3 million people. There are a couple hundred people on this BB, we are far from being even so much as a manority. This BB is for helping and supporting each other through rough times. Could we get back to doing that (I am guilty also)?
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:32:43
In reply to Question for thread, posted by Music on October 9, 2003, at 16:57:31
I took Efexor for a year and stopped, then when depression returned I started on Wellbutrin SR and had one day of SE (Could not go to sleep) because I took it too late in the day (4 pm) the first time. Wellbutrin SR was the best AD I have ever taken. I had to discontinue due to a seizure, the medication has a "no if's, but's or maybe's" warning to stop taking it if you have a seizure disorder which forced my Dr. to discontinue.
> Today I went to my PsyDoc and she wants me to gradually switch to Wellbutrin SR because of the sexual SE's that Effexor XR has. Has anyone successfully had luck with Wellbutrin SR for sexual SE's? If so, please comment. Also wondering if Wellbutrin SR works just as good as Effexor XR does? I am on 300mg per day of Effexor XR and it finally works really good for me and now my PsyDoc is changing my meds. I am kind of scared. Any suggestions for me would help. Thank you thread...
>
> Music
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:51:51
In reply to KimDi and BLJ, posted by Music on October 10, 2003, at 8:36:41
> Thank you so much for responding. I started this morning with the tappering process of Effexor XR. My PsyDoc wants me to start with 75mg of Effexor XR and 100mg of Wellbutrin SR in the morning and still take my regular dose of Effexor XR of 150mg in the afternoon. After 4 days I'll drop off the 75mg of Effexor XR in the morning and just take the 100mg of Wellbutrin SR. And then in 2 weeks I go back and see her. I hope this works for the sexual thing. I want to sleep better as well, but my PsyDoc said that we'll work on switching for the sex thing and then start with something else to help me sleep. Maybe like adding trazadone or something else. Anyway, what SE's does Trazadone have or a higher dose of Wellbutrin SR have? Life is crazy sometimes. I am a professional and I feel that I am supposed to have it together, but sometimes it is very hard. Any suggestions would help.
>
> MusicWow Music,
This is the best I have heard you feel, if I am not mistaken you where having difficult times not too long ago.
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:55:23
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by Rainman23 on October 10, 2003, at 10:17:37
Try Provigil for sleep disorders. It doesn't have the nasty SE of addictiveness.
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 12, 2003, at 6:57:18
In reply to Re: Lawsuit Anyone? » Sufferfromeffexor, posted by Salty_Dog on October 11, 2003, at 17:18:09
I am also not trying to start a war...but I do believe talking about withdrawals IS helping! I have gone through and tried to read as many of these posts as I can and I have seen where lots of people actually thanked others for sharing their stories, so they could understand what is happening to them.
> I take no offense nor am I trying to start a war. I just want to put some prospective on the whole thing. Effexor has been prescribed and is currently taken by 3 million people. There are a couple hundred people on this BB, we are far from being even so much as a manority. This BB is for helping and supporting each other through rough times. Could we get back to doing that (I am guilty also)?
Posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 12, 2003, at 7:05:54
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hello all!
I am on my 14th day of being Effexor, and all medicatin free. I just wanted to throw this out there to see if anyone has gone through this. My first week was pretty bad (was very ill and had lots of shocks)...my second week was intermittent...meaning some days I felt pretty good and didn't have to take Benadryl or Dramamine while other days I still did. During my second week I went for about 3 days feeling pretty good and today I feel like I have the symptoms back (as if it were day 1 again). I don't understand how this works. I would think it would get easier as the days go by but I am finding myself extremely nausiated again and having strong shocks. Is it normal to have a break of a couple good days and than have it hit you like a rock again? I wonder if I should take a pregnancy test (though I know it can't be that since I don't ovulate) but I get evening sickness...it is almost comical because I act like I am pregnant. I get sick from certain smells etc...hmmmmm, maybe I will take one just in case. I think I will pass out cold if it ever turned positive because I have gone for almost 30 years never being able to get pregnant. Anyway, just wanted to share this because it is weird that I feel so sick and the shocks are so strong again, yet I have gone this long already without the medication.
Posted by Nan316 on October 12, 2003, at 10:09:45
In reply to Re: Anyone want to talk about the violent dreams?, posted by lioness on October 9, 2003, at 14:54:33
I've been on XR for the past 4 months, 150mg a day. It has been a life saver, I've not felt better in years. Took Zoloft 7years ago, that only worked in the beginning, went off, doc put me back on it and had adverse reaction, I was worse off then before. I decided I would handed my issues by myself. After 7 years, I could not kid myself anymore and started the XR.
