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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by cyclegrrrl on March 31, 2004, at 21:51:30
In reply to I may have good news!, posted by Marjean on March 31, 2004, at 18:24:22
I went cold turkey from 150 mg about two weeks ago. The first 5 days I had really bad dreams, felt tired, had an upset stomach, and itched like crazy. Two weeks later, the bad dreams are gone, I'm feeling MUCH better (no longer have that unpredictable bottom falling out of my life fatigue that the effexor was giving me, which feels really really good, and was the primary reason I went off the drug). My stomach is still a bit touchy, but much better. The itching, however, has not let up. But at least I know from the posts of others that this too will go away eventually. I just WISH my doctor or the effexor information sheet would have warned me that these are withdrawal symptoms because it wasn't until about four days ago when I decided to google "effexor withdrawal" that I found these posts by others explaining what was happenind to me. I am MAD that the drug companies, at the very least, don't disclose this information, at least I didn't see it anywhere. It would have made enduring the bad dreams and discomfort a lot easier. To everyone out there getting Effexor -- hang in there, it does get better...
peace.
Posted by Marjean on March 31, 2004, at 22:53:53
In reply to itchy, bad dreams... so it's not me!, posted by cyclegrrrl on March 31, 2004, at 21:51:30
The more I read the more I feel confident that I am not completely crazy. I also have been uncontrollably itchy at times-- esp since the doc upped my dose. I would scratch my skin raw and thought I was having a reaction to the climate or something-- although the climate hadn't changed?!? I never related that to the drug. Epiphany! Also, I never related my nightmares or digestive problems with effexor but they completely coincide. No doctor or drug company was honest about this info. The only thing I found was medical documentation on SSRI withdrawal which cites many of these problems. I am so happy to hear that you were able to quit cold turkey. I have more faith.
Posted by Marjean on March 31, 2004, at 23:04:46
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last? » roomy, posted by flygirl on March 27, 2004, at 8:45:16
As far as holistic meds, I made a suggestion earlier but I don't think that my "treatment" will work in your case. I would consult either a holistic/internal medicine doctor or an acupuncturist (although those will be expensive ~$150-200 first vist and maybe $90 thereafter with no insurance coverage) or visit a local co-op that has a herbs/vitamins counter and/or an herbalist (many work in wellness, yoga, or eastern medicine centers). Depression, etc are very serious but I really question these meds. It sounds like what you husband is gong throuh is horrible and that only complicates the initial problem. Do you exercise? Diet is another consideration. No drug should make a person feel worse. That has happened to me several times and it makes me very angry. Best of luck. Keep us posted.
Posted by jeano on April 1, 2004, at 0:19:06
In reply to itchy, bad dreams... so it's not me!, posted by cyclegrrrl on March 31, 2004, at 21:51:30
I went off of Effexor XR cold turkey one week ago, today. I was on a very low dose though so I didn't think it would effect me that much. Wrong! At times my legs feel like lead and I ache all over. And my stomach upset (especially the runs) has been horrible.
I went to a health food store today and the nutritianist there told me that I need to be taking an Acidoophilus supplement to put the "good bacteria" back in my digestive system. I bought some and took it earlier today. I can already feel my stomach beginning to calm down.
Also, I too am MAD at the whole Effexor thing because I tried talk to my doctor about side effects but he just blew me off and said "rarely are there side effects involving AD..." Right then and there, I decided to quit taking the Effexor. It hasn't been easy but I'm NOT going to take this drug again! I too am trying nutritional alternatives.
Posted by flygirl on April 1, 2004, at 9:34:22
In reply to for husband/wife with zoloft/effexor issue, posted by Marjean on March 31, 2004, at 23:04:46
<< Depression, etc are very serious but I really question these meds. It sounds like what you husband is gong throuh is horrible and that only complicates the initial problem. Do you exercise? Diet is another consideration. No drug should make a person feel worse. That has happened to me several times and it makes me very angry. Best of luck. Keep us posted.>>
Thanks for your info. We went to pdoc on Monday and he virtually dismissed any chance of "serotonin syndrome". We kept asking "what happened then..." and he said he didn't know. Finally, I put him on the spot and asked if possibly he could have increased his does of effexor too quickly! His reply was a sheepish, "well, that's a possiblity...." Of course he wouldn't admit to any mistake! ARGH!
He is now taking just 75mg of effexor...nothing else...doing well so far...but we are so "gun shy" from previous experiences that we're afraid to get our hopes up. Plus, my husband is DREADING the day that he has to go off of the effexor....trust us, it will be at a VERY VERY slow rate....regardless of what the pdoc says! Let the pdoc experience these sideaffects and then see what he has to say!
Hubby used to exercise adn eat right and have spirituality in his life...but depression has stolen all of that...in fact, anything that was/is good for him.....we are slowly working on trying to bring those things back into his life.
