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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Cmatt on April 13, 2002, at 0:14:24
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawal - does benadryl help?, posted by jammy on April 9, 2002, at 12:11:00
If SSRI's dont bother you, you might see about using a small amount of Prozac while coming down off the Effexor. The belief is that since Effexor leaves the body so quick, the rapid loss of effect on serotonin is belived to be somewhat responsible for the discomfort. Some say that adding some Prozac helps ease the discomfort.
Other than that, use might try a sedating Tricylic Antidepressant like Elavil or Surmontil, or even the Remeron the other poster mentioned.
Cmatt
Posted by Gare on April 17, 2002, at 15:23:11
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/hard to wake up » IsoM, posted by JANNBEAU on April 2, 2002, at 10:21:51
That's interesting. I started Effexor XR at 37.5 mg once a day for one week; 75 mg per day for two weeks and climbed to 150 mg once a day. Once I started the 150 mg, I turned into a functioning zombie..that is work 9-5 then sleep 6pm - 6 am, ready for a new day. This went on for two weeks, and during the weekends, I slept entirely through it with the exception of going to church on Sunday. However, I am through the zombie phase and have begun dreams that feel real, even after waking up, which isn't good if you toss and turn and wake up several times a night either spooked or disoriented.
I spoke with my psychiatrist today and I am switching my time of dosage which currently is around 5 pm to first thing in the morning to see if I can restore my sleeping function.
This is the second time I have initiated Effexor.
The first time I took it, the first day I started in the evening and within one hour I felt like I had an intense orgasm and then just instantly had to go to sleep, even if I didn't want to. This effect took place for four days and the reaction to sleeping changed back to normal. However, everytime I yawned, my body could recall the feeling of the second half of having an orgasm, which was a nice feeling to have all day long.
So my body has reacted differently when starting this drug, but I do still have that yawning now, just not as much, but it does come with the orgasmic/ecstacy sensation. Anyone experience that one?
Posted by beardedlady on April 17, 2002, at 15:35:54
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/Orgasmic Sensation? » JANNBEAU, posted by Gare on April 17, 2002, at 15:23:11
Posted by JANNBEAU on April 17, 2002, at 16:18:12
In reply to I wish. : ) (nm) » Gare, posted by beardedlady on April 17, 2002, at 15:35:54
Hey, Bearded Lady!
You said it for ALL of us!!!
Cheers,
Jannbeau
Posted by RENEB on April 17, 2002, at 22:01:03
In reply to Re: Sleeping long hours/Orgasmic Sensation? » JANNBEAU, posted by Gare on April 17, 2002, at 15:23:11
Posted by Gare on April 18, 2002, at 8:37:18
In reply to Geez, are you sure you where on effexor??? (nm) » Gare, posted by RENEB on April 17, 2002, at 22:01:03
It's true. I can't complain about taking this drug.
I hadn't really used antidepressants really other than imipramine (and that was like back in 1995 for one year only). So when I was introduced to Effexor Regular during winter 2000, the first dose was at 37.5 mg and within half an hour I had experienced very similarly what felt like a 20 minute orgasm. Of course without the mess. And then instantly I went to sleep. During the 20 minutes of intense orgasmic feeling, I also had the giggles.
So this response took place for the next three days and then ceased. However, for those of use who yawn a lot due to Effexor, everytime I yawned, my body immediately somewhere in the middle of the yawn made me feel as if I was just finishing an orgasm. So the feeling wasn't as intense, but my body felt so relaxed as if I had masturbated and had my own orgasm. I am not sure if I am describing that right, but it's not the peak of the orgasm where it feels mind blowing but even seconds after you have the orgasm you feel relaxed and calm and it radiated throughout my body.
The weird thing is that this second time that I am taking Effexor XR, I really didn't have the initial intense orgasmic feeling but I still do produce the orgasmic aftereffects that feel just as good when I yawn now. The other good thing is that my yawning isn't all day long like with Effexor Regular.
I was talking to my psychiatrist (different that the original psych who prescribed it to me the first time around) yesterday about this and she has never heard such a thing.
I told her it was true. And that sometimes maybe that's why it probably interfered with my need produce my own orgasms as now with Effexor XR I am able to have my produced orgasms but it just takes so much longer that I get irritated. This is more difficult to achieve in the morning but in the afternoon, even though there is a delay, I am not as irritated about having to spend a few more minutes in achieving my goal. With Effexor Regular, I just couldn't achieve an orgasm with masturbation period that I didn't even feel like I needed sex anymore. At least with Effexor XR, I can still have my same needs but just a little more effort is needed.
