![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 460 to 484 of 735. Go back in thread:
Posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 2:18:48
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by AIK on October 1, 2004, at 8:27:02
Wrote my first post called "EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL;YOU CAN DO!
I HOPE YOU WILL LOOK IT UP ON A DIFF THREAD. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041002/msgs/398346.html
Did'nt really know what I was doing and ended up starting new thread. also on http...babble/20041002/msgs/399260.html I have had excelent results going off slow, and I'm talking from 300mg's a day for long time down over a period of 4 to 5 months. I've tried 2 other times and first time almost got locked up in loonie ben. Hypermania, blacking out in the middle of conversations, triple vision, and flu symptoms. that was only off 75's. Second time ; went too fast and ended up causing myself a mild stroke. Met someone by e-mail on the effexor petion page I found who gave me hope again for getting my life back.(have addresses) The key is very slow and other meds to help with effects. In the overall process I ended up with a bottle of 60 ,10mg prozac, a bunch of 37.5's and alot of 150's I was on. (I also save every pebble and measure in a lg capsul) I am over two months into withdrawal from 300mg's a day to just started a 75 am and a 37.5 pm this week. I do 5 days of prozac with every drop and space at least 3 weeks apart. Also got anti-hystamine sprayer for headackes, nausea pills, and some old panic attack pills,inderal for panic symptoms. God definatly I feel interviened for me and I believe he will do the same for others. After studying other's affects off the threads ,I knew what I needed to suceed. My worst effects are difficulty sleeping and fighting sleep and now waking up "drug out" when I do sleep. Nausea ,only if I do not take prozac first 5 days with a drop. Overall, pretty darn good and I m very excited about getting my life back after the last 4 years. I've had insomnia and been going blind, plus hypermania and agitation for 4 years. Also ,I can still drive this time. I had every side affect on petition except , high blood preasure. Effexor Petition address is http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/ Very informing on effexor side affects and found Dougs e-mail there. Oh yeah,He has his own web site and story of withdrawals. he just went real slow and took a tranculizer. ( Please excuse my spelling) I sure hope this has been some kind of help for you and hopefully others that read. It's my heart to give others hope ,like I was given. God Bless you. Jubilee
Posted by AIK on October 6, 2004, at 8:14:04
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope, posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 2:18:48
Optimism (definition: to anticipate the best possible outcome). My body is telling me "don't like being on 1/2 tab a day...want more". I was certain I was on my way to recovery. 3 days into my last of the tapering down: the fog, the vomiting, to "h" with everyone around me (more severe than ever before). I even told a co-worker to make sure they bury me in my wedding dress since no one else wants to wear the "d" thing. I'm so mad at myself for allowing "me" to put this substance into my body in the first place without knowing the severity of withdrawal if I ever had to go off of it. Oh, that's right...the general public or prescribing doctor didn't know that at the time of this "cure all". Not just for depression anymore! Hot flashes, pain, whatever. I'm so beside myself right now I can't write anymore. Effexor sure is great for keeping one in a "quiet state" while everyone around you beats the "s" out of you...and you just let it go...like I've said before, La, la, la, la. Dr. Bob can now knock me off his site as he sees fit. I'm done. This will make that Dave person from a few weeks ago very happy, as he can practice pharmacy without the rest of you knowing if he's legit or not. "Let's be Civil". Hard to do in withdrawal, dah
> Wrote my first post called "EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL;YOU CAN DO!
