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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by John2222 on November 7, 2003, at 22:33:18
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by HisOwn on November 6, 2003, at 20:39:09
After taking Effexor XR for about 1 1/2 years I am now reducing from a top of 112.5. I'm currently at 37.5 mg. I always reduced in small steps (from 112.5 to 75 to 50 to 37.5).
To get the 50 mg XR I took some 150 mg capsules I had and purchased some empty gel caps at the health food store (got a whole bag for about $5.00). I took one 150 mg capsule and divided it into 3 approx 50 mg capsules.
My recommendation from my experience is go really slow. Even the 37.5 to 0 is too much in my experience--so I'm planning after awhile to split the 37.5 into 2 ~19 mg capsules and try that for several weeks.
Why torture ourselves! Although Effexor XR really has worked great for combination depression and anxiety, the withdrawal is bad. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be finished.
For example, what do I do 6 months from now if I get a relapse or reoccurance? (which is common)
John
> Thanks for the support. Sorry about the "H***" (theater term for the week before opening when you seem like you will never go home again or back to a 'normal' life). It is good to get some information on a time frame here. I have been stepping down off this stuff for the past two months and didn't really have any trouble until I hit 75 then had to stay on that for 3 weeks. Then stepped down to the 37.5 for 2 weeks then off... I've got to tell you, though, this has seemed like the longest 4 days of my life. The information I have found here has been a life-saver! I have the awful taste in my mouth, the electro-shocks, the heart palpitations, the bouts of crying, ect. I also have major pain along my spine-between my shoulder blades and in my neck, and a cough... flu or effexor...can't tell.
Posted by ann33 on November 8, 2003, at 7:25:20
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 3, 2003, at 19:40:05
Hi, Hockeygirl
>but I was on effexor for almost 3 years, on maximum dose, and got off the awful drug, over a five week period.I am curious about your impression. Do yout think that in a short time is better or try to go out slow would be better and have less simptons?
What happens after you finish with efexor? do you think that helps or you tried another one.I am thinking to withdrawn it and I am a little insecure.
thanks
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 8, 2003, at 7:37:18
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by ann33 on November 8, 2003, at 7:25:20
> Hi, Hockeygirl
>
>
> >but I was on effexor for almost 3 years, on maximum dose, and got off the awful drug, over a five week period.
>
> I am curious about your impression. Do yout think that in a short time is better or try to go out slow would be better and have less simptons?
> What happens after you finish with efexor? do you think that helps or you tried another one.
>
> I am thinking to withdrawn it and I am a little insecure.
> thanks
>The drug never worked for me, I mean I didn't have terrible side effects from the drug while I was on it, but I plead with my psychiatrist for over a year that this drug is not doing anything. It is indicated for generalized anxiety, which is what my major issue is, then mild depression.
If the drug is working for you, then maybe taper down a little for awhile, that is usually what docs do if there has been success for 6 months or more (at least according to my pdoc) Now my family physician says he has never prescribed it as it isn't very affective (in his opinion) and most of his patients that are on it, hate it.
Now, as far as tapering off, go SLOW! Not fast.
If you read the post about brain "zaps" well in the psychiatry world they call those brain "Shivers". I tapered down 75mg for a week at a time until I was off. I was very ill, throwing up every hour, sweating, it was not fun, which is not normal for me, I usualy had no problem getting off any of my drugs. I did switch to an MAOI, because I have exhausted all other drugs for my condition. BUt if you have found it worked for you, can taper slowly and successfully, and feel great, then there may be no need to start something else.
I hate to sound like a doctor here, like some people, everyone is different, this is just my experience. But according to my pharmacist, tapering slow, off Effexor, (or any drug where you are on a high dose) is the safest and will probably cause you less greif.
Now some people will post they cannot get off the drug, because they feel so awful, but if you can stick it out, and just remember it is temporary, you should be able to. I did it as a single mom with no support, so I think it has to do with will power. But if it is working for you, why get off of it totally, taking an antidepressant, in some cases for life, is nothing to be ashamed of.
