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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Clayton on February 7, 2004, at 21:43:52
In reply to Re: Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med?, posted by sheri on February 7, 2004, at 1:26:00
Effexor is not an SSRI because, bedises affecting serstonin, it also blockks the reuptake of norepinehine, Therefor, techanically, it is an SSNRI.
I have have not aken this medicine bit have read many post by folks who had cuccefffully split up a single capsile.
Best of lock!
Posted by lacey2001 on February 8, 2004, at 1:25:05
In reply to Re: Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med? » sheri, posted by Clayton on February 7, 2004, at 21:43:52
I posted earlier about wanting to get pregnant and coming off of Effexor. I had a Dr appointment with someone new...just moved here from another city. I told her my story of being on 75 mg for only three months. She said 75 mg will be easy ( I am skeptical but anyway)
She looked at my meds and said it isn't the kind you can break so she she gave me samples of one week's worth of 37.5. After the one week I am too stop completely. My question is what if I have bad withdrawls from this and does they seem okay? I don't have the white capsules but the caplets I think they are called with the medication loose inside. Anyone break those and pour a few grains out to help with withdrawls? She told me I cannot break them but I have heard good stories in here about perhaps doing so if needed?
I also have completely lost my appetite and that is another reason to get off of them. I am down to 109 lbs. Does this sound familiar to someone else in here? But this isn't my main reason for quitting.
Bottom line is I would rather have mild depression while pregnant than take any chances so I will be gratful once I am completely off of them.Tanya
Posted by redmaryjane on February 8, 2004, at 8:01:44
In reply to Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med?, posted by KimRN73 on February 4, 2004, at 12:04:47
I went off Effexor XR within two days...I was on the highest dose and needed to get on Paxil asap (in my mind). I actually felt better coming off of the Effexor because being *on* it was affecting me in such a strange way. I was becoming increasingly hypomanic and would rarely eat on effexor. A quite dangerous combination!
Anyway, it went well and Paxil has worked much better for me.
Good luck. I would go slow but not freak out too much about it. I think having some sort of benzo. helps, also ibruprofen or something for headache if needed.
Posted by justjustine on February 8, 2004, at 10:11:34
In reply to Help Please! I need advice., posted by lacey2001 on February 8, 2004, at 1:25:05
yes, open them up and pour some of it out. it helps if you have a little scale and can measure more accurately. if you have hard pills, you just shave them down with a razor. save the scraps and spills in case you need them later!
i went from 150 down to 75 very gradually by myself, then my doctor decided i could go to 37 for a week then 0. big bad painful mistake.
good luck!
Posted by 4peace on February 8, 2004, at 13:09:59
In reply to Re: anyone used zyprexa with effexor to help sleep? » EFFEXED, posted by dms777smd on February 7, 2004, at 17:20:23
I am on Effexor XR, slow relase capsules. I take 2 (37.5) capules each morning. How can I slowly ween myself off of these before I try to get pregnant. Has anyone had to switch to the pill form which is easier to break up? Any success, advice, concerns?
Posted by lacey2001 on February 8, 2004, at 13:24:02
In reply to Going off of Effexor XR (slow realese capsuls), posted by 4peace on February 8, 2004, at 13:09:59
You and I seem to be in the same boat right now. We are both at 75 mg and trying to get off to become pregnant. Maybe we can email each other privately to help each other along. By the way my hubby and I are going to be trying for our second child too:)
Here is my email addey [email protected]Tanya
I am on Effexor XR, slow relase capsules. I take 2 (37.5) capules each morning. How can I slowly ween myself off of these before I try to get pregnant. Has anyone had to switch to the pill form which is easier to break up? Any success, advice, concerns?
Posted by platinumbride on February 8, 2004, at 14:50:31
In reply to Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med?, posted by KimRN73 on February 4, 2004, at 12:04:47
I was on effexor, both the plain old one and the XR for about 8 weeks. I had no problem getting off of it (the problem was simply that this 'wonder drug' did not help me). I think I tapered within a week's time and then tried something new.