Sleeping at night and not during the day would be a good start!!!
I'll keep you posted!
wife of hubby!
Posted by worm on April 1, 2004, at 12:42:37
In reply to Re: for husband/wife with zoloft/effexor issue » Marjean, posted by flygirl on April 1, 2004, at 9:34:22
I have been weaning off 150s by taking out first about half the little pills in the capsule, and then about 3/4, and since I had some time off of work, I decided to stop completely. I have been off totally for 3 days now, and my muscle weakness is gone, my brain is clearing up (I had no idea how "fuzzy" I was - I can now remember names of people, and I can have a continuous thought for more than 2 seconds) I feel so much better already, and I know I'm not totally there yet! The only problem is every so often I get sad and weepy, melancholy. As long as I can "ride out" these spells, I think I'm going to make it. Fortunately, they only last a few minutes.
At least I feel like its worth it to hang in there until tomorrow - when I was taking Effexor, I was positively despondant, thought there was nothing worth living for. Strange for an antidepressant to do this, but like we have all discovered, everyone is different!
So take heart, people, and do whatever works for you. There is life after Effexor.
msg
Posted by Marjean on April 1, 2004, at 19:31:33
In reply to Re: for husband/wife with zoloft/effexor issue » Marjean, posted by flygirl on April 1, 2004, at 9:34:22
I just wanted you to know that your in my thoughts. Depression and the factors that lead to depression, coupled with the problems faced with meds can be so disabling. I am glad to hear that your husband is doing better on the 75mg. I hope that you both can find a way to regain the beauties in life. Please keep me posted.
Posted by triedalldrugs on April 2, 2004, at 9:40:18
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by fastblackZZR on March 7, 2004, at 19:33:17
I have just quit Effexor cold turkey. I was only on 75 mg a day but couldn't stand the insomnia and other side effects from taking this drug. I am so thankful for this thread! I thought I was going (more) crazy with all the weird withdrawal side effects, which I wouldn't have even known were side effects if it weren't for this thread!! Thank you all. My question is, should I continue cold turkey (I am on day 4), or empty out the capsules and taper off gradually as you have suggested. If I am already through the worst of it, I don't want to start up the Effexor again. But some of you have said that the withdrawal lasts for weeks, and I don't know if I can handle that.
Thanks for any help.
Posted by Christina Ann on April 2, 2004, at 15:02:51
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - my approach, posted by suzicreamcheese on January 1, 2004, at 1:19:53
I don't think going off is a great idea. I just found this website doing research on exercise addiction. I ran a gym for 8 yrs. There is no way that one can find that missing seratonin through exercise. I did tried. And I went nutty. I have been on all kinds of anti-depressants and Effexor XR is the only one that has actually worked. If I miss a day or two, look out. I am a firm believer in not taking meds, but along with the birth control patch, this is the only thing that I have that's prescribed, and I wouldn't change it at all. Been there...hated it. But good luck if you feel this is something you need to do.
Christina
Posted by annesand on April 5, 2004, at 7:31:19
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by triedalldrugs on April 2, 2004, at 9:40:18
About three weeks ago, I started opening up my 150 capsules and taking about 1/4 of the little dots inside. The first few days were rough, but now side effects are minimal, and I am down to just a few "dots" per day. I took vacation time last week because I thought I might not feel well, but I felt fine. Some brain zaps, especially first thing in the morning before taking the dots, but otherwise able to work, function, play, enjoy things. In short, it is going better than I thought it would. Planning to stop all together on Friday. Thanks for your collective wisdom. It helps so much!
Posted by ku4ns on April 6, 2004, at 20:24:23
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by annesand on April 5, 2004, at 7:31:19
Why not get a lower dose? 37.5 mg is available. If it works I guess that great, but there are lower dosages. I'm a few days out from no effexor, but i'm using prozac to help rid myself of the effexor. Good luck. John
Posted by flygirl on April 7, 2004, at 9:51:32
In reply to Re: for husband/wife with zoloft/effexor issue, posted by Marjean on April 1, 2004, at 19:31:33
> I just wanted you to know that your in my thoughts. Depression and the factors that lead to depression, coupled with the problems faced with meds can be so disabling. I am glad to hear that your husband is doing better on the 75mg. I hope that you both can find a way to regain the beauties in life. Please keep me posted.<
Thanks againe Marjean. I'm finding it tough for myself these days, just to keep doing what "needs" to be done! I'm long past the fact that "dust will wait" and "laundry will wait".....how about the serious things like returning calls to his employment supervisors who are checking in on him?!? Looking into more avenues of financial reimbursement through his union and disability etc...ARGH! On good days he says he's going to do these things...either that day, shortly or tomorrow...and I hesitantly believe him...but somehow they never seem to get done and I struggle with waiting...it just adds to my stress. My therapist has upped my prozac to 40mg to help me get by. That seems to have helped a little bit...but overall the stress is just killing me. Thanks for listening, I just needed to vent!
