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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by baddog55 on January 1, 2004, at 10:53:59
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - my approach, posted by suzicreamcheese on January 1, 2004, at 1:19:53
Thank you John and Suzi, I really appreciate the help. If this boat we are all in gets much fuller, we may have to charter a yacht! lol. I wasn't doing very well on 37.5 every other day so I'm going to stay at one a day for 1 more week, and then split my 75s into 3 parts, and do those for a couple of weeks to see how I feel. I definately agree that TAPERING SLOWLY is the only sane way to do this. And for those of you who are getting the bejeezus scared out of you in this forum, take heart. It is possible that these withdrwals won't kick your butt as hard. My husband was on Eff 150 for over 6 months and had no withdrawls to speak of. He did however, go straight to lexipro, so that could have helped. I want to be AD free for a while so maybe that's why I feel worse. Good luck to all, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Posted by dmbdelta on January 1, 2004, at 11:00:47
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by karlou on January 1, 2004, at 10:51:37
Thanks Karlou and surprisingly, there is much comfort in this support group. I just returned from the pharmacy with benadryl, alpha-lipioc acid and vitamins that are a package of antioxidents. I am going to plant my head deep into the back of my chair, try not to move around alot, and utilize my female friends to exercise their maternal instincts. I hope I do not offend anyone during these days, but I come fully with warnings that I am a little irrational right now, and please do not take offense. Thanks again.
Delta
Posted by Bones3456 on January 1, 2004, at 11:56:52
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by karlou on January 1, 2004, at 10:51:37
I really appreciate this forum and I am very thankful I found it. I had pills in the house and took a 75mg capsule on Tuesday at 5 am. Before I took it I was in day 3 and I felt drunk, I stumbled around the house, nearly cried when I turned my head or got up, yelled at my girlfriend to please shut-up for a second, and cursed the day the doctor first suggested these pills. I had a doctor tell me that 75 mg of effexor does basically nothing and stopping after alternating (pill/no pill) for two weeks I should be fine. 75 mg is nothing, she is very wrong and I plan to take some threads with me on the 8th when I see her again. I am going to try the tapering thing, I can get one more refill of 75mg and I am going to ask for sample 37.5. I heard about putting the tiny grains in applesauce oe something and will try that instead of splitting capules, etc. Seems easier. What sucks is that this has affected my job and my boss had a talk with me yesterday and she says she noticed that I have not been myself lately. I have been a pain lately. I tend to be a bit long-winded so to sum up, I appreciate everyone responding, it is comforting to know that I am not alone and I can survive!
Posted by Vasterling on January 1, 2004, at 16:32:07
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by dmbdelta on January 1, 2004, at 9:37:56
I am on day 7 and I only get dizzy if I stand up to fast and my speach has returned to normal. The feeling of intoxication is starting to go away. I did taper from 225 to 150 to 75. I decided not to go any lower because it seemed that people were having the same withdrawals even if they tapper to 37.5 or lower. I am glad that I got off Effexor and will never (NEVER) go on it again. Just remember that there is an end to the withdrawals and that is what kept me going. Good Luck Everyone and Thanks to everyone who has posted on this board. It really helped me to understand what I was going through and that I was not the only one going through it.
Virginia
Posted by BADDOG55 on January 1, 2004, at 20:17:49
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Bones3456 on January 1, 2004, at 11:56:52
WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET OUR DOCTORS TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE NOT MAKING THIS CRAP UP? MAYBE BECAUSE THEY PRESCRIBED IT, THEY DONT WANT TO THINK IT IS AS BAD AS WE SAY?? MAKE ME UNDERSTAND...
Posted by suzicreamcheese on January 1, 2004, at 23:02:13
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by BADDOG55 on January 1, 2004, at 20:17:49
Maybe all of us on this current thread should file a class action suit! I am not on any cake walk here - speaking after the 4th full day of hell...... Suzi
Posted by BADDOG55 on January 1, 2004, at 23:48:52
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by suzicreamcheese on January 1, 2004, at 23:02:13
I have been waiting for a contact to file a suit, if anyone knows of someone who would take our case, let me know.
