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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Camille Dumont on August 20, 2004, at 10:03:30
In reply to still effexor-free, posted by jenn007 on August 18, 2004, at 9:49:21
> well the brain zaps are fewer i have noticed. i have been super busy (and stressed) working on a dilemma with my boyfriend, so i think i have been too busy to notice any other side effects. it's really not too bad. i tried before to taper off but couldnt. i have only been on for a few months - but the head zaps are really wierd... hopefully they will end in another week or so. thanks for all the suggestions!
Hang in there, it takes a lot of willpower to put up with the w.d. effects. For me on the fifth day it was too much and I had to take a little bit of Celexa ... but it totally masked the withdrawal effects and I've been off my usual 300mg Effexor for close to a month now. If it gets too bad I would go see the doctor and ask for a script for prozac or something similar.
Posted by Rockson on August 20, 2004, at 18:06:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by hydromatic on August 20, 2004, at 9:09:12
> My husband has been taking effexor for approximately 10 days. He said that he has not had one erection in the past two days. Will this go away? Should he continue to take this? Is this normal?
Hi, I thought I'd respond to your question. You didn't mention his dosage, but I had some erectile issues when first going on Effexor XR. I was worried similarly to your husband, but everything went back to normal within 3-4 weeks - if anything my response is now somewhat better. At 75 mg, I noticed that I was having a bit more difficulty with ejaculation, but I hear this is normal with SSRIs, etc. This is only a personal opinion, but I would give it another 10 days before making any regimen changes. Also, again my opinion, I would not suggest making any increase in dosage until the presenting issue is resolved, otherwise he may find his body in a constant state of re-ajustment. I hope this helps.
Posted by Smileyjil on August 21, 2004, at 19:37:20
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I was on Effexor for a little over 3 months, starting at 37.5mg and ending up at 150mg. Though it did seem to help with anxiety and depression etc. I often felt groggy and so decided that I would get off it. My doctor weened me off within three weeks, dropping to 75mg the first week and then down to 37.5mg by the end. Sadly, I did not react well and had major withdrawal symptoms. Those symptoms were and are nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, bad headaches and basically an overall feeling of misery. Subsequently, the doctor put me BACK ON Effexor at 37.5mg and instructed me to take an 18mg dose for the week following. Now, I do feel a little better but not the way I normally should do. I seem to be still experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Is this normal, and how long will it take to end? Does anyone think that my doctor gave me the right instructions to go back on Effexor? He feels that by the time I finish this last dose, I won't have any more withdrawal symptoms.
I would really appreciate anyone who can help me on this. Any answers or advice would be great as I am really needing some. Thank you so much.
Posted by Evita on August 22, 2004, at 22:01:06
In reply to Suffering and looking for answers, posted by Smileyjil on August 21, 2004, at 19:37:20
I started on Effexor XR in May2004 for panic attacks. It helped me tremendously, however, I did not wish to stay on forever and I did experience some weight gain. I quit cold-turkey 4 days ago. I have experienced insomnia, flu-like symptoms, excessive sweating and diarreha, GROSS! I had been on Paxil before which was also very helpful but with other unwanted side effects. There is a very helpful and informative article in the July 2004 SELF magazine written by Jennifer Wolff, I encourage anyone who is experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor to read the article if you can find it. I found mine at a used bookstore after reading the magazine while waiting for my car to get serviced at the dealership.
Posted by owensmar on August 22, 2004, at 22:10:52
In reply to feeling anhedonic on effexor?, posted by sageblue on August 8, 2004, at 17:55:12
I've been on Effexor (off and on) for about five years now and I'm still very anhedonic. I keep trying other things because I feel like the Effexor just isn't working very well (because of the anhedonia). But I can't tolerate the side effects of the others I've tried. Not that Effexor doesn't have side effects - they are just not as intolerable as the others. And I'm on a low dose 37.5 mg/day.
Posted by owensmar on August 22, 2004, at 22:31:29
In reply to Suffering and looking for answers, posted by Smileyjil on August 21, 2004, at 19:37:20
I found it extremely difficult to taper Effexor. I had to open the capsules and take like a third of the little round pills inside for a while. Then a fourth of them. Then a fifth of them and so on. I tried to make sure I got a rougly equal amount of the big ones and the small ones. I ended my tapers by taking only 2-3 of the little time release things a day and STILL had some withdrawal shocky-head feelings.
