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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by drx on August 1, 2004, at 20:06:15
My wife was diagnosed reactive depression. We consulted couple physicians regarding medical treatment. One psychiatrist prescribed her Lexapro. Another doctor recommended Effexor XR. Since she is about 95 lbs, the recommended dose of Effexor XR is very small at 37.5mg/day. I have read several stories in the forum complaining about withdrawal symptoms with Effexor XR.
Does anyone have withdrawl experience of Effexor XR at 37.5mg/day? Is Lexapro better in terms of withdrawal symptom?
Posted by Camille Dumont on August 1, 2004, at 22:33:02
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by drx on August 1, 2004, at 20:06:15
It doesn't really matter how much you take ... you will definately have wd ... even on 37.5. I don't know about lexapro but Effexor is known for being one of the worst if not the worst of ads in terms of withdrawal.
Posted by I cook for you on August 3, 2004, at 17:28:25
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by drx on August 1, 2004, at 20:06:15
I was on 37.5 mg. of Effexor for 11 months, and my withdrawls were minor compared to many on this board. Today is the first day I don't feel sick, I actually feel pretty good. My girlfriend weaned herself off of Lexapro, and she said it was the hardest thing she's ever been through. I'm not an expert on all medications, but most of them have pretty bad detoxes associated with them. The startup is usually difficult as well. I was desperately sick for 8 days when I started on the Effexor. This is why I never increased my dosage to 75 mg. It took over a month for it to even start working, and most people who have tried it, cannot get thru the initial trial period of starting it. Fortunately (well maybe not) at that time, I had a client who was a psychiatrist and was a research expert on Effexor. She helped me along and told me not to give up.
My detoxing experience was pretty much the same as the start up period. Headaches, nauseous, fatigue, YUK!
What I am finding out in my own research is that depression at certain stages of life, or caused by certain events, can be associated with different things. Hormones can play a big part in this. This was the case with me, along with physically needing surgery last year for female issues.
You will find that we are on this board are here because we needed help detoxing and most doctors don't know the side effects that are caused or how to properly do it. I was told when I was precribed Effexor that I might "feel a little nauseous for a couple days". Farthest thing from the truth.
I am thinking that a great deal of the people who are prescribed these drugs at the alarming rate they currently are, need to fix the real problem first. In that case, I feel there are many who probably wouldn't be on these drugs. It's so easy to medicate everyone because they are having some stress or depression, and it is moreover VERY legitimate, but there can be many other things causing it. Especially as we get older!
Posted by KaraS on August 3, 2004, at 18:44:22
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by I cook for you on August 3, 2004, at 17:28:25
> I was on 37.5 mg. of Effexor for 11 months, and my withdrawls were minor compared to many on this board. Today is the first day I don't feel sick, I actually feel pretty good. My girlfriend weaned herself off of Lexapro, and she said it was the hardest thing she's ever been through. I'm not an expert on all medications, but most of them have pretty bad detoxes associated with them. The startup is usually difficult as well. I was desperately sick for 8 days when I started on the Effexor. This is why I never increased my dosage to 75 mg. It took over a month for it to even start working, and most people who have tried it, cannot get thru the initial trial period of starting it. Fortunately (well maybe not) at that time, I had a client who was a psychiatrist and was a research expert on Effexor. She helped me along and told me not to give up.
>
> My detoxing experience was pretty much the same as the start up period. Headaches, nauseous, fatigue, YUK!
>
> What I am finding out in my own research is that depression at certain stages of life, or caused by certain events, can be associated with different things. Hormones can play a big part in this. This was the case with me, along with physically needing surgery last year for female issues.
>
> You will find that we are on this board are here because we needed help detoxing and most doctors don't know the side effects that are caused or how to properly do it. I was told when I was precribed Effexor that I might "feel a little nauseous for a couple days". Farthest thing from the truth.
>
> I am thinking that a great deal of the people who are prescribed these drugs at the alarming rate they currently are, need to fix the real problem first. In that case, I feel there are many who probably wouldn't be on these drugs. It's so easy to medicate everyone because they are having some stress or depression, and it is moreover VERY legitimate, but there can be many other things causing it. Especially as we get older!