Anyway, my psychiatrist had mentioned that perhaps I had a bit of mania involved in my depression that my body responded with such ecstacy to the drug. So if no one else on this site has a touch of mania, then I don't think you would be experiencing such orgasmic sensations everyday. This is just an observation and not proven medical fact. But when she mentioned it, the statement made sense.
But yes, in all honesty, I am just on Effexor XR at 150 mg per day with the dilemma of trying to see what is the best time to take it.
I was taking it between 6 pm and 7 pm but after my zombie phase, I was now left with not sleeping well at all. However, I was able to wake up in the morning and get to work earlier than I have ever been....my boss liked this.
So now my psychiatrist thinks that moving to morning time would be better but we have to change the dosage time slowly.
Yesterday I took the capsule at 2 pm and I have already experienced a difference. Not only was I able to sleep well, I actually felt sedated when I needed to be so this helped. Also I woke up with three of the hardest erections I have ever had.
It was more difficult to wake up today but I did at 730 am and worked on my computer, tracking my dreams and effects. I also noticed that I am a bit manic or on the border of feeling quite ecstacy-ish.
I am supposed to take this capsule right now at 930 am today but I think I am going to test the 2 pm again as an effect of taking it at 9 am might make me feel drowsy earlier in the day.
If I can feel like today by taking it at 2 pm then I think for me, I have found the optimal time and dosage that works.
With orgasmic sensations! :-)
Gare
Posted by RENEB on April 18, 2002, at 12:08:35
In reply to Re: Geez, are you sure you where on effexor???, posted by Gare on April 18, 2002, at 8:37:18
> It's true. I can't complain about taking this drug.
>
> I hadn't really used antidepressants really other than imipramine (and that was like back in 1995 for one year only). So when I was introduced to Effexor Regular during winter 2000, the first dose was at 37.5 mg and within half an hour I had experienced very similarly what felt like a 20 minute orgasm. Of course without the mess. And then instantly I went to sleep. During the 20 minutes of intense orgasmic feeling, I also had the giggles.
>
> So this response took place for the next three days and then ceased. However, for those of use who yawn a lot due to Effexor, everytime I yawned, my body immediately somewhere in the middle of the yawn made me feel as if I was just finishing an orgasm. So the feeling wasn't as intense, but my body felt so relaxed as if I had masturbated and had my own orgasm. I am not sure if I am describing that right, but it's not the peak of the orgasm where it feels mind blowing but even seconds after you have the orgasm you feel relaxed and calm and it radiated throughout my body.
>
> The weird thing is that this second time that I am taking Effexor XR, I really didn't have the initial intense orgasmic feeling but I still do produce the orgasmic aftereffects that feel just as good when I yawn now. The other good thing is that my yawning isn't all day long like with Effexor Regular.
>
> I was talking to my psychiatrist (different that the original psych who prescribed it to me the first time around) yesterday about this and she has never heard such a thing.
>
> I told her it was true. And that sometimes maybe that's why it probably interfered with my need produce my own orgasms as now with Effexor XR I am able to have my produced orgasms but it just takes so much longer that I get irritated. This is more difficult to achieve in the morning but in the afternoon, even though there is a delay, I am not as irritated about having to spend a few more minutes in achieving my goal. With Effexor Regular, I just couldn't achieve an orgasm with masturbation period that I didn't even feel like I needed sex anymore. At least with Effexor XR, I can still have my same needs but just a little more effort is needed.
>
> Anyway, my psychiatrist had mentioned that perhaps I had a bit of mania involved in my depression that my body responded with such ecstacy to the drug. So if no one else on this site has a touch of mania, then I don't think you would be experiencing such orgasmic sensations everyday. This is just an observation and not proven medical fact. But when she mentioned it, the statement made sense.
>
> But yes, in all honesty, I am just on Effexor XR at 150 mg per day with the dilemma of trying to see what is the best time to take it.
>
> I was taking it between 6 pm and 7 pm but after my zombie phase, I was now left with not sleeping well at all. However, I was able to wake up in the morning and get to work earlier than I have ever been....my boss liked this.
>
> So now my psychiatrist thinks that moving to morning time would be better but we have to change the dosage time slowly.
