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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by MKB on November 17, 2004, at 2:13:42
In reply to I quit taking Effexor too!, posted by DustBuster on November 17, 2004, at 1:36:22
I think the terrible, sad, worthless feeling is the effect of the Effexor withdrawal. Is it not worse than you felt before you started? Yes, Effexor does dry out your skin, your eyes, every part of you.
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 17, 2004, at 5:11:00
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by deon on November 16, 2004, at 17:23:55
Posted by bbly78 on November 17, 2004, at 8:14:17
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » deon, posted by MKB on November 16, 2004, at 12:10:12
Well it has been 3 solid days without the effexor, I feel like crap.. My hands go numb, I can't bend over without coming up dizzy and wishing I could throw up.. I do however start my new meds today, so hopefully I will start to feel better.. I have always said it was a shame that in order to feel better you need medicine, but in the same instance, it sucks to have to take something else to counteract all the side effects of the one that is supposed to help you.. I mean really, you take something for depression or anxiety and it makes you sick, insomniac, etc.. then you end up taking something for the sick stomach and the lack of sleep.. You guys have helped me understand some of the things that are going on in my body.. I will keep in touch to let you know how the new meds go.. hopefully I wont get sick everytime I turn around.. literally..
Posted by MKB on November 17, 2004, at 11:49:08
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bbly78 on November 17, 2004, at 8:14:17
So sorry you are suffering. I do hope you find something that works without dreadful side effects. If you suffer from simple depression and general anxiety, you might want to try L-Tryptophan, which is natural, safe, and effective. You can read about it at http://www.healthrecovery.com. Also, to understand more of what others have experienced with Effexor you can read comments of people who have signed a petition at www.petitiononline.com/effexor/. View the signatures.
Posted by deon on November 18, 2004, at 9:11:44
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Americk, posted by deon on November 16, 2004, at 10:10:40
Day 3 is over with starting day 4...symptoms of the brain jolts are still there and the nausia remains. I'm starting to feel like it's a lossing battle even though it's only been a few days. I'm already fed up of this. Will this ever stop? Has anyone out there got this over with? Is there hope at the end of this long tunnel? I've been sleeping but it's not a stable sleep. I'm so tired right now....so tired. I don't want to go back to sleep during the day because I feel that will only make my insomnia worse. I haven't gone to work all this week because I'm afraid that I might get a severe "JOLT" while I'm driving. What a nightmare this is. You know what I just remembered? When I first went to my Doctor about these slight anxiety attacks and she put me on this Effexor....she told me that this would be a 6 month treatment then she would stop prescribing this medication and take me right of. She was only joking right? Is it possible that a Doctor has little knowlege of the withdrawls that a patient would be going through when taken off this medication? If not...she's about to get an awakening from me.
Anyone out there reading this and is taking Effexor....talk to your Doctor before going off about these awfull side effects.
I'll post again in a couple of days to let you know how I'm doing.
Posted by MKB on November 18, 2004, at 9:27:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by deon on November 18, 2004, at 9:11:44
Being informed is essential. Read as much as you can on these boards as many others have posted about this. I just got off Effexor recently, so I know what you are going through. I would suggest going down to the lowest dose possible, then taking it only every other day. Make sure the people around you know that you will not be yourself for awhile until you get this out of your system. It may take several weeks for you to get back to normal. Let your doctor know about your problems and stand firm. If you were not fully informed, you have a right to complain.
Posted by bbly78 on November 18, 2004, at 9:49:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by deon on November 18, 2004, at 9:11:44
Well, I saw my doctor yesterday, and he started me on 25mg of Prozac.. Let me tell you, I feel so much better.. I am still feeling a little numb in the hands once in a while, but nothing like it was.. Just one dose of a new med, something to take over the feelings of coming off the effexor, and I feel somewhat like a human.. I am still real sensitive to some smells.. But I cant wait for the whole negative overall feeling to be done.. I will keep in touch
Posted by jbc on November 18, 2004, at 10:19:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by deon on November 18, 2004, at 9:11:44
Hang on deon! You will get through this! I have been off almost a year now. About 6 months ago I went thru a couple days of similar type symptoms ("jolts", feeling like my insides were quivering, etc.), but nothing since.
You WILL get through this & come out stronger on the other side! Just hang in there & know that all of out here know what you are going through. We are walking along side you and holding you up when you need us! I am praying for you!
Posted by Jiggitykid on November 18, 2004, at 11:49:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by deon on November 18, 2004, at 9:11:44
It DOES stop. It just takes time. For me, the worst of the symptoms were over after the first 7 days or so, then, after another week, I began to feel more normal. It took a month before I felt really more normal. If this makes you feel any better, for me and for some posting here, after the two-weeks (ish), senses become heightened, almost as if all of your senses are "reawakening." Things are brighter, louder, smell better, and let's just say that my husband was thrilled with another heightened sense/sensation during this time! It settles back out. You WILL get better. Don't give up.
Your doctor is either uneducated about this medication (which most still are) or is one of those who considers this a "noisy minority reaction." You need to educate her, fast.
