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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Laura Lynn on February 7, 2005, at 13:41:32
In reply to Ever tried cold turkey?, posted by Camille Dumont on November 8, 2003, at 19:48:05
I found this site last night, which at the moment is a real blessing. After switching jobs I no longer had health insurance and chose to slowly taper off the Effexor until my prescription ran out. I am convinced that I no longer need it due to various reasons, that doesn't matter at the moment. My last pill was a few days ago. Yesterday I started getting the usual dizzy spells and upset stomach like anytime I missed a dose.
The thought that this spinning in my head can continue for days is enough to make you go mad. I am furious with my psych who said Effexor and similiar drugs are not addictive. I knew all along it was crap, but that he lied to me is just not tight. I am going through a living nightmare. Thank God, that my husband is so supportive, who at this very minute is out getting me lots of fruits, vegetables and every vitamin I have studied that will improve my health.
I don't know what is worse, the spinning in my head, the nightmares, or the non-stop crying!!! Luckily I am self-employed and can spend the time I need at home getting plenty of rest. I know for sure that I will get through this with some time, taking care of myself and reading how others made it on this message board.
Crying but standing strong (even if a little unbalanced)!!
Posted by Laura Lynn on February 7, 2005, at 13:50:27
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - I did it, so can you, posted by jbc on November 11, 2003, at 8:21:32
> Thanks Karen! I know about the dizziness. At some points I feel like I did the time my aunt accidentally gave me 4x as much cough medicine as she should have when I was about 6 yrs old. I went from side to side down the hall - first bumping into one wall, then the other. Too funny!
>
> I finally gave in & took a day off from work today & shared with my boss what was going on. I hadn't even told him about what I was experiencing. I guess there was a shame issue going on. Has anyone else experienced that when trying to explain everything to folks in your life? Just curious!All of my friends and colleagues knew I took Effexor (300mg/day). I never made it a secret seeing that I am bipolar, which only needed treatment due to bad marriage and bad job (both fixed now). Even though self-employed I do need to inform people of why I'm not in the office. Everyone is very very supportive. I can nor could ever be ashamed of something that is not my fault.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 7, 2005, at 16:00:16
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Marg on February 7, 2005, at 11:08:57
Hi Marg,
I think your doctor does need to know that he is uninformed/ignorant of the effects of effexor. Perhaps you could print out some of the testimonials here and take them. Also, itchiness is common - my feet itched, but only my feet. Others have experienced the all-over itching like you are. Benedryl, if you can stand the sleepiness and aren't taking another antihistamine, can help.
Take care!!
> Thanks everyone for your advice and input. I'm sticking with trying to come off the AD's but I'm not liking the SP (fear of going to sleep makes me more tired therefore making the chance of SP happening more likely).
> In all coming off Effexor is not pleasant, bad headaches, dizziness, vision problems and I'm itchy all over!! Is itchiness common? I've got skin peeling off me!
>
> Oh and my Doc said nothing about monitoring me as I'm coming off them. He just said this is your last packet. Nothing about going to see him again or anything!
> But it seems to me I should go anyway and tell him the score.
> Thanks again everyone and I hope you are all well.
> Take care of yourselves.
> Marg
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 7, 2005, at 16:10:11
In reply to Re: Ever tried cold turkey?, posted by Laura Lynn on February 7, 2005, at 13:41:32
Bless your heart! I'm praying for you. We've all been in your shoes, one way or another. I have been off of effexor for a little over a year. As horrible as you feel, it WILL get better. You've got three things in your favor right now, 1) a supportive husband, 2) time off and 3) this board! You know that the symptoms are real and you're not crazy or very ill, as most of us thought before finding this board. Give yourself plenty of time to get this out of your system. Be especially cautious of driving, particularly at night. The vision problems caused halos and sparkles with the lights, and I had to refrain from driving at night for a couple of weeks. For me, the worst symptoms were over in two weeks, the majority in a month, and the emotionalism in about two months. The great part that you might not have reached yet is that many of your senses which may have been dulled will come roaring back, and that's cool. For me, colors were brighter, days were sunnier, music was more beautiful, and, let's just say my husband benefitted greatly from the return of another sense that had been dulled. . .Take care of yourself and give yourself plenty of space and time to get well. Sign the petition (look through the archives and you'll find the link). Also, you might consider sending your doctor information from this site. Hang in there!
