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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jiggitykid on January 2, 2004, at 18:16:10
In reply to Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by MSR on December 28, 2003, at 18:23:14
I'm concerned that you were prescribed an antidepressant for a life event and not for clinical depression. This is what worries me - this stuff is being handed out like candy when it should be carefully controlled and monitored. Have you had trouble with depression before? If not, I would advise you to not take it again - tough out or ask your doc's advice about what can help lessen the effects if they are impossible to handle. I would also offer advice for you to get some support - if you are not already getting support for the grief and emotions over the divorce - as well as support for the withdrawal. Hold on - it will get better. Effexor is nothing to be played with. Some have reported vision damage that is permanent - mine seems to have finally cleared up, but still doesn't seem to be just right. Take care of yourself. You are in my prayers.
Posted by jiggitykid on January 2, 2004, at 19:04:01
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Carmen Lydia on January 1, 2004, at 23:14:39
>>>. I guess my fate is in her hands, so we'll see what happens<<<
No - it doesn't have to be. There are better ones out there and surely there is a better one in your area. Falling asleep at the drop of a hat was a problem for me, too. Not so bad, now that I'm not taking it anymore. Please don't be afraid of the symptoms of withdrawal. There are others here who have posted ways to lessen the symptoms. I went cold-turkey, which worked for me, but it was not easy. It took two weeks for the symptoms to really let go, but they have and I'm grateful that I'm not taking it anymore. I'm much clearer and much more awake. Find a better doc - and take care of yourself.
Posted by MSR on January 2, 2004, at 19:48:16
In reply to Re: Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by jiggitykid on January 2, 2004, at 18:16:10
Thank you for your concern. I have not taken the Effexor, or any other antidepressant medication, for 10 days now and I feel better than I did the entire time I was on them. My doctor is at an HMO healthcare facility and hardly spent any time talking to me before sending me out the door with perscription in hand. I have had symptoms of depression in the past, like over-eating and over-sleeping, but I think my problems were more situational than medical. I have been talking with a counselor at my church since the divorce and she has helped me through my depression much more than the psychiatrist. My father is on Effexor and it seems to really help him. But, I personally don't want to be on this medicine ever again. It made me feel even worse and those withdrawal symptoms were scary. I'm thankful to all who have offered advice and support.
Posted by jonathan33 on January 7, 2004, at 14:48:15
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jiggitykid on January 2, 2004, at 19:04:01
wow amazing, and i thought i was going crazy, i had been on the medication for roughly 2 months or so starting out at 37.5 then 75 then topping out at 150mg. At first everything was improving dramatically and i really felt better about myself and i actually wanted to wake up in this world, then recently about 2 weeks ago, i hit a roadblock, i thought it was just a bad few days, but out of sheer frustration, i hated taking the medication and blamed it for making me feel, downright numb, and what do you know i am know starting to think its the issue and its not me! i threw them away 2 days ago, because i wanted to stop and get new meds. BAD IDEA, i have had nonstop sweating, and its so embarassing, i was in the restaurant sweating and i couldnt take it. then i have these really fucking bad anxiety attacks, worse than before and i get so insecure about myself and my surroundings, i could not believe all this would transpire in just 2 days of not taking the medicine. recently i have had the WEIRDEST dreams , and i recall them perfectly, everything is EXTREMELY detailed and they are completely lucid dreams, as in i am in total control, and everything is refered to rainbow like colors, and when i wake up i have scratches on me, i am starting to get scared to sleep now, but i am always so tired, and feel like shit, my heart races and my mind is detached, at school is the worst im a computer programmer and i feel so weird looking at what i do, blah i am upset, anyone else have weird dreams?> bless my family and my girlfriend for putting up with my ass.
