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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 466 to 490 of 1313. Go back in thread:
Posted by Althea8869 on January 28, 2004, at 22:40:17
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by Vasterling on January 28, 2004, at 21:33:50
I have been following many of the different threads on this site and learned much from the posts - so first a quick thanks for the info. It is a strangely cathartic process to learn of other struggles that are indeed very similar to mine.
With regard to effexor I can tell you that its withdrawl is worse than any other drug that I have ever tried - in no small part because of its relatively short half life.
Here are some reccomendations that may help some of you - though make no mistake - the ride is extended and it is difficult - but is does end.
One excellent recommendation that was given to me was to reduce the effexor to a relatively low dose (rather quickly) and then introduce prozac(low dose) to the mix. Continue this for about two weeks and then dump the effexor rapidly (3 days) continuing with the prozac for another week and then titrate off the prozac quickly thereafter. At this point you may want to introduce low level benzo (klono works well) for another couple weeks. The idea here is simply to replace the Effexor with a similarly acting agent that has a very long half life(prozac) that makes for far less withdawl (in most). A few other suggestions: DHA from algea (aka neuromins) - laugh all you want those of you against "supplements", but the top pharmacologists at harvard, mit and Mass General believe this drug could well become the single most important "brain" supplement ever discovered. The research is out there (plenty of it in fact) you could call any one of a number of the doctors at Mass General Psychiatry and ask them for info. It is a specialized formation of the popular Omega 3 supplement, but is derived directly from algea using a very special patented technology. Almost all Omega 3 supplements come from fish oil. Getting it from algea improves its efficacy by as much as 500%. Another excellent supplement that is helpful is Inositol powder (must be pure).Hope all this helps. All i can tell you is that the withdrawl from Effexor @300mg per day was the single most awful experience of my life. It felt somtimes like my eyes and my head were completely disconnected - many of you know just what I am talking about. The "brain shocks" became almost constant during the first four or five days. But the bottom line here- and I hope you walk away with, if nothing else, this: its does end - though many of the symptoms you were talking the Effexor for may return, they are nothing in comparison to the protracted withrawl from effexor. There should be far more serious warnings about effexor withdrawl for those considering it - all this despite the fact that Effexor for many people proves very succussful.
Good luck to all of you and thank you again for your honesty.
Posted by Stryker88 on January 29, 2004, at 12:41:45
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by Roomy on January 28, 2004, at 22:07:38
I understand Benydryl may help with the withdrawl, but Benydryl makes you drowsy ( sleepy). In the middle of the day dont you feel too tired, and just want to sleep????
Posted by jasonr on January 29, 2004, at 12:52:50
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by Stryker88 on January 29, 2004, at 12:41:45
> I understand Benydryl may help with the withdrawl, but Benydryl makes you drowsy ( sleepy). In the middle of the day dont you feel too tired, and just want to sleep????
I told her I heard about this on here, and my p-doc said that the Benydryl helping with the withdrawl is a myth. She said that the only thing it would help with is what it says on the label, or as a placebo effect.
Just passing the info along.
Posted by Norma_B on January 29, 2004, at 14:11:26
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by Vasterling on January 28, 2004, at 21:33:50
I'm feeling not to bad today, it's by evening that I am feeling poorly. I asked my husband to dig me a hole so I could crawl in.Today I am able to function a little better than I did 2 days ago. As for getting these remedies, I can't get out because I live 20 miles away from a store and it's -40F. If I could get rid of this buzzy, dizzy feeling in my head i'd probably feel not to bad.
Posted by on-the-wave on January 29, 2004, at 15:16:05
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by Norma_B on January 29, 2004, at 14:11:26
Hi,
My story is that after 3 years at 300mg once a day, I reduced as follows:
2 weeks - 225mg
2 weeks - 150mg
2 weeks - 75mg
1 week - 37.5 mgI have been off altogether for 4 days.
The tapering process above was excellent compared to the stories on this site.
About 4 - 5 days after reducing the dose I would experience mild symptoms of anxiety, etc for 1 - 2 days.
Untill today all has gone very well. Today i experienced brain zaps every few seconds all day. I have also experienced a heightened emotional state for the last two days.