>
> Yesterday I took the capsule at 2 pm and I have already experienced a difference. Not only was I able to sleep well, I actually felt sedated when I needed to be so this helped. Also I woke up with three of the hardest erections I have ever had.
>
> It was more difficult to wake up today but I did at 730 am and worked on my computer, tracking my dreams and effects. I also noticed that I am a bit manic or on the border of feeling quite ecstacy-ish.
>
> I am supposed to take this capsule right now at 930 am today but I think I am going to test the 2 pm again as an effect of taking it at 9 am might make me feel drowsy earlier in the day.
>
> If I can feel like today by taking it at 2 pm then I think for me, I have found the optimal time and dosage that works.
>
> With orgasmic sensations! :-)
>
> GareHi Gare, This is a new one on me. I think you are the only post I have read to say this. I was on effexor for a year and had totally the opposite affect. I was tired all the time. I had no emotions at all and my sex drive was gone. I have almost weaned off it completely. It didnt take long before I started to wean my self that my sex drive came back. I am also taking wellbutrin which I heard it suppose to help your sex drive???
Keep us informed because this is unbelievable. I tell you.. If I had such an effect I would have never gotten off it.
Take care,
Renee
Posted by JohnX2 on April 18, 2002, at 21:13:56
In reply to Re: Geez, are you sure you where on effexor???, posted by Gare on April 18, 2002, at 8:37:18
> It's true. I can't complain about taking this drug.
>
> I hadn't really used antidepressants really other than imipramine (and that was like back in 1995 for one year only). So when I was introduced to Effexor Regular during winter 2000, the first dose was at 37.5 mg and within half an hour I had experienced very similarly what felt like a 20 minute orgasm. Of course without the mess. And then instantly I went to sleep. During the 20 minutes of intense orgasmic feeling, I also had the giggles.
>
> So this response took place for the next three days and then ceased. However, for those of use who yawn a lot due to Effexor, everytime I yawned, my body immediately somewhere in the middle of the yawn made me feel as if I was just finishing an orgasm. So the feeling wasn't as intense, but my body felt so relaxed as if I had masturbated and had my own orgasm. I am not sure if I am describing that right, but it's not the peak of the orgasm where it feels mind blowing but even seconds after you have the orgasm you feel relaxed and calm and it radiated throughout my body.
>
> The weird thing is that this second time that I am taking Effexor XR, I really didn't have the initial intense orgasmic feeling but I still do produce the orgasmic aftereffects that feel just as good when I yawn now. The other good thing is that my yawning isn't all day long like with Effexor Regular.
>
> I was talking to my psychiatrist (different that the original psych who prescribed it to me the first time around) yesterday about this and she has never heard such a thing.
>
> I told her it was true. And that sometimes maybe that's why it probably interfered with my need produce my own orgasms as now with Effexor XR I am able to have my produced orgasms but it just takes so much longer that I get irritated. This is more difficult to achieve in the morning but in the afternoon, even though there is a delay, I am not as irritated about having to spend a few more minutes in achieving my goal. With Effexor Regular, I just couldn't achieve an orgasm with masturbation period that I didn't even feel like I needed sex anymore. At least with Effexor XR, I can still have my same needs but just a little more effort is needed.
>
> Anyway, my psychiatrist had mentioned that perhaps I had a bit of mania involved in my depression that my body responded with such ecstacy to the drug. So if no one else on this site has a touch of mania, then I don't think you would be experiencing such orgasmic sensations everyday. This is just an observation and not proven medical fact. But when she mentioned it, the statement made sense.
>Hi Gare,
What do you mean by "orgasmic sensations". If I get a real manic run, I feel like dopamine is shooting out of my ears and I have even described this to friends as a "perpetual orgasm". But I don't always associate this with "libido" per se as there is not always a direct association at the time with sexual thoughts (just the chemical feeling).
John
Posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 6:51:53
In reply to Re: Geez, are you sure you where on effexor??? » Gare, posted by JohnX2 on April 18, 2002, at 21:13:56
Hi John:
You're exactly right. The orgasmic sensations come without having an erection or even thinking of sex or being aroused by something that looks potentially doable.
For instance, I may just be working on a report for work, typing away, and then yawn. During the middle somewhere of the yawn, I begin to feel it, the sensation of coming down from a middle to great orgasm - this depends on the length and depth of air/exhale of the yawn. However, as you point out, there is no thought of sex, no erection (at least for me), and no desire to have sex, and no mess. I just feel sooooo good and I am calm, relaxed and as a result, a smile just appears on my face.