Posted by Carmen Lydia on January 7, 2004, at 15:47:28
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jonathan33 on January 7, 2004, at 14:48:15
I hope that you call your physician and let him/her know what you're experiencing. Do you still want to be off of the Effexor? Or are you planning on going back on it? You will start to experience more withdrawal symptoms that are not pleasant at all. The dreams do get bad but with me, my body needed to sleep, so I slept. I am sure it must be hell for you. You will need those close to you to understand what you are going through and will go through, their support will be of great benefit to you. Again, my advice to you is to call your doctor and let him/her help you through this difficult time. I'll pray for you and hope that you feel better soon.
Posted by jiggitykid on January 7, 2004, at 22:54:41
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jonathan33 on January 7, 2004, at 14:48:15
The dreams were super strange and I was afraid of going to sleep, too. I felt more "awake" when I was asleep because the dreams were clearer to me than reality during the withdrawal. I went cold turkey - worked for me but it doesn't work for everyone. Read suggestions here on withdrawal and make sure you have someone to help you. Hang in there!
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 7, 2004, at 23:44:54
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jonathan33 on January 7, 2004, at 14:48:15
> then i have these really f[*]cking bad anxiety attacks ... i am always so tired, and feel like sh[*]t ... bless my family and my girlfriend for putting up with my [*]ss.
I'm sorry you've been having a hard time, but please don't use language that could offend others:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by momof5 on January 14, 2004, at 21:41:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jiggitykid on January 7, 2004, at 22:54:41
hi i hope i can find my way back here since after i registered it took forever lol. I honestly thought i was the only one going through all of this... im in the first week of coming off effexor and im hating life. What a horrible,mind numbing drug this is ... i have lost all interest in everything so my dr increased the dose which made things worse. I would love to think i could live med free but im not that naive but i do know that i will never go back on this drug again. Thanks to everyone who shared their story ... it really really helped me to know im not alone.
Posted by Mishelle on January 15, 2004, at 1:03:02
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by momof5 on January 14, 2004, at 21:41:31
Has anyone had these type of symptons while actually taking the medicine. I can hardly function taking it. Now, I don't know whether to keep taking it or to stop. I previously took zoloft and had a horrible experience getting off it. Someone tell me what to do..I cant continue like this it's driving me crazy -er.
Posted by watergirl on January 15, 2004, at 1:36:33
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jiggitykid on January 7, 2004, at 22:54:41
Posted by neon on January 16, 2004, at 10:32:36
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Heather33 on October 4, 2003, at 21:27:27
Hello all,
I have been on effexor for approximately 1.5years. I couldn't deal with the fatigue so I started reducing my dosage from 225mg two weeks ago to my last pill 3 days ago...I feel like crap, vertigo, diaharea and so forth... I was reading in a book that omega 3 really helps depression...I started taking 1 1000 mg pill 3 times a day and you wouldn't believe the results....
Posted by flyingdreams on January 16, 2004, at 14:00:20
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl -, posted by Stavros on November 21, 2003, at 13:38:15
but doesn't prozac just delay the withdrawl symptoms?
Posted by flyingdreams on January 16, 2004, at 15:55:40
In reply to Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by MSR on December 28, 2003, at 18:23:14
I'd hang tough and bring the meds with you for the cruise. If it gets really bad then you would have that option.
Posted by zingaling on January 23, 2004, at 12:02:51
In reply to Re: Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by flyingdreams on January 16, 2004, at 15:55:40
I am very grateful for you all and your open-ness and honesty.
I have been on E for about 1.5 yrs - ending with 225mg/day...150 in a.m., 75 at lunch. I have NEVER been impressed with it. I am also on Wellbutrin for last 6 mo. Doc switching E for Lexapro but wean off and clear out from E first. Minus 75mg each week. Am now at zero for 3rd day. W/D is horrid! I've read through all the postings and can second just about every symptom ('cept the "eye-squeeze", thank God). The worst for me the what y'all call the brain shivers/phasing...I've been calling "zings". These would begin sporadically within hours if I was late with a 75mg dose and are now a constant companion. Also used to just be limited to the brain - now goes down to my toes. I remember a time (as a recovering alcoholic) when I might MISTAKENLY think this a "cool buzz"... This plus tearfulness and sleepiness has now caused me to miss 1-1/2 days work. I am glad the weekend looms ahead 'cause I despise the idea of missing any more work - I am impatient with physical illness that way.