Other than the above, no other side effects yet. Is this going to get worse or better? I have had no recurrence of the depression or anxiety, although that was pretty much sorted out with therapy, etc.
Has any-one experienced total recovery from symptoms once quitting effexor, and if so, how long does it take.
Thanks
D
Posted by jeenobeano on January 29, 2004, at 15:29:37
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300 » kelly7707, posted by jasonr on January 27, 2004, at 10:56:57
Just thought I'd chime in with my experience so far.
With my pdoc's blessing, I've been titrating down at a ridiculously slow pace, opening up the 75mg capsule and dumping out an additional 2 beads (every third day) or one bead (the other two days) every day. I've been doing this for about 1.5 months now and have managed to get myself off about 20% of the little beads. I'm totally fine about 90% of the time; the other 10% of the time I'm not fine and go thru mild-to-moderate versions of the symptoms described on this board. When that happens, I sit tight at the level I'm at and the feelings dissipate in about 2 days.
It's gonna take me a good 6 months to get off this stuff, at least, but I've tried to go from 75 to 37.5 before and it was too horrific to bear. Excruciating, excruciating. My itty-bitty daily reduction method might be too slow for people who need off NOW, but I figure I've got time. And I'm bad with pain. ;-)
Posted by baddog55 on January 29, 2004, at 22:35:38
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by jeenobeano on January 29, 2004, at 15:29:37
HI,
I am chiming in also. I totally agree with the fact that you need to wean SLOWLY from this drug. I am going even slower, starting at 75 mg for 2 years to 37.5 for a month, then to 18 3/4. I am splitting the capsules to do this and it's really very easy. I am at the 18 3/4 dose for a week now and I promise, the brain zaps are almost bearable. It think it helps if you know what they are and you are expecting them. I would be happy to share my process with anyone if it could help them get off this drug. I have found that patience is the key. good luck to us all!
> Just thought I'd chime in with my experience so far.
>
> With my pdoc's blessing, I've been titrating down at a ridiculously slow pace, opening up the 75mg capsule and dumping out an additional 2 beads (every third day) or one bead (the other two days) every day. I've been doing this for about 1.5 months now and have managed to get myself off about 20% of the little beads. I'm totally fine about 90% of the time; the other 10% of the time I'm not fine and go thru mild-to-moderate versions of the symptoms described on this board. When that happens, I sit tight at the level I'm at and the feelings dissipate in about 2 days.
>
> It's gonna take me a good 6 months to get off this stuff, at least, but I've tried to go from 75 to 37.5 before and it was too horrific to bear. Excruciating, excruciating. My itty-bitty daily reduction method might be too slow for people who need off NOW, but I figure I've got time. And I'm bad with pain. ;-)
Posted by Roomy on January 30, 2004, at 6:18:03
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by baddog55 on January 29, 2004, at 22:35:38
I apologize ahead of time for this lenghthy story but I need to share it to make myself feel better.
My sis-in-law, her hubby, and their two children lived only 1/2 hr away. Our girls are 4 months apart in age so they are close cousins and we all spend alot of time together. Boyde, a very kind man, hard worker, overly loud and friendly (after a few drinks esp,) became withdrawn, paranoid, and downright angry in only a few short months. His personality changed so much that he even told his wife to not leave him home alone with the kids for fear that he may harm them. Long story, short, he shot and killed himself one year ago. The family moved away so as to not live in the same house. Not too far away, so we still get together quite often. About 2-3 weeks ago, she came to me with a question. This was at the peak of my Effexor withdrawl. I had been on the drug for about 7 years. Her question to me was, "You have been on an anti-depressant, give me some advise as to which drug to get my son on. He has gone to a doctor and started up one but I want to know your opinion. Is it a good one?" I was afraid to ask. Yep! Effexor!!!! When I asked her WHY? Why Effexor of all the drugs out there? She told me that when the police gave her back all of Boyd's personal belongings about 6 months ago, after all the police investigations, one of the things they gave her was his partially used bottle of Effexor. She didnt even know he was on it. She doesnt know why the doctor would put her son on it, since it OBVIOUSLY didnt work for Boyd. My question is, WAS he taking it and stopped??? Was it the withdrawl that made him kill himself? It certainly explains the nightmares I have been having over and over. The same stupid voice, chanting and laughing "ya should have talked to him! ya should have talked to him!!! hahahahaha" <- thats just sick and wrong. The same voice. Any dream, every dream, the voice is always there and always says that same thing! It's making me lose my mind! Now I have to figure out a way to get my nephew off Effexor.