> I HOPE YOU WILL LOOK IT UP ON A DIFF THREAD. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041002/msgs/398346.html
> Did'nt really know what I was doing and ended up starting new thread. also on http...babble/20041002/msgs/399260.html I have had excelent results going off slow, and I'm talking from 300mg's a day for long time down over a period of 4 to 5 months. I've tried 2 other times and first time almost got locked up in loonie ben. Hypermania, blacking out in the middle of conversations, triple vision, and flu symptoms. that was only off 75's. Second time ; went too fast and ended up causing myself a mild stroke. Met someone by e-mail on the effexor petion page I found who gave me hope again for getting my life back.(have addresses) The key is very slow and other meds to help with effects. In the overall process I ended up with a bottle of 60 ,10mg prozac, a bunch of 37.5's and alot of 150's I was on. (I also save every pebble and measure in a lg capsul) I am over two months into withdrawal from 300mg's a day to just started a 75 am and a 37.5 pm this week. I do 5 days of prozac with every drop and space at least 3 weeks apart. Also got anti-hystamine sprayer for headackes, nausea pills, and some old panic attack pills,inderal for panic symptoms. God definatly I feel interviened for me and I believe he will do the same for others. After studying other's affects off the threads ,I knew what I needed to suceed. My worst effects are difficulty sleeping and fighting sleep and now waking up "drug out" when I do sleep. Nausea ,only if I do not take prozac first 5 days with a drop. Overall, pretty darn good and I m very excited about getting my life back after the last 4 years. I've had insomnia and been going blind, plus hypermania and agitation for 4 years. Also ,I can still drive this time. I had every side affect on petition except , high blood preasure. Effexor Petition address is http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/ Very informing on effexor side affects and found Dougs e-mail there. Oh yeah,He has his own web site and story of withdrawals. he just went real slow and took a tranculizer. ( Please excuse my spelling) I sure hope this has been some kind of help for you and hopefully others that read. It's my heart to give others hope ,like I was given. God Bless you. Jubilee
Posted by Jiggitykid on October 6, 2004, at 11:51:02
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope, posted by AIK on October 6, 2004, at 8:14:04
I'm truly sorry you are in so much pain, physical and mental. All I can tell you is that, once the withdrawal was over and all of the effexor was out of my system, I was better. The withdrawal was horrible. But, once the first two weeks of no effexor was over, things began to be better. After the third week, I was feeling somewhat hopeful again. After the fourth week, I was actually thinking about the future.
It's hard, but it can be done. I know that sounds trite, with what you are going through. NONE of this is your fault. NONE of it. Please take care of yourself. Hang on!!
> Optimism (definition: to anticipate the best possible outcome). My body is telling me "don't like being on 1/2 tab a day...want more". I was certain I was on my way to recovery. 3 days into my last of the tapering down: the fog, the vomiting, to "h" with everyone around me (more severe than ever before). I even told a co-worker to make sure they bury me in my wedding dress since no one else wants to wear the "d" thing. I'm so mad at myself for allowing "me" to put this substance into my body in the first place without knowing the severity of withdrawal if I ever had to go off of it. Oh, that's right...the general public or prescribing doctor didn't know that at the time of this "cure all". Not just for depression anymore! Hot flashes, pain, whatever. I'm so beside myself right now I can't write anymore. Effexor sure is great for keeping one in a "quiet state" while everyone around you beats the "s" out of you...and you just let it go...like I've said before, La, la, la, la. Dr. Bob can now knock me off his site as he sees fit. I'm done. This will make that Dave person from a few weeks ago very happy, as he can practice pharmacy without the rest of you knowing if he's legit or not. "Let's be Civil". Hard to do in withdrawal, dah
>
> > Wrote my first post called "EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL;YOU CAN DO!
> > I HOPE YOU WILL LOOK IT UP ON A DIFF THREAD. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041002/msgs/398346.html
> > Did'nt really know what I was doing and ended up starting new thread. also on http...babble/20041002/msgs/399260.html I have had excelent results going off slow, and I'm talking from 300mg's a day for long time down over a period of 4 to 5 months. I've tried 2 other times and first time almost got locked up in loonie ben. Hypermania, blacking out in the middle of conversations, triple vision, and flu symptoms. that was only off 75's. Second time ; went too fast and ended up causing myself a mild stroke. Met someone by e-mail on the effexor petion page I found who gave me hope again for getting my life back.(have addresses) The key is very slow and other meds to help with effects. In the overall process I ended up with a bottle of 60 ,10mg prozac, a bunch of 37.5's and alot of 150's I was on. (I also save every pebble and measure in a lg capsul) I am over two months into withdrawal from 300mg's a day to just started a 75 am and a 37.5 pm this week. I do 5 days of prozac with every drop and space at least 3 weeks apart. Also got anti-hystamine sprayer for headackes, nausea pills, and some old panic attack pills,inderal for panic symptoms. God definatly I feel interviened for me and I believe he will do the same for others. After studying other's affects off the threads ,I knew what I needed to suceed. My worst effects are difficulty sleeping and fighting sleep and now waking up "drug out" when I do sleep. Nausea ,only if I do not take prozac first 5 days with a drop. Overall, pretty darn good and I m very excited about getting my life back after the last 4 years. I've had insomnia and been going blind, plus hypermania and agitation for 4 years. Also ,I can still drive this time. I had every side affect on petition except , high blood preasure. Effexor Petition address is http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/ Very informing on effexor side affects and found Dougs e-mail there. Oh yeah,He has his own web site and story of withdrawals. he just went real slow and took a tranculizer. ( Please excuse my spelling) I sure hope this has been some kind of help for you and hopefully others that read. It's my heart to give others hope ,like I was given. God Bless you. Jubilee
>
>
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 7, 2004, at 16:35:32
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope » AIK, posted by Jiggitykid on October 6, 2004, at 11:51:02
Hey don't give up..I will probably be feeling some of he same next week when I plan to be on zero. If I would of stayed at 225 mg, I think I would of become suicidal. It truely brought me to the lowest of lows that I have felt. I was never more apathetic, I still have some left after this week...so who knows...maybe I will have to count out a few more microcapsules...but I AM going to get this out of my system...it has never helped me..depression wise or anxiety.......for those that it has helped...well God Bless em......