I don't know if I have helped. Feel free to email me personally if you like,
[email protected], and I will answer anything for you, and can give you some good sites to search!
GOod luck:)
Posted by ann33 on November 8, 2003, at 8:03:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 8, 2003, at 7:37:18
> Now some people will post they cannot get off the drug, because they feel so awful, but if you can stick it out, and just remember it is temporary, you should be able to.thank you for answering.
about if the drug works or not. For me, it was exactly this opinion in the first year. It did not works! I thought - until I tried to get off once. I realized that there was really a difference between taking it and not taking. I am not saying about simptoms. of course they occur but I decide to have vacation to stop it. I had two phases: The first is the happiness to fell myself back. I travelled and was in a beach, sunny place, nice people, funny and so on..with the simptoms but was nice.. then Then I came back to my life, I was still happy but I reallized is that my brain was not working anymore. I felt lazy and I didnt want to talk really..then I started to fell like I wanted to stay in the bed the whole day.... I then I came back again to effexor... I got one month to get it working again.
With the drug I always fell like I am a little sleeping and disconnected of the world but I still can work.
That was my first try...
ann...
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 8, 2003, at 8:24:15
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by ann33 on November 8, 2003, at 8:03:49
What is it you are diagnosed with? I guess sometimes we are in the ultimate search for the "perfect" pill. I guess you have to way the advantages and disadvantages. But if the side effects are too bothersome, there are others to try. It is really about your comfort level and probably a good discussion with your doc wouldn't hurt.
I currently am trading insomnia and a headache for relief of what I am diagnosed with, which is anxiety. For now, it is worth it.
Good luck!
Posted by roomy on November 9, 2003, at 7:35:04
In reply to Re: try clonazepam for effexor withdrawal » cybercafe, posted by melbob on October 19, 2003, at 16:50:59
You guys are all great. I have no clue how to use a message board and up until now I have had no reason to. I have been on Effexor for over 6 years. first 37.5, then 50 then 75 then 150....do we see a pattern here? It stopped doing any good for me. Besides that...I went from a size 8 to a size 12. The weight went on as quickly as the drug amount increased. Now, since my doctor has gone out of business and struggling to keep her ass out of jail for practicing without a license, I have taken it upon myself to get off the effexor completely. I thought I was losing my mind. I slowly weaned off it and got down to a 37.5 but this last little stretch of actually stopping it, well...I feel awful. Sick, light headed, dizzy when ever I move to quickly, nightmares, gassy, ringing in my ears, I even feel like I am crosseyed. It makes me want to give up and just keep taking it but I wont! Now that I have read the messages here and know I am not making these symptoms up, I will suffer the withdrawl and kick this drug in the butt! Thanks for helping. All of you!!
Posted by roomy on November 9, 2003, at 8:09:17
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms » HisOwn, posted by KimberlyDi on November 6, 2003, at 15:47:46
Please tell me it wont take me months to get off this drug. I thought just days. I cant be like this for months. I cant even do it for weeks. I wasnt all that suicidal before being on it...I wasnt too bad WHILE on it...but this withdrawal going OFF it may just be my ticket over the edge!!
Posted by HisOwn on November 9, 2003, at 23:16:16
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms » KimberlyDi, posted by roomy on November 9, 2003, at 8:09:17
> Please tell me it wont take me months to get off this drug. I thought just days. I cant be like this for months. I cant even do it for weeks. I wasnt all that suicidal before being on it...I wasnt too bad WHILE on it...but this withdrawal going OFF it may just be my ticket over the edge!!
Not days...unfortunately. But, I can tell you, I have only been effexor free for exactly one week and one day and have come a thousand miles. The 'brain shivers' are less and less frequent, the bouts of crying happen far less, the flu-like body symptoms less severe. I guess the point is... one day at a time, even one moment at a time if that is what it takes.