-I have been drug free for one month exactly. I feel better now. If the voice in my dreams would go away, I would be downright perfect!!!
-Thanks for reading along. I just had to vent this.
-Roomy
Posted by KimberlyDi on January 30, 2004, at 15:44:48
In reply to Effexor withdrawal, posted by Norma_B on January 28, 2004, at 21:26:06
Norma, it does get better. I'm now at around 2 weeks off Effexor (from a careful taper-down schedule) and except for a few twinges, I'm no longer sick or unable to function. However, my emotions are fluctuating wildly and I feel frustrated that I can't get a grip. Rebound depression is serious.
Hang in there. Best wishes.
KDi in TX> My Doctor gave me Samples of this drug Effexor Which I took for about a month and I went off last Thursday. He had written me a prescription for 3 more months, I didn't fill it because of cost, But anyhow, the last 5 days have been horrible, I thought I had a flu, then thought it was a problem with my ears causing this dizzyness, etc. Was even beginning to think my husband got life insurance for me and was trying to do me in. I decided to check the internet to see if this Effexor had withdrawl side effects and I see it does. I just want to know if there are any home remedies to help me throught this and how long is it expected to last? I have taken Tylenol, gravol, and even took Mersyndol last night. I'm so sick of feeling this rotten.
Posted by Norma_B on January 30, 2004, at 17:34:59
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by KimberlyDi on January 30, 2004, at 15:44:48
Well today was a bit better than yesterday. I managed to complete a project i've had sitting for many weeks, I even helped my husband make a closet today, but about mid afternoon I seem to go downhill, but I have to admit I feel better than I did a week ago. Is this feeling of sleepyness part of the withdrawl, and hot and cold flashes?
> Norma, it does get better. I'm now at around 2 weeks off Effexor (from a careful taper-down schedule) and except for a few twinges, I'm no longer sick or unable to function. However, my emotions are fluctuating wildly and I feel frustrated that I can't get a grip. Rebound depression is serious.
>
> Hang in there. Best wishes.
> KDi in TX
Posted by fayeroe on January 31, 2004, at 17:45:12
In reply to Sad story of Effexor gone wrong, posted by Roomy on January 30, 2004, at 6:18:03
> I apologize ahead of time for this lenghthy story but I need to share it to make myself feel better.
> My sis-in-law, her hubby, and their two children lived only 1/2 hr away. Our girls are 4 months apart in age so they are close cousins and we all spend alot of time together. Boyde, a very kind man, hard worker, overly loud and friendly (after a few drinks esp,) became withdrawn, paranoid, and downright angry in only a few short months. His personality changed so much that he even told his wife to not leave him home alone with the kids for fear that he may harm them. Long story, short, he shot and killed himself one year ago. The family moved away so as to not live in the same house. Not too far away, so we still get together quite often. About 2-3 weeks ago, she came to me with a question. This was at the peak of my Effexor withdrawl. I had been on the drug for about 7 years. Her question to me was, "You have been on an anti-depressant, give me some advise as to which drug to get my son on. He has gone to a doctor and started up one but I want to know your opinion. Is it a good one?" I was afraid to ask. Yep! Effexor!!!! When I asked her WHY? Why Effexor of all the drugs out there? She told me that when the police gave her back all of Boyd's personal belongings about 6 months ago, after all the police investigations, one of the things they gave her was his partially used bottle of Effexor. She didnt even know he was on it. She doesnt know why the doctor would put her son on it, since it OBVIOUSLY didnt work for Boyd. My question is, WAS he taking it and stopped??? Was it the withdrawl that made him kill himself? It certainly explains the nightmares I have been having over and over. The same stupid voice, chanting and laughing "ya should have talked to him! ya should have talked to him!!! hahahahaha" <- thats just sick and wrong. The same voice. Any dream, every dream, the voice is always there and always says that same thing! It's making me lose my mind! Now I have to figure out a way to get my nephew off Effexor.
