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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by MADMAN3070 on February 22, 2004, at 18:12:09
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal, posted by jiggitykid on February 20, 2004, at 13:34:01
How long did it take you Jiggity? Ive been off cold turkey for a month. I still feel dizzy nausea, tingling, headache. Im thinking of going to a neurologist. Any suggestions? Thanks Madman
Posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 19:14:40
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 10:05:16
You are welcome. I know this place has been a HUGE comfort for me. It's awfully nice to know that I'm not alone.
<<< I wish I knew this before I took the first pill.>>>
You and me both!! But, apparently the doctors don't know this, either.
Take care of yourself. It WILL get better.
Posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 19:20:37
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by metro8268 on February 22, 2004, at 13:58:38
>>>I really wish my Dr. would have informed me of the side effects. The notes on the Effexor site just don't do it justice.<<<
Either they don't know, don't understand, or don't care. That's all I can figure.
The physical pain is bad. If you can get some pain meds for temporary relief, that helps. Otherwise, keep *warm*. That helps.
Posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 19:24:15
In reply to Re: Effexor w/d.....ack! Help!, posted by MADMAN3070 on February 22, 2004, at 18:02:39
>>>Its been a month and Im still having dizziness and nausea every day. Tingling in different parts of the body and headaches.<<<
I remember thinking that if I could only have something to calm my system down, then I might be okay. I wish I knew what to tell you that helps. Pain medication helped me with some of it. What I can tell you is that it did finally let go of me. Perhaps a neurologist, as you said, would at least have an idea of how to get your nerve system off of "overdrive," and help settle you down. Take care of yourself. You are respected. You are in my prayers.
Posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 19:31:29
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal, posted by MADMAN3070 on February 22, 2004, at 18:12:09
See my response to your other post, Madman. After the first month, I was a lot better, but still having "mild" symptoms. It sounds as if your nervous system (I'm guessing here, but this is how it felt to me) is stuck running on high, and as if your sense receptors are wide open. Does this sound right to you? It felt to me that the world was too loud, too bright, things moved too much, etc., and that contributed to my nausea and pain. This is why I think perhaps you are right - maybe a neurologist would at least be able to point you in the right direction as far as what might help settle your system down. Some here might suggest taking another SSRI to help calm the symptoms down. You would need to talk with a doctor you trust about this. I know that I was much more emotionally volitile for several months, until it finally settled down. Let me know what you decide and how it works. Take care!!!
Posted by KimberlyDi on February 23, 2004, at 16:39:43
In reply to Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 4:17:09
Stacy,
I don't know if you quit cold turkey or tapered off carefully. I tapered, and it took me several months. Towards the end I started taking low dosages of Imipramine to help with my sleep. When finally off completely, I had a problem with rebound depression and MAJOR mood swings. PDoc had mercy and tried me on generic Tegretol as a mood stabilizer. After sleeping non-stop the first two days, I can now take it without excessive sleepiness and it keeps me level. I hate the quesy side effects but prefer not to feel like I am loosing my mind. There is hope. You will get better. If you aren't tapering, then the worst is being brought on by choice. You can do something about it. :)
Good Luck!!!!
KDi in TX> Well, it's 4 am and I can't sleep, I am crying over nothing, I am feeling sick to my stomach and the headaches are unbelievable! This is the whole reason why I got on Effexor in the first place!
>
> I would love to hear from someone who has been off of Effexor for a while? Approximately how long until the withdrawal symptoms totally stop? I am very scared that I will want to go back. I never realized how this little pill had such a hold on my life.
>
> Day 3 of withdrawal...and going.
>
> Thank you,
> StaceyB.
Posted by MADMAN3070 on February 24, 2004, at 9:34:20
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal, posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 19:31:29
> See my response to your other post, Madman. After the first month, I was a lot better, but still having "mild" symptoms. It sounds as if your nervous system (I'm guessing here, but this is how it felt to me) is stuck running on high, and as if your sense receptors are wide open. Does this sound right to you? It felt to me that the world was too loud, too bright, things moved too much, etc., and that contributed to my nausea and pain. This is why I think perhaps you are right - maybe a neurologist would at least be able to point you in the right direction as far as what might help settle your system down. Some here might suggest taking another SSRI to help calm the symptoms down. You would need to talk with a doctor you trust about this. I know that I was much more emotionally volitile for several months, until it finally settled down. Let me know what you decide and how it works. Take care!!!