Posted by Raggy on January 2, 2004, at 10:47:03
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by BADDOG55 on January 1, 2004, at 23:48:52
> I have been waiting for a contact to file a suit, if anyone knows of someone who would take our case, let me know.
My daughter in law was on effexor xr, and started having seizures, took her off this drug and a month later she committed suicide. This is a very dangerous drug. She was never suicidial before. After getting off this drug she became more depressed.
Posted by Raggy on January 2, 2004, at 12:18:48
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by BADDOG55 on January 1, 2004, at 23:48:52
Wyeth makes $2.1 billion a year on this drug alone. Wyeth has posted warnings not to give this drug to children under 18 years of age, makes them more depressed and suicidal. Well my daughter in law was 31 and weighted only 100 pounds and it affected her with more depression and she became suicidal also.
Something has to be done to stop them giving this drug to people, it is very dangerous.
Posted by Vasterling on January 2, 2004, at 12:42:35
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on January 2, 2004, at 10:47:03
Raggy, I am so sorry for your loss. I am getting off Effexor myself and when I was on the medication I had suicidal thoughts and that is the reason I got off the drug. I am doing better now but the thoughts still run throughout my mind. I never had suicidal thoughts before the drug. My doctor kept telling me that they would pass and for me to give the medication a little longer and that the suicidal thoughts would go away, but the never did. It has been 8 days off for me and everything does seem to be clearer for me now. If the doctor told me the side effects and what the withdrawal was like I would have NEVER taken this drug.
Posted by baddog55 on January 2, 2004, at 13:32:10
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Vasterling on January 2, 2004, at 12:42:35
Raggy, I too am so sorry for your loss. I still don't understand why doctors, including mine, who is so caring and thorough, don't believe that this is happening. But if I ever get off this drug, I am going to try to make them hear us.
Posted by pala on January 2, 2004, at 20:28:03
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Vasterling on January 2, 2004, at 12:42:35
We not only need to file a law suite against
the drug manufacturer but also those culprits
who prescribe them without any hesitations,I would sue my PDs first, without studying much
about the drugs they simply prescribe them for
their financial gainspala
Posted by Vasterling on January 3, 2004, at 16:08:08
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by pala on January 2, 2004, at 20:28:03
I am on day 9 of the withdrawal. The past few days were not to bad, but today, I am very tired and my sense of smell is very keen. I can smell everything and it seems to be maganafied. I am so glad that I am past the first 6 days and I feel that I am on the down hill of the symptoms.
Just wanted to share
Virginia
Posted by BADDOG55 on January 3, 2004, at 17:11:06
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Vasterling on January 3, 2004, at 16:08:08
VASTER,
I'M SORRY, I'VER READ SO MUCH THE LAST 4 DAYS, I CANT REMEBER IT ALL. HOW ARE YOU COMING OFF? WEANING OR COLD TURKEY?
Posted by Vasterling on January 3, 2004, at 17:19:05
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now » Vasterling, posted by BADDOG55 on January 3, 2004, at 17:11:06
I kind of did both. I went from 225 to 150 to 75 and then off. From what I read you can go down even lower, but I did not have the patience to wait that long. Some days are better than others. I am on day 9 and i am just starting to have the energy to work and clean house. I work from my home and I am so far behind because I could not focus long enough to sit at the computer and actually work. Thanks for asking.
Virginia
> VASTER,
> I'M SORRY, I'VER READ SO MUCH THE LAST 4 DAYS, I CANT REMEBER IT ALL. HOW ARE YOU COMING OFF? WEANING OR COLD TURKEY?
Posted by Raggy on January 3, 2004, at 22:26:38
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Vasterling on January 3, 2004, at 16:08:08
I just want you all to know, that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. This is a difficult time for all of you. At least you have a heads up on what is goig on, my darling daughter in law didn't know.
Thank you all for your concern.
