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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by roomy on June 16, 2004, at 7:19:56
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by LynnM. on June 15, 2004, at 20:21:49
> Hi, y'all-I am new to this BB. My mother and I found it, looking for info. on withdrawal symptoms of Effexor. We now know that we're NOT crazy, but you have all put us at ease with your information. We have felt most of the symptoms you describe. For me, it's mostly the headaches and the "brain flashes". That is such a great name for them! I was feeling toooooo euphoric on this med. It made me feel so good, in fact, I wasn't caring whether I was late for school (I am a teacher and have always been conscientious about my job), or church, or anything. I was just too "happy" to care. I also gained weight from this, and although I'm walking 2 mi. everyday, nothing has helped. I noticed I started gaining the weight after starting the med. I also got very sleepy during the day, and got very sweaty at night.
>
> Anyways, I thank God for this BB and website. I knew I wasn't going crazy, thinking most of these effects were from the med. I'm gradually decreasing (I'm taking 75 mg. every other day for now). My mother is not so lucky, she decided to quit cold turkey and is sorry she did. She is now experiencing night sweats,nausea, lethargy, headaches, dizziness.....I thought I would put in my two cents. I have posted on this bbs in the past when I was first getting off Effexor.
first of all, in reply to those wanting to know WHY people go off it when it works great: It worked great for me too! Gradually, over 7 years on the drug, I needed more and more to achieve the same quality of life. As the dose increased, so did the side effects. After being so exhausted and gaining so much weight from the increased doseage, I decided to go off the effexor completely. I tapered, I suffered, it was hell. But now I have been entirely off Effexor for 5months, after tapering for about 5 months. I am back to normal (whatever that is). I have lost 20 pounds since february and have my energy back. I still have days where I am frazzled and frustrated but then I live a life that sometimes includes those emotions. I am a busy mom with a 15yr old and a 3yr old, I manage a mobile home park, have an outside second job and I try to be a loving wife. I have been married for 18 years. All of that alone will make you a bit frazzled. Frazzled is ok with me. I like to be drug free. Life isnt perfect but then the 7 years on Effexor didnt make it that perfect either.
good luck and hang in there.
-roomy
Posted by alan38 on June 18, 2004, at 8:05:28
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by Caleb96 on March 26, 2004, at 10:27:24
This is my first time posting... I have been on SSRIs since Sept. 2003, Lexipro/paxil/zoloft/ and finally Effexor. I started at 150mg/day and eventually tapered to 37.5 every other day as of last week. I took my last dose (5) days ago and have experienced some withdrawal (specifically, dizziness/light headiness/Brain Swooshes- not sure how to describe those. They have dissipated substantially due to time off the drug as well as some advice to take OTC Benadryl or Claritin. Is there or normal period of time for the withdrawal process.... Feeling a heck of a lot better, more energy, no fatigue, sexual side effects. Any advice/encouragement would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Posted by alan38 on June 18, 2004, at 8:37:04
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by LynnM. on June 15, 2004, at 20:21:49
Brain Flashes seem to describe the senstation fairly well. How often do you get them???
Posted by LynnM. on June 18, 2004, at 13:47:25
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by alan38 on June 18, 2004, at 8:37:04
Hi, Alan~
My brain flashes (or zaps, as some here have called them...good name, also!) are coming right now, as a matter of fact-I'd say a zap every 10 min. or so, and sometimes they're what I call "double zaps". I'm down also to 37.5 mg. every other day. With this dosage, I'm feeling the flashes, some dizziness and headaches and a teeny bit of edginess. Also have felt a little nausea, but nothing that half a dramamine isn't helping. I was on 75 mg. every day, and had never felt so sleepy in my life! I've definitely lost the need for long afternoon naps.I think as long as I stay busy and active, I don't notice the zaps as much. It's not easy, but I'm hanging in there. Once I'm off this stuff for good.....never again.:-)
Posted by Nevina on June 24, 2004, at 11:03:23
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last? » alan38, posted by LynnM. on June 18, 2004, at 13:47:25
sorry forgot to mention, "crazy" dreams are lessoning, although sleep is difficult.
Posted by Nevina on June 24, 2004, at 11:17:36
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by Nevina on June 24, 2004, at 11:03:23
Ahhhh, just realized first post did not go through. So I will rewrite it.