Thanks Jiggity. I appreciate the help. I have heard that some people have had success with the all natural suppliment called Becalm'd. I will ask the group here if anyone has had success with that product. Madman
Posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 14:26:05
In reply to Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 4:17:09
Hi Stacey,
Yes it does end even though it doesn't feel like it at the time. It's a horrendous experience. When I came off of Effexor, I went onto Zoloft for 3mos. to no avail (come to find out I'm bipolar) and then had to go through a worse w/drawal withZoloft! It does end. Taper slowly.....
katia> Well, it's 4 am and I can't sleep, I am crying over nothing, I am feeling sick to my stomach and the headaches are unbelievable! This is the whole reason why I got on Effexor in the first place!
>
> I would love to hear from someone who has been off of Effexor for a while? Approximately how long until the withdrawal symptoms totally stop? I am very scared that I will want to go back. I never realized how this little pill had such a hold on my life.
>
> Day 3 of withdrawal...and going.
>
> Thank you,
> StaceyB.
Posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 14:27:01
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » StaceyB, posted by KimberlyDi on February 23, 2004, at 16:39:43
Kim,
Are you still on Tegretol? Are you BP? How's it going? I just started Trileptal.
KAtia
Posted by meaux on March 7, 2004, at 0:16:22
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
Wyeth is a disgrace. To know that they were and are fully aware of the physiological addiction of Effexor XR and have not made such information publically available is sickening. When starting Effexor a year ago, I was brought up to a dose of 300mg/day. I was not told of any withdrawal syndromes or addictive potentials of this drug - I checked WebMD and of course that site says nothing because who sponsors it but the pharmecutial companies themselves. My pharmacist knew nothing of its addictive potential and had not heard of the effects of Effexor on simple things like circulation (blood pressure and 'tingling' extremeties). The fact simply remains : Effexor IS PHYSIOLOGICALLY ADDICTIVE. It may be 'non habit forming' because it does not provide the user with a feeling of euphoria - but studies have proven Effexor's addictive qualities. Mothers who took Effexor for brief periods of time during the pregnancy had neo-natal fetuses suffering from Withdrawal Syndrome. Who was on Effexor withdrawal but Andrea Yates herself when she drowned her children (supposedly, anyways). I have tried three times unsuccessfully to taper Effexor. The last time I tapered to 265 mg/day for a week and it was miserable - I know what it feels like now to be an addict going through rehab. I was crippled with nausea, vomiting, headaches, spinning head, vertigo, the 'electrical' impulse feeling (like I could sense my nervous system conducting action potentials when my eyes would move). Several lawsuits exist currently to fight this evil - some that involve sufferers who experience seizures and neuropathy because of this shit. SIGN THE PETITION, GET YOUR VOICE ACROSS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. We can not let the pharmeceutical companies reap the benefit of getting addicts to their medications. Is there no justice? I am 19 years old. In college and graduate school concurrently; I must take off my fall semester and find a way of support to get myself off this medication starting immediately this summer... after 3 days cold turkey one time I was about to physically die from the withdrawl effects - I could not get out of bed, kept hearing buzzing in my head, had a fever of over 102 and hot/cold spells. My breathing was depressed, and I was at my wit's end. THIS CAN NOT CONTINUE TO PLAGUE INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO FIGHT DEPRESSION, NOT ADD A DRUG ADDICTION TO THEIR LIST OF WORRIES.
Posted by jiggitykid on March 7, 2004, at 12:25:34
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by meaux on March 7, 2004, at 0:16:22
Meaux, where is the petition and how do I join a lawsuit? I've asked here before about how to get involved in a CALS because of the misery this has caused me and my family. My heart breaks for you. Would it be possible to be in a hospital for withdrawal? I imagine insurance would fight that one, but maybe something could be done. Let me know if you know of where to go for the petition and for the lawsuit.
Posted by Ieva on March 7, 2004, at 15:39:04
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! Meaux, posted by jiggitykid on March 7, 2004, at 12:25:34
> Meaux, where is the petition and how do I join a lawsuit? I've asked here before about how to get involved in a CALS because of the misery this has caused me and my family. My heart breaks for you. Would it be possible to be in a hospital for withdrawal? I imagine insurance would fight that one, but maybe something could be done. Let me know if you know of where to go for the petition and for the lawsuit.
***** go to www.petitiononline.com/effexor ****
Posted by flyingdreams on March 8, 2004, at 20:38:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by meaux on March 7, 2004, at 0:16:22
Hi Everyone!
Wow, I thought I'd be over this withdrawal crap, but nope! The last 2 PMS times have lasted 12-14 days involving incredible painful breasts, haven't had this pain since I was a teen! I'm in my mid 30's. Plus I've had tingling feelings in my hand and feet - the feeling you get right before they fall asleep, but it last for hours and isn't because I was sitting on it wrong of something to cause it! Plus I'm still getting the sleepy feeling from time to time and still serious insomnia that no sleeping pill can put me to sleep! And still can't lose any weight, still exercising my butt off for nothing.