Thanks to you all there are a few troublesome situations I have been experiencing that I had no idea the E w/d may be causing. As my body further dispels this poison, I'll pay attention to see if any needs to be addressed by GP. Of particular concern: I don't recall anyone mentioning minor numbness of the limbs and/or extremities when in one position for very long. Has anyone noticed something like this?
I have been reading the postings for hours now, so I cannot focus enough to address anyone specifically. There are a few thoughts I would like to share if you will bear with me:
a) My doc is replacing the E with Lexapro (a sister to Prozac). The plan was to begin the Lexapro after I have been without E for a full week, however, because of the severity of the w/d, I am now laying in wait for the postman to deliver my Lexapro today - she has me beginning it early. I will do my best not rush to attack the man and rip the package from his hand when I see his truck! So this echoes what others have said about Prozac/Lexapro being used for w/d relief. Although, I do not know what would be done if I was not to begin it anyway.
b) Something those of us in this boat of depression need to remember (I am writing this to remind myself as well): Depression has an organic basis, is a physical illness. We often are still bombarded with the undercurrent of prejudice that says our illness is strictly "mental" and we, therefore, "weak" or "less-than". I believe this is why the "shame" happens. If this were the case, then, it would stand to reason that those who who do not suffer with depression are "strong" and/or "mentally healthy". Believe me, I know many who do not have the illness of depression who still could not be considered "mentally healthy" by any stretch of the imagination. Except for times like this - w/d from an A/D, or times when my depression is out of control, I am often can be grateful for this illness. (Again echoing what someone else on this site has said). Because of my depression I have been led to psychotherapy. Because of psychotherapy I have come to explore me and have come to a greater appreciation for the love of others' and the brighter side of humanity. Because of therapy I have been led to become a spiritual seeker in general and a seeker of God. This reveals to me the beauty and purpose of life that my illness tries to strip away and that many never find need to consider.
c) The "organics" of depression: It is also my belief (I can give no scientific quotes - just my belief) that our physical world had been stripped of much that is nutritional and good for our bodies and bombarded with much that is poisonous. That is why vitamins are now recomended when they were once poo-pooh'd for general nutrition. If we are affected by our environment at such a level as general health, then it does not take a leap of faith to comprehend deficiencies in neurotransmitters in our brains due to environmental issues. Increasingly we are unable to biochemically have healthy bodies by existing, eating & drinking. Then there are social and esoteric environmental factors...I, for one, would like to come to the place where I am able to speak of this illness and treatment as openly and honestly as I would talk to others of, say, diabetes. I am sure if I had diabetes and my sugar was out of control causing me to take a sick day, I would feel no guilt or shame. But, alas, I too am victim of the whispering tones used when speaking about depression and am still afraid of the perception of others.
d) I thank whoever it was that said we are responsible for our own treatment and/or health - not our doctor(s). This is one more lesson learned. I am not sure how to put this into practice, however. It was posted by someone that the doctors (supposedly) did not even know of the Effexor side effects. Why not? Did the pharmaceutical companies not know? Why not? Who do we trust and how do we get the truth before the damage is done? Daily we hear of what was thought to be good yesterday is actually bad or vice-versa.
Thank you for letting me speak my peace, my hope is that I have encouraged someone. Also, again thank you for sharing and encouraging me. God bless.
