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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynnM. on July 30, 2004, at 0:31:11
In reply to Re: It really, really does get better! » rolie12, posted by FaithT on July 26, 2004, at 22:45:36
I am totally off Effexor, too, about a month, now. My brain zaps are few and far between, and when they do reappear, they are very minimal in "strength". I feel much, much better...almost back to my old self.
One thing I do want to know, if someone can tell me: I probably gained about 15 lbs. while on the Effexor. Weight isn't lost easily by me. Will I start to see it drop off now that I'm off the med., or will I just have to work twice as hard to get it to come off? I did notice weight loss after I came off of Zoloft years ago, but I was also in the middle of a personal crisis, which could have helped account for the weight loss.
The weight gain issue has been tough for me.
Posted by Jiggitykid on July 30, 2004, at 4:24:07
In reply to Re: It really, really does get better!, posted by LynnM. on July 30, 2004, at 0:31:11
I did drop about 5-7 pounds, but stopped after that. I probably could lose more if I'd get moving ;-). Hopefully, you'll see some of it go away, too.
Congrats on making it through!!!! You're in the home stretch!!
Posted by FaithT on July 30, 2004, at 6:44:03
In reply to Re: It really, really does get better! » LynnM., posted by Jiggitykid on July 30, 2004, at 4:24:07
Yep..me too. I gained 10-15 lbs., and I weighed 125 my entire life..Now, after being off for a month or so, I did drop like 5 lbs. but that's it. SO, you might have to work at the weight stuff..
Faith~
Posted by alan38 on August 2, 2004, at 9:42:57
In reply to Re: It really, really does get better! » Jiggitykid, posted by FaithT on July 30, 2004, at 6:44:03
Question- I have been totally off Effexor for about a month 1/2. Brain Zaps totally gone however, am experiencing alot of indigestion, tightness in stomach/acid reflux. Can this happen this long after stopping the drug????
Posted by boatsie on August 3, 2004, at 14:44:53
In reply to Re: It really, really does get better!, posted by alan38 on August 2, 2004, at 9:42:57
Tomorrow I am seeing a naturalist to help me with essential oils, homeopathy, etc. as I continue my attempt to taper off effexor. After going up again from 150 to 185 for one month, i have to report that getting back up to this level after l week down is also a hell. Indigestion, stomach burning, exhaustion, confused thinking, short term memory really bad, that feeling of the 'big black hole in my head' back in full force. My therapist told me that below 225, the drug no longer effects levels of norepinephrine ....
the fear and excitement i felt at the beginning of the summer has been replaced with a sense of doom, that i am the one whose depression was so far advanced that the damage to my brain is irreversible.
I wonder if doing exercise can h elp elevate endorphins which would replace norepeniphrine? Anyone?
Has anyone received a PET scan or done any research on the clinicial trials for vagus nerve stimulation?
Posted by peaceplease! on August 14, 2004, at 14:29:25
In reply to Re: It really, really does get better!, posted by LynnM. on July 30, 2004, at 0:31:11
> I am totally off Effexor, too, about a month, now. My brain zaps are few and far between, and when they do reappear, they are very minimal in "strength". I feel much, much better...almost back to my old self.
>
> One thing I do want to know, if someone can tell me: I probably gained about 15 lbs. while on the Effexor. Weight isn't lost easily by me. Will I start to see it drop off now that I'm off the med., or will I just have to work twice as hard to get it to come off? I did notice weight loss after I came off of Zoloft years ago, but I was also in the middle of a personal crisis, which could have helped account for the weight loss.
>
> The weight gain issue has been tough for me.I must say thanks to all of you I feel like I am not alone! My husband thinks I'm crazy most of the time. I was taking Effexor XR at 75mg for at least 1 year and then brought it down to 37.5 (my doctor has been monitoring me over this time) for at least another 8 months. Over the last few weeks it became apparent that the weight gain of approximately 25lbs over the last two years is not just due to my eating habits to compensate for days when I am in a bad mood!! I was working out for at least 4 times a week for 45 min of cardio and not seeing any change. Before Effexor I could drop at least 10lbs like this after about 6 weeks of hard work.