However, since I've been on it I have had the most vivid and sometimes strange dreams that I have ever had and am wondering if it is an effect of XR or just that I am now sleeping better? Anyone have the same problem?
Posted by Soooz on October 12, 2003, at 13:20:52
In reply to Odd bodily sensation, posted by Fan on February 6, 2001, at 17:22:39
I just found this thread (and I know its an old one) but I am sitting here sobbing as I realize that I was right. If I miss as much as one dose of my Effexor (I am taking 225 mg once a day), I get a tingling sensation through my whole body. It can be my face, my hands, even my lips and teeth which seems to be elevated when I am moving, walking, turning my head, etc. Thursday I called my pharmacy for a refill. It seems they can't get it until Monday? I took my last 3 pills on Friday night so I missed last night’s dose only. I am a wreck. I can’t concentrate. I feel all of the above along with the tingling and even here I feel that I am not coherent, or at least, not to the normal level. The depression from this is worse that any of the depression I experienced before going on the Effexor. I wont give it up. But how do I make it thru another 24 plus hours of this?
Posted by BJL on October 12, 2003, at 13:42:28
In reply to Re: Odd bodily sensation » Fan, posted by Soooz on October 12, 2003, at 13:20:52
Soooz, I am so sorry and can't even imagine how horrible you must be feeling right now. I felt terrible when I went off my weaned down dose of 37.5, and you are on 225 per day. I don't imagine you had a clue what to expect when the pharmacy said they wouldn't fill your prescription until Monday. First of all, I'd call your doctor and see if he/she can't get you some medication to hold you over until tomorrow. If not, try taking some Benadryl. It probably won't take away all of your symptoms, but at least maybe you can get some sleep. SHAME ON YOUR PHARMACIST! They should have better sense than to put people off on a medication that can have such severe withdrawals. I'd find a different pharmacy that cares about their customers.
Posted by lg929 on October 12, 2003, at 15:27:02
In reply to Re: Anyone want to talk about the violent dreams?, posted by lioness on October 9, 2003, at 14:54:33
Wow...I do have very vivid dreams now. I just started to take Effexor. I wasn't getting out of bed in the morning and didn't care about anything. Now, those symptoms seem to be getting better, buy I have these strange, very real dreams. Sometimes they are pretty scary. Just wanted to let everyone know that I was on Paxil and didn't have that. I don't know what's worse, being depressed all the time, or having to deal with all the friggin side affects...Lil
Posted by Salty_Dog on October 12, 2003, at 21:26:03
In reply to Re: Odd bodily sensation » Fan, posted by Soooz on October 12, 2003, at 13:20:52
You can have someone drive you to the Emergency Room, they will give you enough to make it through the next day or two.
I am so sorry you are going through this, but abrupt interuption of this med is your worst nightmare. Please, get help now.> I just found this thread (and I know its an old one) but I am sitting here sobbing as I realize that I was right. If I miss as much as one dose of my Effexor (I am taking 225 mg once a day), I get a tingling sensation through my whole body. It can be my face, my hands, even my lips and teeth which seems to be elevated when I am moving, walking, turning my head, etc. Thursday I called my pharmacy for a refill. It seems they can't get it until Monday? I took my last 3 pills on Friday night so I missed last night’s dose only. I am a wreck. I can’t concentrate. I feel all of the above along with the tingling and even here I feel that I am not coherent, or at least, not to the normal level. The depression from this is worse that any of the depression I experienced before going on the Effexor. I wont give it up. But how do I make it thru another 24 plus hours of this?
>
>
Posted by Rainman23 on October 12, 2003, at 22:37:55
In reply to Withdrawal Update..., posted by Sufferfromeffexor on October 12, 2003, at 7:05:54
I just read your update and this is pretty intense stuff - Effexor XR. I will never take another SSNI or SSRI again! I can't imagine what it was doing to me, well - I take that back... I can because now being off of it for 5 days I already feel better mentally. It made me so withdrawn, smoked sooo much and didn't care about people or life or anything that used to be important to me and the weight gain - I've already lost 5 lbs in 5 days!! Amazing. My son already notices that I'm "back" from whereever it was I've been for 5 months - the dark land - and he's only 6. Anyways, today I felt pretty good, but tonight I'm getting instense shocks. It's becoming almost part of my existence it seems and it's only been 5 days. It's discouraging to know they will still be there at day 16. Maybe in a month I'll feel good? The person who ran out of their Effexor and was taking 225 mg - oh my goodness, I feel horrible for you! Please, call the hospital or anything and fix it - you do not want to go through this at a more intense level, it's hell. I will continue to update and read what you all have to say. Thank you for your input!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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