Posted by Dr...Not! on January 23, 2004, at 14:23:53
In reply to MANY THANKS God Bless us, everyone, posted by zingaling on January 23, 2004, at 12:02:51
I'm at 75mg Effexor XR and holding (down from 300mg/day for 8yrs). Debilitating depression has come back, but I refused to increase dosage of Effexor--my withdrawal side effects have spooked me about this drug. My doc has started me on Lexapro 10mg (I've been reading Lexapro Psycho-Babble posts, and thank the Lord for Psycho-Babble!), and wants me to complete my withdrawal from Effexor using Lexapro instead of Prozac as a "withdrawal shield." I sure hope this works. P-B posts seem to indicate that folks starting Lexapro while on other SSRIs do not experience the same severity of Lex's side effects (is there any drug out there that DOESN'T have side effects?).
So, in answer to a) see above; b) me, too; c) agree wholeheartedly; d) they do the best they can with what's available, and we're the guinea pigs! I suppose we should blame the drug companies, but without them we wouldn't have the drugs in the first place.
God bless you all for your posts, and may He bless us with His comfort and strength.
Posted by zingaling on January 27, 2004, at 5:53:23
In reply to Re: MANY THANKS God Bless us, everyone » zingaling, posted by Dr...Not! on January 23, 2004, at 14:23:53
Thanks for the reply Dr...Not! I recall your postings; your journey has been a long and difficult one. I have been encouraged by your determination and sharing. May He give you rest.
Within hours of taking 10mg Lex the brain zapping and body tingling lessened. I thought that was the worst part of the withdrawal despite the tears, sadness and anger. Then I admitted to myself how hopeless I felt. I was in full blown depression, and what a horrible place to be! Sometimes I forget. So I am thankful for the drugs - I guess Effexor did keep me from sinking for a time.
On 15mg of Lexapro now - I am now out of bed for longer periods of time, brushing my teeth, and even styled my hair yesterday. I shovelled some snow, but then that proved too much. Just the thought that I could - actually just NOTICING IT SNOWED - was such a relief. The physical symptoms have lessened immensely, but I know they are lurking just under the blanket of Lex -- I wonder for how long.
I am grateful to P-B and you all. God Bless.
Posted by Dr...Not! on January 27, 2004, at 18:14:11
In reply to Re: MANY THANKS God Bless us, everyone, posted by zingaling on January 27, 2004, at 5:53:23
Depression worsening, so stopped the Lexapro and felt better. (Like banging your head into the wall--it feels so good when you stop!) In addition to the extra depression, was falling asleep and had cramps in my legs! Ugh. I'd better call the shrink and see what she's got for Plan B.
Posted by zingaling on January 28, 2004, at 10:12:44
In reply to Re: MANY THANKS God Bless us, everyone, posted by Dr...Not! on January 27, 2004, at 18:14:11
so sorry to hear that Dr...Not! stopping the Lex made you feel worse? Keep me posted. I'll say special prayers for you.
Posted by Laurajean on February 2, 2004, at 23:59:18
In reply to Re: please be civil » jonathan33, posted by Dr. Bob on January 7, 2004, at 23:44:54
Hi there,
I am currently beginning the process of withdrawing from effexor XR. I have been on 300 mg. for about three years and I am experiencing really horrible effects. I am tapering down, but I may not be going slow enough.Is it "normal" to have diarrhea, feverish symptoms, hot flashes, sweats, headache and dizziness? what about insomnia?
Has anyone had success in actually getting OFF this drug? Also, is there anything I can do/take to lessen the effects? I feel soooo awful.
thanks so much,
Laura
Posted by jiggitykid on February 3, 2004, at 7:25:15
In reply to Effexor w/d.....ack! Help!, posted by Laurajean on February 2, 2004, at 23:59:18
Your symptoms are TOTALLY normal. They stink, don't they? I went cold-turkey. Others here tapered - it seems it just stretched the withdrawal symptoms out, IMO, but sometimes the symptoms alone are too much. Hang in there, know that what you are experiencing is normal - do some looking in the archives here for the stories of others that might help you. Have your husband/family/friends read some of this so that they understand that what you are going through is withdrawal, and not just "in your head," so that they can have a better grasp on what you are going through. It took about a month before I felt more "normal," but quitting this horrible drug was the BEST decision that I ever made. Know that you are remembered in thoughts and prayers.
Diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, body pain, brain "zaps," irritability, excitablity, sex-drive changes, vision problems (halos, blurriness), nervousness, crazy/vivid dreams, etc.; these are all part of the deal. Take care of yourself!!
Posted by Dr...Not! on February 3, 2004, at 13:41:59
In reply to Re: MANY THANKS God Bless us, everyone » zingaling, posted by Dr...Not! on January 23, 2004, at 14:23:53
Depression only getting worse, so shrink insisted that I increase Effexor XR again. I could hardly think any more, so did as she requested. Am now up to 150mg/day and not as depressed, but am grim about the increased dosage because the Irritable Bowel thing has started up again, as have the stomach pains and sweating. So, depression is less but hopelessness is more (if you understand what I mean). I feel like I'm caught in a tunnel and there's no light at the end of it. Shrink says to keep increasing dosage until my "head" feels OK, but the whole situation just makes me want to lay down and give up. Oh well, one foot in front of the other . . .
Posted by flyingdreams on February 3, 2004, at 14:11:48
In reply to not doing so well, posted by Dr...Not! on February 3, 2004, at 13:41:59
Sounds like you need to make sure you are taking metamucil fiber. Also, investigate taking a different medication! Prozac was easier on my body than Effexor.
Posted by jiggitykid on February 3, 2004, at 14:24:10
In reply to not doing so well, posted by Dr...Not! on February 3, 2004, at 13:41:59
One thing that helped with the IBS for me was one Librax per day while the symptoms were bad. That depends on how your doc feels about this drug, but it helped for me. It stopped the cramping and the pain, and at least made my insides stop feeling like they were jumping around all by themselves.
Posted by Dr...Not! on February 3, 2004, at 14:36:55
In reply to Re: not doing so well, posted by flyingdreams on February 3, 2004, at 14:11:48
I told my shrink about all the Prozac posts, but she did not want me on it because 1) it took too long to kick in and 2) it took too long to get off. You can't fight a doctor's "opinion" when you don't have energy. They call it their "opinion," or their "recommendation," but they won't prescribe anything they don't "recommend." They might as well just say "You are going to take [whatever] because I'm a doctor and you're not." We're sick and desperate, so what can we do about it all, anyway. "Patient rights" are a joke.
Posted by justjustine on February 3, 2004, at 14:43:07
In reply to Effexor w/d.....ack! Help!, posted by Laurajean on February 2, 2004, at 23:59:18
yes, i had all these symptoms. i used (and am still using, actually) vicodin. it was the only thing that helped in any real, immediate way.
i'm on week 4 effexor-free. i also recommend acupuncture - i've gone in 3 times in the last week and a half and feel it has helped immensely. i knew an acupuncturist who had experience with drug withdrawals - she hadn't dealt with effexor, but she had seen a lot of my problems in other withdrawal syndromes and i think that helped as well.
be sure to stay hydrated. ginger tea is good for your stomach. pot is better, but you have to take a lot for it to be effective, and that might not agree with you (thank god it agrees with me!). i went from 150 to 75 by myself over 2 months, then agreed with my doctor to go down to 37 for a week then to 0. i really suffered a LOT, but believe it would have only been a long and horrible wait to try to taper down more slowly.
best of luck! you will come out the other side - i'm starting to myself, so i know it's true. and what's even better is when your sex drive comes back - i am having psychedelic orgasms i could never have imagined in my life! it's like i was all numb and now my whole nervous system seems to be rebounding. and the end my tongue is hypersensitive to touch, to the point that i feel like i could almost have an "oral orgasm" - okay that's probably too much information, but it's just what's real!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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