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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 4:17:09
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - I did it, so can you, posted by foodie on November 1, 2003, at 23:25:24
Well, it's 4 am and I can't sleep, I am crying over nothing, I am feeling sick to my stomach and the headaches are unbelievable! This is the whole reason why I got on Effexor in the first place!
I would love to hear from someone who has been off of Effexor for a while? Approximately how long until the withdrawal symptoms totally stop? I am very scared that I will want to go back. I never realized how this little pill had such a hold on my life.
Day 3 of withdrawal...and going.
Thank you,
StaceyB.
Posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 9:22:53
In reply to Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 4:17:09
Bless your heart!!!! You are right on track, according to my experience. FOR ME (so that there is no misunderstanding by anyone who might be reading this that this is anything other than sharing my story), the first week was the absolute worst. By the second week, the *severity* of the symptoms had declined. They were still present. By the third week, the light began to shine and I could tell that I was going to be okay. By the fourth week, I was feeling so much better. Are you tapering or cold-turkeying? *Make sure you do what you feel is best for you.* FOR ME, cold-turkey was the way; that way I knew that after the rough patch, it was gone, and I didn't have to keep stepping it down. FOR OTHERS, the best way is to taper.
Do you have a support system of any kind, i.e., a spouse, friend, sibling, etc.? Someone who is totally aware of what is going on and can help you see that the withdrawal symptoms are *temporary* when you are having doubts is invaluable right now. When I was going through this, I sent my husband and family members a list of the withdrawal symptoms with links to this site, as well as cut-and-paste testimonies from others who had been where I was, so that they could see that what I was going through was REAL and that I needed their support. If you don't have anyone you trust to help you through this, then please keep posting to the board - we are here, listening and understanding. Keep in close contact with your doctor. BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF right now. Love yourself, take care of yourself, and hang in there. Know that you are in my prayers.
Posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 10:05:16
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 9:22:53
Thank you so much for your kind words. I was trying to go cold turkey, but I have a family to take care of and me being "sick" isn't working out. I can't even imagine me feeling like this for 4 weeks. I wish I knew this before I took the first pill. At the time, I was mourning the loss of my mother, and I needed something to help cope.
My husband is being, as always, very supportive. Thank you again, you made my day a lot easier.
StaceyB
Posted by metro8268 on February 22, 2004, at 13:58:38
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 10:05:16
This board has been a big help for me. After tapering down to half a 27mg of Effexor a day, I stopped on Saturday and woke up this morning desperate for help dealing with the physical pain. I feel some relief in knowing that I'm not alone in my pain, and that people have successfully gotten through this. I also feel very angry (in between the crying for no reason!). I really wish my Dr. would have informed me of the side effects. The notes on the Effexor site just don't do it justice.
StaceyB: I'm on day 2 of being Effexor-free, we can do it!
-Wendy
Posted by MADMAN3070 on February 22, 2004, at 18:02:39
In reply to Re: Effexor w/d.....ack! Help!, posted by cpallen79 on February 18, 2004, at 13:42:37
> I understand what you are going through. Be strong, understand its a lengthy process, and don't allow yourself to be discouraged. You can do it, we all have absolute faith in you.
Not sure if I can make it. Its been a month and Im still having dizziness and nausea every day. Tingling in different parts of the body and headaches. I didnt think it would take this long. Ive thought about going to a neurologist. Any help I would appreciate. MADMAN
Posted by MADMAN3070 on February 22, 2004, at 18:03:13
In reply to Re: Effexor w/d.....ack! Help!, posted by cpallen79 on February 18, 2004, at 13:42:37
> I understand what you are going through. Be strong, understand its a lengthy process, and don't allow yourself to be discouraged. You can do it, we all have absolute faith in you.