> -I have been drug free for one month exactly. I feel better now. If the voice in my dreams would go away, I would be downright perfect!!!
> -Thanks for reading along. I just had to vent this.
> -RoomyRoomy, I don't know if your bro-in-law's suicide was caused by withdrawal from Effexor or not...but I do know that I think you are on the right track to try to get your nephew off of that drug. I took it and it almost killed me. I mean, I nearly died!!!
As for your guilty feelings about the suicide, I've had two people close to me kill themselves and there wasn't anything I could have done about it. I don't think that is possible, if the person is truly committed to ending their life. They will find a way to do that. Please don't feel that you are responsible. I hope the voices quit. I am thinking of you! Fayeroe
Posted by kelly7707 on February 1, 2004, at 12:21:34
In reply to Sad story of Effexor gone wrong, posted by Roomy on January 30, 2004, at 6:18:03
> I apologize ahead of time for this lenghthy story but I need to share it to make myself feel better.
> My sis-in-law, her hubby, and their two children lived only 1/2 hr away. Our girls are 4 months apart in age so they are close cousins and we all spend alot of time together. Boyde, a very kind man, hard worker, overly loud and friendly (after a few drinks esp,) became withdrawn, paranoid, and downright angry in only a few short months. His personality changed so much that he even told his wife to not leave him home alone with the kids for fear that he may harm them. Long story, short, he shot and killed himself one year ago. The family moved away so as to not live in the same house. Not too far away, so we still get together quite often. About 2-3 weeks ago, she came to me with a question. This was at the peak of my Effexor withdrawl. I had been on the drug for about 7 years. Her question to me was, "You have been on an anti-depressant, give me some advise as to which drug to get my son on. He has gone to a doctor and started up one but I want to know your opinion. Is it a good one?" I was afraid to ask. Yep! Effexor!!!! When I asked her WHY? Why Effexor of all the drugs out there? She told me that when the police gave her back all of Boyd's personal belongings about 6 months ago, after all the police investigations, one of the things they gave her was his partially used bottle of Effexor. She didnt even know he was on it. She doesnt know why the doctor would put her son on it, since it OBVIOUSLY didnt work for Boyd. My question is, WAS he taking it and stopped??? Was it the withdrawl that made him kill himself? It certainly explains the nightmares I have been having over and over. The same stupid voice, chanting and laughing "ya should have talked to him! ya should have talked to him!!! hahahahaha" <- thats just sick and wrong. The same voice. Any dream, every dream, the voice is always there and always says that same thing! It's making me lose my mind! Now I have to figure out a way to get my nephew off Effexor.
> -I have been drug free for one month exactly. I feel better now. If the voice in my dreams would go away, I would be downright perfect!!!
> -Thanks for reading along. I just had to vent this.
> -RoomyRoomy, I am at a loss for words, but feel I should at least tell you that my heart is out for you. That voice WILL go away, but maybe you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling about this...sort through the guilt you are feeling and then maybe that awful voice will go away. Like the other reply to your post said, you can't control someone attempting or going through with suicide...it is impossible to control everything...it was OUT of your control and you are not to blame. But I am sure I'd feel the same way. Like I said, I think you need to talk to someone and get some of it sorted out in your head. I am sure it helped bringing it up on here and venting it...but it might take more than that.
Good luck, and I am thinking of you too.
Kelly-effexor free for about 6 weeks.
Posted by fayeroe on February 1, 2004, at 12:32:23
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by baddog55 on January 29, 2004, at 22:35:38
We all talk about the brain zaps.....does anyone know what causes them? How is that happening? Here's where we need Larry Hoover....I absolutely hated them! It was a nightmare when they were really going at their strongest. I even wondered if the people around me could tell that I was being blindsided by my own brain! If you do know the "formula" of how they happen, please share.....I'm sure others would love to know also. Thanks, Pat
Posted by justjustine on February 1, 2004, at 14:27:34
In reply to Re: Quitting effexor-xr: my experience so far (300, posted by fayeroe on February 1, 2004, at 12:32:23
Lhermitte's sign "refers to a shock-like sensation that travels down your spine upon flexing the neck. It can arise in any disorder affecting cervical spinal cord, such as disc compression or even vitamin B12 deficiency." it also may be associated with MS.
i don't know if the two are related or not, but the Lhermitte's sign is usually provoked by stretching the neck. my zaps are NOT provoked by stretching. and well, right now i'm on vicodin and i'm not having any zaps at all... before i started on vicodin, i could only definitely produce zaps by moving my eyes rapidly from side to side.
i recommend searching with http://www.vivisimo.com i have found lots of information with their search engine. (sorry i closed the window i pulled that quote from!)