So I took the advice of a doctor who mentioned that one of his patients tapered himself off by taking the little balls out of the capsule gradually. I am now take about 20 balls a day and am definitely finding myself crying a lot more and feeling very anxious in social situations.
I might follow up with the advice to take Prozac to help this withdrawal. I really thought I found a balance with the 37.5 --it's not worth it to be 25 -30 lbs heavier. I'm sure it's affected my marriage :(
Posted by FaithT on August 14, 2004, at 17:40:12
In reply to Re: It really, really does get better!, posted by peaceplease! on August 14, 2004, at 14:29:25
I just wanted to let everyone here know that, although it is no picnic to get off of Effexor..It can be done. I've been off now for almost 2 months.
I went on this med. 2 years ago, after being diagnosed with melanoma at 150 mg. per day. I couldn't handle the fear of the cancer, and I was convinced that I was going to die right then and there..That was 2 years ago, and I'm still here. I'ma wife and a mommy to the best little boy on earth..and I try very hard to LIVE!
The fear is still with me, but I have accepted that it is, what it is...Effexor or no Effexor. That's not to say that the fight isn't a little harder without the med., because it is...but, I'm doing it.
I gained 15 lbs. on this med. too..I guess it must be common. I can't seem to lose it, but I haven't tried very hard either..
Anyway, my best to you all in this journey..It can be done!
Faith~
Posted by Erica22 on August 30, 2004, at 20:16:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Tesssi on June 11, 2004, at 23:01:07
I was taking 75 mg of Effexor and the doc said to take 37.5 mg of Effexor for a week then stop and the original plan was to switch to Paxil the next day but Paxil caused such bad symptoms they told me to get off of it after 3 days. My symptoms from Paxil like a weird cough, feeling angry, and sleeping more got the nurses worried. Just wanted to let you know yes I am experiencing major vertigo and some zaps with being off Effexor for 8 days and now the symptoms are getting in the way of me doing stuff. I have more energy I feel more with it I feel more like myself like I am more in touch with myself but I have this vertigo, which I refer to as "Head Sommersalts" which makes me want to hold my head and close my eyes to feel together. I too have been nauseated and stomach symptoms like the flu, going to the bathroom more.. And I have gotten in itch fits and I still itch often. Anyways you guys say give it 3 weeks to notice it getting better. Thanks for the heads up. When I tried Paxil for 3 days it made me sleepy during the day, even though I took it the night before. So no Paxil or Effexor. I wish I could get something to stop the vertigo. If you would have seen my face at school this morning it showed I felt sick to my stomach ie dizzy and nautious with no appetite Anyways I'm thinking about staying off ADs but if I get my brain fog back - the original reason I tried Effexor (and it did help w/ that)- I'll try Welbutrin. Take Care! And thanks for the posts letting me know that the symptoms I have occur with getting off Effexor.
Erica Ann
Posted by Anandia on August 31, 2004, at 23:16:57
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Erica22 on August 30, 2004, at 20:16:31
I've been trying to describe to my doctors the weird sensation I have been experiencing since going off of Effexor abruptly a few weeks ago. It's like my arrythmia, only it "pulsates" up my neck into my face/cheeks and simultaneously down my arms to the palms of my hands. The OB who gave me the samples said it wasn't due to withdrawal and that I should see my cardiologist. I was doing some research tonight and saw a list of withdrawal symptoms that included: sensory disturbances (including shock-like electrical sensations)!!! That is what I've been trying to describe! I've also been seriously fatigued, major headaches, anxious and short-tempered, night sweats, nightmares or just bizarre dreams, and gastrologic nastiness (won't go into any more detail there :P). This drug is strange, I've never had withdrawal symptoms like this from ANYTHING I've ever taken. I have also been having strong suicidal ideation but haven't mentioned it to anyone for a variety of reasons, the least of which is because I haven't got health insurance at the moment. The doc who gave me the Effexor (Oh, I was on 75mg XR) gave it to me free - a bunch of samples. I couldn't afford the $120 price tag for the prescription he wrote for me.