I agree that other things often need to be looked at in terms of what is causing the depression. Too bad people don't get a complete physical that measures all of their hormone levels, enzyme levels and amino, vitamin and mineral levels before treatment is given.I don't agree that all meds are horrible to start on or go off of for everyone. I had very little trouble going on any of the SSRIs nor did I have any trouble on Effexor. I couldn't even tell that I was taking anything. I had mild nausea initially which went away with time. Paxil and Effexor were difficult to go off of but not nearly as bad for me because I did it soooooo slowly. (I'm in the process of going off of Effexor now.) Being educated about them up front helps a lot. I think that doctors should be more forthcoming however and tell people that it may be difficult and that you might have to go slowly to escalate or withdraw from these meds. There are things you can take to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal. Unfortunately, the doctors don't want to believe that their tools can be difficult to deal with in the first place so they don't always tell their patients about the things they can use to help them.
Posted by drx on August 3, 2004, at 18:56:58
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by KaraS on August 3, 2004, at 18:44:22
Thank you all for sharing your experience! It has been extremely helpful.
Posted by Sebastian on August 3, 2004, at 18:59:35
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by I cook for you on August 3, 2004, at 17:28:25
I think they just give us meds, because they don't want to deal with the real issues in the first place. No one cares. Or atleast not that much. So all the healing gets put off, untill it is too late, then you need the meds, because you are full of un healed emotions, built up over time. Bam, now you are insane. Give them meds, etc, etc, etc. Oh, well, now it is all in the past, who cares anymore, thats old news. Meds for life.
Posted by I cook for you on August 3, 2004, at 19:19:51
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day » I cook for you, posted by Sebastian on August 3, 2004, at 18:59:35
> I think they just give us meds, because they don't want to deal with the real issues in the first place. No one cares. Or atleast not that much. So all the healing gets put off, untill it is too late, then you need the meds, because you are full of un healed emotions, built up over time. Bam, now you are insane. Give them meds, etc, etc, etc. Oh, well, now it is all in the past, who cares anymore, thats old news. Meds for life.
You are too funny Sebastian!! Well, as we know, medicine is not an exact science. I just wish the docs would admit it half the time. You also have to consider the kick backs and payoffs associated with drug companies. Why on earth has the anti depressant craze run so rampant?
It is scary that I have read posts on this forum from people who have been prescribed drugs that don't even treat the condition they have. We put our trust in our doctors to KNOW, and they really don't. With 15 minutes per patient now at the doctor's office, so many now not doing surgery anymore 'so they can spend more time with their patients', and rising costs in insurance for much less coverage, it's no wonder that two doctors I previously had went into computer programming and retired in their 40's.
I thank my lucky stars for this board and all the people here. I think between all of us, we can come up with the answers we may need, and look for the help in places we never thought of.
Posted by Sebastian on August 4, 2004, at 12:06:32
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by I cook for you on August 3, 2004, at 19:19:51
I knew I was in for something when I started taking these meds(drugs). I could tell, they changed my moods and thoughts just like any other street drug would. I was afraid I would get addicted, and I did(whether or not they belive it). Meds, legal street drugs, same difference.
Posted by I cook for you on August 4, 2004, at 12:58:46
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by Sebastian on August 4, 2004, at 12:06:32
> I knew I was in for something when I started taking these meds(drugs). I could tell, they changed my moods and thoughts just like any other street drug would. I was afraid I would get addicted, and I did(whether or not they belive it). Meds, legal street drugs, same difference.
You also have to take into consideration that any drug that has side effects of withdrawal, street or prescribed, are considered addictive in my humble opinion. Even alcohol has addictive qualities, but for some reason, alcohol and prescribed drugs are within the tolerability of society.
Posted by nikkimarie on April 11, 2008, at 15:08:58
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by I cook for you on August 3, 2004, at 17:28:25
I was on effexor xr 75mg/day. I no longer wanted to be on them. I began taking them because I had suffered from serious anxiety/depression. I was on them for three years. I started weening myself off of them at the end of january. I didn't experience much withdrawl. I felt great. However, recently, I've began to feel "loopy" again. Dizzy spurts, lightheaded, paranoia, working myself up. Is it possible to still be reacting from some sort of withdrawl from these meds two months later?
Posted by 49er on April 13, 2008, at 15:49:43
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by nikkimarie on April 11, 2008, at 15:08:58
> I was on effexor xr 75mg/day. I no longer wanted to be on them. I began taking them because I had suffered from serious anxiety/depression. I was on them for three years. I started weening myself off of them at the end of january. I didn't experience much withdrawl. I felt great. However, recently, I've began to feel "loopy" again. Dizzy spurts, lightheaded, paranoia, working myself up. Is it possible to still be reacting from some sort of withdrawl from these meds two months later?
