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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by not2late4u on January 24, 2005, at 1:02:13
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor-update 1--22-05 » corafree, posted by not2late4u on January 24, 2005, at 0:50:00
Day 30 – didn’t take effexor, felt the same as day 26, but it was later in the day when I felt that way. Also, I was able to laugh like I hadn’t laughed in quite awhile today, it was great! Took 1 klonopin today. I can cry on a dime, had to change the channel watching discovery about BIG CATS and the moma cats baby died and well, told me hubby in tears, I gotta go into the other room, I cant watch it – could hardly get it out because I was ready to BALL big time, I don’t usually cry in front of him with tv shows, he said, its ok to change the channel instead of, it’s a part of nature! Anyways, Im trying to look at this with an attitude of this is temporary and I have to laugh at the fact that I am so emotional right now. That’s how I am choosing to work through this. Brain zaps right now are getting worse, ran out of klonopin so will get more tomorrow. Some times are easier than others, don’t get me wrong, but I do believe whole heartedly that God is helping me through this, because I asked Him to. The biggest test will be when I take the last one! Renee
Posted by FaithT on January 24, 2005, at 4:01:28
In reply to Effexor Withdraw, Tapering Off - CAN BE DONE, posted by not2late4u on January 24, 2005, at 1:02:13
Renee~
Really great post!!! Good for you honey...Just take it one day at a time. Keep taking it slowly, just as you are and you are going to be just fine.
When you take the last one, let your body be your guide. Let the Klonopin help you, along with your Dr., and let me know if there is anything at all that I can do. You're doing wonderful, and I commend you for journaling this as you are, to others hope.
Many hugs, Faith~
Posted by corafree on January 24, 2005, at 12:05:04
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor-update 1--22-05 » corafree, posted by not2late4u on January 24, 2005, at 0:50:00
Tks for your well wishes. Dancingstar answered me on that. It is an SNRI. I, like you, looked at quite a few sites to try find the class, and none really said. cf
Posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 1:55:37
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, Tapering Off - CAN BE DONE » not2late4u, posted by FaithT on January 24, 2005, at 4:01:28
Day 31 - Monday 1-25-05: Took 37.5 mg effexor. Had a bad day with anger, frustration and being kind argumentative and a bit compulsive. Just a negative attitude, yes it was the withdraw. Took 2 Klonopin. Made it through. Poor husband J
Day 32 – Tuesday – no Effexor today, much better mood. Much more stable. Took 1 Klonopin later in day. Seems like the brain zaps came much, much later in the day like evening time and are less intense than when I didn’t take one. . Kind of weird though, the last 2 days without it my mood was better than when I took it. So, this must mean Im getting closer to moving down again. But will give it a few more days to make sure its time. So far all is going as well as I could have hoped. :)
Posted by FaithT on January 26, 2005, at 10:53:28
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, Tapering Off - update 1-25, posted by not2late4u on January 26, 2005, at 1:55:37
Renee~
You are doing AWSOME!!! I bet that you are going to continue to do well,as you are taking it one day at a time. You know that I'm here if you need me.
Many hugs, Faith~
Posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 1:32:48
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, Tapering Off - CAN BE DONE » not2late4u, posted by FaithT on January 24, 2005, at 4:01:28
Day 33 – Wednesday – decided to not take effexor today. I did pretty good. The brain zaps sure were active most of the day, had some nausea, loss of appetite later in early afternoon, took two klonopin today and that seemed to take the edge off for potential anxiousness. No major mood issues. Pretty stable considering its my first two day in a row with no effexor success! Its 11:30pm and still having brain zaps, but ya know what, I can deal with it. Im a happy camper today. Throughout this process, especially reaching the lower doses, I have had times when I felt spacey, unable to focus or concentrate for periods of time. More clumsy perhaps. But I say its still all good because Im not in hell and God is good! Renee p.s thanks to everyone who has supported me during this process.
Posted by FaithT on January 27, 2005, at 5:50:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, positive approach is possibl, posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 1:32:48
Renee~
You're doing AWSOME!!!!!!!!! The brain zaps are weird, but they will gradually begin to lessen, and in time you'll notice that they're gone. That's the way it went with me, when I withdrew.I'm glad that the Klonopin seems to be helping you. It's good that it's helping take the edge off,and it'll probably help you sleep as well.
Thanks for taking the time to chronicle your experience. I know that this is really going to help others, by showing your progress. You are doing great!
Many hugs, Faith~
Posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 20:59:51
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, positive approach is possibl » not2late4u, posted by FaithT on January 27, 2005, at 5:50:49
And guess what Faith, I didnt take an effexor today either 3 days in a row! I'll post details later. But this is exciting news! Renee
Posted by FaithT on January 28, 2005, at 7:43:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, positive approach is possibl » FaithT, posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 20:59:51
Renee~
Wow! Renee, you're really, really doing amazingly well!!!
I think that you actually withdrew slower than I did, and it seems that is working so well for you.