> I found this site last night, which at the moment is a real blessing. After switching jobs I no longer had health insurance and chose to slowly taper off the Effexor until my prescription ran out. I am convinced that I no longer need it due to various reasons, that doesn't matter at the moment. My last pill was a few days ago. Yesterday I started getting the usual dizzy spells and upset stomach like anytime I missed a dose.
>
> The thought that this spinning in my head can continue for days is enough to make you go mad. I am furious with my psych who said Effexor and similiar drugs are not addictive. I knew all along it was crap, but that he lied to me is just not tight. I am going through a living nightmare. Thank God, that my husband is so supportive, who at this very minute is out getting me lots of fruits, vegetables and every vitamin I have studied that will improve my health.
>
> I don't know what is worse, the spinning in my head, the nightmares, or the non-stop crying!!! Luckily I am self-employed and can spend the time I need at home getting plenty of rest. I know for sure that I will get through this with some time, taking care of myself and reading how others made it on this message board.
>
> Crying but standing strong (even if a little unbalanced)!!
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 7, 2005, at 16:14:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - I did it, so can you, posted by jbc on November 11, 2003, at 8:21:32
Sadly, there is still a stigma attached, isn't there? I had to fight the urge to keep quiet. I told the people I loved what was going on, and found that most of them were very understanding and receptive. Even though my doc wanted to put me on another anti-depressant, I said no, because I felt that I needed to get all of the mess out of my system so that I would know what was really "me," now. For others, I know that this isn't the right decision - it's up to each person what the right thing is to do.
BTW, LOL about the cough medicine. I remember one time, when I was about four, we had communion at church (Protestant, now) with real wine. I seemed to really like it, so after church, I snuck behind the altar railing and drank what was left in several of the teeny cups left on the rail. Boy, was I wobbly! My parents have never let me forget it, either, considering I come from a T-totalling family :=)!!
> Thanks Karen! I know about the dizziness. At some points I feel like I did the time my aunt accidentally gave me 4x as much cough medicine as she should have when I was about 6 yrs old. I went from side to side down the hall - first bumping into one wall, then the other. Too funny!
>
> I finally gave in & took a day off from work today & shared with my boss what was going on. I hadn't even told him about what I was experiencing. I guess there was a shame issue going on. Has anyone else experienced that when trying to explain everything to folks in your life? Just curious!
Posted by Laura Lynn on February 7, 2005, at 18:40:16
In reply to Re: Ever tried cold turkey? » Laura Lynn, posted by Jiggitykid on February 7, 2005, at 16:10:11
> Bless your heart! I'm praying for you. We've all been in your shoes, one way or another. I have been off of effexor for a little over a year. As horrible as you feel, it WILL get better. You've got three things in your favor right now, 1) a supportive husband, 2) time off and 3) this board! You know that the symptoms are real and you're not crazy or very ill, as most of us thought before finding this board. Give yourself plenty of time to get this out of your system. Be especially cautious of driving, particularly at night. The vision problems caused halos and sparkles with the lights, and I had to refrain from driving at night for a couple of weeks. For me, the worst symptoms were over in two weeks, the majority in a month, and the emotionalism in about two months. The great part that you might not have reached yet is that many of your senses which may have been dulled will come roaring back, and that's cool. For me, colors were brighter, days were sunnier, music was more beautiful, and, let's just say my husband benefitted greatly from the return of another sense that had been dulled. . .Take care of yourself and give yourself plenty of space and time to get well. Sign the petition (look through the archives and you'll find the link). Also, you might consider sending your doctor information from this site. Hang in there!
>
Thank you so much for your reply. Means alot! I've been reading alot about the itching and you replied to someone it was your feet. Here I've been going crazy in the evening and couldn't figure out for the life of me what it was. :-) That actually make me giggle.
Posted by Damos on February 7, 2005, at 19:19:56
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Marg on February 7, 2005, at 11:08:57
Hi Marg, yep the itching is pertty common. Fortunately mine is mainly on the forearms and backs of the hands (don't know how I would have coped with itchy feet like Jigitykid!). I'm actually at home today as the dizziness got really bad (had a couple of accidental meetings with walls at work yesterday), and just couldn't walk in a straight line. We have an expression in Oz called "having your wobbly boots on", and even though I'm barefoot at the moment mine are really groovin'. Good luck and God bless.