Posted by Roomy on November 10, 2003, at 7:31:15
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by HisOwn on November 9, 2003, at 23:16:16
Oh noooo, One week and one day? You are still have symptoms after one week and one day??? This is not a good encouraging thing for me. Days seem like years as I am sure you well know. Is there anything UNADDICTING that I can take for the dizzyness and lightheadedness until it passes?
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 10, 2003, at 13:01:56
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms » KimberlyDi, posted by roomy on November 9, 2003, at 8:09:17
I, for once, am experiencing some relief at how easily I'm decreasing from 150mg to 75mg. (300mg to 225mg to 150mg was difficult.) I've decreased this time by accident since my doc wanted me to stay at 150mg for awhile. I missed my morning dosages over the weekend. To my amazement, no zaps or sickness yet.
There's hope.
For about 6 days now, I've also been taking 25mg x2 daily of Imipramine so it either helps or it's just coincidence that I didn't suffer like I have in the past during a decrease.
Get on something else to ease you through the withdrawal. And be careful. I made a half-hearted suicide attempt just 10 days ago (I must have a high tolerance to sleeping pills). The despair can be overwhelming.
It DOES get better. Take the tapering slowly. It makes it much more manageable.
KDi in TX
Posted by Roomy on November 10, 2003, at 14:55:11
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl: have hope but be careful » roomy, posted by KimberlyDi on November 10, 2003, at 13:01:56
> I, for once, am experiencing some relief at how easily I'm decreasing from 150mg to 75mg. (300mg to 225mg to 150mg was difficult.) I've decreased this time by accident since my doc wanted me to stay at 150mg for awhile. I missed my morning dosages over the weekend. To my amazement, no zaps or sickness yet.
>
> There's hope.
>
> For about 6 days now, I've also been taking 25mg x2 daily of Imipramine so it either helps or it's just coincidence that I didn't suffer like I have in the past during a decrease.
>
> Get on something else to ease you through the withdrawal. And be careful. I made a half-hearted suicide attempt just 10 days ago (I must have a high tolerance to sleeping pills). The despair can be overwhelming.
>
> It DOES get better. Take the tapering slowly. It makes it much more manageable.
>
> KDi in TX
>
> I just need to be done! I am sick of feeling sick and dependant and needy. I have no energy, no motivation, no sex drive, nothing! I would sit here and cry if I even gave a rip! I have the worse hopeless feeling I have ever had. Its worse than six years ago BEFORE I even started taking the crap!!! Tell me that is normal. Tell me that is withdrawl. I have been weaning down from 150mg for about 2 months now and have been off it completely now for 4 days. Am I just plain screwed in the head now forever????
Posted by Harlock on November 10, 2003, at 16:50:09
In reply to Effexor, posted by KDinKC on November 5, 2003, at 14:50:12
The negative stories about effexor withdrawal are incredible. I'm on my 6th day of taking the 37.5 dose (for aggrivated depression). Actually, I already feel better. Anyway, it IS giving me a decent amount of fatigue, especially the first few days of taking it. Seems better today, I think...
I'm also hungry ALL DAY. My stomach feels as if it is empty, most of the time. I'm trying to avoid over-eating, but it's pretty tough. I've already been to Micky-Dees more times in the last few days then I have in the last 8 months.
The horror stories of the withdrawal symptoms are really worrying me. Maybe I should quit now (taper off) before I move up to a higher dosage. I'll talk to my doctor and let him know how I feel about this. Eventually I'll have to come off this drug (it's just a reality) and I don't want ANY of the problems I've been reading about here (like anyone really WANTS them ;) ).Even *if* I may not get all these symptoms, I really don't want to take any chances. Coming off Lexapro was horrible for me...although I made the mistake of stopping cold turkey (and I only took it for 2-3 weeks).
Thanks for the posts.