Posted by johnno on January 4, 2004, at 7:00:24
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on January 3, 2004, at 22:26:38
Hi All,
I've been lurking here for a while just to get the gist of the posts. I've been cold turkey on Effexor now for 28 days. Had been on 75mg for 2.5 years, but decreased to 37.5mg for the month prior to cessation. I've been thru' this before, but crashed after 5 months, and went back to the nipple. This time I'm determined to stay off, as was sick of sleeping 10 hours a night, and then needing another 2 hours siesta to get through the day. Yes, I suffered every withdrawal symptom described in these posts. Days 3 - 6 are the worst, be prepared. From then on, it's often a matter of two steps forward, one back, but... it does get better! Every ensuing day will give you a 10% improvement. Don't be impatient, and expect a major improvement over a short period. There will be times when you feel the depression has returned, and one small tab will take you back to normality. Don't be tempted! If you've come off the drug, then make sure you dispose of any remaining tabs, and then play Jason, by roping yourself to the mast, and disregard the Siren calls.
With you all.
Posted by Sandman on January 4, 2004, at 10:48:54
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by janey on November 1, 1998, at 16:30:34
I just thought I would add my two cents here. I've been on 375 mg of Effexor for several years and have no intentions of trying to go off of it. I have a long history of depression and Effexor (with Remeron) are the only anti-depressants that will work for me. (My doctors tried virtually every anti-depressant and every combination of them.) According to many doctors I've spoke with, going off of Effexor could be very risky. If I ever needed to go back to it, there exists a high probability of it not working the second time.
I learned something else that's quite interesting from the head of the psychiatry department at a major Chicago hospital. Years ago, it was believed by the psychiatric community, that after being on an anti-depressant for six months or so and feeling better, it was OK to come of the medication(s.) But in recent years they've learned differently. Supposedly, if a person has had more than one major depressive episode, the depression will very likely come back again. Therefore, someone with a history of depression such as myself, needs to stay on the medication indefinitely.
I have read some, but not all, of the above posts and am sure many of you have situations different than mine. But if your situation is like mine, you may want to talk to one or more psychiatrists about whether or not to stay on Effexor or whatever anti-depressant you may be taking.
Posted by suzicreamcheese on January 4, 2004, at 11:08:09
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on January 2, 2004, at 10:47:03
I am really sorry to hear about your daughter in law. Have you done web searches on suits. I can attest to the fact that the withdrawal makes you psychotic and say things and do things that you don't mean and that are totally out-of-line with your character. Maybe your daughter-in-law experienced this and then got so depressed over the aftermath effects that she became suicidal.
When I tried to get off this before I went to my doctor and he said the reason I was experiencing this withdrawal was because I actually needed the drug. I have yet to come across one person who can say they easily came off this drug. It is scary as anti-depressants seem to be the most easily prescribed drugs around. And I think we are really still in the dark ages in so far as what they really do the brain.
My deepest sympathy for your family's lost. Her loss of life was so unnecessary.
Suzi
Posted by Raggy on January 4, 2004, at 12:02:22
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by suzicreamcheese on January 4, 2004, at 11:08:09
Thank you for your kind words Suzi. Still so very hard, happened in September and son is still so devasteded. Was a very tough Christmas. Stay strong and pray for God to give you the strength you need to be healthier and happy.
Posted by Raggy on January 4, 2004, at 12:05:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Sandman on January 4, 2004, at 10:48:54
I understand what you are saying Sandman and if it works for you, that is just great. With all drugs, what works for some does not work for others. I do think more clinical trials should be done on these mind altering drugs though.
So glad it does work for you.....
Posted by suzicreamcheese on January 4, 2004, at 12:17:25
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Raggy on January 4, 2004, at 12:02:22
I am sorry about that. You know, I said some things so mean to my family while I was in the worst part of the withdrawal I am scared I will never be able to face them again and that is a guilt that can make one suicidal. Maybe you can email my dad for me and explain to him what Effexor withdrawal does and what it did to your family. I feel so awful I am holed up in my house and won't answer my phone. Suzi
Posted by Raggy on January 4, 2004, at 12:42:01
In reply to Re: Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by suzicreamcheese on January 4, 2004, at 12:17:25
Suzi,
I would be happy to help you out any way that I can.