Am currently experiencing withdrawal from effexor after overdose. On June 14th took overdose. Prior to that was taking 150mg effexor daily and 15mg Remeron.(which by the way work well together)
Have takien nothing since except a couple doses of ativan while in hospital and 2.5mg Valium 1-2 times daily as needed. Have been experiencing constant headaches, nausea,dizziness, periods of severe agitation,terfullness. Jitteryiness. Emotional controls poor. Poor concentration, varying appetite... mostly high. +++ fatigue. Now diarrhea.
However it is now June 24th and symptoms are improving. Emotional outbursts down to 1-2 times /day. Have been avoiding taking valium. Taking benedryl at night for sleep. Dreams not so bad as previously. Have hope that by end of next week may no longer have any drug related symptoms.
Posted by Frisky_cat on June 24, 2004, at 15:07:30
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by Nevina on June 24, 2004, at 11:17:36
This medication has done wonders for eliminating some residual social anxiety that is part of my GAD. My social and love life have greatly improved.
After reviewing the messages on this board, one would almost think that some of you don't want to be happy. We have people complaining that the 'drug makes them feel too good'. We have people expressing guilt about using a drug to improve their life.
Believe me, my sympathy has limits and some of you have clearly breached them. Many of you whine and even threaten to sue the company because you experience adverse effects. Any review on the Web indicates that a small minority will experience some adverse effects.
Posted by worm on June 24, 2004, at 19:51:28
In reply to Love Effexor, posted by Frisky_cat on June 24, 2004, at 15:07:30
> After reviewing the messages on this board, one would almost think that some of you don't want to be happy. We have people complaining that the 'drug makes them feel too good'. We have people expressing guilt about using a drug to improve their life.
>
> Believe me, my sympathy has limits and some of you have clearly breached them. Many of you whine and even threaten to sue the company because you experience adverse effects. Any review on the Web indicates that a small minority will experience some adverse effects.
>Frisky cat:
I think the people on this list who are complaining about the drug are a few vocal ones. Most of us understand that the drug itself is not to blame, it affects everyone differently, and sometimes it is working fine, and then suddenly - NOT - Who knows why?
consider yourself lucky you have found something that works - on the first try?
I don't feel that the drug(s) make me feel too "good", just that my affect was flat, and I was easy-going to the point of putting others needs ahead of my own. Everyone else thought I was great, calm, go-with-the-flow, but inside I was miserable. Some middle ground would be great - not fighting with everyone, but still asserting my self.
JMHO - off Effexor for 4 months now.
Posted by Nevina on June 25, 2004, at 23:59:40
In reply to Re: Love Effexor, posted by worm on June 24, 2004, at 19:51:28
In my case, the medication obviously did not work, as I remained depressed enough to try and commit suicide. Adverse effects from medications can be horrible. Medications affect different individuals in different ways , that is chemistry. Glad it works for you, but please try to have a bit more understanding of what other people feel is "sufferring".
I do not beleive people should sue over side effects which are made readily availble, but do realize most people coming here with their complaints, concerns etc, are looking for support. Some meds work for some people, some do not.
Posted by zapped out on June 26, 2004, at 0:32:44
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by Nevina on June 24, 2004, at 11:17:36
This message board was all that got me through this past week of pure hell. I went from raging to crying. The brain zaps....zzzztttt... still there ocassionally, but not so completely mind numbing. I cried for several hours at a time, and often in the midst of tears I turned to this message board for support. Just knowing that I was not alone made each day livable.
These were my symptoms:
nausea, diarrehea, sleepiness, crying, raging, suicidal thoughts, zzzzaaappps, muscle weakness----What made me feel better??----
This nice mixture of nature taken with food:
(these pills help your brain balance now that it is without artificial stimulation) I bought them at the local grocery store.Omega 3 fish oil
B-Complex (you need at least 11 B's in there)
Magnesium 1000mg-You can also add L-Tryptophan and L-Tyrosine (found at health food stores)-
oh yeah, and lots of mylanta
I hope my entry can help at least one suffering person out there. Btw, my tapering schedule was: 75 mg to 37.5 mg (one week) to nothing. Each day is hard, I know, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Posted by sillysally on June 26, 2004, at 19:32:15
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl , posted by louisi on June 9, 2001, at 8:09:14
Hi,
Just found this board and like previous post was relieved to find people in similar situation.