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 1, 2004, at 6:30:57
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Anandia on August 31, 2004, at 23:16:57
You are describing what I experienced, too. Thankfully, I found this board and discovered that I wasn't completely crazy ;-). Most doctors don't seem to know (and some don't believe) that there is significant physical withdrawal from effexor, no matter the dosage level. I quit cold-turkey at 250 mg. I was "fit to be tied" for two weeks, and not normal for another month. It took a while to get completely out of my system. That was back before Thanksgiving '03. I am "normal" now. I was still having troubles at Christmas, but nothing near what I was dealing with for the first 2 weeks to a month after cessation.
The drug company MUST be held responsible for this. They are ruining lives with this. I know, I know - there are those among us who say that effexor has saved their lives. My caution is that it will NOT last, and quitting the drug is inevitable. I urge them to come back here for support during their withdrawal - they won't get "I told you so," from us, because we have all been there.
Hang in there - take care driving at night. If you have started having visual problems, they might clear up after a while. The "zaps" will go away, but even now, nine months after quitting effexor, I get them in my sleep. I wake up, "zapping," and I never, ever did that before.
Take care of yourself. If you think that there might be a heart-related problem as well, then by all means, see a cardiologist to rule out any suspicions. It does get better!!
> I've been trying to describe to my doctors the weird sensation I have been experiencing since going off of Effexor abruptly a few weeks ago. It's like my arrythmia, only it "pulsates" up my neck into my face/cheeks and simultaneously down my arms to the palms of my hands. The OB who gave me the samples said it wasn't due to withdrawal and that I should see my cardiologist. I was doing some research tonight and saw a list of withdrawal symptoms that included: sensory disturbances (including shock-like electrical sensations)!!! That is what I've been trying to describe! I've also been seriously fatigued, major headaches, anxious and short-tempered, night sweats, nightmares or just bizarre dreams, and gastrologic nastiness (won't go into any more detail there :P). This drug is strange, I've never had withdrawal symptoms like this from ANYTHING I've ever taken. I have also been having strong suicidal ideation but haven't mentioned it to anyone for a variety of reasons, the least of which is because I haven't got health insurance at the moment. The doc who gave me the Effexor (Oh, I was on 75mg XR) gave it to me free - a bunch of samples. I couldn't afford the $120 price tag for the prescription he wrote for me.
Posted by kananee on September 1, 2004, at 10:06:25
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Anandia on August 31, 2004, at 23:16:57
For all us (most of us) who have been confronted by the skepticism of our pysdocs, GPs and therapists about the hideous effects of coming off Effexor, here's a bit of irony:
"During marketing of other SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), there have been spontaneous reports of adverse events occurring upon discontinuation of these drugs, particularly when abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g., paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, and seizures. Although these events are generally self-limiting, some have been reported to be severe."
This is excerpted from official literature published by Lilly on 8/3/04. Why? Because Lilly just got FDA approval for its own Effexor-type drug, Cymbalta. Supposedly as effective as Effexor for MDD but without the horrible side effects.
See http://www.cymbalta.com/?ccd=cymbalta306 for more information. The excerpt is from an 18-page .pdf file on the Cymbalta site.
Posted by boatsie on September 1, 2004, at 14:57:44
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Anandia, posted by Jiggitykid on September 1, 2004, at 6:30:57
the slow withdrawal....... from hell.
okay, fellow board members. I must be the slowest case here and as i continue to check in i keep thinking that maybe my depression is just the worst of the lot.
I started down from 300 XR in June and am now at 185.5....
Even with this slow withdrawal .... I am so exhuasted, always fighting a feeling of not being safe, som ekind of terror behind it all. just a horrid feeling.
my doctor told me that below 225, the norepheneprhine is no longer active. that's why i have the rushing in my chest, the lethargy, the aches and pains.I tried for one week at 150 but it was so dibilating. I keep waiting for an evening off of where I am right now so I can further decrease. I am seeing a naturopath who is giving me herbs and flower essences and energy healing. she is convinced i can succeed.
one of the things i keep hearing in this board is that you need support. i just don't have much of it. I feel very hopeless right now.