Posted by Damos on February 7, 2005, at 19:42:22
In reply to Re: Ever tried cold turkey?, posted by Laura Lynn on February 7, 2005, at 13:41:32
G'Day Laura,
It sure is a blessing and a relief to find this place isn't it. Welcome! I'm at home today too - actually having a lot of trouble even hitting the right keys consistently. I can only reiterate some of the things Jiggitykid has said about being careful about driving (especially at night), I made a conscious decision not to until I'm sure all the flickering lights and sensations of movement in the corners of my eyes have gone. Not to mention the zapps, the dizziness etc, etc. Fun isn't it. And to think my partner still thinks the whole thing is BS. Luckily my bosses are great (and already thought I was a fruit bat anyway).
One of the best things I done in the last couple of years has been to see an energetic healer (kinesiologist) on a regular basis. She is intuitive and empathetic and wonderful. I don't claim to understand what she does but I know it really works for me. I've also found Tai Chi great (I'm lousy at it just for he record), Pinnochio would be an appropriate image. I've also expereimented with some Australian Bush Flower Essences which you blend and put about 4 drops under your tongue every few hours or so. Pretty sure you could get these over then net, and I knew from the first few drop that the blend I had was right for me. If anyone wants to know more you can babble-mail me and we can talk more. Right now I think I'm going to go and fall down somewhere before I drop of my perch.
Take care and good luck, you're in my thoughts.
Posted by Marg on February 8, 2005, at 3:24:32
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 7, 2005, at 19:19:56
Hiya Damos,
I think the ironic thing is the withdrawal symptom can end up making you more depressed than you were to start with!My forarms itch too along with my wrists, palms and soles of my feet!!
I should be too bad today as I took a tablet yesterday but I'm not looking forward to tomorrow.Hope you're not too bruised from wearing your wobbly boots.
Take care
Marg
BTW I'm in the UK
Posted by Damos on February 8, 2005, at 4:32:39
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - I did it, so can you » jbc, posted by Jiggitykid on February 7, 2005, at 16:14:09
Thanks Jiggitykid, that's the biggest laugh I've had in years. Somehow I don't think the sacramental stuff would be the recommended first drop on a wine appreciation course. My ever so "Churchy" mother would have been apoplectic, but I'm sure I gave her enough grief as it was.
Take care everyone, you're all in my thoughts.
Posted by brainshiver on February 8, 2005, at 11:25:16
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - I did it, so can you » jbc, posted by Jiggitykid on February 7, 2005, at 16:14:09
Hi there. On Saturday I began cutting my Effexor dose in half. Instead of 150mg, I am taking 75mg. I called in sick yesterday to work, but I'm at work right now, and I'm feeling worse today than yesterday. I plan to be on this dose for a month and then taper again or go off completely. What I'm wondering is how long the withdrawal symptoms are.... I'm super-shaky, nauseous, going from too hot to shaking because I'm so cold. Should I expect to miss any more work? How are all you guys doing? And what are you doing to keep your mind off how awful you feel? Man, I feel like crap!
Posted by ed_uk on February 8, 2005, at 12:31:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Marg on February 8, 2005, at 3:24:32
Hi Marg,
I didn't realise that you live in the UK, so do I :-) I'm from West Yorkshire!
Efexor doesn't come in 37.5 mg capsules in the UK. It does come in 37.5mg tablets though- I suppose that is what you are taking.
Are you going to cut the tablets in half to reduce the dose gradually?
Ed.
Posted by Marg on February 8, 2005, at 14:01:47
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Marg, posted by ed_uk on February 8, 2005, at 12:31:12
Hiya Ed
I'm in East Yorkshire LOLI've decided to stay as I am for now as the 2nd day without a tablet is getting slightly easier, so I'm going to see if I get used to that. I'm going to see the doc and tell him how I'm going to do it so will need to be put back on repeat scripts.
Only getting SP on the 2nd pill free day and so far not as bad as they used to be before AD's but if they continue or get worse will have to have a rethink about coming off the AD's.
Depends on what the doc says really.
Will keep you posted.
Take care and thanks!
Marg
Posted by Damos on February 8, 2005, at 15:27:42
In reply to going thru withdrawal RIGHT NOW!, posted by brainshiver on February 8, 2005, at 11:25:16
Hi Brainshiver, luckily I didn't have too much trouble when I dropped the dosages down apart from the zapps and the odd spin-out or two. This only ever lasted a couple of days though. I hit problems doing 75mg every other day which seemed to really screw up my system, so I stopped completely on Sunday.