Posted by Christina Ann on April 7, 2004, at 19:12:58
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by ku4ns on April 6, 2004, at 20:24:23
Why is everyone so intent on getting off? Is it that bad? Is someone not telling me something?
Christina
Posted by deb723 on April 7, 2004, at 21:17:44
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by annesand on April 5, 2004, at 7:31:19
I am in the withdrawal stages from Effexor XR and I'm keeping an online journal (blog) of my journey @
http://www.stuffiwannasay.blogspot.com
I am more than a bit angry that Effexor users like myself have no idea of what to expect when they begin to take this drug ( in the form of side effects) nor are we told of the terrible withdrawal symptoms we should expect to experience when weaning ourselves off this nasty drug. Please check out what I have to say on my blog and then write to me. I want to know how you feel!
Posted by cpallen79 on April 7, 2004, at 22:35:40
In reply to Effexor withdrawals...things we AREN'T being told!, posted by deb723 on April 7, 2004, at 21:17:44
Deb, I completely sympathize with you. I was on a super low dose and still went through absolute hell. I'ma highly sensitive person so that made it all the worse. As you can see it lasts quite a while. Nurture yourself and avoid any life changes for about 6 months after this to avoid relapse 'n stuff... you'll get through it!
> I am in the withdrawal stages from Effexor XR and I'm keeping an online journal (blog) of my journey @
>
> http://www.stuffiwannasay.blogspot.com
>
> I am more than a bit angry that Effexor users like myself have no idea of what to expect when they begin to take this drug ( in the form of side effects) nor are we told of the terrible withdrawal symptoms we should expect to experience when weaning ourselves off this nasty drug. Please check out what I have to say on my blog and then write to me. I want to know how you feel!
Posted by mom63 on April 8, 2004, at 12:33:43
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by annesand on April 5, 2004, at 7:31:19
I went from 75 mg to 37.5 mg Effexor XR. I'm at the point in my weaning now when I'm suppose to take 37.5 every other day. Yesterday was my first day without taking a capsule. It was horrible! Every time I moved my head, eyes, arms... anything, I felt those electric jolts zap through my body. I was naseous and dizzy. Yuck! I thought about taking doses in "dots" this morning. I'm glad someone else has thought of it and tried it. I opened up a capsule and counted all the little "dots". I felt like such a junkie! Anyways, I found that the 75 mg. capsules have about 200 dots, the 37.5 have about 100 dots.
This is my plan:
80 dots for 5 days
decrease dots by 10 every 5 days.
After 10 dots for 5 days, I'll start doing 8, 6, 4, 2, 1 per day for a couple of days each.For anyone who has tried this, does this sound like a good rate of decrease? Do you just pop the dots in your mouth? I was thinking about putting them in a piece of bread or something. I know I sound like a drug addict, but I guess I am! I'm physically addicted to effexor! This stuff is so rough to get off of, but I'm ready to get off of it and move on with my life. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks so much!
> About three weeks ago, I started opening up my 150 capsules and taking about 1/4 of the little dots inside. The first few days were rough, but now side effects are minimal, and I am down to just a few "dots" per day. I took vacation time last week because I thought I might not feel well, but I felt fine. Some brain zaps, especially first thing in the morning before taking the dots, but otherwise able to work, function, play, enjoy things. In short, it is going better than I thought it would. Planning to stop all together on Friday. Thanks for your collective wisdom. It helps so much!
Posted by annesand on April 8, 2004, at 12:40:41
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by mom63 on April 8, 2004, at 12:33:43
I actually just lick the dots off my finger! Good luck with your taper. It sounds reasonable to me, but I'm a novice too. I hate that it's still so hard to go all the way off, even after tapering gradually.
Posted by cpallen79 on April 8, 2004, at 12:42:52
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by mom63 on April 8, 2004, at 12:33:43
Don't swallow the dots whole, either put them back into the capsule or swallow them with juice (NOT grapefruit juice).... go to www.antidepressantsfacts.com ... the guy there has information for how to taper... Also I'd go even slower than what you were planning on, evne if it takes months or a year.
> I went from 75 mg to 37.5 mg Effexor XR. I'm at the point in my weaning now when I'm suppose to take 37.5 every other day. Yesterday was my first day without taking a capsule. It was horrible! Every time I moved my head, eyes, arms... anything, I felt those electric jolts zap through my body. I was naseous and dizzy. Yuck! I thought about taking doses in "dots" this morning. I'm glad someone else has thought of it and tried it. I opened up a capsule and counted all the little "dots". I felt like such a junkie! Anyways, I found that the 75 mg. capsules have about 200 dots, the 37.5 have about 100 dots.