Posted by lorily on August 23, 2004, at 9:24:06
In reply to Re: feeling anhedonic on effexor? » sageblue, posted by owensmar on August 22, 2004, at 22:10:52
What does "anhedonic" mean? Couldn't find it on the encarta dictionary.
Thanks
Posted by pablo1 on August 23, 2004, at 9:48:13
In reply to Re: feeling anhedonic on effexor?, posted by lorily on August 23, 2004, at 9:24:06
inability to experience pleasure
Posted by lorily on August 23, 2004, at 9:51:33
In reply to anhedonia » lorily, posted by pablo1 on August 23, 2004, at 9:48:13
Thank you, Pablo. I was that way before taking effexor. In my depression, I could appreciate that things were fun or funny etc, I just couldn't "feel" it. Now I know the name for it.
Posted by Darla on August 23, 2004, at 12:01:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been doing a lot of research on this topic and i have some theories...
THEORY QUESTION: before i begin... I need someone to answer this..
INFO before question: It is stated that in Parkinson's Disease, L-Dopa is given (a dopamine supplement). Dopamine cannot be given because it doesnt pass the blood-brain barrier. Anyhow, Only 20% of L-Dopa gets past the barrier, ther rest goes into the peripheral nervous system and causes nausea, vomitting and shortness of breath.
QUESTION: is it possible that if your body was to produce too much dopamine, for IT to go to your PNS (peripheral nervous system)????If so, my theory is...
Your body goes into shock when usual amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine are not released.
What if dopamine was secreted as a supplement for serotonin-like feelings.
What if serotonin was rleased at a functionable rate and dopamine was therefore over-produced?If so, what if exceoss dopamine is transfered to the PNS?
**peripheral Nervous System= part of the central nervous system (ie. brain n spine) that sends messages.
This will cause nausea, vomitting and shirtness of breath.My theory continues.. a sub category of the PNS is the autonomic nervous system (beating of heart etc.), thereafter going into the sympathetic nervous system (readies body for response to threat, activates the organism.).
Therefore making your body feel as if there's an attack and it begins ward off this 'attack'. My theory s that your body begins to act as if its attacking the attacker.. this may cause the flu-like symptoms. Fever to burn bacteria and such.. vomitting out poison.. nausea, etc.
Also because the dopamine enters the central nervous system, it may be the cause of these "zaps" that feel like back spasms (pinched nerve in spine).
Because of the change in norepinephrine, the area concerning your adrenal glands may be affected.. I believe this could cause your body anxiety symptoms.. panic attacks, etc. Also PNS activation n sympathetic nervous system also makes panic attacks. "Surge of anxiety, tremors, profuse sweating, dry mouth, palpitating heart".THEORY 2:
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work together. PARA calms body after attack therrefore "maintaining body's store of energy, such as regulating blood-sugar levels, secreting saliva, eliminating wastes, regulating heart rate and pupil size"
I think these are also withdrawal symptoms...Conclusion: If it is true and out body does over produce dopamine, then this could be the reson for winthdrawal symptoms. Also, this is the parts of the body that are targeted when we are pumped with norepinephrine and serotonin. So if this is the question.. we just need some answers...
THEORY 3:
If these theories stand to be somewhat correct.. and we are over producing dopamine during withdrawal, then isnt i possible to suffer from parkinsons disease-like symptoms if youve gone thu enough withdrawals (from going ona nd off too many drugs/??)If anyone actually reads all this 'psycho-babble', can you answer my q's to my theories?
I dont have to time to read this over, so pardon my errors.....
Posted by Darla on August 23, 2004, at 12:44:46
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
sleep deprivation- neo citron tea. Puts you to sleep and relieves you of a lot of flu-like symptoms
nightmares- all i can say is that what worked for me is to fully experience the dream. For some odd reason, when it gets scary I continue w it, try to put the fear aside, and then it begons to unravel. The nightmare turns to normal somehow. In the morning, try to analize it and really think about it. Accept it and embrace it. The morepositive you can get about what you see tricks your mind and somehow relievs the anxiety... I dont know
sweating: nothing.. accept it, change, take a shower, laugh at the hilarity of it all
Zaps/shocks, etc: Not sure, Im trying out the chiropractor and masseuse, Ill tell ya
Anxiety: breath, analize, feel what your body is going through, accept it, and embrace it.
Apetite: when you want food, but nausea arises from most foods, I suggest Mr.Noodle soup. Honestly! Its great!