Everyone here in the office wants some of these Effexor XR pills but alas I told them that I seem to be an unusual case in response to them.
I want to add though, that even though Effexor XR has someway interfered with my ability to have an orgasm when I want to by right hand method, I am still able to have one but with more effort and patience. Living in today's world, where everything must be done right away, I can see how this can be irritating especially if you are use to having results in five to ten minutes. But I am actually liking the idea that I can delay having an orgasm and ejaculating as I think that is a good thing for my partner :-)
So I am not experiencing yet what other men have described as anorgasma, not able to have an erection, or the erection not being as hard as it was.
With Effexor Regular I did notice that I had no desire to have sex after a while. But I also had much difficulty achieving my own orgasm that I gave up and that did manifest itself as a problem for me that I wanted to get off of Effexor Regular. But the regular formula did achieve it's sought out use, which was to stop obsessive thinking and depression.
I hope that you too understand when I describe having these sensations, as it's good to know I am not the only one experiencing them.
Posted by RENEB on April 19, 2002, at 7:59:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal - does benadryl help?, posted by Cmatt on April 13, 2002, at 0:14:24
> If SSRI's dont bother you, you might see about using a small amount of Prozac while coming down off the Effexor. The belief is that since Effexor leaves the body so quick, the rapid loss of effect on serotonin is belived to be somewhat responsible for the discomfort. Some say that adding some Prozac helps ease the discomfort.
>
> Other than that, use might try a sedating Tricylic Antidepressant like Elavil or Surmontil, or even the Remeron the other poster mentioned.
>
>
> CmattHi Guys, I have just successfuly withdrawaled from effexor XR. I first tried it going from 150 to 37.5 to 0 staying 2 weeks at each dose. That didnt work for me. I still had a great deal of the those horrible side effects. My pdoc had me follow that schedule but then I went to a 25mg dose than I split the tablet in half so I was only taking half of that dose and than I split it again...Boy, that wasnt easy. I was down to 1/4 tablet. When I finished my cycle with the 1/4 tablet I stopped. I can tell you it worked wonderful. I had not one side effect. I know this takes longer, but I couldnt do it the other way . I tried the benadryl and also motion sickness pills and neither of them worked for me.
Renee
Posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 9:13:40
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal another way, posted by RENEB on April 19, 2002, at 7:59:03
Congratulations Renee:
I am so amazed at the quantity of individuals having difficulty getting of Effexor/Effexor XR.
I understand from reading the pharmacological insert with the sample box that you must level yourself off the drug so I am not shocked by that statement. This really is similar for any other drug or habit I believe. However, sometimes having to continue to take something that you don't like until you go down to nothing seems to not only be time consuming, but also an experience as I am sure you will have withdrawal effects coming off - so this in itself may cause irritation, anger, and resentment for starting in the first place.
I know that when I got off of Effexor Regular in February 2001, I didn't understand what the doctor meant by going off slowly. Since I didn't like him or feel that I could trust him, then I just thought he wanted to continue to drug me so I just stopped going and I stopped taking it. My highest dose then was like 75 mg in the day and 37.5 mg at night, which is a total of 112.5 mg per day.
I did become more irritable, my vivid dreams turned into nightmares and I was feeling electrical shocks permeate throughout my body, as if a switch was being turned on and off. I didn't like feeling like that but I understood where it was coming from.
I figured it would wear off - all of these things and thank God they did. I don't know how I would feel if they didn't.
The effects of coming off of it then took about a couple of months. I think, the shocks being the longest side effect I had to endure.
Why I am on it a second time is because I know that for me it worked, and I do have peace of mind and a better daily experience at a small price to pay.
I am aware that I am at a higher dose than the first time and I intend to stay on it for a longer time, at least six months compared to four the first time around, or even longer depending on how it goes.
So I am not looking forward to the time when I do have to come off because I know that it isn't easy and it isn't a matter of a day or two.
I truly sympathize with you Renee and thanks for sharing your experience in weaning off as it may come in handy for me sometime in the future.
I wish everyone luck with the beginning, their continued therapy, and if decided, their discontinuation.
Hugs,
Gare
Posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 10:30:40
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal another way, posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 9:14:26
Can taking Effexor at a different time alleviate side effects for some?