> I started taking Effexor a little over a year ago after I had to lay off about 1,100 people. Since that time, I've gained 60 lbs. My doctor said I was one in about 8 percent to do so. Trying to stop taking it has been miserable. It was nice to come to this site and at least know that I'm not losing my mind. The feeling I have is very hard to describe, as others have mentioned. I went from 150 mg to 75 to nothing. My doctor now wants to half the 75 since after 3 days without it, it feels like I can hear and see the neurons firing in my brain (that's the best way I can think of to descibe what is happening). I am in such a foul mood, I don't even want to be around myself. After decreasing my dose, I did notice an increase in libido. While taking the drug may have had its advantages, I was practically unable to achieve orgasm.
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 10, 2003, at 17:12:21
In reply to Re: Effexor - just started it - bad move?, posted by Harlock on November 10, 2003, at 16:50:09
I would not have quit Effexor if it didn't raise my blood pressure. That's the only reason I stopped it. Because I was happy with my medicine combo. I was happy with my mental well being. If it works for you, it's pure gold. I started laughing again. When your own laughter startles you because you haven't laughed in so long, you know it's working.
That said, I wouldn't recommend Effexor to be anyone's first try at an anti-depressant. I would say it rates high on anxiety relief, not so high on depression (except for depression caused by overwhelming anxiety).
It's a powerful medication that needs to be tapered off carefully when discontinuing. I'm 3/4's of the way there, and I have still functioned at work.
If you felt good about your experience with it before reading the horror stories, why stop because of what some other's experienced? The ones who are happy with it are out there living their lives, not posting here.
Just don't skip any dosages. :)
KDi in TX
> The negative stories about effexor withdrawal are incredible. I'm on my 6th day of taking the 37.5 dose (for aggrivated depression). Actually, I already feel better. Anyway, it IS giving me a decent amount of fatigue, especially the first few days of taking it. Seems better today, I think...
>
> I'm also hungry ALL DAY. My stomach feels as if it is empty, most of the time. I'm trying to avoid over-eating, but it's pretty tough. I've already been to Micky-Dees more times in the last few days then I have in the last 8 months.
>
> The horror stories of the withdrawal symptoms are really worrying me. Maybe I should quit now (taper off) before I move up to a higher dosage. I'll talk to my doctor and let him know how I feel about this. Eventually I'll have to come off this drug (it's just a reality) and I don't want ANY of the problems I've been reading about here (like anyone really WANTS them ;) ).
>
> Even *if* I may not get all these symptoms, I really don't want to take any chances. Coming off Lexapro was horrible for me...although I made the mistake of stopping cold turkey (and I only took it for 2-3 weeks).
>
> Thanks for the posts.
>
> > I started taking Effexor a little over a year ago after I had to lay off about 1,100 people. Since that time, I've gained 60 lbs. My doctor said I was one in about 8 percent to do so. Trying to stop taking it has been miserable. It was nice to come to this site and at least know that I'm not losing my mind. The feeling I have is very hard to describe, as others have mentioned. I went from 150 mg to 75 to nothing. My doctor now wants to half the 75 since after 3 days without it, it feels like I can hear and see the neurons firing in my brain (that's the best way I can think of to descibe what is happening). I am in such a foul mood, I don't even want to be around myself. After decreasing my dose, I did notice an increase in libido. While taking the drug may have had its advantages, I was practically unable to achieve orgasm.