Are you also on any type of benzo....I know the Klonopin is making this a bit easier for me.....
E
Posted by Jo52 on October 12, 2004, at 10:42:17
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope, posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 2:18:48
I began Effexor XR 75 mg end of July and stopped it on October 4th after suffering from horrible nightmares and incredible loss of sleep. My family doc said I shouldn't have any withdrawal symptoms since I was on it for such a short period of time. IT HAS BEEN HORRIBLE!!! I did talk the doc into giving me some Wellbutrin after reading here it helps with withdrawal. I started it on Oct 8th. However, I started throwing up on Oct 7th and did so for three days. I have continued to have an intermittent fever, horrible dizziness, the most bizarre tingling around my mouth, on my lips and the tip of my tongue. I also am experiencing crying jags, chills, can't sleep, and my body suddenly heats up like it's 200 degrees awake or asleep. I don't think my family doc is going to be of any help, can anyone here clue me in - how long is this HELL going to last?????????
Posted by Sarah whea on October 26, 2004, at 22:04:34
In reply to Re: My experience with quitting cold turkey (150 mg), posted by soshie on November 2, 2003, at 8:50:15
Posted by Jubilee on October 27, 2004, at 18:29:25
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope, posted by Jo52 on October 12, 2004, at 10:42:17
I have been reading different posts on this thread and I noticed my post was moved over here . I hope that was a good thing.
I wanted to let all others know what is going on so far as I am taking 4 or 5 months at least. ( I started the 1st of Aug.). I read a post that suggested 25 mgs a week from her doc, so I tried it. Not bad, at first, but after my second drop for the second week I am doing half 37's now and I am dealing with a mild head ache and some nausea. I decided to go ten days before going down again, and remember I use 10.mgs of prozac every time I drop for the first 3 days, which really helps.
When going off effexor it was advised by my doc to take it 2 times a day. So I am taking half a 37.5 in AM and PM and I will stay on this for two weeks this time.