While I can't remember anyone else mentioning the hot and cold problem you're having I've had a similar experience when recovering from the treatment for a couple of life threatening allergic reactions (big injections of antihistamine, cortisone and adrenalin). Swinging from way, way too hot to way, way too cold about every ten minutes or so. That usually lasted 24 hours and the next day was like having been run over by a fleet of steam-rollers, repeatedly! Sorry to say but the day after that was usually pretty lousy too. I'm actually surpirsed you feel as good as crap - but you're probably just being polite for our sakes.
Best thing I can suggest is that you take the time to read all the posts as experiences differ considerably as do the chosen strategy for quitting, from Jiggitykid's dive from the 10m tower with a 3.8 degree of difficulty (Greg Luganis eat your heart out) to others who have dipped their toes in the shallow end then paddled for a bit taking it real slow. I think you've got a fair idea of how your body deals with sudden changes.
How do I cope? One day at a time. Just knowing there are all these truly wonderful people out there going through it too helps a hell of a lot too.
Take good care of yourself.
Posted by Maxime on February 8, 2005, at 20:52:59
In reply to going thru withdrawal RIGHT NOW!, posted by brainshiver on February 8, 2005, at 11:25:16
Hi. I think maybe you reduced it too much. You might want to bring it up again. You can taper every week in small amounts rather than large amounts over a longer period. It ends up being the same in terms of time, but it's gentler on your system.
Maxime
> Hi there. On Saturday I began cutting my Effexor dose in half. Instead of 150mg, I am taking 75mg. I called in sick yesterday to work, but I'm at work right now, and I'm feeling worse today than yesterday. I plan to be on this dose for a month and then taper again or go off completely. What I'm wondering is how long the withdrawal symptoms are.... I'm super-shaky, nauseous, going from too hot to shaking because I'm so cold. Should I expect to miss any more work? How are all you guys doing? And what are you doing to keep your mind off how awful you feel? Man, I feel like crap!
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 8, 2005, at 22:01:24
In reply to Re: going thru withdrawal RIGHT NOW!, posted by Damos on February 8, 2005, at 15:27:42
LOL! I love the analogy. My biggest problem with my dive is that the pool was empty and I slammed into the concrete :-).
Take care!
> Hi Brainshiver, luckily I didn't have too much trouble when I dropped the dosages down apart from the zapps and the odd spin-out or two. This only ever lasted a couple of days though. I hit problems doing 75mg every other day which seemed to really screw up my system, so I stopped completely on Sunday.
>
> While I can't remember anyone else mentioning the hot and cold problem you're having I've had a similar experience when recovering from the treatment for a couple of life threatening allergic reactions (big injections of antihistamine, cortisone and adrenalin). Swinging from way, way too hot to way, way too cold about every ten minutes or so. That usually lasted 24 hours and the next day was like having been run over by a fleet of steam-rollers, repeatedly! Sorry to say but the day after that was usually pretty lousy too. I'm actually surpirsed you feel as good as crap - but you're probably just being polite for our sakes.
>
> Best thing I can suggest is that you take the time to read all the posts as experiences differ considerably as do the chosen strategy for quitting, from Jiggitykid's dive from the 10m tower with a 3.8 degree of difficulty (Greg Luganis eat your heart out) to others who have dipped their toes in the shallow end then paddled for a bit taking it real slow. I think you've got a fair idea of how your body deals with sudden changes.
>
> How do I cope? One day at a time. Just knowing there are all these truly wonderful people out there going through it too helps a hell of a lot too.
>
> Take good care of yourself.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 8, 2005, at 22:15:55
In reply to going thru withdrawal RIGHT NOW!, posted by brainshiver on February 8, 2005, at 11:25:16
Hi Brainshiver - love the name!
Since I took the high dive :-), I can't tell you from my experience how long the symptoms will last. Cold-turkey, the worst were over in two weeks, with more going away over the next few weeks to few months. It's been a little over a year now, thank goodness.
As for the hot and cold, that's part and parcel of the withdrawal. For me, when the pain was worse, I had to wrap up, hot or cold.
Coping - prayer, support from my family, and this group of people who were here to help me through it. There wasn't anything, during the first part of the withdrawal, that was able take my mind off of how I felt. I hope that doesn't make you feel too bad - just take it one day at a time. In fact, take it one hour, or minute, at a time, and try not to think about how you'll feel tomorrow or next week. Simply cope with right now. That's the way I had to take it, and that helped by not getting my hopes up that tomorrow would be a better day (even though it will).
