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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:18:57
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor, posted by thinkfast on January 6, 2005, at 2:59:14
Cold turkey from 150 mg. it took me 3 months as of September, and my stomach is just starting to recover, I have neurological damage, the electric shock thing they speak of just now started full force, but I'm mostly, comparitively speaking, better. It could be because I wasn't prescribed Effexor for depresseion, just a back injury and originally mild fatigue that I had such a hard time with the drug. It was one of those off-label uses I hear about.
Those that have gotten off easily have taken similar drugs, like Cymbalta, or have had other problems, like cancer to deal with, where the symptoms might be conflicting. Rarely have I seen anyone just get off the drug with no problems and no extenuating circumstances...that have reported here, but it happens.
I doubt it's okay to hijack the thread; so I won't give you any advice or anything. Just wanted to answer your question.
[email protected]
Posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:27:59
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » KaraS, posted by not2late4u on January 8, 2005, at 19:34:24
Renee,
One thing I find different for you than for me is that in spite of the excruciating pain that I had three days after I stopped taking E, I instantly had more energy and my mood was uplifted as if I had been poisoned and was removing it from my system. You are more depressed. Maybe it didn't agree with me all along, but it affected me so slowly that I didn't realize it and didn't know what to look out for.
Sounds like going slow is the right thing for you. Hope you recover quickly.
Posted by xxNightOwl28 on January 8, 2005, at 23:45:16
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » thinkfast, posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:18:57
Splitting Effex XR capsules is not a good idea as each of the balls inside are not the same strength, would could be happening is you get a higher dose at once of Effex than before, it is not a good idea!
Posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 23:51:47
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » thinkfast, posted by ed_uk on January 6, 2005, at 3:21:24
Ed,
Why do you think it was easy for you and a bloody nightmare for me?
Were you taking any other drugs whatsoever?
I take all the homeopathic or herbal stuff and vitamins; so it's not that, and we know it wasn't prescribed to me for depression. I did feel poisoned, but I didn't know it.
If you are not on any other drugs at all, may I ask if you are of that European background that they speak of? I am.
Thanks in advance if you get this. Just looking for answers.
-Bebe
Posted by not2late4u on January 9, 2005, at 19:22:05
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » thinkfast, posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:18:57
Bebe,
Thank you for not hijacking the thread. There are no other extenuating circumstances for me and I never posted that there havent been any problems coming off this drug. I am simply posting my personal experience, such as you have on other threads. Please respect that. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 9, 2005, at 19:24:22
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor, posted by xxNightOwl28 on January 8, 2005, at 23:45:16
Hi nightowl, my psych mentioned I can alternate the last dose every other day. Think I might try that when Im ready. Thanks for your post, I didnt know that. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 9, 2005, at 19:29:14
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:27:59
HI Bebe,
I was prescribed Effexor to get off of Paxil (paxil made me gain weight and no motivation/depression). I went on paxil for severe anxiety. Alot of times depression is a secondary event due to anxiety, which it was in my case. It has been easier for me to get up in the morning now that I have reduced my doseage. Thats a good sign. Thanks, Renee
Posted by dancingstar on January 9, 2005, at 19:33:42
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 9, 2005, at 19:29:14
Yes, Renee, it is. I think it will continue to be that way.
This is my first experience with anxiety, though. I can see that it is unpleasant, but that's gotten a little better, too...if you are intereted in knowing.
Posted by not2late4u on January 9, 2005, at 19:38:30
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor, posted by dancingstar on January 9, 2005, at 19:33:42
Bebe, you mentioned your first experience with anxiety? That is my specialty! (haha, unfortunately!).....I'm open to listening if you wish to share. Renee
Posted by FaithT on January 9, 2005, at 20:02:44
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 9, 2005, at 19:38:30
Dear Renee~
If there is anything at all that I can do to help you through this, just say the word. The most important thing, is to have good communication with your psych. as you get down to the very end. As you said, you can take an Effexor, every other day if you need to, if you start to feel funky.
For me it was like a weird kind of feeling, but as I said, it passed. You know what to expect going in, so that's good. I think I told you that if you have trouble sleeping, Melatonin supps. worked well for me..along with benydryl.
I truly wish you the very best of luck through this.
Many hugs, Faith~
Posted by dancingstar on January 9, 2005, at 20:16:23
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 9, 2005, at 19:38:30
Thanks, Renee. I'm just off for a run in the rain. I've gotten nothing done, and I'm moving in a couple of weeks.
I don't mean to endlessly complain about this, but honestly, since I stopped taking Effexor, my whole nervous system has been a little whacky.
It's happened two times kind of badly, once when I was a Christmas party with old friends and once when the guy that helps run my office wanted to go deliver the gifts that I always bring to clients and secretaries. I'm usually relatively calm, but now anytime that any adrenaline gets going or if I get around too many people, my system seems to malfunction and I can't catch my breath properly.