Good luck...unitl I read these posts, I had no idea whatsoever how tough this drug was to kick.
Diane
I am wanting to do the SLOW tapering of Effexor...but I'm freakin out because of these posts on here. I am on the regular tabs, NOT XR, 150mg daily. I plan on breaking the tabs into 4 pieces and taking the same dosage morning and night for a week at a time until im down to none. My doctor did give me zoloft 50mg daily to replace my effexor, but i wanted to hear if anyone has tapered off Effexor successfully without goin thru HELL. I do okay on this med, the only side effects are dizziness 1/2 way into the day, and i get tired easily. And i think it has contributed to my 25lb wt. gain and high blood pressure. I have been on Effexor for 3-4 yrs...started low but now on 75mg twice daily.
> Please fill me in without freaking me out HAHA
> Kim :)
Posted by poochi on February 9, 2004, at 1:05:21
In reply to Re: Going off of Effexor: Attn 4peace, posted by lacey2001 on February 8, 2004, at 13:24:02
> >
> I am on Effexor XR, slow relase capsules. I take 2 (37.5) capules each morning. How can I slowly ween myself off of these before I try to get pregnant. Has anyone had to switch to the pill form which is easier to break up? Any success, advice, concerns?
>
>I am on 37.5 every 2 days, can't seem to go any longer with out the dizziness starting, any body with any ideas how to cut back more?
thanx.
Posted by Stryker88 on February 9, 2004, at 15:04:05
In reply to anyone used zyprexa with effexor to help sleep?, posted by EFFEXED on February 7, 2004, at 14:59:08
Hi my doctor also prescribed me Zyprexa just becasue during a 45 min session I said sometimes I have weird thoughts. You are right it totally knocked me out when I fell asleep, sometimes I was almost late for work because it almost put me in a comatose state. I quit taking it because it did nothting for me but make me tired and foggy.
Posted by lacey2001 on February 9, 2004, at 17:00:35
In reply to Re: Going off of Effexor: Attn 4peace » lacey2001, posted by poochi on February 9, 2004, at 1:05:21
I wish I could help you there. I will be dealing with the same dilemma when I cut down to 37.5.
Anyone have any ideas for us?Tanya
>
> I am on 37.5 every 2 days, can't seem to go any longer with out the dizziness starting, any body with any ideas how to cut back more?
> thanx.
>
Posted by platinumbride on February 9, 2004, at 21:52:47
In reply to Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med?, posted by KimRN73 on February 4, 2004, at 12:04:47
I posted this before but it didn't seem to take, so I'm trying again.
I was on Effexor for about 8 weeks and went off with no problem (except for the fact that I still felt like *(&^ and wanted to die).
Maybe I am a freak, but I really have never had problems going off antidepressants.......and I only go off them when they stop working. I am all about better living through chemistry :-)
I feel really badly for the hell people are going through here getting off of these meds! Maybe you will get lucky....definitely taper though. Best of luck to you and all who are wondering which is worse the symptoms or the cure.....
Diane
> I am wanting to do the SLOW tapering of Effexor...but I'm freakin out because of these posts on here. I am on the regular tabs, NOT XR, 150mg daily. I plan on breaking the tabs into 4 pieces and taking the same dosage morning and night for a week at a time until im down to none. My doctor did give me zoloft 50mg daily to replace my effexor, but i wanted to hear if anyone has tapered off Effexor successfully without goin thru HELL. I do okay on this med, the only side effects are dizziness 1/2 way into the day, and i get tired easily. And i think it has contributed to my 25lb wt. gain and high blood pressure. I have been on Effexor for 3-4 yrs...started low but now on 75mg twice daily.