Take care of yourself, and get as much rest as possible. Take it easy on your eyes; keep as comfortable as you can; take vitamins, drink water; take it easy with caffeine until you know whether it hurts or helps; sleep with the light on if the dreams get too bad, go for comfort food if that helps :-); put off any really major decisions if you can because, if you are like me, your emotions will be more volatile and less trustworthy right now; try Benedryl (at night if it makes you sleepy during the day); do whatever you can to keep things as easy and calm around you. Keep us updated!
> Hi there. On Saturday I began cutting my Effexor dose in half. Instead of 150mg, I am taking 75mg. I called in sick yesterday to work, but I'm at work right now, and I'm feeling worse today than yesterday. I plan to be on this dose for a month and then taper again or go off completely. What I'm wondering is how long the withdrawal symptoms are.... I'm super-shaky, nauseous, going from too hot to shaking because I'm so cold. Should I expect to miss any more work? How are all you guys doing? And what are you doing to keep your mind off how awful you feel? Man, I feel like crap!
Posted by ed_uk on February 9, 2005, at 6:47:03
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Marg on February 8, 2005, at 14:01:47
Hi Marg,
>I'm in East Yorkshire LOL
Wow! What a coincidence! I'm from Huddersfield but I'm at uni in Manchester at the moment.
>I've decided to stay as I am for now as the 2nd day without a tablet is getting slightly easier, so I'm going to see if I get used to that.
Hopefully you'll be one of the lucky people that has an easy withdrawal. My withdrawal from Effexor wasn't that bad, it didn't last that long either.
>Only getting SP on the 2nd pill free day and so far not as bad as they used to be before AD's but if they continue or get worse will have to have a rethink about coming off the AD's.
Why did your doctor want you to come off Effexor? Did s/he just want to find out whether you could manage without it?
Good luck,
Ed.
Posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 7:22:41
In reply to Re: going thru withdrawal RIGHT NOW! » brainshiver, posted by Jiggitykid on February 8, 2005, at 22:15:55
Hi guys. First I want to thank those of you who responded. Wow, it really helps just knowing you guys have made it through this hell.
Still feeling pretty poopy today, but I'm hanging in there!
Man, I sure had some crazy dreams last night. Is that part of the withdrawal, too? And about how long did the crazy dreams persist?
Posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 7:56:23
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Marg, posted by ed_uk on February 9, 2005, at 6:47:03
Hehe.......well I'm from Liverpool but living in Hull now.
The doctor never said why he wants me off them but I reckon it's just cos I've been on the so long.
What are you studying at uni?
Marg
Posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 7:58:08
In reply to Crazy dreams, anyone??, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 7:22:41
Hiya!
What do you mean by "crazy"?
I suffer from sleep paralysis and since tapering of effexor they are returning. Wondering if you are experiencing anything like SP?
Marg
Posted by ed_uk on February 9, 2005, at 8:32:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 7:56:23
Hi Marg,
>What are you studying at uni?
Pharmacy.
Ed.
Posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 8:41:52
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Marg, posted by ed_uk on February 9, 2005, at 8:32:31
LOL good choice!
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 8:51:54
In reply to Crazy dreams, anyone??, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 7:22:41
Yes, the crazy dreams are a big part of the withdrawal. Frankly, I felt like I was dreaming horror movies during part of it. The dreams were so vivid that I was afraid to go to sleep. Keeping a light on at least helped with orientation when I woke up. These lasted for the two weeks and then tapered off.
> Hi guys. First I want to thank those of you who responded. Wow, it really helps just knowing you guys have made it through this hell.
>
> Still feeling pretty poopy today, but I'm hanging in there!
>
> Man, I sure had some crazy dreams last night. Is that part of the withdrawal, too? And about how long did the crazy dreams persist?
Posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 9:45:31
In reply to Re: Crazy dreams, anyone??, posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 7:58:08
Hiya. I'm not sure what SP is.... I had a few dreams last night that I remember and all were super vivid. I woke up twice during the night and both times I fell back asleep my crazy dream continued where it left off. By crazy I mean that I remember being scared and feeling out of control. And I mean REALLY feeling it. I don't know how to best describe the experience, but I do know last night's dream experience was not like my usual dream experiences.
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