Drink water, eat right.. no sugar! (or try).. waffles are great for breakfast.. with jam not syrup.
Most of all, please try to analize your body and feel what its going though. Really sit back and feel how it hurts and what your body may need to feel better. Its a part of you, and will eventually tell you what it needs. Try to give in to cravings (in smaller amounts).. also, try to laugh it iff. What really helped me was reading all these posts (i was at the comp for a whiiiiile) but it makes you feel so much better KNOWING what it is, and that theres ppl going though it as well. Also, I noticed we all have a sarcastic sense of humour.. its really funny if you notice it.. Try to laugh.. its what i think is the best armour. To gt psycho babbly: i think our postive thinking and laughter releases chemicals that allow our body to have enough positive eergy to fight whatever it is that is hurting us.
If at all possible, allow something good to happen to you. Something to make you feel as close to 'happy' as possible. A guy/girl you like, friends.. etc.. even sitting outside w you or a pet as well, and feeling how beautiful things can be. It sounds ard.. and it is if you are cynical ( I have many a those moments ;) )
But it really helps.Breathe.
Also, for nausea and anxiety: sleep!!!! AND rest
Use neo citron if you have to :p
Posted by Louoicu81 on August 23, 2004, at 12:57:30
In reply to Effexor withdrawal cures? (mine anyway), posted by Darla on August 23, 2004, at 12:44:46
Hey, everyone. I took my last dose of Effexor last Monday and haven't been feeling so well. I knew all of the physical symptoms because I had been experiencing them the whole time I had been trying to get off of Effexor. Now, I am a bit anxious all of the time. Do you know how you feel when you just wake up from a deeeeeep sleep. That is how I have been feeling for the past week of not taking any Effexor. My eyes burn and I feel out of it. Please let me know if you are or have experienced this.
Thank you,Lou
Posted by tablasco1 on August 23, 2004, at 18:31:06
In reply to Anyone else feel like this...., posted by Louoicu81 on August 23, 2004, at 12:57:30
I have been feeling the same things. I was on Paxil for a while and then off, then on Zoloft for a few months. Then put on Effexor for 6 months. Felt bad on Effexor and I am feeling just as bad off. I went off of it slowly (3 weeks from 150 mg). I still have anxiety every day and blurred vision, headache, memory loss and depression. I'm hoping it stops soon, it has been 2 1/2 months since my last 37.5 mg. I never felt this bad before I had taken any of these pills. I just had some minor depression and some insomnia.
Posted by tablasco1 on August 23, 2004, at 18:37:11
In reply to Effexor withdrawal cures? (mine anyway), posted by Darla on August 23, 2004, at 12:44:46
How long have you been experiencing withdrawal effects?
Posted by tablasco1 on August 23, 2004, at 18:58:14
In reply to Suffering and looking for answers, posted by Smileyjil on August 21, 2004, at 19:37:20
My doctor weaned me off effexor the same way from 150 to 75 to 37.5 to 0 in 3 weeks. I am expweriencing dizziness, confusion, anxiety, I am withdrawn from people, and generally feel out of it. It has been 2 1/2 months since I took it last. I am hoping it finally goes away soon.
Posted by tablasco1 on August 23, 2004, at 19:04:04
In reply to Re: Need help with effexor withdrawal » wilsonme, posted by corafree on August 13, 2004, at 13:20:35
Try dramamine for the nausea. I've found that it works.
Posted by owensmar on August 23, 2004, at 19:48:09
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by tablasco1 on August 23, 2004, at 18:58:14
Two and a half months! I don't know how you've stood it. I went off Effexor very slowly then switched to St. John's Wort for a month and a half. During the SJW period I wasn't clinically severely depressed (in a ball on the floor weeping) but was lethargic and unhappy. So I went off the SJW and within a week was in the aforesaid ball on the floor.
I couldn't stand it and went back on the Effexor. WIthin a week I was hit with horrible anxiety, especially in the mornings. I'm now on Klonopin to deal with that and just waiting to see if it goes away. I've only been back on the Effexor 2.5 weeks. It used to help with anxiety.
This drug is so scary.