>
> This is my plan:
> 80 dots for 5 days
> decrease dots by 10 every 5 days.
> After 10 dots for 5 days, I'll start doing 8, 6, 4, 2, 1 per day for a couple of days each.
>
> For anyone who has tried this, does this sound like a good rate of decrease? Do you just pop the dots in your mouth? I was thinking about putting them in a piece of bread or something. I know I sound like a drug addict, but I guess I am! I'm physically addicted to effexor! This stuff is so rough to get off of, but I'm ready to get off of it and move on with my life. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks so much!
>
>
> > About three weeks ago, I started opening up my 150 capsules and taking about 1/4 of the little dots inside. The first few days were rough, but now side effects are minimal, and I am down to just a few "dots" per day. I took vacation time last week because I thought I might not feel well, but I felt fine. Some brain zaps, especially first thing in the morning before taking the dots, but otherwise able to work, function, play, enjoy things. In short, it is going better than I thought it would. Planning to stop all together on Friday. Thanks for your collective wisdom. It helps so much!
>
>
Posted by mom63 on April 8, 2004, at 14:01:20
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by mom63 on April 8, 2004, at 12:33:43
Thanks folks! I am soooo glad this message board is here.
Posted by TanyaJean on April 8, 2004, at 23:19:09
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by mom63 on April 8, 2004, at 14:01:20
I am so glad I'm not the only one. Mainly I've been on effexor at 150 mg for a year and a half. For the last 3 months I've taken less and less until I was on 37mg for two weeks. Then I dumped out half the 37mg caps and took that for a week. Then I took 1/4 of the 37 mg caps for over two weeks. I've been off for a week and am still going through my version of hell. I'm nauseous, vomiting and have this strange whirring or wooshing sound in my head when I turn suddenly. Almost like a small helicopter is following me around. My tongue goes numb. I have numbness or tingling, although those aren't really the right descriptions. For the previous hour I've started having convulsions and that little effect has turned into just shaking. I'm not at all cold. The most bothersome of all of these is the fact that I have never been suicidal ever. And now those thoughts are popping into my head as I'm going through this withdrawal process. I was having pain issues about 3 years ago and they immediately started me on anti-depressants. Sure, it was all in my head right? The anti-depressants were doing nothing for the chronic pain. I've been on a few. Prozac, celexa, paxil, wellbutrin. Years ago I took imipramine and had extreme dry mouth, no withdrawal problems. I'd take dry mouth any day.
Posted by TanyaJean on April 8, 2004, at 23:22:10
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by TanyaJean on April 8, 2004, at 23:19:09
I posted too soon, can anyone give an idea to how long this withdrawal process takes or how long it took for you?
Posted by TanyaJean on April 9, 2004, at 0:09:47
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by Christina Ann on April 7, 2004, at 19:12:58
> Why is everyone so intent on getting off? Is it that bad? Is someone not telling me something?
>
> ChristinaThe thought is that if you're on an anti-depressant, eventually you'll have to go off at some point. That was always what was explained to me by whatever doctor or psychologist. You go on the drug to get yourself well and have to go off at some point. I don't think all the people here feel like this is something they "have to do". Although that may be the case with the side effects. It's the going off this drug that is the awful part. I've been weaned off of different anti-depressants and there has never been a problem. Effexor has been the most problematic for me. If I miss a day, I'm distraught. Now that I'm off of them (for a week now), it's my version of hell on earth. I'm so sick.
Posted by worm on April 9, 2004, at 5:35:38
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last? » TanyaJean, posted by TanyaJean on April 8, 2004, at 23:22:10
I don' know. I have been off completely for a week, and I was doing fine until yesterday, (day 7) I got the brain Zings, though not as bad, and the muscle weakness back, plus nausea and a generalized headache. I think I selpt about 14 hours, I hope it's better today. Why am i fine for 6 days, and then terrible on the 7th?
Strange . . .
Posted by deb723 on April 9, 2004, at 10:02:17
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last?, posted by worm on April 9, 2004, at 5:35:38
Are you saying you had no withdrawal symptoms for 7 days but they have now begun? You know, I had been tapering for three weeks and was down to 37.5. Then...cold turkey from there. Days one and two weren't really that bad and I have attributed that to all the leftover effexor that must have been there. So...once it was finding its way out THEN I think the real symptoms set in. I need to post my last two days journal entries into my blog but feel free to read what I have experienced so far. (My own version of Hell!)
http://www.stuffiwannasay.blogspot.com
deb
Posted by annesand on April 9, 2004, at 10:13:21
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal from Effexor last? » worm, posted by deb723 on April 9, 2004, at 10:02:17
Your blog is very helpful. We're on about the same timetable. I've been having an almost uncontrollable urge to cry for the last few days, which is new. Makes it hard to be at work!
Hang in there, and thanks again for sharing.
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