Hi,
The answer is yes, particularly if you withdrew too fast.
On Paxil Progress Boards, which is run by an RN, the recommendation is to taper 10% of your current dose every 3 to 6 weeks. That doesn't guarantee you won't have problems but the chances of them being less are greatly increased.
Are you still tapering or what your status with the meds?
49er
PS - I am not always great about responding quickly. So don't be alarmed if you don't hear from me right away.
Posted by nikkimarie on April 18, 2008, at 0:30:33
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by nikkimarie on April 11, 2008, at 15:08:58
Thanks to everyone who has been responding. I am glad to know I am not alone here. Cause sometimes, that's exactly how I feel. ALONE! I had no problems when I was on Effexor, and I've now realized that I did ween myself off way too quickly.
Here's my story. I told my doc I didn't want to be on the pills anymore. I had felt great, and I thought I was back to normal! She had me lower my does from 75mg to 37.5mg. She told me if I started feeling any side effects to take 20mg of celexa. And I had asked, "if I don't feel right with the lower does of effexor I should take the celexa?" and she reassured me, "yes".
Well, my goal was to get off of effexor without needing another med. So, I had said, I would ween off of the effexor and try not to start the celexa.
I do not have insurance, and effexor is VERY expensive. So I had only ordered 2 weeks worth. I took my two weeks worth of 37.5, and I felt great. At that point, I had begun to think it was harder to start them than to get off of them. I didn't experience ANY wd symptoms, so I said, "screw it! I'm done! I'm fine."
Well, now, two months later, I started feeling dizzy, lightheaded, loopy, not completely there. I started getting anxious, and I had no patience.
I've dealt with those symptoms for about a week now. I'm now to the point where I am leaving my house again. I do still feel somewhat "out of it", but I'm dealing with it, and not letting it get the best of me.
I still start to get anxious, but I'm just trying to tell myself that there's really nothing wrong. and that I AM OK.
At first I didn't realize I had only weened myself off for two weeks, I had forgotten that I didn't get an entire weeks worth if pills. And just the other day, I found my empty bottle and noticed that it was only 14 pills. So it's all starting to make sense now.
Ugh, It's been a tough week. And not just because of these meds, I've had a VERY stressful week due to family issues, and it was very hard, but I'm getting through it. I'm starting to feel better, and happy.
My only question is, will it last? Or am I going to start feeling out of control again next week?
I'm not necessarily asking for an answer to that. It's more of a "thinking out loud" kinda thing.
I know I'm not crazy, and deep down, I know there isn't something "physically" wrong with me. It's just my mind wandering and wanting answers. Cause we as humans need an answer for EVERYTHING. Isn't that the reason they came up with the famous line: "everything happens for a reason". Just a line to shut us up, and make us think that's the answer.
Ugh, anyway, I know this is a long post. And I just want to thank anyone who takes the time to read this entire thing..atleast I know someone out there actually cares!
I wish you all the best...we're all in this together!!!
Posted by Molybdenum on April 21, 2008, at 5:26:16
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by nikkimarie on April 18, 2008, at 0:30:33
Good luck to you sincerely nikkimarie,
I don't anticipate being brave enough to stop Effexor for years.....!
Posted by April8 on April 22, 2008, at 13:52:59
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day » nikkimarie, posted by Molybdenum on April 21, 2008, at 5:26:16
Hi, I am also weaning off of Exffexor and have tried in the past going too fast and definitely felt crazy. For me I feel this anger irritiable feelings. Right now I am taking 1/2 of my 75mg and if I notice I am really having bad withdrawal I take a little bit more (not even 37.5 more)
That happened Saturday during the day but not since. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I also take Wellbutrin which I am staying on.
Anyway best to you and I KNOW you can do this and so can I. I keep reminding myself that everything is okay and have for sure been more tearful than usual.
Best wishes!
April
Posted by Elizabeth49 on August 14, 2008, at 9:24:35
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by April8 on April 22, 2008, at 13:52:59
I was on 225mg of effexor xr and now am down to 37.5 mg. Had many side effects, brain zaps, sweating, anger, no patience, dizziness, and tired. I started coming off in late May08 and have found that the best way is very very slowly decreasing and then stay at one level until you feel stable again and then decrease. I am going to use 1/2 of the 37.5mg of effexor and then 1/4 etc. until I get completely off.