AK, I think that two months is way too fast, and I think myself that I would tell my Doc that I changed my mind and wanted to go back on it and get more if you are out and take the 4 or 5 month idea. I'd just keep picking it up and go off slow with support form the posts. I wouldnt have said anything if I was to do it again, especially if I was on a low dose. Thats just what I would do as I realize that most people arn't like me accidentally starting off with a bottle of 60 -150mgs to spread out that far.(as 5 or 6 months) I'll be honest aabout what I did. I figured my doc wouldnt understand , and I happened to have this bottle when I decided, but I went in and asked for prozac and a histamine sprayer( and if I wasn't already on Welbutrin, I would have asked for that as a back up for my depression. ) sense I told him I was going off that is. If you have refils , just keep ordering them . I already had an anti nausea for when my chronic pain makes me sick , so I take a stomach pill, a prozac, a tranc he gave me for the agitation effexor causes, and I have inderal for panic attacks I used to get real bad. (Thats a safe heart pill that stops the attacks I used to get when I went to 12 step meetings) You can cut pills with sissors I discovered and I would cut them in small pieces and go down over like 4 months. Tell him you want more if possible , or I would say I changed my mind and just keep picking it up each month. I took my power back from doctors a couple years ago as they have almost killed me before. I told my doc thank you and just did my thing. He isnt God. Anti hystimine spray really knocks the headaches, and I figure if your head hurts too bad then you are going too fast. I already have Fibromialgia and getting thru the day is hard enough. I wrote on another thread today also, as I try to help and encourage as many as possible. When I read the effexor petition, added to one of AK's posts or I'll do it again
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/I don't believe in lying , but I don't believe in dying if at all possible either! If I ran out of effexor and became dog sick I would say I insist on going back on it if possible because I love the stuff if I had to!, or at least ask for some prozac for ten days , or some of the things mentioned above. I was told to take at least 3 or 4 months and so far its working . I would find some way to go back on effexor and do it right, and keep it your business. I don't know much about welbutrin as I am going off it too, but I have been healed of my dep. so I don't need anything.but I was on elavil for 19 years and it has no withdrawels , has a mild sedative in it a chronic pain killer, and helps you sleep. I had every side affect from effexor except high blood preasure. It ruined my vision, caused agitation, anxiety, and insomnia, and hypomania (just plain manic!!)and more for 4 years and I am already getting alot of my mind back and finally sleeping again and feeling calm. I am on 2 half 37.5's now and will be for two weeks. I will keep checking in. I hope this has given somebody hope and some ideas. Also 300mgs to 75 isn't a bad drop, its when you get lower its more dangerous.God be with you all, jubilee..
Posted by boatsie on October 28, 2004, at 19:46:27
In reply to Re: effexor w/drl so far so good, posted by Jubilee on October 27, 2004, at 18:29:25
I started cutting back on Effexor ER early this summer. I was on 300mg for several years following about six years on Paxil. My cut backs have been 225 for one month, 185 for two months and now I am at 150 since September. Each step has been symptomatic: headaches, flu like symptoms, anxiety, fatigue .... I am taking a 'green' supplement which has everything you can think of each morning, along with CoQ10, Ginko, B Complex and Cal Mag. I am currently free from the feeling that my mind was an enormous black hole and I was always struggling to reach back into this void to find meaning, continuity, self, and even simple sentence structure. Word retrieval problems? Gone. Lack of motication: ebbing, always ebbing. depression: in and out, some days worse than others.
The next step down will probably be to 125 or something very minimal. I am grateful to have a psychiatrist who is working with me every step of the way, even though she truly believes that in severe cases of mjd left untreated as mine was over many years, damage to brain is unrepairable. I still believe I will prove that wrong someday; and i know she does as well.
After so many years on medication, the shortfalls start outweighting the benefits.
Posted by Jiggitykid on October 28, 2004, at 20:35:13
In reply to Re: The Slow Withdrawal Process, posted by boatsie on October 28, 2004, at 19:46:27
>>>even though she truly believes that in severe cases of mjd left untreated as mine was over many years, damage to brain is unrepairable. I still believe I will prove that wrong someday; and i know she does as well.<<<
I agree with YOU 100%. Nothing is impossible, especially where the amazing brain is concerned. I'm glad you've got such terrific support. Not all of us have been so lucky. Thank you for your inspiring post!!
Posted by Jubilee on October 28, 2004, at 22:13:53
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope, posted by Jo52 on October 12, 2004, at 10:42:17
My Lord, sounds like hell, and only after 3 months of being on effexor! If I had any left I would go back on it, tell the doc I changed my mind about going off it. and keep refilling it till I could wean down real slow like 4 or 5 months. Remember to save every pebble to strech it out.
I woke up very dehydrated, dry mouth and unquenchable thirst. Has anybody had that happen
I wrote about my last drop down of effexor yesterday and after 3 days now it wasn't going as smooth as I thought it would. I did try what one person suggested, to go down 25 mgs a week. This is my 3rd day and I half felt like I had the flue this AM. I went right back up to 2 37's a day and going to stay there a total of almost 3 weeks. That is how I first felt "led" to do it. I only did 37.5s, for a week and thats not near enough time for our bodies to adjust. I also feel really wierd in my head, not like myself.