I was taking Effexor XR at around 6 pm for about six weeks. The last side effect, and probably the only one that has disturbed me, is sleeping well. I hadn't for the last week and so my psychiatrist suggested to switch taking Effexor XR in the daytime.
In order to change my evening to day time, she recommended to change the time slowly. For example, I was to switch from 6 pm to 2pm for a day and then move to 9 am and then around 7 am would be the end result.
Well, after moving to 2 pm on the first try, I slept well and had plenty of energy so I tried it the next day to see if it was a fluke and so far it has improved my outcomes to what I have been looking for. For now, I am sticking with 2 pm until either I return to not sleeping well or something else comes up.
So has anyone tried to change the time of day you take Effexor in order to alleviate side-effects?
Gare
Posted by RENEB on April 19, 2002, at 11:28:35
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal another way, posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 9:13:40
> Congratulations Renee:
>
> I am so amazed at the quantity of individuals having difficulty getting of Effexor/Effexor XR.
>
> I understand from reading the pharmacological insert with the sample box that you must level yourself off the drug so I am not shocked by that statement. This really is similar for any other drug or habit I believe. However, sometimes having to continue to take something that you don't like until you go down to nothing seems to not only be time consuming, but also an experience as I am sure you will have withdrawal effects coming off - so this in itself may cause irritation, anger, and resentment for starting in the first place.
>
> I know that when I got off of Effexor Regular in February 2001, I didn't understand what the doctor meant by going off slowly. Since I didn't like him or feel that I could trust him, then I just thought he wanted to continue to drug me so I just stopped going and I stopped taking it. My highest dose then was like 75 mg in the day and 37.5 mg at night, which is a total of 112.5 mg per day.
>
> I did become more irritable, my vivid dreams turned into nightmares and I was feeling electrical shocks permeate throughout my body, as if a switch was being turned on and off. I didn't like feeling like that but I understood where it was coming from.
>
> I figured it would wear off - all of these things and thank God they did. I don't know how I would feel if they didn't.
>
> The effects of coming off of it then took about a couple of months. I think, the shocks being the longest side effect I had to endure.
>
> Why I am on it a second time is because I know that for me it worked, and I do have peace of mind and a better daily experience at a small price to pay.
>
> I am aware that I am at a higher dose than the first time and I intend to stay on it for a longer time, at least six months compared to four the first time around, or even longer depending on how it goes.
>
> So I am not looking forward to the time when I do have to come off because I know that it isn't easy and it isn't a matter of a day or two.
>
> I truly sympathize with you Renee and thanks for sharing your experience in weaning off as it may come in handy for me sometime in the future.
>
> I wish everyone luck with the beginning, their continued therapy, and if decided, their discontinuation.
>
> Hugs,
> Gare
Hi Gare, I had a few reasons for weaning off effexor. 1) I was very tired all the time 2)my sex drive 3) weight gain. I thought the med worked great til I started to withdraw from it. I didnt realise how much it masked your emotions. I really began to feel nothing and thats not good. I am a triathalete and I was finding that I was losing my modivation for my runs, biking, swimming etc., and that wasn't like me. so you can understand when I gained 10 pounds thru this ordeal I thought okay this is it. I think I need to get myself off this stuff. I know there are many people that say if a weight issue is all they had to worry about they would be happy and I can understand that. But, for me and what I do that was a big problem for me. This is what I use for my stress relief. Anyway, I am glad it is working for you. I wish you continued success.Renee
Posted by LynnPerley on April 20, 2002, at 18:27:54
In reply to Can taking Effexor at a different time...?, posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 10:30:40
I started taking it first thing in the morning (5 to 6 am most days). During the last several days I have gradually moved it to early evening and I'm going to keep moving it until bedtime. The side effect I am trying to avoid is trouble falling asleep at night and then hard to wake up in the morning. So far, this has helped some at bedtime but I still wake up for at least an hour around 3 or 4 am and it is still very hard for me to get out of bed in the morning. Since I get up so early most days, perhaps I can stall the wake cycle until normal wakeup time. I also need to check with the MD to see if I need my dose increased or decreased. I've been taking 150 mg for almost a month now, after one week of 37.5 and one week of 75.
Posted by Allen F. on April 21, 2002, at 12:06:32
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Congradulations on weining off of Effexor!!! How has it been? How has it been emotionally? Especially with depression?