Not sure if I can make it. Its been a month and Im still having dizziness and nausea every day. Tingling in different parts of the body and headaches. I didnt think it would take this long. Ive thought about going to a neurologist. Any help I would appreciate. MADMAN
Posted by MADMAN3070 on February 22, 2004, at 18:12:09
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal, posted by jiggitykid on February 20, 2004, at 13:34:01
How long did it take you Jiggity? Ive been off cold turkey for a month. I still feel dizzy nausea, tingling, headache. Im thinking of going to a neurologist. Any suggestions? Thanks Madman
Posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 19:14:40
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 10:05:16
You are welcome. I know this place has been a HUGE comfort for me. It's awfully nice to know that I'm not alone.
<<< I wish I knew this before I took the first pill.>>>
You and me both!! But, apparently the doctors don't know this, either.
Take care of yourself. It WILL get better.
Posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 19:20:37
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by metro8268 on February 22, 2004, at 13:58:38
>>>I really wish my Dr. would have informed me of the side effects. The notes on the Effexor site just don't do it justice.<<<
Either they don't know, don't understand, or don't care. That's all I can figure.
The physical pain is bad. If you can get some pain meds for temporary relief, that helps. Otherwise, keep *warm*. That helps.
Posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 19:24:15
In reply to Re: Effexor w/d.....ack! Help!, posted by MADMAN3070 on February 22, 2004, at 18:02:39
>>>Its been a month and Im still having dizziness and nausea every day. Tingling in different parts of the body and headaches.<<<
I remember thinking that if I could only have something to calm my system down, then I might be okay. I wish I knew what to tell you that helps. Pain medication helped me with some of it. What I can tell you is that it did finally let go of me. Perhaps a neurologist, as you said, would at least have an idea of how to get your nerve system off of "overdrive," and help settle you down. Take care of yourself. You are respected. You are in my prayers.
Posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 19:31:29
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal, posted by MADMAN3070 on February 22, 2004, at 18:12:09
See my response to your other post, Madman. After the first month, I was a lot better, but still having "mild" symptoms. It sounds as if your nervous system (I'm guessing here, but this is how it felt to me) is stuck running on high, and as if your sense receptors are wide open. Does this sound right to you? It felt to me that the world was too loud, too bright, things moved too much, etc., and that contributed to my nausea and pain. This is why I think perhaps you are right - maybe a neurologist would at least be able to point you in the right direction as far as what might help settle your system down. Some here might suggest taking another SSRI to help calm the symptoms down. You would need to talk with a doctor you trust about this. I know that I was much more emotionally volitile for several months, until it finally settled down. Let me know what you decide and how it works. Take care!!!
Posted by KimberlyDi on February 23, 2004, at 16:39:43
In reply to Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 4:17:09
Stacy,
I don't know if you quit cold turkey or tapered off carefully. I tapered, and it took me several months. Towards the end I started taking low dosages of Imipramine to help with my sleep. When finally off completely, I had a problem with rebound depression and MAJOR mood swings. PDoc had mercy and tried me on generic Tegretol as a mood stabilizer. After sleeping non-stop the first two days, I can now take it without excessive sleepiness and it keeps me level. I hate the quesy side effects but prefer not to feel like I am loosing my mind. There is hope. You will get better. If you aren't tapering, then the worst is being brought on by choice. You can do something about it. :)
Good Luck!!!!
KDi in TX> Well, it's 4 am and I can't sleep, I am crying over nothing, I am feeling sick to my stomach and the headaches are unbelievable! This is the whole reason why I got on Effexor in the first place!
>
> I would love to hear from someone who has been off of Effexor for a while? Approximately how long until the withdrawal symptoms totally stop? I am very scared that I will want to go back. I never realized how this little pill had such a hold on my life.
>
> Day 3 of withdrawal...and going.
>
> Thank you,
> StaceyB.