Posted by fayeroe on February 1, 2004, at 14:41:37
In reply to brain zaps - similarity to Lhermitte's sign, posted by justjustine on February 1, 2004, at 14:27:34
> Lhermitte's sign "refers to a shock-like sensation that travels down your spine upon flexing the neck. It can arise in any disorder affecting cervical spinal cord, such as disc compression or even vitamin B12 deficiency." it also may be associated with MS.
>
> i don't know if the two are related or not, but the Lhermitte's sign is usually provoked by stretching the neck. my zaps are NOT provoked by stretching. and well, right now i'm on vicodin and i'm not having any zaps at all... before i started on vicodin, i could only definitely produce zaps by moving my eyes rapidly from side to side.
>
> i recommend searching with http://www.vivisimo.com i have found lots of information with their search engine. (sorry i closed the window i pulled that quote from!)
Mine weren't provoked by stretching my neck either. They were there most of the time, especially when I first reduced the size of my Effexor dosage. I had a friend who went off another AD and she was the one that alerted me to them.......Thanks for the info!!!
Posted by justjustine on February 1, 2004, at 14:59:51
In reply to Re: brain zaps - similarity to Lhermitte's sign » justjustine, posted by fayeroe on February 1, 2004, at 14:41:37
http://www.myelitis.org/tm.htm
one symptom they list here that i definitely have is the "tight banding or girdle-like sensation around the trunk and that area may be very sensitive to touch." has anyone else experienced that? i had to wear long, waistless dresses for several days it was so bad. still bugs me - i had thought it was just part of my general gastrointestinal distress?
but other symptoms don't correlate so well. okay, i need a break from this! it's too scary if i let it get to me and it shouldn't be because i'm getting better!
Posted by justjustine on February 1, 2004, at 15:16:38
In reply to more disturbing similarities to bad things, posted by justjustine on February 1, 2004, at 14:59:51
and considering that effexor has been promoted as effective for neuropathy in diabetes
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0CUH/11_23/67340205/p1/article.jhtml
and cancer
http://www.cancersupportivecare.com/neuropathy.htmlhow surprising is it that a drug with such effective pain-relieving qualities seems to cause severe withdrawals in some patients?
Posted by Virginia NP on February 3, 2004, at 10:05:20
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by Norma_B on January 30, 2004, at 17:34:59
I entered here to find a solution for myself as well as my patients. Thank you ALL for the education from the patient perspective. I feel so fortunate that my own withdrawal has been minor in comparison to so many. I have only experienced the sort of "migraine without pain" that several have described. I was on a 75mg XR maintenance dose for 4 years. My tapering began with a 75 mg capsule every other day for a week. I followed this with roughly 32.5 mg for a week. The symptoms were fairly mild and were experienced briefly the morning I was due for a dose. MOST helpful has been the 20mg of fluoxetine (Prozac) for 2-3 days until symptoms abate. I found this tip from another clinician posting on this site. I needed just one dose, however & feel GREAT now.
Just wanted to post a positive----Good luck to everyone finding resolution to your withdrawal.> Well today was a bit better than yesterday. I managed to complete a project i've had sitting for many weeks, I even helped my husband make a closet today, but about mid afternoon I seem to go downhill, but I have to admit I feel better than I did a week ago. Is this feeling of sleepyness part of the withdrawl, and hot and cold flashes?
>
>
> > Norma, it does get better. I'm now at around 2 weeks off Effexor (from a careful taper-down schedule) and except for a few twinges, I'm no longer sick or unable to function. However, my emotions are fluctuating wildly and I feel frustrated that I can't get a grip. Rebound depression is serious.
> >
> > Hang in there. Best wishes.