Posted by FaithT on September 1, 2004, at 15:20:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by boatsie on September 1, 2004, at 14:57:44
Dear Boatsie~
I'm so sorry that you're having such a rough time. I did manage to get off of this med., as I posted before..but it's really hard. I am also dealing with the fear that has come back in regard to my diagnosis of Melanoma in July of 2002, and the fear of recurrence or metastisis,which haunts me. It's very tempting to go back on Effexor, to lessen the fear, but I just can't do it..not after what I went through with the withdrawl.
So, you're not alone in your fight..It's a daily battle.
Hugs, Faith~
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 1, 2004, at 15:23:01
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by boatsie on September 1, 2004, at 14:57:44
I'm so, so sorry that you are going through this and that you feel alone. I may not be there to hold your hand and tell you that you are loved, but I'm there in spirit. You are in my prayers, boatsie. I've seen your name here for quite a while, and I'm incredibly sorry that this is taking so long for you! I'm convinced you can do it, too. As for your depression, the Effexor made my depression WORSE, while taking it and while withdrawing. Remember, you were on a high dose and are going down gradually. I was at 250 and quit, so I hit the wall instantly. There were times I was scared *&$#less, but I made it.
Please continue to post here. Whether you get immediate responses or not, know that you are cared for and prayed for. I'm sorry that we can't do more. Hang in there!!!!!
> the slow withdrawal....... from hell.
>
> okay, fellow board members. I must be the slowest case here and as i continue to check in i keep thinking that maybe my depression is just the worst of the lot.
> I started down from 300 XR in June and am now at 185.5....
> Even with this slow withdrawal .... I am so exhuasted, always fighting a feeling of not being safe, som ekind of terror behind it all. just a horrid feeling.
> my doctor told me that below 225, the norepheneprhine is no longer active. that's why i have the rushing in my chest, the lethargy, the aches and pains.
>
> I tried for one week at 150 but it was so dibilating. I keep waiting for an evening off of where I am right now so I can further decrease. I am seeing a naturopath who is giving me herbs and flower essences and energy healing. she is convinced i can succeed.
> one of the things i keep hearing in this board is that you need support. i just don't have much of it. I feel very hopeless right now.
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 1, 2004, at 15:44:32
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by FaithT on September 1, 2004, at 15:20:42
Hi Faith,
I imagine you have, but just in case, I thought I'd throw it out there. Have you tried Christian counseling to lessen your fear? I suggest going to a licensed counselor and not a pastor. You need someone who has the proper training and compassion to help you deal with the fear. I hope this doesn't sound preachy, but you will only be free from the fear when you deal with it properly. Medicating it is just putting it off and actually letting it grow larger. Your fear is totally understandable, but the life that you have right now is being taken away not by the cancer, but by the fear of the cancer, and that's not much of a life. You deserve to live each day as a gift and not in fear. I know an excellent counselor in my area, but I have no idea where you are :-). I can recommend a website to help you find someone in your area. It is http://www.aapc.org/ , which is the website for the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
Know that you are loved and in my prayers. Please take care of yourself, and deal with this fear from the root, not from a bottle.
> Dear Boatsie~
> I'm so sorry that you're having such a rough time. I did manage to get off of this med., as I posted before..but it's really hard. I am also dealing with the fear that has come back in regard to my diagnosis of Melanoma in July of 2002, and the fear of recurrence or metastisis,which haunts me. It's very tempting to go back on Effexor, to lessen the fear, but I just can't do it..not after what I went through with the withdrawl.
> So, you're not alone in your fight..It's a daily battle.
> Hugs, Faith~
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 1, 2004, at 15:46:43
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » FaithT, posted by Jiggitykid on September 1, 2004, at 15:44:32
FaithT - One more thing: when you search for a counselor on the aapc website, search under your state. You will get a much longer list than under your area code or zip code (unless you live in a very large city). Take care!!!