> Please fill me in without freaking me out HAHA
> Kim :)
Posted by Clayton on February 10, 2004, at 2:21:35
In reply to Re: Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med? » KimRN73, posted by platinumbride on February 9, 2004, at 21:52:47
I guess I'm a freek, too. I take Paxil (40mg/day) and had quit cold turkey several times with NO adverse side-effects at all. I have also restarted it after several months at the 40 mg dose (no titration upward) without ill effects.
I realize Paxil is not Effexor, but it seems to have the next "best" reputation for problems with withdrawl symptoms insing "Brain Zaps"s, according the the posts I've read on this board.
So why am I immune to these negative effects?
It's enough to make me want to try Effexor to see if I am immnune to those side-effects, too. My recklesss intuition tell me I well may be.
Paxil is beginning to poop out and I may need a new AD soon. Any advive on this bizarre notion of mine? (Trade Pazil for Effexor)?
Posted by Salty_Dog on February 10, 2004, at 4:07:17
In reply to Trade Effexor of Paxil??, posted by Clayton on February 10, 2004, at 2:21:35
I just stopped Effexor XR last Wednesday.
I went from 600 mg to 0 mg in 10 days, but, I was in a hospital and I switched to Lexapro (20 mg).I had lost 50 lbs. in the three weeks prior to hospitalization. I had tried to quit on my own but I got so depressed that I tried to starve myself to death.
I will write more after I get some sleep.
Posted by chase9 on February 10, 2004, at 11:51:26
In reply to Re: Sudden descent into Efexor hell, posted by MrsT on January 15, 2004, at 22:32:59
I have just started taking efexor for two weeks felt better after first week then bad again so the doc upped the dose but now im having abnormal thoughts thats making my anxiety worse anybody else have this happen if so did you go off or lower dose.any input would be great Iam off to see doc again this morning.
Posted by poochi on February 11, 2004, at 11:38:27
In reply to Re: Going off of Effexor: Attn 4peace, posted by lacey2001 on February 9, 2004, at 17:00:35
Hi everybody
Well, i'm still on Effexor, 37.5 every 2 days, maybe one day i'll be able to push it to 3.., but anyways, my question is: I've read that some people have had weight LOSS coming off effexor, but what about weight GAIN? I've gained 10 pounds in a week and 1/2, trying to come off of this drug. And I don't think i've been eating much more than usual, my appetite seems to have stayed the same. BUT the scale is going UP !!!
this sucks! This happen to anyone else?
Posted by moody on February 11, 2004, at 12:52:33
In reply to Trade Effexor of Paxil??, posted by Clayton on February 10, 2004, at 2:21:35
chase9: I also just started effexor xr (well, about a month ago now). I had the same problems as you with the up and down cycle so my doctor eventually increased my dose to 225 mg/day -- though the only days I ever feel like myself (whatever that means) are those days that I take 300 mg...so..is increasing the dosage the best thing? Perhaps its only a temporary solution...let me know what your doctor says and I hope you feel better.
Posted by KimberlyDi on February 11, 2004, at 16:55:29
In reply to new friend of effexor xr, posted by moody on February 11, 2004, at 12:52:33
> chase9: I also just started effexor xr (well, about a month ago now). I had the same problems as you with the up and down cycle so my doctor eventually increased my dose to 225 mg/day -- though the only days I ever feel like myself (whatever that means) are those days that I take 300 mg...so..is increasing the dosage the best thing? Perhaps its only a temporary solution...let me know what your doctor says and I hope you feel better.
>
At 300mg, I was "Home Again", at last, in my skin.When I bumped my dosage up alittle before the pdoc OK'd it, she was understanding after I explained the reasons why. I didn't try it again though.
:) Good Luck, KDi in TX
Posted by chase9 on February 12, 2004, at 18:47:02
In reply to Re: Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med? » sheri, posted by Clayton on February 7, 2004, at 21:43:52
I have been on 37mg for two weeks went up to 75mg for 4 days and was really depressed and ful of anxiety went back down to 37 and am going off it either makes me feel nothing or too much .any other experiances like mine.