Posted by MADMAN3070 on February 24, 2004, at 9:34:20
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal, posted by jiggitykid on February 22, 2004, at 19:31:29
> See my response to your other post, Madman. After the first month, I was a lot better, but still having "mild" symptoms. It sounds as if your nervous system (I'm guessing here, but this is how it felt to me) is stuck running on high, and as if your sense receptors are wide open. Does this sound right to you? It felt to me that the world was too loud, too bright, things moved too much, etc., and that contributed to my nausea and pain. This is why I think perhaps you are right - maybe a neurologist would at least be able to point you in the right direction as far as what might help settle your system down. Some here might suggest taking another SSRI to help calm the symptoms down. You would need to talk with a doctor you trust about this. I know that I was much more emotionally volitile for several months, until it finally settled down. Let me know what you decide and how it works. Take care!!!
Thanks Jiggity. I appreciate the help. I have heard that some people have had success with the all natural suppliment called Becalm'd. I will ask the group here if anyone has had success with that product. Madman
Posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 14:26:05
In reply to Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 4:17:09
Hi Stacey,
Yes it does end even though it doesn't feel like it at the time. It's a horrendous experience. When I came off of Effexor, I went onto Zoloft for 3mos. to no avail (come to find out I'm bipolar) and then had to go through a worse w/drawal withZoloft! It does end. Taper slowly.....
katia> Well, it's 4 am and I can't sleep, I am crying over nothing, I am feeling sick to my stomach and the headaches are unbelievable! This is the whole reason why I got on Effexor in the first place!
>
> I would love to hear from someone who has been off of Effexor for a while? Approximately how long until the withdrawal symptoms totally stop? I am very scared that I will want to go back. I never realized how this little pill had such a hold on my life.
>
> Day 3 of withdrawal...and going.
>
> Thank you,
> StaceyB.
Posted by katia on February 25, 2004, at 14:27:01
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » StaceyB, posted by KimberlyDi on February 23, 2004, at 16:39:43
Kim,
Are you still on Tegretol? Are you BP? How's it going? I just started Trileptal.
KAtia
Posted by meaux on March 7, 2004, at 0:16:22
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
Wyeth is a disgrace. To know that they were and are fully aware of the physiological addiction of Effexor XR and have not made such information publically available is sickening. When starting Effexor a year ago, I was brought up to a dose of 300mg/day. I was not told of any withdrawal syndromes or addictive potentials of this drug - I checked WebMD and of course that site says nothing because who sponsors it but the pharmecutial companies themselves. My pharmacist knew nothing of its addictive potential and had not heard of the effects of Effexor on simple things like circulation (blood pressure and 'tingling' extremeties). The fact simply remains : Effexor IS PHYSIOLOGICALLY ADDICTIVE. It may be 'non habit forming' because it does not provide the user with a feeling of euphoria - but studies have proven Effexor's addictive qualities. Mothers who took Effexor for brief periods of time during the pregnancy had neo-natal fetuses suffering from Withdrawal Syndrome. Who was on Effexor withdrawal but Andrea Yates herself when she drowned her children (supposedly, anyways). I have tried three times unsuccessfully to taper Effexor. The last time I tapered to 265 mg/day for a week and it was miserable - I know what it feels like now to be an addict going through rehab. I was crippled with nausea, vomiting, headaches, spinning head, vertigo, the 'electrical' impulse feeling (like I could sense my nervous system conducting action potentials when my eyes would move). Several lawsuits exist currently to fight this evil - some that involve sufferers who experience seizures and neuropathy because of this shit. SIGN THE PETITION, GET YOUR VOICE ACROSS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. We can not let the pharmeceutical companies reap the benefit of getting addicts to their medications. Is there no justice? I am 19 years old. In college and graduate school concurrently; I must take off my fall semester and find a way of support to get myself off this medication starting immediately this summer... after 3 days cold turkey one time I was about to physically die from the withdrawl effects - I could not get out of bed, kept hearing buzzing in my head, had a fever of over 102 and hot/cold spells. My breathing was depressed, and I was at my wit's end. THIS CAN NOT CONTINUE TO PLAGUE INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO FIGHT DEPRESSION, NOT ADD A DRUG ADDICTION TO THEIR LIST OF WORRIES.