Posted by wildchild1957 on January 4, 2004, at 13:12:35
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - my approach, posted by baddog55 on January 1, 2004, at 10:53:59
First of all, I would like to say that Effexor XR has to be about the best drug on the market for depression. It saved my life and I highly recommend it to all my friends...lol.
I'd like to start by quoting my psychiatrist that helped me through my recovery..Dr. J, I call him."The medications will only do so much to help you, YOU will have to do the rest."
I am of the opinion that with just medications alone, that a person will never be quite ok. The jouney inward (the good, the bad, and the ugly) is the only sure fire way of curing depression. By breaking down your own personality and ridding yourself of parts that do not serve you to your higher good is the only way for ultimate healing. The accepting of those parts because they were probably invented to protect you, determining if they are really who you are and who you want to be, and then the decision to either keep that part or let it go. This needs to be done with the "Objective Viewer" part of ourselves, the part that doesn't criticize or condemn. It's sort of a Life Review without judgement.
Sit back, buckle up and get ready for a long ride. There are no quick fixes. It took you a long time to get to where you are, but it doesn't have to take that long to "fix" you to where you can stand yourself and love yourself. And remember that those changes will take practice and don't be so rough on yourself if you don't get it right the first try...Tomorrow is another day and you can try again and you will make it..cause THIS IS YOUR LIFE and we are co-creators and We Are Powerful. What matters most is that you keep trying. When being ok with who you are becomes your number one priority...only then will life turn around.
There is not one thing about who you are that you can not change...It is the only real place we have the Power to control and most of the time I found that changing my perspective was the only thing that I could really do and to understand that big question WHY that slams your brain all of your life.
Second, I'd like to discuss my version of getting off of Effexor from 75mg and down.
I suggest taking 37.5mg Effexor XR (extended release) twice a day..morning and night. After about a week. Take one in the morning OR at night. Get the pill form for 37.5mg which is good for 12 hours instead of 24 hours. Take one in the morning and one at night for about a week. Reduce that dose to one 37.5mg pill once a day for a week. Drop to one every other day for a week. Every 3 days. By this time you should be forgetting to take it..lol.
An anti-anxiety med will help with this process. Not to take the place of but to help in the real nervous times. Even benadryl will help. I have found that when I get so bitchy that I can't stand myself...just 1 effexor 37.5mg XR a couple of days will help tremendously. I find myself using them at times on an as needed basis from day to day.
Hope this helps someone. *smiles*
I have a new saying: If you're being who you truly are and who you want to be, then you're PERFECT just the way you are. Perfection is like anything else..It's in the eye of the beholder.
Posted by dmbdelta on January 4, 2004, at 14:32:43
In reply to Effexor, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness., posted by wildchild1957 on January 4, 2004, at 13:12:35
I agree that EX was a great help when I was going through fairly severe depression, and it helped me keep my wits and sanity during a difficult time. This thread has been about those of us who are going through withdrawal for various reasons. My life drama's seem to be over, and I feel pretty stable right now. I have learned my lessons about falling in love with borderline disorder personality. It nearly pushed me over the edge, and I did not help her a great deal.
I am in my 9th day of 'cold turkey' and I am really happy that I did not drag out the process by cutting down gradually. From the others that I have read, their 'brain zaps' lasted the entire time they went through withdrawal, and in some cases months. I feel fairly good today, with only a brief period each 3-4 hours, only lasting moments rather than hours. I still feel it a little when I move my head quickly. I started working out again, and the added endorphins will help with time. I am also taking anti-oxidents and a few other natural supplements.
A good friend (happens to be a shrink) tells me that it will be 3-6 months until all of the effects of effexor are gone, but from now on it will be tolerable. I do not blame anyone for what I have gone through in the withdrawal, because I am not sure I would be here if I did not get on a strong anti-depressant when it was needed.
For those in the first few days, God bless, and your time of relative peace is only a few days away. Keep up with this thread, as the sharing with others going through the same thing is quite helpful. I guess we call this E-Group.
Love to all,
Delta
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