Posted by Susan115 on February 13, 2004, at 0:43:02
In reply to Re: Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med?, posted by chase9 on February 12, 2004, at 18:47:02
Dudes- I am totally pissed that no one mentioned the severe symptoms that may accompany withdrawl. I was placed onto Effexor, against my better judgement and although my intuition advised me against it, because I have Hypothyroidism due to an Auto-Immune Disease. I do not have depression.... and I do not have anxiety. I have low energy due to my disease and also because I work at a high-impact physical job. HOWEVER.... Like most physicians I have encountered.... my doctor was adamant that I "....must be suffering from depression because you are tired and wish to stay in bed..." uhhhhh??? First of all, I feel that it is a degradation to depression/anxiety sufferers to be written off so simply as people who "just wish to stay in bed". It is the sufferers DESIRE to reclaim the selves that they "see" inside of them and to regain the ability and power to return back to their lives... that is their wish. The wish is not to remain in bed, although, like myself, is where we normally end up because we feel...like....crap!
BE WARNED and BE INFORMED..... As a collective whole we Do Not Feel Good.... unfortunately we have to depend on other PEOPLE to make us feel better. (Isn't THAT in itself a loss of self-empowerment?) We depend on other people to prescribe to us.... MAN-MADE pills. Think about prescription drugs from their "flip side".... WE as people have no idea what is used to manufacture these pills... their ingredients... etc...etc... They twist our mentality and inhibit our "sensors". Is this so different from using narcotics and becoming hooked? It's all man-made... and it is difficult to trust what you cannot see.
Be informed of the withdrawl symptoms... I advised my doctor in December that I was to be removed from my Effexor treatment because I no longer felt like myself. I had no change in my energy levels, however I did notice a change in my creativity. I could no longer cry, write songs, feel passion, paint pictures, feel compassion towards others, play guitar.... I felt nothing. So, I did the systematic half-steps and I have been Effexor free for 2 weeks now.
Unfortunately, I am now coming face to face, blow to blow with withdrawl symptoms. Severe electric shocks (imagine placing a bare "live" wire to your head every 30 seconds) mild seizures, blackouts and to be honest... I'm feeling pretty pissed off. (I think the man-made term for that is "hypomania"...at least that's what they WANT you to think... because, hey- it's one more thing that they can treat, right? ... it's all just money in the bank to them) I left my keys in the ignition of my car with the battery turned on while I was at work today and I also ran into a co-worker's leg while I was operating some "heavy machinery". Wouldn't that be ENOUGH to piss a person off? Do we really need to be called "hypo-manic"?!?
Look- I firmly believe that this medication works for many people out there. I believe that if you are seeking an inhibitor to assist and ease symptoms, then by all means, you should work with your doctor to find the correct and best treatment for you. However ... BE INFORMED... You are your own best ADVOCATE. Research a chemical drug and THEN decide if it is what's best for you. Don't allow a doctor who is in reception of bonuses from drug companies to decide for YOU.
God Bless... and wishes for you to find peace of mind.
Posted by Holly333 on February 13, 2004, at 20:20:04
In reply to Re: Anyone NOT had trouble getting off this med?, posted by platinumbride on February 8, 2004, at 14:50:31
I was on effexor xr 75mg twice a day, for about 4 months (on 75mg a day for another 6 months before that). Have now been off, seemingly problem free, for about 3 months (now, just the weight to sort out!!!)
Another post here suggested, as I was on the xr capsules, to literally reduce by one 'granule' per day, which worked OK. I was lucky, I had flu or something horrible, and was able to stop teh night time dose 'cold turkey' without any noticeable side effects, as I felt like death anyway!! (not recommended!! :) ) I then reduced the remaining 75mg dose granule by granule.