I'm not sure if I should be going off Effexor but don't feel any better when taking it. Initially, I felt better and motivated but now feel worse, like depressed again.
I was on 225mg/day and have decreased to 150 over two weeks. Scared to decrease any more as withdrawal effects are so bad: ie emotional craziness (cry constantly), so tired it feels like i am walking under water, no concentration, memory loss, insommina, weight gain (throughout entire time on effexor which my therapist insists has nothing to do with the drug!)
Anyways, thanks for allowing me to rank. No one else can really understand how I feel and I am afraid I am going to drive everyone away especially my boyfriend. He's being very supportive but can't understand the mood swings and crying all the time . . .
Take care!
Posted by annesand on June 28, 2004, at 7:20:16
In reply to Re: Love Effexor, posted by worm on June 24, 2004, at 19:51:28
Worm how are your emotions after four months off Effexor? Up and down a lot? Mine are. And I'm really hoping it's a rebound thing that will go away, not a re-emergence of depression.
Posted by alan38 on June 28, 2004, at 10:40:51
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last? » alan38, posted by LynnM. on June 18, 2004, at 13:47:25
Are you familiar with how long the "brain zaps" can last?
Posted by annesand on June 28, 2004, at 10:43:37
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by alan38 on June 28, 2004, at 10:40:51
They lasted about a month for me, after I went off all together. Taking one Prozac helped a lot - wish I'd done that sooner.
Posted by Buckeye Fan on June 28, 2004, at 17:20:55
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by annesand on June 28, 2004, at 10:43:37
About a month for me also...I was at 150 mg for a year and a half...and 4 years on Zoloft before that.
I am neither now...and I think im going to like it!
Good luck and we are all different, so if it takes you 2 months, it will be wirth it!!!!Hang in there
Buckeye Fan
Posted by worm on June 28, 2004, at 20:36:59
In reply to Re: Love Effexor, posted by annesand on June 28, 2004, at 7:20:16
> Worm how are your emotions after four months off Effexor? Up and down a lot? Mine are. And I'm really hoping it's a rebound thing that will go away, not a re-emergence of depression.
I seem to have leveled off now, for a while I was crying for no reason. I also have stopped seeing my boyfriend (his decision, not mine) so that tends to make me sad, but I can cry at a commercial on TV, and I still get a little over-the-top angry and small frustrating events, but I really want to be able to handle these things without having to pop a pill. On the up side, I have lost weight, have more energy, and have gotten tons of things done around the house. Slowly, but surely, my brain function is coming back. Seriously, I couldn't remember names of people I have known all my life, I couldn't find the word to describe something common. I don't know if that was the Effexor or if that is permanent, since it doesn't seem very much better. I still wander around the house trying to remember what I am looking for. Maybe just old age! (I'm only 42)
Posted by annesand on June 29, 2004, at 7:12:47
In reply to Re: Love Effexor, posted by worm on June 28, 2004, at 20:36:59
Worm, we have a lot in common. I'm 42 too. And I definitely felt like the Effexor was affecting my memory. I would have to ask my kids to remind me what our vacation was like! I'm still waking up feeling some dread, but I'm going to try everything under the sun before going back on a pill. Good luck to you. Keep in touch!
Posted by ishy on July 1, 2004, at 18:59:35
In reply to Re: Why are you going off Effexor in the first place?, posted by annesand on June 1, 2004, at 7:20:16
Try St. John's Wort. It has helped me immensely with my emotions. Especially the timed release capsules. There are several brands that have timed release, if you don't find one at the grocery store, try GNC or a Vitamin World.
I was on 75 and am at 37.5 right now. Little upset stomach, but not much else. Effexor makes me sleepy, and I am tired of being tired. I am not on it so much for depression as fibromyalgia, and have not found it helps a lot. Lexapro helped the pain a lot, but I was so sleepy I couldn't function, and kept falling asleep like a narcoleptic. My doctor didn't tell me about the side-effects or the withdrawl symptoms of Effexor, and I am rather upset at him for that. He didn't want me to go off it either, but I talked to my counselor for a long time, and he recommended it, as well as another doctor I know. If it's not helping the FMS, and it makes me tired, the's no reason for it.