Posted by jiggitykid on March 7, 2004, at 12:25:34
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by meaux on March 7, 2004, at 0:16:22
Meaux, where is the petition and how do I join a lawsuit? I've asked here before about how to get involved in a CALS because of the misery this has caused me and my family. My heart breaks for you. Would it be possible to be in a hospital for withdrawal? I imagine insurance would fight that one, but maybe something could be done. Let me know if you know of where to go for the petition and for the lawsuit.
Posted by Ieva on March 7, 2004, at 15:39:04
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! Meaux, posted by jiggitykid on March 7, 2004, at 12:25:34
> Meaux, where is the petition and how do I join a lawsuit? I've asked here before about how to get involved in a CALS because of the misery this has caused me and my family. My heart breaks for you. Would it be possible to be in a hospital for withdrawal? I imagine insurance would fight that one, but maybe something could be done. Let me know if you know of where to go for the petition and for the lawsuit.
***** go to www.petitiononline.com/effexor ****
Posted by flyingdreams on March 8, 2004, at 20:38:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by meaux on March 7, 2004, at 0:16:22
Hi Everyone!
Wow, I thought I'd be over this withdrawal crap, but nope! The last 2 PMS times have lasted 12-14 days involving incredible painful breasts, haven't had this pain since I was a teen! I'm in my mid 30's. Plus I've had tingling feelings in my hand and feet - the feeling you get right before they fall asleep, but it last for hours and isn't because I was sitting on it wrong of something to cause it! Plus I'm still getting the sleepy feeling from time to time and still serious insomnia that no sleeping pill can put me to sleep! And still can't lose any weight, still exercising my butt off for nothing.
How much longer is this crap going to last???????Wendy
Posted by metro8268 on March 8, 2004, at 20:47:40
In reply to Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by flyingdreams on March 8, 2004, at 20:38:42
Wow - I'm on day 17 and am finally able to go an hour with out having a "brain shiver". I feel you on the insomia. I either am up to 3 AM or I sleep for 12 hours at a time. It's so frustrating. I wish I could get my body on a regular sleep schedule.
Has anyone else noticed that the symptoms seem to come back when you get tired? I'll be feeling great, having a good day, and then all of the sudden feel depressed, achy and the brain shivers come back.
You know there's a problem with this medication when everyone counts the days they've been off of the drug. I feel like a drug addict who's at AA:
Hi my name is Wendy and I've been clean of Effexor for 17 days....
Posted by DepNYer on March 9, 2004, at 14:54:42
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by metro8268 on March 8, 2004, at 20:47:40
I've been mostly "lurking" at this site to get a feel for the experiences of others in the treatment of their depression or BP. I have TR MDD with three episodes in the last ~5 years. I am very fortunate that I finally found a balance of medications that work for me, and have essentially been in remission for over 18 months (well 95% there, although the other 5% is probably just normal daily stress which I am overly aware of). Given that my likelihood for relapse is high, I do pay attention to what is said here.
I have closely read the horrendous stories of withdrawl from those using Effexor and SSRI's. I have been on both. SSRIs did help my mood but greatly exacerbated my cluster headaches, forcing me to stop them. I also was on Effexor for several months with a good response before a rise in my blood pressure forced me to stop it. In each case, I withdrew from the meds over a one or two week period. In no case did I expereince any withdrawl or discontinuation syndrome. That is NOT said to discount anyone's experience here. It's just that perhaps the issues of discontinuation syndromes are not as widespread as may be felt in reading these posts. It would be difficult to imagine such terrible symptoms occuring in as wide a population as those who use these commonly prescribed ADs without being apparent almost immediately in their test phases, or certainly within months of their release for general use. I do believe there are groups of people such as those here who, for reasons not really understood, experience severe effects upon discontinuation, while there are many who do not share that reaction.