You're definately helping others with your posts...Keep up the good work girlie, and feel good!
Hugs, Faith~
Posted by corafree on January 28, 2005, at 8:12:58
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, positive approach is possibl » not2late4u, posted by FaithT on January 28, 2005, at 7:43:04
Way go Renee. This gives me a lot of hope; would you say 3 to 4 wks? What substances are helping you cope, if any? Well, write a little summary when you're ready, if don't mind, so can print and keep for future consideration. Is this day 23? Are you starting somethin' new now, or did you begin something w/ the taper? How is anxiety? Tks, cf
Posted by not2late4u on January 28, 2005, at 23:33:30
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, positive approach is possibl » FaithT, posted by corafree on January 28, 2005, at 8:12:58
Hi cf, thanks for the support. I've posted from day 1 through I think now day 34? Klonopin is the only other med Im taking to help with anxiety, which is the reason for taking any SSRI in the first. The BIGGEST part of my success, patience in tapering down, being aware of the possible side affects and God. If you havent alerady, go to the first of my threads, you'll see my progress all the way through. Dont plan on switching to any other drug. Will use Klonopin until or as needed. My hope is to be free of all meds. But I am also doing other things to help that process a long: counseling, support groups, changing eating/exercise lifestyle etc. I"ll be posting another update soon. Hope you're doing well! God bless, renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 14:58:36
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, positive approach is possibl » corafree, posted by not2late4u on January 28, 2005, at 23:33:30
Day 34 – Thursday 1-28-05 day 3 no effexor, took 2 klonopin
Day 35 – Friday – day 4 no effexor – took 2 klonopin – pretty much a big cry baby today, saw a psychiatrist for the 1st time to work through some issues and we didn’t connect as well as I thought, we’ll go another round, it just may be he has a different approach and maybe I need to listen. Started a new eating plan.
Day 36 – Saturday – day 5 no effexor – took 2 klonopin – today was a pretty bitchy, irritable day I must say. But have to say that I its probably some pms in there too, so cant say how much of it is either one. Went to the gym to exercise. Brain zaps are lessoning. I am waking up feeling good. So far on a scale from 1-10 10 being hell. My worst physical symptoms probably an hours worth of an 9. Emotionally probably a 6.5. Renee
Posted by winddancer on January 30, 2005, at 16:17:30
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, update - off it! » not2late4u, posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 14:58:36
Thanks, I just read your thread on the tapering and glad you have been so successful. That was super helpful! Can you explain what "Brain zaps" are - what they feel like, whatever info.
I had a terrible night last night, a headache in one spot (back left) and my hip aches (out of aligned SI joint, not related to meds - I hope)so I hardly slept at all. I took aspirin for the pain, but it didn't get rid of it. I felt nauseated and finally after forcing myself to eat breakfast and take my meds this morning, it all came back up - Yuk! Now I wonder how much of the Effexor I lost - probably most of it. So I'm waiting for my stomach to settle down so that I can eat something so that I can take the Effexor with food, as they suggest. (Anybody know why - with food?) I feel that so much of my body ache, tingly tongue and mouth, food tastless, and insomnia could be connected to the Effexor.
I was taking Klonipan and got off it - now I believe it was masking some of the side effects - but I don't really want to take the Klonapin again if I can find another solution. That stuff is addictive like Xanax I think. I'm going to read the thread on supplements. I see the accupuncturist again tomorrow and am having a massage this afternoon so I hope that will help. I'm seeing my doctor on Thursday to talk about switching to a different med that I can tolerate better until I can decide when to try to go off all together. I took Serzone for 9 years with good success and no noticable side effects. I had to switch to something else when last spring the drug was taken off the US market, because of potential liver problems, but I just heard that it's still sold as a generic. Hopefully my doc will put me back on that.
Thanks for any comments on this post.
Posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 17:32:52
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, update - off it! » not2late4u, posted by winddancer on January 30, 2005, at 16:17:30
Hi winddancer, ya, klonopin is/can be addictive and I am keeping my eyes wide open on that. I would explain "brain zaps" as lilke an electrical impulse that happens in your head, when you move your head or your eyes. Maybe a little vertigo feeling or woozy feeling too sometimes. Its not painful for me, its just annoying more than anything else. When I was taking effexor, I could take it on an empty stomach, it didnt bother me. Was the nausia from the pain you were in? Renee
Posted by winddancer on January 30, 2005, at 17:46:27
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, update - off it! » winddancer, posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 17:32:52
I'm not sure what the nausea is from - I was thinking it was from the Effexor and that I didn't notice it before because I was taking the Klonapin. Also, I know that Acupuncture can possibly cause some weird body feelings as your body does a bit of cleansing after the energy has been shifted. I just started a new job and there are some other new situations that I'm in besides that so I suppose it could be a reaction to the stress/anxiety - even though the job and other changes are very positive. I just want to feel good for awhile. I also just discontinued my HRT that I had been on for about 8-9 years, and that can create some various symptoms. Thanks for your quick response.
Posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 19:04:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, update - off it! » not2late4u, posted by winddancer on January 30, 2005, at 17:46:27
wow windancer, that is alot of stuff, you sound like me, I am always making changes and usually more than 1 at a time!
Well, if you can tolerate taking effexor on an empty stomach, I think you should, otherwise you will just feel worse with the withdraw, as you know! Have a great evening. Renee
Posted by FaithT on January 31, 2005, at 3:25:43
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdraw, update - off it! » not2late4u, posted by not2late4u on January 30, 2005, at 14:58:36
Hang in there Renee~ You're doing great!!!
Hugs, Faith~
Posted by eeyorena on February 9, 2005, at 23:13:17
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor-update 1--22-05 » corafree, posted by not2late4u on January 24, 2005, at 0:50:00
Hi, can you share the name of this book? Because I had 3 doctors working on this in June 2001 and they could find nothing in the medical literature. Nothing. So we began looking at MS and other possible causes of my symptoms. It wasn't until I was off of Effexor that we began uncovering anything about many of these withdrawal effects.
> Hi CF, not Im not sure of the technical category of Effexor. Ya know, I was over at my moms house and was looking at a medical pill book she has, published date was 1995, and it lists the kinds of side effects and cautions and withdraw cautions, etc in it. Looks like the info was there maybe not everywhere, but it was out there, 9-10 years ago it was published! You keep your head up, pray & trust God, and you'll be ok. I believe strongly in medication mixed with counseling not just taking medication. I hope you are getting that kind of support too. God Bless, Renee.
Posted by corafree on February 10, 2005, at 16:16:51
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor-update 1--22-05, posted by eeyorena on February 9, 2005, at 23:13:17
It is an SNRI, or a selective noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor. Saw P, staying at Eff-XR 150am, 75pm, which he doesn't like, but said didn't care, do what works for you. I know my body. It would eat up the whole chunk before sunset. Ya' know my side effects are nil to none. He and I agreed to ditch Klonopin, but of course didn't warn re: possible seizure abruptly stopping; thank goodness have some to taper.
Still in therapy; module Interpersonal Relationships. Of course, I'm thinking, it's everyone else that has probs', not me, yeah right?! We need work on one particular relationship this week, which brings me to grief again (need to post); my mother doesn't like me! Really! Since Dad's passed; he can't hear/see; you wouldn't believe how mean she is to me (my bottom lip is sticking out)?! Anyway, guess she'll be my subject for therapy this week.
Where are you now ... still on a bit of Eff-XR, or off?
A tip re: inositol (gives back what coffee takes from body) on alternatives, has really helped my anxiety.
Your assistance/suggestions close to my heart, cf
Posted by corafree on March 14, 2005, at 14:30:51
In reply to Renee Tapering Off Effexor, posted by not2late4u on January 5, 2005, at 1:57:18
Renee:
Don't know where you are. Hope this is withdrawal board. I am on day 5 w/o Effexor-XR. I had a bit of an anxiety breakthrough this a.m., but first one in 5 days. No head zaps that I can say I have. I am sweating, like hot flashes, awake and neck and top of shirt wet. Otherwise, it's 'so long' to Eff-XR for me. How are ya'? Best Wishes, cf
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 14, 2005, at 20:48:40
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » not2late4u, posted by corafree on March 14, 2005, at 14:30:51
> Hope this is withdrawal board.
It isn't, but here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050228/msgs/471080.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by not2late4u on March 14, 2005, at 23:04:47
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » not2late4u, posted by corafree on March 14, 2005, at 14:30:51
hi cf~ wow 5 days now. I didnt experience sweating, that actually went away for me. I did experience some feelings of anxiety though. Still do to some degree, but thats why I am taking the klonopin (only at bed time now) and some vitamins, herbs. Im very happy for you, please let me know how you are doing, what prompted the getting off effexor for you? God Bless you, Renee
Posted by corafree on March 15, 2005, at 9:54:31
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » corafree, posted by not2late4u on March 14, 2005, at 23:04:47
I've asked myself what prompted me to get off it too! I think it was the controversy over possible long term detriment, my body becoming used to it and needing more and more, the fogginess of my thinking and my need to get in touch with some real emotions, and being in the hospital those first couple days where I felt safer doing it. My appetite has increased and that's good for me; was about to blow away. Now can add vites etc. to diet. Talk again later .. Best wishes, cf
Posted by not2late4u on March 15, 2005, at 20:34:46
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor, posted by corafree on March 15, 2005, at 9:54:31
CF, Thats great! Im proud of you for your progress. Keep up the good work :) Renee
Posted by corafree on March 15, 2005, at 20:58:39
In reply to Re: Renee Tapering Off Effexor » corafree, posted by not2late4u on March 15, 2005, at 20:34:46
Ya' know it doesn't seem like I've done a lot of work. Course I'm always the last to give myself credit. Will work on that!
I really feel like I've been blessed here. I know I've been praying night and day for minutes/hours/days/months (time running together a bit).
Good eve to ya', cf
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