How much longer is this crap going to last???????Wendy
Posted by metro8268 on March 8, 2004, at 20:47:40
In reply to Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by flyingdreams on March 8, 2004, at 20:38:42
Wow - I'm on day 17 and am finally able to go an hour with out having a "brain shiver". I feel you on the insomia. I either am up to 3 AM or I sleep for 12 hours at a time. It's so frustrating. I wish I could get my body on a regular sleep schedule.
Has anyone else noticed that the symptoms seem to come back when you get tired? I'll be feeling great, having a good day, and then all of the sudden feel depressed, achy and the brain shivers come back.
You know there's a problem with this medication when everyone counts the days they've been off of the drug. I feel like a drug addict who's at AA:
Hi my name is Wendy and I've been clean of Effexor for 17 days....
Posted by DepNYer on March 9, 2004, at 14:54:42
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by metro8268 on March 8, 2004, at 20:47:40
I've been mostly "lurking" at this site to get a feel for the experiences of others in the treatment of their depression or BP. I have TR MDD with three episodes in the last ~5 years. I am very fortunate that I finally found a balance of medications that work for me, and have essentially been in remission for over 18 months (well 95% there, although the other 5% is probably just normal daily stress which I am overly aware of). Given that my likelihood for relapse is high, I do pay attention to what is said here.
I have closely read the horrendous stories of withdrawl from those using Effexor and SSRI's. I have been on both. SSRIs did help my mood but greatly exacerbated my cluster headaches, forcing me to stop them. I also was on Effexor for several months with a good response before a rise in my blood pressure forced me to stop it. In each case, I withdrew from the meds over a one or two week period. In no case did I expereince any withdrawl or discontinuation syndrome. That is NOT said to discount anyone's experience here. It's just that perhaps the issues of discontinuation syndromes are not as widespread as may be felt in reading these posts. It would be difficult to imagine such terrible symptoms occuring in as wide a population as those who use these commonly prescribed ADs without being apparent almost immediately in their test phases, or certainly within months of their release for general use. I do believe there are groups of people such as those here who, for reasons not really understood, experience severe effects upon discontinuation, while there are many who do not share that reaction.
I hope that everyone who does experience the pains that many of you have described will find a way through, and feel better. But please, don't deprive treatment from many others who could benefit, but are scared off by these stories. I do believe that open and fair dsclosure should be made by Pharma manufacturers, and individuals deserve the right to decide what risks they are willing to take to improve their health, but let's all remember that major depression is a killer disease, and those who suffer from it should not be deprived of help because of potential discontinuation problems, versus the definite disability and mortality that untreated MDD brings.
Posted by flyingdreams on March 9, 2004, at 16:35:53
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by DepNYer on March 9, 2004, at 14:54:42
DO NOT tell us that we are a small percentage! YOU do NOT know the facts! Go to:
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
and you will see over 4,200 signatures of people who also experience severe withdrawals!!! These are the people who found the site to sign. This is not advertised and so only those who found the petition by accident have signed it. Imagine if the media got this info out how many other would sign the petition saying they too experienced this! You make us angry when you state something as if it's fact and you do not know it's fact! Do not tell us to hush, that is exactly what the drug companies want. In fact, you probably have an invested interest in the drug companies for your to have said that to use in pain!
Posted by JonW on March 9, 2004, at 18:10:13
In reply to ATTN: depNYer - over 4200 signature say otherwise!, posted by flyingdreams on March 9, 2004, at 16:35:53
> DO NOT tell us that we are a small percentage! YOU do NOT know the facts! Go to:
>
> http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
>
>
> and you will see over 4,200 signatures of people who also experience severe withdrawals!!! These are the people who found the site to sign. This is not advertised and so only those who found the petition by accident have signed it. Imagine if the media got this info out how many other would sign the petition saying they too experienced this! You make us angry when you state something as if it's fact and you do not know it's fact! Do not tell us to hush, that is exactly what the drug companies want. In fact, you probably have an invested interest in the drug companies for your to have said that to use in pain!I haven't been following this thread but I clicked on your post, and wow, I think you should go back on the Effexor... I think DepNYer offered a very respectful, compassionate, and intelligent opinion. You, on the other hand, come across as being in need of medication. Anyway, DepNYer, well said.
Jon :)
Posted by MeggE on March 9, 2004, at 20:59:50
In reply to Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 4:17:09
My advice to you is..DO NOT go back on it.