I own a small business and also was teaching things like spinning and cardio-kickbox at the gym and personal training for fun until I got to be really, really tired and in some strange pain that knocked me down about two and a half years ago -- two years ago I quit teaching completely cause I was too tired. But I never had this "can't catch my breath" kind of feeling until recently. It makes me want to stay home.
I should have known better than to take Effexor. My friend's brother is a family practice doctor, and I saw it in his office when I was there cause of a back injury. When I asked him what it was for, he told me that it gave people energy and made them happy. That sounded good to me. I asked if there were any side effects, and he said that there were some sexual side effects, but that I didn't have to worry about them that they probably didn't apply to me. I mention this to you only to tell you that I wasn't taking it for anxiety or anything...just for "energy." Great, huh?
I appreciate any non-drug help that you have to offer cause I am afraid that my body doesn't do well with drugs, and really don't want to take them. This time I will take full responsibility :-)
Thanks!
Posted by dancingstar on January 9, 2005, at 20:24:01
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 9, 2005, at 19:38:30
If you feel really icky and need suggestions for food and stuff, though I hope you don't need that, you know who to ask ;-)....
-Bebe
Posted by not2late4u on January 10, 2005, at 0:45:54
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » not2late4u, posted by FaithT on January 9, 2005, at 20:02:44
Thank you Faith, I was hoping you'd find this thread. I have an appt with my psych next tuesday for a follow up on my tapering. Sounds like we both have good psychs. He told me about melatonin as well. Cant take benedryl, too sensitive, but I have Klonopin for when I need help sleeping. I feel better today, less emotionally unstable. Less brain shocks or whatever they are :) Even feeling like my sex drive is starting to improve. Thanks for your support! Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 10, 2005, at 1:00:51
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 9, 2005, at 20:16:23
Hi Bebe,
There are sooo many symptoms of anxiety and like everything else, everyone gets some or all or a combination of those symptoms. Are there any other anxiety symptoms like racing heart or lightheaded?
Supps that I've researched to take for anxiety/nervous system= MAGNESIUM, calcium, b vitamins, potassium and amino acids. These seem to come up everywhere I look for the natural way to help the nervous system. Sounds like you're a fitness gal, you probably know that you still need to be careful of the supplements, too much of a good thing can be bad. And still need to watch out if you take other meds/supps for assimulation and combining. Im about to order a supplement I heard great things about from the pain and stress center, will get contact info posted later. May want to visit bcalmd website for information too. I did read that you dont want to take too much glutamine. Anyways thats not the product I am choosing to supplement with at this time. But its a great informational site for anxiety, depression, add/adhd etc. Hope this helps and thanks for sharing. God bless, Renee
Posted by FaithT on January 10, 2005, at 5:48:01
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » FaithT, posted by not2late4u on January 10, 2005, at 0:45:54
Dear Renee~
I'm so glad that things seem to be heading in the right direction for you. The Klonopin should definately help with any insomnia...It does sound like you have a really good, supportive Dr.
You'll get through this honey...Let me know if there's any advice I can offer.
Hugs, Faith~
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 11, 2005, at 0:27:16
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 10, 2005, at 1:00:51
> Supps that I've researched to take for anxiety/nervous system= MAGNESIUM, calcium, b vitamins, potassium and amino acids...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding supps to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050101/msgs/440472.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by not2late4u on January 11, 2005, at 2:11:40
In reply to Redirect: supps, posted by Dr. Bob on January 11, 2005, at 0:27:16
Thanks Bob!
Posted by cathead69 on January 12, 2005, at 23:24:52
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor, posted by not2late4u on January 9, 2005, at 19:22:05
my mom has had similar problrms
Posted by not2late4u on January 13, 2005, at 2:09:37
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » not2late4u, posted by FaithT on January 10, 2005, at 5:48:01
Day 15 = 37.5 (Saturday 1-8-05)
Day 16 = 37.5
Day 17 = 37.5 – Took 1 Klonopin – I think, cant remember!
Day 18 = 37.5
Day 19 = 37.5 - staying on this dose until end of January due to ski trip. But I am tempted to take it every other day. But I know I need to wait until I can stay home if needed. I am feeling fine. The “brain zaps” are getting less and less intense and less frequent, as is the irritability and short temper. So, my body is adjusting at its own pace. Real test will be when Im off completely! Cant wait!I will say this: I have been able to exert myself physically without getting a migraine! This is soooo fantastic, because I had a hard time working out or skiing or exerting myself in almost any way and I didn’t know it was the Effexor that was causing them. Also, sweating is much less. Not wanting to get out of bed in the morning and wanting to sleep 10++ hours is slowly improving. Sex drive is slowly improving.
I have to wonder if I was already prone to migraines and sleeping, if the Effexor didn’t augment those tendencies??? Anyone else see that kind of pattern in their experience? If it’s a side effect of medication and I am prone to those things anyways, it must augment them….it makes sense, doesn’t it? Renee.