Posted by FaithT on September 1, 2004, at 18:21:07
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » FaithT, posted by Jiggitykid on September 1, 2004, at 15:44:32
Dear Jiggity~
You know...what you said is so true. Faith is my middle name...yet I have very little. It's ironic, isn't it?
I have never thought of seeking out a Christian Counsellor, but that's a REALLY great idea. I never even knew they existed, but I'm going to check into the sight you recommended. THANK YOU!!
Hugs, Faith~
Posted by Erica22 on September 2, 2004, at 6:15:45
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
It is 3:30 AM and I just woke up from a horrible nightmare. It is day 7 of being off of Effexor. The nightmare left me so shook that I am still feeling paranoid. Thanks to you guys I knew that getting nightmares from Effexor withdrawing is typical. I feel like those zaps are my brain misfiring *shrugs* I really pray that not getting sleep because of nightmares doesn't become the norm. Since getting off of Effexor, by 7 PM every night I can't take the dizziness anymore and I fall into a deep sleep and wake up at 9 PM so I won't be as tired with that extra sleep. Anyways before these nightmares and after getting off Effexor I was having long sleeps over night where I felt like a long complex dream where I remembered the plot of it vividly. I would wake up right away as soon as the dream ended, like tonight but this time it was plain horror! My dream went like this- I had got drawn into hanging out with a new love interest and his family and they always stuck together at his house. Turns out they lure people in and make them part of their gang. Any attempt at leaving will result in your murder. Well I got the cops attention focused on us all stuck in the situation which lead to the gang being busted but not all of them went to jail and since I was the newest member they suspected me and I had it coming, a whole new life if I was lucky to escape death first. How crazy! I woke up paranoid of who could be lurking around and contemplating my vunerability if the situation were true. I never was like this before and I want it to end! I know its a dream so I haven't done anything to exhibit paranoia but man if these horror dreams keep happening like others have said it does- no fun as if we haven't been through enough bad unproductive days that made us get on the Effexor to begin with. The withdrawal symptoms of Effexor can be quite interruptive to one's life.
Posted by FaithT on September 2, 2004, at 6:36:47
In reply to Effexor withdrawal nightmares,sleep, posted by Erica22 on September 2, 2004, at 6:15:45
Dear Erica~
I had the same nightmar-ish experiences that you're describing, while getting off Effexor... Try and not fall into the same pattern that I did, because mine did lead to insomnia that lasted about 6 weeks. You might want to try a Melatonin Supplement before bed..they seem to have helped me. You will get throught this part,and it does get better..
Hugs, Faith~
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 2, 2004, at 6:46:00
In reply to Effexor withdrawal nightmares,sleep, posted by Erica22 on September 2, 2004, at 6:15:45
First of all, flesh the dream out, write a book and make a million dollars!! ;-) I had the same type of horror-dreams. I was scared to go to sleep, too. I usually held on to dear hubby's arm (when he'd let me - he is one of those, "Don't touch me, it's hot," sleepers, but he was more patient with me during this) which helped keep me grounded. Another thing I did was keep a lamp on, so that when I woke up, I could become immediately accustomed to my surroundings. And, I also did what I joked about and what you just did: I wrote the dream out or told someone the entire detailed thing, so that the dream was "out of my head." That helped put it into perspective.
This is part and parcel of the withdrawal, I'm sorry to say. Knowing that these dreams would not stay forever helped me get through that time. Be very careful about taking sleep aids, etc., that might become habit forming; you don't want to make a bad situation worse.