>
>
Posted by Roomy on November 10, 2003, at 19:12:51
In reply to Re: Effexor - just started it - bad move?, posted by Harlock on November 10, 2003, at 16:50:09
Sheesh! I read my last few posts and I sound pathetic. I didnt want to sound pathetic (I AM! I just didnt want to sound that way! lol )I was going more for frustrated I guess. I dont want to discourage anyone from trying it and going on it. For petes sake, I was on it for six years! I did ok on it and yeah it helped. I just started needing a stronger dose for awhile and then a stronger dose, and so on. At first there were only good things to say about it but the stronger doses didnt treat me well. I gained weight, I was horribly tired and yes, I too was eventually unable to achieve an orgasam. I knew it was time to quit. Its the QUITTING that is the killer and sounds like a ton of horror stories to you. Today is my 5th day (I think) of being totally off it. It is tough. It's not impossible. I have been dizzy and lightheaded but then I am not getting any professional help with the weaning off process. My doctor is currently facing jail time and has closed her doors. That makes it tough to get refills!! anyway....there were times today when I was feeling ok. I think the dizzy feeling and lightheadedness is letting up a bit. I will prolly live. I apologize if I sounded so pathetic that it is giving you second thoughts about going on it. Just be knowledgable, do your homework, find a good doctor, and if you go off it...go SLOW!!Good luck to you!
Posted by Peter03 on November 11, 2003, at 7:42:29
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms » HisOwn, posted by Roomy on November 10, 2003, at 7:31:15
Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has had any exprience with the combination of effexor and zyprexa? I've been on effexor for about 4 months now. I reached a dose of 225 mg before having to drop back down to 150, after becoming increasingly agitated. I had reached a point where I was no longer depressed but severly lacked energy. The doctor I am seeing suggested zyprexa as a booster if you like. I am now experiencing a sense of awakening, feelings like I have never felt before. I spent the best years of my life depressed. For the first time in my life I feel like I have real control over my life. The way I think is even different, i'm more alert, no longer feel fuzzy in the head, no longer feel and look as though I spent the previous night smoking dope. I'm interested in hearing other peoples stories, I guess i'm really looking for reassurance that the long term benefit of this combination is fairly consistant.
Peter.
Posted by helenag on November 11, 2003, at 8:23:46
In reply to Effexor and Zyprexa, posted by Peter03 on November 11, 2003, at 7:42:29
Hi. I was on effexor and zyprexa combo at one time and found it to be helpful in mood stabilization. However, the zyprexa had side effects for me that warranted discontinuing the drug. Made me way too sedated. Glad you are finding it helpful for you.
Helen
Posted by Roomy on November 11, 2003, at 11:55:12
In reply to re:effexor and zyprexa, posted by helenag on November 11, 2003, at 8:23:46
ok, again I post. I am not frustrated anymore, I have lowered myself to downright pathetic. I wanted to wake up thismorning (my 5th day effexor free)a new person. yesterday I thought I was feeling a BIT better but today..not so much. I had a horrible sobbing breakdown and I am unfunctional due to the physical withdrawal symptoms. (dizzy, lightheaded, etc.) I broke down and made an appointment with a new doctor and I just KNOW he is gonna put me back on it! I dont know if thats what I want!!! What can I do? A new drug? a drug along WITH it? I am so tired of this. ANY suggesstions would be helpful. HURRY!
Posted by pixygoth on November 11, 2003, at 13:46:14
In reply to I need help fast...before 4:30 today, posted by Roomy on November 11, 2003, at 11:55:12
Roomy -
This is my first day off Efxr... I have been taking one half (=17.75?)tablet a day for the last week -
and my head is all over the place. I can only suggest to you what I'm going to try - sleep.
Can you? I'm dreading losing my wonder-ability to sleep 13 hours at a go ...
Hope you coped with the afternoon.
Take care,
S
Posted by Roomy on November 11, 2003, at 13:57:52
In reply to Re: I need help fast...before 4:30 today » Roomy, posted by pixygoth on November 11, 2003, at 13:46:14
> Roomy -
> This is my first day off Efxr... I have been taking one half (=17.75?)tablet a day for the last week -
> and my head is all over the place. I can only suggest to you what I'm going to try - sleep.
> Can you? I'm dreading losing my wonder-ability to sleep 13 hours at a go ...
> Hope you coped with the afternoon.