Things I would do if I got sick from my dr. lowering my dose too rapidly.; Call him and say I decided to stay on them ( because you have ) and that you can't deal with any depression right now with whats going on in my life, (Because you can't! Ha) Even suggest a higer dose maybe would work better , and it will in your case if your'e taking 4-6 months to go off!!Ha.
This is no laughing matter I know and I am sick , but not as bad as you , my friends.
The bible says that if you are in a trial then ask for wisdom and he will absolutly give it.
If I knew others that might have extra or some they didn't use, I would call them. They said that taking prozac makes it better, so my doc was going to wean me off in 6 weeks and gave me a bunch of prozac. I take them when I first drop down. God interviened considering effexor one day, when I felt led out of the blue to look it up on the web. Then I found the babble site and learned alot before I told my doctor. God does supply all our needs when we are fully dependent on him. I must give him total credit for all he provided, the timing , and the added medications I was given. Until that "day" I thought I was stuck on effexor forever and I don't even have depression anymore. The effexor petition sit told me how dangerous this drug is , and why I have been losing my eyesight , and been manic for 4 years and an insomniac!!! I love to read, and the Lord preserves his children. when I think of all I am going to recover after 6 weeks or 7, I have no problem with patience.
I have found 25 a week to go down is too fast and just wanted to share that.
Maybe I would go to the emergency room if I had Ins.and maybe they wold give some more. Hope I have been helpful. I feel I have another 6 weeks more to go. I lift you friends to God in the Morning . If you pray , God will intervien and help you and can open doors , and also give you favor with the doc... Take it slow, Jubilee
Posted by Katarina K on November 3, 2004, at 21:05:48
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawels -dry mouth thirst, posted by Jubilee on October 28, 2004, at 22:13:53
Hey there. I just posted on another Babble site, but I thought I would post here as well. I was on Effexor 75mg for two years for treatment of PTSD. I was great at first. Better than all the others. After a while, the constipation, dizziness, giddiness, numbness, and weight gain, got to be too much. I'm on day four of cold-turkey withdrawal. HELP! A couple of days I was in complete crying mode. I was also itching like crazy. And then of course, I am still suffering from the naseau and dizziness. The dreams have been crazy as well, but I try to have a sense of humor about them. For the first 3 days I had horrible tingling and fuzzy sensations in my face and neck. However, the worst has been today. My feet and hands are burning, aching and feel much larger than they are. I am still irritable as hell, especially in the evening. Is this going to get better? PLease help!
Posted by Jo52 on November 4, 2004, at 8:02:47
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawels -burning feet and hands, posted by Katarina K on November 3, 2004, at 21:05:48
I got on Wellbutrin XL 150 after 6 days of no Effexor and then took a 20 mg Prozac the middle of the next week and a 10 mg Prozac the following week and this cured 90% of the symptoms. I would recommend getting the Prozac immediately!! The third and fourth weeks I experienced some intermittent fever episodes that would last about an hour at a time. I'm off about 6 weeks now and seem to be symptom free. In addition I take 1 25 mg Xanax at night. I am still taking the Wellbutrin, but plan to only take it about another two months and then wean off of it. I am hoping that the Xanax takes care of the mood swings and I'll deal with anything else as it comes up.
Posted by Jiggitykid on November 4, 2004, at 8:36:37
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawels -burning feet and hands, posted by Katarina K on November 3, 2004, at 21:05:48
It DOES get better, but it will take a little while. My experience was that the worst symptoms abated after about two weeks. Then, most of the symptoms were gone after about a month, then after a couple of months, I realized that I was feeling MUCH better and much happier than I had been while on this drug from hell. I'm curious as to when they'll "voluntarily" pull this like they did Vioxx. . .
Hang in there - it does get better. Just know that you are NOT crazy and that the symptoms are very real, regardless of what your doctor might say. I quit cold-turkey, too, and, while it was miserable, I'm glad I did, because then I didn't have to make the tapering decisions. It was gone and I refused to swallow another granule. Take care!!