Posted by pablo1 on August 23, 2004, at 20:14:20
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal reasons...?, posted by Darla on August 23, 2004, at 12:01:45
Hey this sounds right to me. When I came off effexor I definitely felt like I was in dopamine heaven. It wasn't bad, actually pleasurable in my case. The brain zaps were on a continuum with body chills; the good kind like when you listen to great music. A lot of this was associated with the return of emotions (I didn't even realize they were blunted) but coming off, whoah, I had feelings again! I'm currently taking some dopamine enhancing meds ordered online and the feeling is somewhat similar. So maybe effexor has the norep & seratonin so pumped up that you maybe even boost your dopamine some but relatively it's low and when you stop the effexor the dopamine has free reign and is turned loose to do it's thing on it's own. I think you got it backwards with the Parkinsons thing though, the way I see it, effexor withdrawal would cure Parkinsons not cause it.
I wonder how folks who experienced bad effexor withdrawal relate to dopamine? The survector and amisulpride I'm trying gives me sort of a sweet feeling; and literally I have a sweet taste in my mouth the flavor of the pills. It's stimulating in a way (clenched jaw sometimes) but much more smooth than ritalin or wellbutrin's rattly norepinephrine tainted adrenaline effect. It does make me feel a bit dopey actually. It does not particularly enhance my mental abilities the way ritalin is known but does help me to be more patient, less unsettled - scattered I don't know if it's more grounded but something along those lines.
But stuff like filling out a timesheet, I felt like a moron today (which is pretty normal for me for things like dialing fax numbers and transfering numbers into a spreadsheet. Hmm maybe that was more of the reward system in play that I hate the burden of doing time sheets but I could have fun working numbers as part of another project which I find rewarding and fun. And I'm certainly not depressed.
Posted by Red al on August 24, 2004, at 4:49:12
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by tablasco1 on August 23, 2004, at 18:58:14
I was on Effexor 75mg a day for 18 months. Stopped taking it 7 weeks ago and I still feel pretty out of it. Just exhausted all the time and feel quite detached from everything.
At first the side effects were quite physical...just felt sick a lot etc. But then they became more emotional, crying and feeling very "thin". They seem to be passing now and I'm just left feeling very tired, and with quite blurry vision. I'm going to see how I feel at three months and take it from there. But fingers crossed things are heading in the right direction.
Al x
Posted by lorily on August 24, 2004, at 7:57:38
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by Red al on August 24, 2004, at 4:49:12
Red, Did you just stop cold from 75 mg to nothing? That's probably why you still feel the effects of withdrawal. From reading here, I was scared that I would have side effects for months, but I weaned of a tiny bit at a time and my effects didn't last too long after I was off completely. Once in a while, like once a week for a couple minutes I feel a slight bit disoriented, but that might just be my nerves, it seems to happen just when I'm nervous about something, not every time I'm nervous, but that's the only time I can recall it happening.
Posted by lorily on August 24, 2004, at 8:07:23
In reply to Re: Need help with effexor withdrawal, posted by tablasco1 on August 23, 2004, at 19:04:04
dramamine, I actually thought it would help me with the dizziness when I turned my eyes, the equilibrium thing, made sense. I guess it helped a bit. I didn't really have nausea
Posted by lorily on August 24, 2004, at 8:09:44
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by tablasco1 on August 23, 2004, at 18:58:14
That's too quick, my goodness no wonder you're still suffering. I hope you feel better soon.
Posted by Diane50 on August 24, 2004, at 9:53:11
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by lorily on August 24, 2004, at 7:57:38
I've just discovered these posts. THANK GOD! I'm weaning myself of Effexor & I'm "thrilled" that people feel just like me, especially the zaps. Thought I had a brain tumor. Go slow....doctors tells you nothing!
Posted by tablasco1 on August 24, 2004, at 11:33:33
In reply to Re: Suffering and looking for answers, posted by owensmar on August 23, 2004, at 19:48:09
I have been a little better than the ball on the floor, which I'm glad you put it that way. Not much though, I spend a lot of time laying around the house and my wife goes and does many things on her own. I'm sorry you have experineced that, I hope you get through this. I have been going through this for so long, I never want to go back on any of these medications. I even took SAM-e for a few days and it made me throw up and also have more anxiety. I missed a few mornings of work. No matter how I am feeling right now, I do not want to take any other medications, just get back to who I was. Thank God I have a understanding workplace. I am hoping the worst has past.
Posted by tablasco1 on August 24, 2004, at 11:59:54
In reply to withdrawal, posted by jeanette on April 12, 2000, at 16:31:48
Wondering how many answers you received and what the average time of withdrawal was. I know this was a long time ago. Are you feeling better?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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