Posted by starlight on July 2, 2004, at 11:22:29
In reply to Re: Love Effexor, posted by annesand on June 28, 2004, at 7:20:16
If your moods are up and down, maybe you need a mood stabilizer.
starlight
Posted by ST on July 3, 2004, at 5:49:40
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by alan38 on June 28, 2004, at 10:40:51
My "brain zaps" and withdrawal effects lasted three months...couldn't kick Effexor quickly; had to whittle down the tablet little by little. I think Effexor is the hardest from which to withdraw. There's a great article in this month's SELF magazine about AD withdrawal, specifically the writer's experience withdrawing from Effexor.
ST
Posted by Catty on July 3, 2004, at 7:44:44
In reply to Re: Love Effexor, posted by starlight on July 2, 2004, at 11:22:29
This information has been so helpful, I can't tell you! Question...what is causing these "brain zaps" does anyone know? I thought I was hearing things! (I guess I am!) I read some postings about the memory thing...I know this sounds really simplistic, but I have found a REALLY good multivitamin (one that include really high antioxidants) has really helped me. I'm 50 and menopausal so I guess it's expected to some degree. If you want the info about the vitamins let me know I'll pass it along. Also, there is a great article in this month's SELF magazine...I think someone mentioned it already. I thought I was going crazy because my doc didn't tell me about these side-effects either. Never mentioned it. Thanks again for the help! Take care and be good..
Posted by Frisky_Cat on July 3, 2004, at 9:42:53
In reply to Re: Love Effexor, posted by Catty on July 3, 2004, at 7:44:44
I doubt there is a shred of evidence to support the use of multivitamin supplements or antioxidants to treat depression or anxiety disorder. The placebo effect probably explains why you feel better.
Let me add that many cases of depression or anxiety require a pharmacological cocktail - a combination of drugs. Those of you who have not had success with Effexor should explore that strategy. Note it requires a very experienced psychiatrist.
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 3, 2004, at 14:51:17
In reply to Re: Love Effexor, posted by Catty on July 3, 2004, at 7:44:44
> I know this sounds really simplistic, but I have found a REALLY good multivitamin (one that include really high antioxidants) has really helped me...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding multivitamins to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040613/msgs/362826.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Catty on July 4, 2004, at 7:10:25
In reply to Re: Love Effexor, posted by Frisky_Cat on July 3, 2004, at 9:42:53
No, please understand. I only meant the vitamins might be helpful for the memory problem that person seemed to be having. Believe me, I know full well that depresison and anxiety require MUCH more than a vitamin can provide. I was only addressing the bad and short-term memory issue.
Any ideas about the "buzzing?"
Posted by snake on July 6, 2004, at 7:34:28
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal...also known as HELL, posted by zapped out on June 26, 2004, at 0:32:44
> This message board was all that got me through this past week of pure hell. I went from raging to crying. The brain zaps....zzzztttt... still there ocassionally, but not so completely mind numbing. I cried for several hours at a time, and often in the midst of tears I turned to this message board for support. Just knowing that I was not alone made each day livable.
>
> These were my symptoms:
> nausea, diarrehea, sleepiness, crying, raging, suicidal thoughts, zzzzaaappps, muscle weakness
>
> ----What made me feel better??----
> This nice mixture of nature taken with food:
> (these pills help your brain balance now that it is without artificial stimulation) I bought them at the local grocery store.
>
> Omega 3 fish oil
> B-Complex (you need at least 11 B's in there)
> Magnesium 1000mg
>
> -You can also add L-Tryptophan and L-Tyrosine (found at health food stores)-
>
> oh yeah, and lots of mylanta
>
> I hope my entry can help at least one suffering person out there. Btw, my tapering schedule was: 75 mg to 37.5 mg (one week) to nothing. Each day is hard, I know, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel!I have been weining off ex. sincejan.2004. got down to 37.5mg and dr. said that i could quit.been trying since first of may,finaly stopped it june 18. first week and half pretty bad,all the withdrawal sympons. now it's not too bad,been 19days. will this all soon be gone ? i took ex. for about 2 yrs.,225mg. a day. sometimes i think it's something else. any help? thanks
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