Posted by corafree on January 13, 2005, at 9:59:57
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor-update, posted by not2late4u on January 13, 2005, at 2:09:37
Yep, makes a lot of sense. You're doing fantastic. cf
Posted by dancingstar on January 13, 2005, at 23:42:00
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor-update, posted by not2late4u on January 13, 2005, at 2:09:37
Renee,
I am glad that you are feeling a little better. I am clear about why some, like those with cancer, are willing to accept the side effects of Effexor, but I would like to understand why others without debilitating illnesses or severe depression feel that side effects like fatigue, sweating, weight gain, and difficult withdrawal are acceptable.
If you don't want to, you don't have to answer here. If you begin to feel better, and you are willing to, maybe you can either post it somewhere on this site or send me an email to help me to better understand.
Thanks very much,
[email protected]
Posted by not2late4u on January 14, 2005, at 0:06:03
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor-update » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 13, 2005, at 23:42:00
HI Bebe,
I had suffered off and on since I was 18 yrs old from anxiety/panic attacks. I am now 37. About 6 years ago I had a major anxiety episode with heart palpitations and heart racing etc. I was able to move through it over time with natural alternatives, vitamins etc. Then about 4 years ago, (I had about 4-5 major stressors happen in about 2 month period of time) I had a SEVERE major anxiety episode that I tried for about 7-8 months to move beyond and wasnt able to with the natural alternative pathways as I was able to previously, but this one was far worse in so many different ways. I was seeing so many doctors for so many symptoms and no relief. (the anxiety was CONSTANT 24/7 then I'd have panic attacks on top of the constant state of anxiety, it was my own personal hell.) I look back and I see that the ONLY way I was able to get up, go to work and come to home to sleep and NOT get fired for falling asleep in my car a few times) is God, He was carrying me and I didnt even know it at the time. Finally gave in to taking Paxil, (which really gave me the same side effects that effexor did). It eliviated the anxiety but then I was left with depression and alot of weight gain. Finally had a doctor listen to me and was switched to Effexor. That addressed the depression for me. The temporary trade off of side effects for me was worth the relief I got physically and mentally so I could function and get myself to a place where I could (hopefully) be anxiety/depression free. Now, I need to "recover" from the weight gain and my sleeping pattern. There really are so much more details in the anxiety episode, but I think I answered your question? I hope this helps, I dont mind answering because I hope this will help someone. :) Renee. p.s not feeling the best today, took a Klonopin.
Posted by dancingstar on January 14, 2005, at 0:11:31
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor-update » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 14, 2005, at 0:06:03
Thanks for the answer. It does help. I hope you feel better.
I guess it is one of those cases where you went into it with your eyes open, but it still bites!
Hope it's over soon! Wish I knew something to make it better....
Posted by not2late4u on January 20, 2005, at 1:26:04
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor-update » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 14, 2005, at 0:11:31
Day 20 (Thursday 1-13-05 ) through Day 25 = 37.5mg
The biggest thing I notice is that I am more easily frustrated, irritable and emotional at times (more than my norm) Saw my psych yesterday to check in. All is well.
Day 26 Wednesday 1-19-05 = 0 mg
I forgot to take my 37.5 pill this morning, I figured that out when I started to get more “brain zaps” and frustrated, irritable and emotional in the early evening. We postponed our ski trip (not enough snow!) so, I might as well go with the skipping that dose and go for it. We’ll see how tomorrow goes, my psych said I can take one every other day if needed, which is what I may do, I don’t know yet. I have been eating like there’s no tomorrow, don’t know if that’s a part of this withdraw or not. Could just be me. I am a bit nervous to be at this point, since hearing all the “hell” stories, but Im gonna do it. Others have and survived, I can too! I’ll take all prayers for an easy transition. God bless you all. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 16:00:57
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor-update 1-19-05, posted by not2late4u on January 20, 2005, at 1:26:04
Day 27 –Thursday 1-20-05 = Today was day 2 of no Effexor, around 3pm it hit me kinda hard. I became VERY nervous, probably a panic attack like symptom (which is why I was on medication in the first place). I was confused, couldn’t focus well, vision a bit more blurry than normal, brain zaps increased, light headed, stomach slightly nauseated (sp?) loss of appetite, severe feeling of wanting to cry at any second over nothing, very welled up with emotion that was coming from nowhere. Called my doc, said to take a klonopin and an effexor 37.5 mg. I did and felt better within the hour. Guess I need to take one every other day instead of just stopping it at this ending point.
Day 28 – Friday - didn’t take an effexor today, did fine, same symptoms mentioned from day 26. took a klonopin in evening.
Day 29 – Saturday – Took 37.5mg Effexor, went to gym and exercised for 33 mintues. Didn’t push myself hard. Feeling same as day 20-25. husband has been doing pretty good in supporting me with the come & go irritability. Thank God! Renee
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