Take care, and write that next horror blockbuster! :-)
> It is 3:30 AM and I just woke up from a horrible nightmare. It is day 7 of being off of Effexor. The nightmare left me so shook that I am still feeling paranoid. Thanks to you guys I knew that getting nightmares from Effexor withdrawing is typical. I feel like those zaps are my brain misfiring *shrugs* I really pray that not getting sleep because of nightmares doesn't become the norm. Since getting off of Effexor, by 7 PM every night I can't take the dizziness anymore and I fall into a deep sleep and wake up at 9 PM so I won't be as tired with that extra sleep. Anyways before these nightmares and after getting off Effexor I was having long sleeps over night where I felt like a long complex dream where I remembered the plot of it vividly. I would wake up right away as soon as the dream ended, like tonight but this time it was plain horror! My dream went like this- I had got drawn into hanging out with a new love interest and his family and they always stuck together at his house. Turns out they lure people in and make them part of their gang. Any attempt at leaving will result in your murder. Well I got the cops attention focused on us all stuck in the situation which lead to the gang being busted but not all of them went to jail and since I was the newest member they suspected me and I had it coming, a whole new life if I was lucky to escape death first. How crazy! I woke up paranoid of who could be lurking around and contemplating my vunerability if the situation were true. I never was like this before and I want it to end! I know its a dream so I haven't done anything to exhibit paranoia but man if these horror dreams keep happening like others have said it does- no fun as if we haven't been through enough bad unproductive days that made us get on the Effexor to begin with. The withdrawal symptoms of Effexor can be quite interruptive to one's life.
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 3, 2004, at 7:46:57
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Jiggitykid, posted by FaithT on September 1, 2004, at 18:21:07
Bless your heart, Faith! What a sweet post. I am praying for you and for peace in your heart. It is a struggle, dealing with fear of the unknown. That is something I have in my own life. My husband is one of those, "Why worry?" kind of people. I admire that. Counseling helped me so much; I hope that it will help you, too. If you don't feel comfortable with the counselor you find, then move on to the next. If the counselor doesn't "get" you or is talking more than listening, then by all means, it is your right and imperative to find one that works for you.
Take care!!
> Dear Jiggity~
> You know...what you said is so true. Faith is my middle name...yet I have very little. It's ironic, isn't it?
> I have never thought of seeking out a Christian Counsellor, but that's a REALLY great idea. I never even knew they existed, but I'm going to check into the sight you recommended. THANK YOU!!
> Hugs, Faith~
Posted by Americk on September 11, 2004, at 21:07:04
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » FaithT, posted by Jiggitykid on September 3, 2004, at 7:46:57
Hi everyone,
I have basically cut Effexor cold turkey from 75mg. I took 35mg 1 day off and on, but I found I was getting nowhere.
My symptoms include the brain shakes or cloudiness that everyone is talking about (vertigo), which is hell. I have major nausea; diarrhea and I find myself extremely tired. I can't concentrate, I’m moody and paranoid.
This is my 3rd day completely off Effexor and I know after reading your messages that I can do this too.
I am scared that there are yet more symptoms to arrive such as bad dreams, the itching etc... I can barley cope with the symptoms I’m having as it is.
Everyone stay strong, confide in friends and family and take your vitamins.
I hope for a better life after this Effexor nightmare.
Thank you all.
Posted by Erica22 on September 12, 2004, at 13:12:24
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Americk on September 11, 2004, at 21:07:04
I want to let you all know that my worst of all syptoms passed after day 9 of being off Effexor entirely. Cool huh? I was expecting it to be longer. I feel more like myself, more in tune with me and not like a zombie. But it has only been 2 weeks so I will have to see as time goes on if I get the brain fog back. That was the reason why I got on Effexor in the firt place. But yeah during that time of withdrawal effects the nausea and vertigo and vivid dreams were horrible.. The way I went off Effexor was I had been taking 75 mg, then I went to 37.5 mg for a week, then nothing.