That will just make it ten times harder to get off, when you are ready..which may be never if you give in to the addiction. This drug is evil. The withdrawl is THE WORST of any anti-deppressant. I have gone through hell, and I still am. I have been off of it for about two weeks now, and I'm so afraid that this withdrawl will never end. Be strong, I'm trying the best I can..but it's not helping hearing all these people that have been off for months and still feel the symptoms of withdrawl. The pharmaceutical companies can all go to hell. I've never been so angry in my life. I'm afraid that it will never end, and all I can do now is try and get together with others that feel the same way in order for this madness to stop. SIGN THE PETITION:
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
Posted by jiggitykid on March 9, 2004, at 21:41:16
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » StaceyB, posted by MeggE on March 9, 2004, at 20:59:50
Hang in there, Sweetie. It took a little over a month, give or take, before I was finally beginning to feel that it was getting better. I've been off of it since roughly Thanksgiving (I wish I had possessed the wherewithal to journal!! If you aren't, please start), and the only remaining difficulty I have regularly is the deteriorated eyesight. I imagine it would be nearly impossible to pin that directly to the Effexor, but I know that prior to my taking the Effexor, my eyes were okay. While taking the drug, I had trouble with blurriness, and read that it is often a side-effect. I never dreamed that it would leave my eyes worse.
Anyone who defends this drug has the right to do so, only don't do it here, nicely or not. No one here wants to hear this. We are or have been going through hell with this. Have a little respect, and keep the nicey-nicies somewhere else. If a lawsuit ever goes to trial, join the defense there, but don't bring it here.
Posted by DepNYer on March 10, 2004, at 9:16:28
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » MeggE, posted by jiggitykid on March 9, 2004, at 21:41:16
My post was in no way meant to cast doubt or indicate that the symtoms you are describing in this thread are not real. I was merely trying to provide some balance to the discussion regarding the use of Effexor, or indeed any AD, so that readers understand that the effects and and possibility of withdrawl are not universal. I am not sure how this is not the place to discuss these issues, as this site deals specifically with the use of these meds.
Every medication carries risk. There are those on this site who take APs, which have no been found to increase the risk of the development of diabetes. Others take Lamictal knowing there is a small but real risk of developing a skin reaction so severe as to possibly be fatal. Depakote and Tegretol can lead to siginificant liver damage. Consider that non psych meds such as ibuprofen, used by millions with arthritis, kills several thousand people a year from sudden GI bleeding. All these medications are clearly beneficial to most, yet carry risk for some. Does tht mean we should deprive anyone from treatments that can reduce the morbidity of their illnesses? Reboxitine, a medication that could benefit many depressives, including those on this site, may not be released due to the suicide of one person involved with it's testing. Relying on that one event, which as yet has not been explained and mey be unrelated to the medication, may deprive many of the relief they need now. This may mean that public relations and fear of lawsuits will derail this medication, not science or good practices of medicine.
Coming back to the question that appears as the subject of this thread, namely, are there long term Effexor free survivors, I believe the answer I was trying to present was that yes, there are. I am one of them. I do not speak for others, but I do believe that an open and honest dialogue is needed regarding these potent medicines.
Posted by jiggitykid on March 10, 2004, at 9:52:11
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by DepNYer on March 10, 2004, at 9:16:28
>>>are there long term Effexor free survivors, I believe the answer I was trying to present was that yes, there are. I am one of them. I do not speak for others, but I do believe that an open and honest dialogue is needed regarding these potent medicines.<<<
You also are "one of them" who did not, by your own admission, suffer from the horrible withdrawal effects that the rest of the posters have. Survivor, then, would not be the appropriate term for you. Survivors are those who lived through the hell that the drug withdrawal induced. Yes, an open and honest dialogue is needed, but you went a step further in your original post to insinuate that those who are experiencing these withdrawal symptoms are a noisy minority who are endangering the success of this drug. That was offensive to me, and most likely to the others whose lives have been sidetracked at the least and wrecked at the most from the use of this drug. We want the drug company to admit that they did not disclose the information we needed to make an informed decision. We are trying to educate people who are pondering the use of this drug or who think they are crazy (many have used this term) because the withdrawal effects that they are experiencing weren't explained. If informed choice is what you are lauding, then perhaps thanking those of us who have survived the crippling withdrawal from Effexor and have chosen to share our experiences here might have been more the road to take, instead of discounting, whether intended or not, our experiences. The drug company apparently is interested in dollars over healing; if that were not the case, then the withdrawal symptoms would have been made public knowledge. We are angry, because we are struggling with a condition that affects our lives and the lives of those around us and put our trust in a medication touted to help us. Instead, it made our lives worse. I pray you never have to experience these withdrawal symptoms, but if you do, I am certain your perspective will change.