> Hey there. I just posted on another Babble site, but I thought I would post here as well. I was on Effexor 75mg for two years for treatment of PTSD. I was great at first. Better than all the others. After a while, the constipation, dizziness, giddiness, numbness, and weight gain, got to be too much. I'm on day four of cold-turkey withdrawal. HELP! A couple of days I was in complete crying mode. I was also itching like crazy. And then of course, I am still suffering from the naseau and dizziness. The dreams have been crazy as well, but I try to have a sense of humor about them. For the first 3 days I had horrible tingling and fuzzy sensations in my face and neck. However, the worst has been today. My feet and hands are burning, aching and feel much larger than they are. I am still irritable as hell, especially in the evening. Is this going to get better? PLease help!
Posted by MKB on November 7, 2004, at 16:54:27
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawels -burning feet and hands, posted by Katarina K on November 3, 2004, at 21:05:48
The only thing that helped me was taking Benadryle before bed.
Posted by bbly78 on November 11, 2004, at 10:55:25
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Americk on September 11, 2004, at 21:07:04
I am coming off the Effexor also.. But I was on a 300 dose.. I slowly came down to 225, then 150.. But then my doctor stopped that after 3 days and put me on 75 for 4 days and 37.5 for 4 days.. I feel like crap.. I am now off completely, until I start my new medicine, which could be a week.. For the past two days I have been vomiting, shaky, freezing, numbness in my arms.. If anyone can suggest something, I would greatly appreciate it.. Today I officially come off the effexor.. If the last two days are anything close to whats to come, someone just shoot me now..
Posted by Jo52 on November 11, 2004, at 13:07:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bbly78 on November 11, 2004, at 10:55:25
Call Your Doctor Immediately! I was able to get a 20 mg Prozac (1) for the first week and a 10mg Prozac (1) to take the second week. The symptoms were immediately relieved (within 12 hours) after taking the first Prozac. I also started Wellbutrin at the same time, but it was the Prozac that did the trick. I only took the two - one each week and I was fine. Minor symptoms the third week but nothing that I couldn't ignore. Good Luck! It stinks, but this will definately help.
Posted by MKB on November 11, 2004, at 16:05:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bbly78 on November 11, 2004, at 10:55:25
I managed to finally get off without the Prozac, but I have heard that it helps. Benadryl helped me too.
Posted by Jiggitykid on November 12, 2004, at 7:58:07
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bbly78 on November 11, 2004, at 10:55:25
It is a horrible tragedy that you and anyone else are having to go through this. I was reading a "health" magazine the other day, and they recommended effexor for menopausal hot flashes!!! This drug is going to kill someone, if it hasn't already. It has destroyed lives already.
Pain medication helps. Some have recommended benedryl, too, which does help. Motion sickness pills can help some, but not tremendously. The best advice I've got for you is to 1) know that you are experiencing a "normal" withdrawal, 2) make sure those around you know what is going on and to expect you to be different for a while while your body and brain adjust to having this evil drug out of your system, and 3) do what you have to do to stay sane :-)! Take care of yourself, don't make major decisions right now, avoid driving at night, and do all you can to minimize the demands on your life until this is over. My "cold-turkey" took two weeks before I felt somewhat better, and a month until I felt normal. You CAN do this. It IS possible. Just keep coming back here to update and know that we all know what you are going through. You are in my prayers!
> I am coming off the Effexor also.. But I was on a 300 dose.. I slowly came down to 225, then 150.. But then my doctor stopped that after 3 days and put me on 75 for 4 days and 37.5 for 4 days.. I feel like crap.. I am now off completely, until I start my new medicine, which could be a week.. For the past two days I have been vomiting, shaky, freezing, numbness in my arms.. If anyone can suggest something, I would greatly appreciate it.. Today I officially come off the effexor.. If the last two days are anything close to whats to come, someone just shoot me now..
Posted by bbly78 on November 12, 2004, at 11:23:58
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » bbly78, posted by Jiggitykid on November 12, 2004, at 7:58:07
Thank you guys so much, I spoke to my doctor after i posted this and he informed that it isnt going to get much better.. that made me feel great. At least though, for the last 24 hours i have managed to keep some soup and crackers in my stomach.. I do start Prozac sometime next week.. The Dr is just waiting on some test results he sent in. As for the Wellbutrin, ugh! I think i would rather come off effexor anyday.. Unfortunately that makes me sick as a dog.. I am hoping and praying that the Prozac will do the trick and i wont have to change meds again.. Thank you again for your input, I will keep you guys updated and let you know how i am doing.