Posted by AIK on September 17, 2004, at 6:58:46
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
I was put on Effexor 37.5 two times a day about a year and half ago to help with my fibromyalgia since pain medication upset my stomach (reflux, etc). I also have arthritis esp. in my fingers, and degenerative disk disease in my neck and back. Unfortunately, Tylenol just didn't cut it, so as I continued to plea for pain medication and finally got my Dr.'s associate to write a script for Ultram, but said I need to taper off the Effexor (chance of seizures taking both meds). He told me to take the Effexor only once a day for 3 days, then stop the Effexor and start the Ultram. Working in a pharmacy, I repeated back to the Dr. numerous times over the phone if this is what he said. It just didn't sound right to me for weening someone off this type of medication. I asked the Dr. if I shouldn't take one every other day, but he said one a day for 3 days. So, I did what he told me to do. I threw up the first dose of Ultram on day 4, continued vomiting multiple times during the following days, had dreams inside of dreams inside of dreams (thought I was awake, but was in another dream...spooky!), couldn't stay awake, couldn't hold my head up without feeling like falling over. I thought I had contacted a "bug" that was going around, or perhaps the one and only dose of Ultram I took was the culprit. I didn't contact the Dr. that prescribed the above because he wasn't the one I normally see (who was out of town for the week) so I consulted my pharmacist. "You've got to be kidding. You can't ween yourself off an SNRI (seretonin norephinepherine reuptake inhibitor) or SSRI's in 3 days without suffering withdrawal.
It takes a minimum of several weeks." She suggested to take an Effexor to get my head and stomach back on track, and continue with one a day for 1 week, then 1/2 tablet a day for 1 week, then 1/4 tablet a day for 1 week. I'm only on my 3rd day of one tablet a day. After I took one Effexor 3 days ago, within a half hour my sickness went away. I have an appt. with my Dr. in October. I want to find out what his associate wrote on my chart concerning tapering down the Effexor. If any of you out there aren't comfortable with what your Dr. tells you, consult another Dr. or ask your pharmacist.
Posted by Jiggitykid on September 17, 2004, at 11:48:22
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by AIK on September 17, 2004, at 6:58:46
I'm sorry for what you are going through (I've got FM and IA, too, so I truly, "feel your pain,") but I have to admit that it will be a blessing to others to have a pharmacist, someone on the front lines, who KNOWS what this is like. It is dreadfully disturbing to know that doctors don't know how to deal with this. I hate to tell you this, but you are going to deal with some kind of withdrawal no matter how you taper. This drug is evil, and will "get you," no matter how you wean. Hang in there, check back here, know that your symptoms are, "normal," and that you can get through it. Most of all, be an advocate for the people who will be dealing with this. My pharmacist had no clue. I filled him in, but he basically patted my hand and told me that sometimes "this happens."
> I was put on Effexor 37.5 two times a day about a year and half ago to help with my fibromyalgia since pain medication upset my stomach (reflux, etc). I also have arthritis esp. in my fingers, and degenerative disk disease in my neck and back. Unfortunately, Tylenol just didn't cut it, so as I continued to plea for pain medication and finally got my Dr.'s associate to write a script for Ultram, but said I need to taper off the Effexor (chance of seizures taking both meds). He told me to take the Effexor only once a day for 3 days, then stop the Effexor and start the Ultram. Working in a pharmacy, I repeated back to the Dr. numerous times over the phone if this is what he said. It just didn't sound right to me for weening someone off this type of medication. I asked the Dr. if I shouldn't take one every other day, but he said one a day for 3 days. So, I did what he told me to do. I threw up the first dose of Ultram on day 4, continued vomiting multiple times during the following days, had dreams inside of dreams inside of dreams (thought I was awake, but was in another dream...spooky!), couldn't stay awake, couldn't hold my head up without feeling like falling over. I thought I had contacted a "bug" that was going around, or perhaps the one and only dose of Ultram I took was the culprit. I didn't contact the Dr. that prescribed the above because he wasn't the one I normally see (who was out of town for the week) so I consulted my pharmacist. "You've got to be kidding. You can't ween yourself off an SNRI (seretonin norephinepherine reuptake inhibitor) or SSRI's in 3 days without suffering withdrawal.
> It takes a minimum of several weeks." She suggested to take an Effexor to get my head and stomach back on track, and continue with one a day for 1 week, then 1/2 tablet a day for 1 week, then 1/4 tablet a day for 1 week. I'm only on my 3rd day of one tablet a day. After I took one Effexor 3 days ago, within a half hour my sickness went away. I have an appt. with my Dr. in October. I want to find out what his associate wrote on my chart concerning tapering down the Effexor. If any of you out there aren't comfortable with what your Dr. tells you, consult another Dr. or ask your pharmacist.
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