Posted by Ieva on March 10, 2004, at 11:20:33
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » DepNYer, posted by jiggitykid on March 10, 2004, at 9:52:11
In reading the "discussion" between you two, I'd have to agree with Jiggitykid overall. The W/Ds that most of us (including me) have suffered were debilitating, scary, and more severe than is published out there by the pharm companies and doctors who prescribe this drug. Whether this is due to lack of education or just one big "conspiracy" by the pushers of this drug, the fact remains that there is much more evidence out there pertaining to people's negative expiriences by use or discontinued use of this drug, than there is the positive effects (other than what is commercially advertised). These are postings by real people who have used this drug, and the amount of documentation is scary. The fact that these people are being ignored or "blown off" is unacceptable. It's no big secret that there is a push in the market to have the 'next best thing' as far as psych meds go, and there is a strong possibility that many of the SSRI drug prescribed now have not been tested long enough to determine the full range of their negative and positive side effects, in order to get the drug out there quickly. What baffles me most is that the W/Ds that most of us expirienced needed not be tested over a period of time. My onset was in 24 hrs! So why are people not being informed of the seriousness of all of this? Especially with the evdience that I found on the internet alone, to support the possible danger of this (these) drug.
I received a newsletter yesterday from my insurance company which included any article on ADs. In plain text they state how "AD's are non-habit forming.... are not addictive....." I'm not sure why type of "habits" and "addiction" they are referring to, and how they can just cluster all AD's in one category like that, but and entire web would dispute (re: www.petitiononline.com/effexor/) And this is being advertised to millions of people! Something needs to be done.
Posted by Ieva on March 10, 2004, at 11:28:13
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » DepNYer, posted by jiggitykid on March 10, 2004, at 9:52:11
BTW, today begins my first Effexor-free 24hrs, after having tapered off for the last week or so. I went from 250mg/day to 37.5mg/day, tapering down each dose gradually. This was after a disastrous attept at cold-turkey off the 250mg dose. To those of you currently doing the cold-turkey method, I beg you to reconsider. At least maybe try it from a lower dose. Trust me when I say it is MUCH, MUCH easier on you to drop off from a lower dose!! Coming off the drug doesn't have to be that bad. You will still have W/D's, but not near as severe as what you could, or are now expiriencing. Especially those of you on doses higher that 250mg. I don't know how you're coping.... My expirince was hellish. Please, please reconsider and try the "taper-off" method. Even if your anti-putting-this-evil-stuff-back-in-your-body... look at it as a means to an end.
Posted by DepNYer on March 10, 2004, at 12:38:07
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » jiggitykid, posted by Ieva on March 10, 2004, at 11:20:33
If my posts inadvertently sounded as though I was criticizing a "noisy" minority, please understand that was not my intention.
One point that was brought up was whether these ADs are tested for a sufficient period of time before their approval. That may be entirely valid. On the other hand, on almost all ADs, including Effexor, prescribing information states that long term use of these meds has not been extensively studied in preapproval trials, and that the treating doctor needs to weigh the risks and benefits of long term therapy. That is not to say that post approval, long term studies have not been done...they have. In evaluating a medicine after it is general use, the drug co. is required to gather and review all reported adverse reactions. True, the reporting is voluntary, and some doctors never file these, but of those that are filed, the drug co. must follow them up and report to the FDA those findings when significant. That is why in 2000 the FDA required updated prescribing information to include a section on discontinuation problems and the need to monitor for them. I think it is the responsibility of the treating doc to be aware of this info as well as informing you of the risks and benefits. If a doc fails to do this, they are not taking good care of you and you need to switch to someone who bothers to at least read the prescribing info in the PDR.
Posted by Tancred62 on March 11, 2004, at 15:35:39
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
Hello folks. Only those who have experienced those withdrawl brain zaps know what they're like. I tried describing it to someone today and it was hard to convey the almost eerie quality they impart. My Paxil withdrawl was bad enough without having to deal with incompetent doctors (they flushed my ears for wax). I told them I thought it was because I stopped taking Paxil but they looked confused. I joined a lawsuit against the drug only because I was angry; I don't expect it to result in anything. I'm on Effexor now, and I must say it's not good to hear it's worse than the Paxil. I've never had such weird dreams. Here's a question: If I'm taking 225 mgs a day, should I take all three (75mg caps) at once or do a morning, noon, and night dosage?
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