My question is: I have extreme itching all over my body and I was wondering if it is because of weaning off effexor xr or something else. Has anyone else experienced this symtom? I am also prediabetic and wondered if maybe this itching is because of this. I would appreciate any comments any of you can add.
Many thanks. Elizabeth
Posted by manic666 on August 15, 2008, at 13:08:46
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day » I cook for you, posted by Sebastian on August 3, 2004, at 18:59:35
> I think they just give us meds, because they don't want to deal with the real issues in the first place. No one cares. Or atleast not that much. So all the healing gets put off, untill it is too late, then you need the meds, because you are full of un healed emotions, built up over time. Bam, now you are insane. Give them meds, etc, etc, etc. Oh, well, now it is all in the past, who cares anymore, thats old news. Meds for life. you are dead on there my friend i am saner than my shrink .
Posted by manic666 on August 15, 2008, at 13:14:30
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by Sebastian on August 4, 2004, at 12:06:32
> I knew I was in for something when I started taking these meds(drugs). I could tell, they changed my moods and thoughts just like any other street drug would. I was afraid I would get addicted, and I did(whether or not they belive it). Meds, legal street drugs, same difference.
TO RIGHT MY FRIEND IM SANER THAN MY SRINK
Posted by manic666 on August 15, 2008, at 13:15:17
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by Sebastian on August 4, 2004, at 12:06:32
> I knew I was in for something when I started taking these meds(drugs). I could tell, they changed my moods and thoughts just like any other street drug would. I was afraid I would get addicted, and I did(whether or not they belive it). Meds, legal street drugs, same difference.
TO RIGHT MY FRIEND IM SANER THAN MY SRINK
Posted by 49er on August 16, 2008, at 11:58:24
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by Elizabeth49 on August 14, 2008, at 9:24:35
> I was on 225mg of effexor xr and now am down to 37.5 mg. Had many side effects, brain zaps, sweating, anger, no patience, dizziness, and tired. I started coming off in late May08 and have found that the best way is very very slowly decreasing and then stay at one level until you feel stable again and then decrease. I am going to use 1/2 of the 37.5mg of effexor and then 1/4 etc. until I get completely off.
>
> My question is: I have extreme itching all over my body and I was wondering if it is because of weaning off effexor xr or something else. Has anyone else experienced this symtom? I am also prediabetic and wondered if maybe this itching is because of this. I would appreciate any comments any of you can add.
>
> Many thanks. ElizabethElizabeth,
I know people are sick of my advice but I will post it again in the hopes that someone is listening.
In my opinion, you are tapering way too quickly. Itching is definitely a withdrawal symptom.
The best way to taper is 5 to 10% of the current dose every 3 to 6 weeks. I am not going to lie and say it is easy to do but it is definitely worth it and doable.
Let me share my experience so this makes more sense. I just made a 5% cut in Remeron and am feeling it even though I have tapered slowly. It is a real struggle to get things done but I am able to.
So if I am feeling these types of symptoms on a 5% cut, frankly, I don't know how you are functioning.
Anyway, I mean no disrespect and wish you all the luck in the world.
49er
Posted by copper on August 17, 2008, at 15:11:52
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by 49er on August 16, 2008, at 11:58:24
Hi
I too tapered off 225mg of effexor which took me since May, and I saw my pdoc last Wed the 13th I was down to half of 37.5mg. I felt horrible beside lightheaded and dizzy, I felt anxious and very depressed. I was crying all the time. I feel as though I can not make any decisions. Being a single mom this is very hard. Plus I hate for my daughter to see me like this.My pdoc had me on that same day just start taking the new pristiq 50 mg 1 a day. I'm on my 5th day and I feel the same. I'm sure it takes time to change out in the system.
I'm totally off effexor, which I was on since 2001, and it did work great up untill last August when I noticed anxiety coming back in.
you are not alone.
Copper
Posted by Elizabeth49 on August 19, 2008, at 8:40:42
In reply to Re: Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms @ 37.5mg/day, posted by copper on August 17, 2008, at 15:11:52
Thanks to Copper and 49er for your input. I will try to go slow and easy to get off the last 37.5 mg of effexor xr. Knowing that others are having the same issues lets me know that I am not going crazy but I truly wish all of you did have to go through any of these trials.
Any info on how long the withdrawal systoms go on after one is completely off the effexor xr??
Elizabeth49
This is the end of the thread.
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