> > KDi in TX
>
Posted by shadows721 on February 3, 2004, at 23:11:28
In reply to Sad story of Effexor gone wrong, posted by Roomy on January 30, 2004, at 6:18:03
I am so sad for your loss. I haven't withdrawn from Effexor, but I have from Klonopin. It was Hell on Earth. I became suicidal and homicidal. So, I could understand if this fine man became suicidal from withdrawing too fast from this powerful medication. The fact remains; no one knows the real reason for his feelings or why he was suffering.
Please don't blame yourself for this. Surely, there were things that you may have not known about this man. This may have had nothing to do with the Effexor. It may have been about a situation he felt he no longer deal with in his life. Further, even if you told him what you know, he may not have listened to you.
The truth is that blaming yourself will not bring him back. Certainly, he would not want you to torture yourself by taking the blame for something you had nothing to do with in his life. Presently, you can use your power to empower others with knowledge about this medication.
Posted by shadows721 on February 3, 2004, at 23:58:04
In reply to brain zaps - similarity to Lhermitte's sign, posted by justjustine on February 1, 2004, at 14:27:34
I didn't know what anyone was talking about with brain zaps. After reading your article, I realized I had those when I got off of Klonopin. Gosh, there are so many similiarities to me in my withdrawal from Klonopin to those withdrawing from Effexor. It really does sound like to me Effexor has a strong physically chemically dependent aspect to it. This drug needs to be strongly warned about by the manufacturer. It sounds like this medication needs to be classified as physically dependent as a benzo category. I am not saying they are the same, but just in the classification of physical dependency. What's your thoughts?
Posted by fayeroe on February 4, 2004, at 6:40:06
In reply to Effexor and Klonopin w/d similiarity, posted by shadows721 on February 3, 2004, at 23:58:04
> I didn't know what anyone was talking about with brain zaps. After reading your article, I realized I had those when I got off of Klonopin. Gosh, there are so many similiarities to me in my withdrawal from Klonopin to those withdrawing from Effexor. It really does sound like to me Effexor has a strong physically chemically dependent aspect to it. This drug needs to be strongly warned about by the manufacturer. It sounds like this medication needs to be classified as physically dependent as a benzo category. I am not saying they are the same, but just in the classification of physical dependency. What's your thoughts?
I agree with you. Totally. AND Effexor has two weight issues.....some people gain a huge amount of weight, while others, like myself, lose too much. I lost 38 pounds. I was down to 99-100 lbs. I only ate every TWO to THREE days. And then I had to force myself to take something in. My doctor would not even dicuss the possibility that it was the Effexor. I've never felt worse than I did when I was at that point. My head felt like it was full of rocks. I could work but just barely. I went to work, came home, went to bed, got up and did it again. I halved my dose from 75 mg. to 37.5 and then just reduced the dosage until I was off of it. It took quite awhile. There should definitely be warnings that are much more detailed than is on the drug. I will campaign again it against the rest of my life. Pat p.s. that is very interesting that you had the brain zaps coming off K...first I've heard of it. Medicine is a two-edged sword and sometimes it definitely isn't worth it!
Posted by Roomy on February 4, 2004, at 8:21:52
In reply to Re: Sad story of Effexor gone wrong, posted by shadows721 on February 3, 2004, at 23:11:28
> Please don't blame yourself for this. Surely, there were things that you may have not known about this man. This may have had nothing to do with the Effexor. It may have been about a situation he felt he no longer deal with in his life. Further, even if you told him what you know, he may not have listened to you.
>
> The truth is that blaming yourself will not bring him back. Certainly, he would not want you to torture yourself by taking the blame for something you had nothing to do with in his life. Presently, you can use your power to empower others with knowledge about this medication.Thank you (and others) for your kind words and words of wisdom. My life is FINALLY coming together. I can post here and not cry. I can be awake during the day and have energy and motivation now to do the things I used to do. My days are now routine. I have applied for a second job outside the house (I currently manage a mobile home park from my home), my house is back in order and neat and tidy, my grocery shopping trips are organized and planed. I never thought I would find this old me again. But I am back....With avengence! I even pulled out my oil paints and painted a beautiful picture that I will frame and hang as soon as it dries. I am feeling so angry now that 7years of my life were a waste! Effexor may have helped me briefly but it surely was not worth the 7 years that I feel like I have lost. If there is ever a civil law suit against this drug, I will be first on the
list. But, that too, is behind me. I have a lot of years to make up! I have no time now to waste on the "if only" and "what might have been". Good luck to everyone going off this deamon drug and any other drug like it. Hang in there and find the real you. It's so worth it!!!