I have been weining off too. I find I have my good days and bad days. This past week has been pretty good except for the past few days. They have not been easy and I hurt inside.
Part has to do with my being hurt a year ago and a hearing concerning it. Even the orthopedic surgen hit hard on my past depression. Is there ever a time that people move past that? That you can escape the label of "Phycriatic Problems"? I hate being labeled, especially when its used in a negative way. I don't like that all the medical records can be accessed by a third party and that they can then use them against me. But, this is something I will have to deal with.
Its also not easy that I am unemployed right now. I wish I had employment. I wish I didn't have the stress of looking for a job and have to deal with the rejection that accompanies it.
Sorry for going on. Thanks to those who have listened.
A
Posted by Shanti on April 21, 2002, at 15:50:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Allen F. on April 21, 2002, at 12:06:32
> Congradulations on weining off of Effexor!!! How has it been? How has it been emotionally? Especially with depression?
>
> I have been weining off too. I find I have my good days and bad days. This past week has been pretty good except for the past few days. They have not been easy and I hurt inside.
>
> Part has to do with my being hurt a year ago and a hearing concerning it. Even the orthopedic surgen hit hard on my past depression. Is there ever a time that people move past that? That you can escape the label of "Phycriatic Problems"? I hate being labeled, especially when its used in a negative way. I don't like that all the medical records can be accessed by a third party and that they can then use them against me. But, this is something I will have to deal with.
>
> Its also not easy that I am unemployed right now. I wish I had employment. I wish I didn't have the stress of looking for a job and have to deal with the rejection that accompanies it.
>
> Sorry for going on. Thanks to those who have listened.
>
> Aallen
you can do it! i too am going through some financial difficulty so i look at it as a challenge! why throw away everything you worked at becasue of 1 set back <yes i know it is huge but there must be a reason?> i live in windsor canada and we have unemployed help centres - it is free and they help with your resume, interviews, etc <great "mock" interviews to prepare you! so, if little ole windsor has it i bet your town does too! let me knowshanti
Posted by beardedlady on April 21, 2002, at 15:57:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Shanti on April 21, 2002, at 15:50:38
Posted by sharonews on April 21, 2002, at 19:43:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Shanti on April 21, 2002, at 15:50:38
I'm down to 37.5 mg. (splitting 75 mg. tablet) a day now. Experiencing tingling (zaps), headaches, stomach pains today, and some dizziness. My max of effexor was 300 mg/day and have been tapering dramatically for the past week. (Have been taking the stuff for three years now, and 'think' I'm ready to face the world now chemical-free.)
Can anyone out there tell me if they've succesfully tapered off the effexor tablets after being on them for three years or so, and how long it took them, and when/or if they started to feel 'withdrawal-symptom-free'.
Thanks for any input.
sharonews
Posted by RENEB on April 21, 2002, at 20:56:08
In reply to How long off effexor before you feel ...normal ?, posted by sharonews on April 21, 2002, at 19:43:55
> I'm down to 37.5 mg. (splitting 75 mg. tablet) a day now. Experiencing tingling (zaps), headaches, stomach pains today, and some dizziness. My max of effexor was 300 mg/day and have been tapering dramatically for the past week. (Have been taking the stuff for three years now, and 'think' I'm ready to face the world now chemical-free.)
>
> Can anyone out there tell me if they've succesfully tapered off the effexor tablets after being on them for three years or so, and how long it took them, and when/or if they started to feel 'withdrawal-symptom-free'.
>
> Thanks for any input.
>
> sharonewsHi Sharonews, I am about effexor free but it took a very long time. My pdoc had me wean down to 25mg for two weeks then I split that in half and took 1/2 for two weeks and then I split the 1/2 boy that isnt easy... Now I am down to taking 1/4 every other day..today I have gone three days without it. I tried doing it where you go from 37.5 and then nothing. That didnt work for me I felt like you do. This way is longer but has worked so much better. I don't feel much of anything just a real little bit of dizziness, but I can deal with it.