Posted by deon on November 16, 2004, at 10:10:40
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Americk on September 11, 2004, at 21:07:04
OK...I wish my Doctor would of told me about this evil drug!!! Since day one of taking this pill, haven't been same. My wife has said that I am not the same man i used to be...in other words...this drug hasn't helped me at all. I've been on it for 1 month at 70 mg and it almost destroyed my relationship. I stopped taking it since yesterday. She also prescribed me Lorazepam .5 mg and i found out that taking this stuff with Effexor can cause some major side effects. I"M FREEAKING OUT HERE!!!!!
The brain shakes are awful and I feel so lost. Reading your posting has made me emotional. I can't stop crying because I'm afraid of what's ahead.
I don't trust my Doctor anymore. I'm so angry!!!
Posted by MKB on November 16, 2004, at 12:10:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Americk, posted by deon on November 16, 2004, at 10:10:40
Tell your wife to be patient for a couple of weeks. Get off it and stay off it. You will not be yourself. I know how terrible it is. Coming off it made me more depressed than I was before. Good luck. You CAN make it, just don't do anything drastic.
Posted by Jiggitykid on November 16, 2004, at 14:20:53
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Americk, posted by deon on November 16, 2004, at 10:10:40
Your doc either didn't know or didn't believe it. Regardless, I'm SO SORRY for the situation you are in! Trust me - I've been there. This horrible drug nearly destroyed my marriage. One year ago, we were talking divorce, and I had no idea why he was so unhappy with me. After I stopped taking the drug, "I" came back, and he loves me the way he used to. I'll never be the person I was 15 years ago when we married - neither will he, of course - but I'm a functioning, loving person again. When I was taking the effexor, I kept telling the doc and the counselor I was seeing that I was feeling worse, so they advised upping the dose. I got worse - the doctor wondered if I was really, truly mentally ill. Once I stopped taking the drug, I became me again.
I know reading the withdrawal symptoms is scary, but you've got to get off of this drug before it destroys your life and your family. There are ways to cope that make it easier that people have been kind enough to share here. The big thing is that you've got to either educate your doctor, or find a doctor who is already up to speed on this, and figure out the best plan for you, whether it be tapering off or quitting cold turkey (which is what I did, because I had no help at all. I thought I was losing my mind until I found this board. Thank you, Dr. Bob!). Some recommend Prozac during withdrawal. Benedryl helps some. Some prescription pain killers and Ibuprofen help, but you need to be careful when dealing with the pain meds, of course.
Perhaps most importantly of all, you need to have your spouse read this site and understand that what you are going through is NOT YOUR FAULT, and that it is the medication's doing. She needs to be educated about what to expect while you are quitting the medicine. She needs to understand that you AREN'T the person you were, but that you will be once you get this evil drug out of your system.
Check in, and let us know how you are doing. We all support you!! Please, take care of your family. Let them love you.
> OK...I wish my Doctor would of told me about this evil drug!!! Since day one of taking this pill, haven't been same. My wife has said that I am not the same man i used to be...in other words...this drug hasn't helped me at all. I've been on it for 1 month at 70 mg and it almost destroyed my relationship. I stopped taking it since yesterday. She also prescribed me Lorazepam .5 mg and i found out that taking this stuff with Effexor can cause some major side effects. I"M FREEAKING OUT HERE!!!!!
> The brain shakes are awful and I feel so lost. Reading your posting has made me emotional. I can't stop crying because I'm afraid of what's ahead.
> I don't trust my Doctor anymore. I'm so angry!!!
Posted by deon on November 16, 2004, at 17:23:55
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » deon, posted by Jiggitykid on November 16, 2004, at 14:20:53
Thank you...all of you's on this post and most of all....thank you Dr Bob.
Day 2 is almost done and I feel alittle better knowing I'm not alone in this fight of this drug!
I've read the other posts on the possitive effects of Effexor on other ppl but I can GUARONTEE that if and when they need to get off this poison...they'll be posting here.
As for me, my stomach feels like a twisted pretzel but I'm managing to keep food down. I have a job to do as a computer field technician which requires me to drive all over this city and to other towns. Thank god I have an understanding boss in Toronto to give me a few days off with pay to help me get over this nightmare. When I sent him just one of these posts, he couldn't believe what he was reading.