If yr on non xr tablets this might not be quite so straightforward, but perhaps shaving bits off with a knife would allow you to reduce slowly enough. Another possibility, again another post from here, suggested waiting till the dizziness etc struck, then taking a v small amount of granules (or bits of tablet?), just enough to counteract the problems experienced. I don't personally like this idea, but it may work for you, or at least help if you find it too difficult to accurately reduce the tablets. I do hope this is some help.
Posted by Judie on February 15, 2004, at 10:59:26
In reply to Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Susan115 on February 13, 2004, at 0:43:02
I am stopping effexor xr after 6 months, because I , too felt "flat-lined"... like I wasn't depressed, but I felt no joy or passion in anything I did, either. My doctor (GP) wanted to double my dose, but I can't see how that would fix my problem. I want to feel SOMETHING, just not suicidal! My last dose was 2 days ago. I'd been taking 75 mgs. a day. When I woke up so dizzy today, I started hunting on the internet for some info and I'm thrilled I found this site. Looks like I'd better taper off instead of going cold turkey. I dumped half of the granules out of a capsule and I'm going to try that every day for a week. I don't want to drag this out too long, but I have to be able to function. Scares me that folks are having withdrawel symptoms AFTER two weeks of quitting!! Somebody PLEASE post a success story for getting off this stuff!
Posted by BJlass on February 15, 2004, at 15:44:42
In reply to Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Susan115 on February 13, 2004, at 0:43:02
It took me about 6 months to taper off Effexor!!! These damn pharmaceutical co's and some doctors don't tell you this! It's outrageous and they ALL should be sued!
I still have this weird feeling in the middle of my forehead -- and I've been off it over a year now. I can't explain it -- but it's like my body is "craving" the drug. Maybe I've changed my neurotransmittors permanently!
Please think carefully before you take serotonin enhancing drugs. The mfr's don't even understand exactly what they do to your brain! Are we permanently rewiring ourselves??!!
Posted by bristol on February 15, 2004, at 16:10:15
In reply to Re: Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Judie on February 15, 2004, at 10:59:26
Oh My God - DO NOT STOP COLD TURKEY and I DON'T THINK you're supposed to break the capsules up! You need to talk to your doctor and get the 37.5 mg capsules to taper yourself off the right way. You should only go down a max of 37.5 increments and then be on it for a while.
I almost killed myself by tapering too fast and I was on 225mg of Effexor - I ended up in ER and was unconscious for over an hour. Now I'm suffering from a bronchial infection and inflamed vocal chords b/c of the breathing tubes they stuck down my throat. Effexor makes you suicidal - Be careful with the drug.
Posted by Althea8869 on February 15, 2004, at 17:53:04
In reply to Major withdrawl symptoms, posted by Susan115 on February 13, 2004, at 0:43:02
Chase9, Your closing is right on the money. In this day and age we all have access, in one form or another, to information about these medications - possible side effects, interactions, etc. This ISNT to say that significant changes arent needed in both the testing/reporting/oversight and prescribing phase, but for the interested and inclined, doing the research, i would wager, will improve your chances for success.
Posted by contemplative1 on February 15, 2004, at 18:59:38
In reply to Trade Effexor of Paxil??, posted by Clayton on February 10, 2004, at 2:21:35
Paxil pooped out on me and I went to Prozac with great success and it also helped minimize the withdrawals from Paxil which contrary to your fortunate experience was absolutely dreadful.
> I guess I'm a freek, too. I take Paxil (40mg/day) and had quit cold turkey several times with NO adverse side-effects at all. I have also restarted it after several months at the 40 mg dose (no titration upward) without ill effects.
>
> I realize Paxil is not Effexor, but it seems to have the next "best" reputation for problems with withdrawl symptoms insing "Brain Zaps"s, according the the posts I've read on this board.
>
> So why am I immune to these negative effects?
>
> It's enough to make me want to try Effexor to see if I am immnune to those side-effects, too. My recklesss intuition tell me I well may be.
>
> Paxil is beginning to poop out and I may need a new AD soon. Any advive on this bizarre notion of mine? (Trade Pazil for Effexor)?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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