I hope this helps,
Renee
Posted by Shanti on April 21, 2002, at 21:31:45
In reply to shanti: please go to social babble! (nm) » Shanti, posted by beardedlady on April 21, 2002, at 15:57:36
beardedlady
i cannot get into chat ever! however, you do have my curisoity as to why you wanted me to go there? would you be kind to reply back here?
shanti
Posted by sharonews on April 21, 2002, at 21:59:30
In reply to Re: How long off effexor before you feel ...normal ? » sharonews, posted by RENEB on April 21, 2002, at 20:56:08
Thanks for your reply, Renee. It was encouraging and helpful. Will see if I can get some 25 mg. tabs from my doc and taper off them slowly like you did. Sounds like a smart idea. The 75 mg. tabs I have now are being sectioned into four and that's about as small as I can dice them :)
You've given me encouragement. Thanks again.
Sharonews
> > I'm down to 37.5 mg. (splitting 75 mg. tablet) a day now. Experiencing tingling (zaps), headaches, stomach pains today, and some dizziness. My max of effexor was 300 mg/day and have been tapering dramatically for the past week. (Have been taking the stuff for three years now, and 'think' I'm ready to face the world now chemical-free.)
> >
> > Can anyone out there tell me if they've succesfully tapered off the effexor tablets after being on them for three years or so, and how long it took them, and when/or if they started to feel 'withdrawal-symptom-free'.
> >
> > Thanks for any input.
> >
> > sharonews
>
> Hi Sharonews, I am about effexor free but it took a very long time. My pdoc had me wean down to 25mg for two weeks then I split that in half and took 1/2 for two weeks and then I split the 1/2 boy that isnt easy... Now I am down to taking 1/4 every other day..today I have gone three days without it. I tried doing it where you go from 37.5 and then nothing. That didnt work for me I felt like you do. This way is longer but has worked so much better. I don't feel much of anything just a real little bit of dizziness, but I can deal with it.
>
> I hope this helps,
>
> Renee
Posted by beardedlady on April 22, 2002, at 6:12:45
In reply to Re: shanti: please go to social babble!, posted by Shanti on April 21, 2002, at 21:31:45
Social Babble's not chat! It's the non-med board. You get to it from the top or bottom of the pb page you're on when you see all the posts. But I was looking for/worried about Angel Girl. Anyway, she's back, so no worry no mo'.
beardy : )>
Posted by Gare on April 22, 2002, at 10:17:19
In reply to Can taking Effexor at a different time...?, posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 10:30:40
Hi:
I have remained at the 2pm time of taking Effexor XR from my initial time of 6 pm since last Wednesday and I am happy to report that I have resumed sleeping well at night and over the weekend the heavy sedated effect lifted.
So today I was able to wake up at 530 am and take the kitty cat out for a walk with me.
No bizarre dreams as of late and I am glad that I have stopped having "straight" dreams.
Hugs,
Gare
Posted by Gare on April 22, 2002, at 10:21:54
In reply to Can taking Effexor at a different time...?, posted by Gare on April 19, 2002, at 10:30:40
here's one that i haven't come across on this posting site or in much of any other search engines.
as i am hiv+, for 13 years, i am starting my anti-retroviral therapy today. one of the drugs that i am initially taking is called sustiva, which has a nervous system effect. mainly becoming disoriented, insomniac (just when i resolved my effexor issue...), and nightmares. everyone that i have known has experienced the nightmares for the first month or so.
as i do have vivid dreams - although not nightmares - with effexor XR, i was wondering if i am going to start having horrific vivid nightmares.
i doubt that anyone on this site may have any insight to taking effexor and sustiva together, but i am hopeful.
if not, i'll keep y'all posted about the dreams.
i am excited as i want to write a novel about this.
hugs,
gare
Posted by Nuthatch on April 30, 2002, at 23:52:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Parks on January 4, 2000, at 16:10:07
This is so great - finding this resource. My doctor has diagnosed me as depressed but I'm not entirely convinced that I should take meds. I think sometimes the sideeffects outweigh the benefits. I was on Celexa last year during a similar period (my first episode with depression - after I dropped out of a Masters program), and I've just separated from my fiancee & boyfriend of 5 yrs and am again depressed & my Dr recommended effexor XR. I just remember from the Celexa being confused and not able to concentrate, and thinking way slower. It's just hard to know if that's the depression or the med. Sorry this posting is so long - anyone have any advice?
I'd rather exercise or try to get over it some other way but my life is swinging a little out of control - I'm starting to socially isolate myself b/c I don't trust how I interact with people anymore. I find it really hard to get out of bed in the morning, and I seem to be crying more frequently. I think the sleep is not so much disturbed as much as that I just don't want to face the work/decisions that I have to make. Anyuway, do you think that effexor can help this, or is this just my personality?
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