Posted by justjustine on February 4, 2004, at 10:05:49
In reply to Re: Effexor and Klonopin w/d similiarity » shadows721, posted by fayeroe on February 4, 2004, at 6:40:06
couldn't agree with you more. effexor should be classed as a dependency causing drug. but they won't call it addictive because it causes no "drug-seeking behavior."
i may never convince my doctors that it was the effexor (and later the withdrawal) that made me sick, but i know.
Posted by fastblackZZR on February 4, 2004, at 13:43:51
In reply to effexor = bad when you want to stop, posted by justjustine on February 4, 2004, at 10:05:49
i had only been on effexor xr for a month, but i adjust and depend very quickly. i knew i needed to change the medication. i went from 150 mg. to 75.5. within a couple of days i felt a sense of doom and despair. i cried hysterically.
after reading a suggestion on the net, my husband went to the health food store and bought two things : a bottle of choline & inositol (500mg tabs) and a bottle of DHA. i began taking wellbutrin XL on top of the tapering doses of effexor, along with the above mentioned supplements. i noticed a difference within a day or two. during the couple of days i had horrid crying spells, vivid nightmares were also a part of my withdrawal. i went down to the 35.5 mg effexor for three days. i am on my second day without effexor and am taking 300 mg. wellbutrin XL. for the past two days i have had severe irritablilty and my head feels very uncomfortable. (like the shocks that paxil withdrawl can produce)i can deal with this easier than i can deal with the crying and nightmares, and i can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
by no means am i saying this is the way to do it for everyone. this is what i have done and i believe the supplements have made a big difference. it's worth a try. when you are going crazy from withdrawl, most anything sane is worth a try.
Posted by Althea8869 on February 4, 2004, at 16:13:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal, posted by Virginia NP on February 3, 2004, at 10:05:20
> I entered here to find a solution for myself as well as my patients. Thank you ALL for the education from the patient perspective. I feel so fortunate that my own withdrawal has been minor in comparison to so many. I have only experienced the sort of "migraine without pain" that several have described. I was on a 75mg XR maintenance dose for 4 years. My tapering began with a 75 mg capsule every other day for a week. I followed this with roughly 32.5 mg for a week. The symptoms were fairly mild and were experienced briefly the morning I was due for a dose. MOST helpful has been the 20mg of fluoxetine (Prozac) for 2-3 days until symptoms abate. I found this tip from another clinician posting on this site. I needed just one dose, however & feel GREAT now.
> Just wanted to post a positive----Good luck to everyone finding resolution to your withdrawal.
>
> > Well today was a bit better than yesterday. I managed to complete a project i've had sitting for many weeks, I even helped my husband make a closet today, but about mid afternoon I seem to go downhill, but I have to admit I feel better than I did a week ago. Is this feeling of sleepyness part of the withdrawl, and hot and cold flashes?
> >
> >
> > > Norma, it does get better. I'm now at around 2 weeks off Effexor (from a careful taper-down schedule) and except for a few twinges, I'm no longer sick or unable to function. However, my emotions are fluctuating wildly and I feel frustrated that I can't get a grip. Rebound depression is serious.
> > >
> > > Hang in there. Best wishes.
> > > KDi in TX
> >
>
>The prozac trick as well as DHA/Inositol/Klonopin trick really seems to work very well for a lot of people, the prozac being perhaps the most helpful. When I quit effexor (i was at 300mgXR), I read as many posts as could possibly be found and then followed up with a family friend who is psychpharm professor at Harvard - he was the one who reccomended to me this method and he reccomends it to most of his patients who he is trying to get off effexor for obvious reasons. Bottom line, where this drug not as successful as it is for so many people, I suspect it would have to be pulled from the shelves because of the viscious, protracted withdrawl. Anyway, glad youre feeling better.
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