I hope that everyone who does experience the pains that many of you have described will find a way through, and feel better. But please, don't deprive treatment from many others who could benefit, but are scared off by these stories. I do believe that open and fair dsclosure should be made by Pharma manufacturers, and individuals deserve the right to decide what risks they are willing to take to improve their health, but let's all remember that major depression is a killer disease, and those who suffer from it should not be deprived of help because of potential discontinuation problems, versus the definite disability and mortality that untreated MDD brings.
Posted by flyingdreams on March 9, 2004, at 16:35:53
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by DepNYer on March 9, 2004, at 14:54:42
DO NOT tell us that we are a small percentage! YOU do NOT know the facts! Go to:
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
and you will see over 4,200 signatures of people who also experience severe withdrawals!!! These are the people who found the site to sign. This is not advertised and so only those who found the petition by accident have signed it. Imagine if the media got this info out how many other would sign the petition saying they too experienced this! You make us angry when you state something as if it's fact and you do not know it's fact! Do not tell us to hush, that is exactly what the drug companies want. In fact, you probably have an invested interest in the drug companies for your to have said that to use in pain!
Posted by JonW on March 9, 2004, at 18:10:13
In reply to ATTN: depNYer - over 4200 signature say otherwise!, posted by flyingdreams on March 9, 2004, at 16:35:53
> DO NOT tell us that we are a small percentage! YOU do NOT know the facts! Go to:
>
> http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
>
>
> and you will see over 4,200 signatures of people who also experience severe withdrawals!!! These are the people who found the site to sign. This is not advertised and so only those who found the petition by accident have signed it. Imagine if the media got this info out how many other would sign the petition saying they too experienced this! You make us angry when you state something as if it's fact and you do not know it's fact! Do not tell us to hush, that is exactly what the drug companies want. In fact, you probably have an invested interest in the drug companies for your to have said that to use in pain!I haven't been following this thread but I clicked on your post, and wow, I think you should go back on the Effexor... I think DepNYer offered a very respectful, compassionate, and intelligent opinion. You, on the other hand, come across as being in need of medication. Anyway, DepNYer, well said.
Jon :)
Posted by MeggE on March 9, 2004, at 20:59:50
In reply to Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by StaceyB on February 22, 2004, at 4:17:09
My advice to you is..DO NOT go back on it.
That will just make it ten times harder to get off, when you are ready..which may be never if you give in to the addiction. This drug is evil. The withdrawl is THE WORST of any anti-deppressant. I have gone through hell, and I still am. I have been off of it for about two weeks now, and I'm so afraid that this withdrawl will never end. Be strong, I'm trying the best I can..but it's not helping hearing all these people that have been off for months and still feel the symptoms of withdrawl. The pharmaceutical companies can all go to hell. I've never been so angry in my life. I'm afraid that it will never end, and all I can do now is try and get together with others that feel the same way in order for this madness to stop. SIGN THE PETITION:
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
Posted by jiggitykid on March 9, 2004, at 21:41:16
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » StaceyB, posted by MeggE on March 9, 2004, at 20:59:50
Hang in there, Sweetie. It took a little over a month, give or take, before I was finally beginning to feel that it was getting better. I've been off of it since roughly Thanksgiving (I wish I had possessed the wherewithal to journal!! If you aren't, please start), and the only remaining difficulty I have regularly is the deteriorated eyesight. I imagine it would be nearly impossible to pin that directly to the Effexor, but I know that prior to my taking the Effexor, my eyes were okay. While taking the drug, I had trouble with blurriness, and read that it is often a side-effect. I never dreamed that it would leave my eyes worse.
Anyone who defends this drug has the right to do so, only don't do it here, nicely or not. No one here wants to hear this. We are or have been going through hell with this. Have a little respect, and keep the nicey-nicies somewhere else. If a lawsuit ever goes to trial, join the defense there, but don't bring it here.
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