> Take care,
> SHey, thank for the response. I DID hear that Benadryl helps but I think you have the right idea.....sleep thru it. Thus the Benedryl. My reply to that is....I have a little one that just turned 3yrs last month and I also manage a mobile home community. (and dudes putting in a new water flushing hydrant system just hit a water main this morning leaving the whole park without water) THATS what I needed today!!!! NOT!!
thanks for the reply..stay in touch. and good luck to you
Posted by edw on November 11, 2003, at 14:11:27
In reply to I need help fast...before 4:30 today, posted by Roomy on November 11, 2003, at 11:55:12
Aren't you suppose to ease off these sorts of drugs. Going cold turkey has got to be rough.
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 11, 2003, at 18:01:33
In reply to Re: I need help fast...before 4:30 today, posted by edw on November 11, 2003, at 14:11:27
Going off of Effexor cold turkey is not a good idea. I was on 300 mg for 2 1/2 years. I tapered down 75mg a week for 4 weeks.
It is not easy, it is hell, but I think if you can have faith that it is temporary, and if you don't want to be on Effexor, don't let the doctor put you back on it. There are alot of drugs out there, even though you feel you have been on all of them, I know I feel like that, but you cannot believe this is permanent, because I know it does get better and it does go away, but you have to battle through it.
Stay strong!
Posted by HisOwn on November 12, 2003, at 0:47:26
In reply to I need help fast...before 4:30 today, posted by Roomy on November 11, 2003, at 11:55:12
Ok. I know that it is after 4:30 but I just got to my computer. I want you to know...this is day number 11 off Effexor for me (no pills as of Nov 1). The physical withdrawal symptoms are almost totally gone now. I say almost because the 'zaps' were back again last night but not anywhere near as bad as before. You just need to hang in there. You are at the point where the symptoms will start going away now...the first 5 days were the worst! Don't go back! Benedryl does help. And I would also take 600 mg of Ibuprophen which seemed to help with the body aches.
Posted by Peter03 on November 12, 2003, at 6:36:37
In reply to Re: I need help fast...before 4:30 today, posted by HisOwn on November 12, 2003, at 0:47:26
i'm curious to know why alot of you are going off effexor. Is it because it no longer helps you or you are only going through a period of depression. I've suffered depression for nearly 13 years, during that time i have tried numerous treatments most of which made me feel like a damn zombie. I've found effexor has limited side effects, apart from the obvious interference with ones sex life.
Posted by Roomy on November 12, 2003, at 7:15:01
In reply to why are u people going off effexor?, posted by Peter03 on November 12, 2003, at 6:36:37
> i'm curious to know why alot of you are going off effexor. Is it because it no longer helps you or you are only going through a period of depression. I've suffered depression for nearly 13 years, during that time i have tried numerous treatments most of which made me feel like a damn zombie. I've found effexor has limited side effects, apart from the obvious interference with ones sex life.
Peter, 'if it aint broke; dont fix it!!!'
Effexor was my friend for the past 5-6 years! It effects everyone differently and everyone has different priorities in life. If your depression was making your life miserable, and you find that effexor helps, by all means..go on it, stay on it. For me, it was good a first but I had to have the increased dose and with the increase in drug, came the increase in side effects; side effects you may not have or may not find to be a problem. I gained weight and was tired ALL the time on it! Some people are thin and full of energy...for them the drug would be great!!! It raises the blood pressure in some...I have very LOW blood pressure so that side effect was actually a PLUS for me. As for the lack of sex drive....hmmmm what can I say and try to be positive on this one...spouses probably are not too kean on this sede effect but at least they can be assured that we wont be out sleeping around on em. :)
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 12, 2003, at 7:40:25
In reply to why are u people going off effexor?, posted by Peter03 on November 12, 2003, at 6:36:37
I think it is important to remember that everyone is different, and reacts to meds differently.
This board is to get experiences from others, support and information. No one here is a doctor, but we have experience with mental ilness and different medications...
I don't think we need to question why someone is doing something, but to answer their questions as best we can, offer our experiences, support and advice...
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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