I also let my wife read these posts...she started to cry and felt so guilty. We both fell to the ground embracing eachother with tears knowing that all this can be put into the past and go on with ours lives as loving couples. She's going to help me in anyway she can till this is all over with.I will keep you all posted on my progress.
Thank you all again with all my heart and soul.
Your doc either didn't know or didn't believe it. Regardless, I'm SO SORRY for the situation you are in! Trust me - I've been there. This horrible drug nearly destroyed my marriage. One year ago, we were talking divorce, and I had no idea why he was so unhappy with me. After I stopped taking the drug, "I" came back, and he loves me the way he used to. I'll never be the person I was 15 years ago when we married - neither will he, of course - but I'm a functioning, loving person again. When I was taking the effexor, I kept telling the doc and the counselor I was seeing that I was feeling worse, so they advised upping the dose. I got worse - the doctor wondered if I was really, truly mentally ill. Once I stopped taking the drug, I became me again.
>
> I know reading the withdrawal symptoms is scary, but you've got to get off of this drug before it destroys your life and your family. There are ways to cope that make it easier that people have been kind enough to share here. The big thing is that you've got to either educate your doctor, or find a doctor who is already up to speed on this, and figure out the best plan for you, whether it be tapering off or quitting cold turkey (which is what I did, because I had no help at all. I thought I was losing my mind until I found this board. Thank you, Dr. Bob!). Some recommend Prozac during withdrawal. Benedryl helps some. Some prescription pain killers and Ibuprofen help, but you need to be careful when dealing with the pain meds, of course.
>
> Perhaps most importantly of all, you need to have your spouse read this site and understand that what you are going through is NOT YOUR FAULT, and that it is the medication's doing. She needs to be educated about what to expect while you are quitting the medicine. She needs to understand that you AREN'T the person you were, but that you will be once you get this evil drug out of your system.
>
> Check in, and let us know how you are doing. We all support you!! Please, take care of your family. Let them love you.
>
> > OK...I wish my Doctor would of told me about this evil drug!!! Since day one of taking this pill, haven't been same. My wife has said that I am not the same man i used to be...in other words...this drug hasn't helped me at all. I've been on it for 1 month at 70 mg and it almost destroyed my relationship. I stopped taking it since yesterday. She also prescribed me Lorazepam .5 mg and i found out that taking this stuff with Effexor can cause some major side effects. I"M FREEAKING OUT HERE!!!!!
> > The brain shakes are awful and I feel so lost. Reading your posting has made me emotional. I can't stop crying because I'm afraid of what's ahead.
> > I don't trust my Doctor anymore. I'm so angry!!!
>
>
Posted by MKB on November 16, 2004, at 20:18:19
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by deon on November 16, 2004, at 17:23:55
Keep hanging on and don't be surprised if tomorrow is worse than today. How many more people are going to have to suffer before the situation changes?
Posted by DustBuster on November 17, 2004, at 1:36:22
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » deon, posted by MKB on November 16, 2004, at 20:18:19
Well, I quit taking Effexor XR this past weekend. Because of all the bad comments and articles I have read (here and many other places), I finally changed my mind, and decided that I don't really trust my pdoc (and won't be seeing him anymore), and it's just not worth the risk to keep taking this med. I am sticking with my T, though.
Apparently I am just lucky, or 3 weeks wasn't long enough to develop any real dependance, since I haven't had any serious withdrawl symptoms, so far. I did have a single horrible 2 hour sleepless "nap" Monday afternoon, during which I had dozens of odd dreams, and seemed to wake every 5-10 minutes, but that might not have anything to do with Effexor, since I haven't slept more than 3-4 hours a night for the past week.
I'm convinced most of the drug has cleared out of my system, since this afternoon, I started feeling really sad, worthless, depressed and angry again. Haven't felt like that since I started the meds. My ears are still ringing, though, so maybe this isn't quite over yet.
One other side effect of Effexor XR I didn't even realize until I quit, was that it apparently dried up my sinuses. I admit, it was nice being able to breath through my nose all day and night long, and not waking up with a sore throat and coughing up phlem.
Patrick
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