Merck is in lots of hot water right now because of non-disclosure of info about Vioxx. Why in the world would anyone doubt that they know about the withdrawal effects (and the effects while on the drug) of Effexor? I personally cannot wait to join a class-action against them. This drug nearly ruined my life and my marriage and the withdrawal was something no one should have to go though without making an informed choice.
Please, hang in there. Are you taking anything to help?
> Day 3 is over with starting day 4...symptoms of the brain jolts are still there and the nausia remains. I'm starting to feel like it's a lossing battle even though it's only been a few days. I'm already fed up of this. Will this ever stop? Has anyone out there got this over with? Is there hope at the end of this long tunnel? I've been sleeping but it's not a stable sleep. I'm so tired right now....so tired. I don't want to go back to sleep during the day because I feel that will only make my insomnia worse. I haven't gone to work all this week because I'm afraid that I might get a severe "JOLT" while I'm driving. What a nightmare this is. You know what I just remembered? When I first went to my Doctor about these slight anxiety attacks and she put me on this Effexor....she told me that this would be a 6 month treatment then she would stop prescribing this medication and take me right of. She was only joking right? Is it possible that a Doctor has little knowlege of the withdrawls that a patient would be going through when taken off this medication? If not...she's about to get an awakening from me.
> Anyone out there reading this and is taking Effexor....talk to your Doctor before going off about these awfull side effects.
> I'll post again in a couple of days to let you know how I'm doing.
>
>
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on November 18, 2004, at 11:51:34
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » deon, posted by MKB on November 18, 2004, at 9:27:12
>>If you were not fully informed, you have a right to complain.<<
Which NO ONE has been. That's the whole problem. Merck needs to be held accountable for this. If the FDA sat on information, like allegations are being made that they had information about Vioxx and didn't reveal it, then they need to be held accountable, as well. I'd say it's time to clean house in both organizations.
Posted by Jiggitykid on November 18, 2004, at 11:54:40
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » deon, posted by jbc on November 18, 2004, at 10:19:06
>>>About 6 months ago I went thru a couple days of similar type symptoms ("jolts", feeling like my insides were quivering, etc.), but nothing since.<<<
You know, sometimes I wonder if we've been permanently damaged by the effexor. I've been "clean" for about a year, too. I stopped taking it just before Thanksgiving last year ('03). About 6 months ago, just like you, I woke in the middle of the night with the brain zaps. It only lasted a little while, but it frightened me that it might not be over. Thank goodness, it's not happened again.
Effexor is a horrible, horrible drug. I agree with what someone posted recently - there are those here who are saying that it is helping. God help you when you have to quit taking it.
Posted by jbc on November 18, 2004, at 12:48:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » jbc, posted by Jiggitykid on November 18, 2004, at 11:54:40
AMEN!
> >>>About 6 months ago I went thru a couple days of similar type symptoms ("jolts", feeling like my insides were quivering, etc.), but nothing since.<<<
>
> You know, sometimes I wonder if we've been permanently damaged by the effexor. I've been "clean" for about a year, too. I stopped taking it just before Thanksgiving last year ('03). About 6 months ago, just like you, I woke in the middle of the night with the brain zaps. It only lasted a little while, but it frightened me that it might not be over. Thank goodness, it's not happened again.
>
> Effexor is a horrible, horrible drug. I agree with what someone posted recently - there are those here who are saying that it is helping. God help you when you have to quit taking it.
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 18, 2004, at 14:50:07
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by deon on November 18, 2004, at 9:11:44
Haven't been to Psycho-Bab in a long time, probably because I'm no longer suffering from the side effects of taking Effexor, nor the withdrawal from quitting Effexor. There is life after Effexor, entirely off of Effexor, and freedom from all the symptoms that you might originally fear are a permanent side-effect from taking Effexor. It all goes away. The occasional hand twinges were the last to go. If you are on Day 4, you've got a rough road to travel still. I didn't go cold turkey, not after the first attempt failed miserably. I tapered down with a tightly controlled schedule. Misery became a constant companion but each week had me functioning with less and less Effexor. I lasted, I think, because I was *controlling* the schedule and I saw the signs of success.
You'll make it. God Bless!
KDi in Texas
> Day 3 is over with starting day 4...symptoms of the brain jolts are still there and the nausia remains. I'm starting to feel like it's a lossing battle even though it's only been a few days. I'm already fed up of this. Will this ever stop? Has anyone out there got this over with? Is there hope at the end of this long tunnel? I've been sleeping but it's not a stable sleep. I'm so tired right now....so tired. I don't want to go back to sleep during the day because I feel that will only make my insomnia worse. I haven't gone to work all this week because I'm afraid that I might get a severe "JOLT" while I'm driving. What a nightmare this is. You know what I just remembered? When I first went to my Doctor about these slight anxiety attacks and she put me on this Effexor....she told me that this would be a 6 month treatment then she would stop prescribing this medication and take me right of. She was only joking right? Is it possible that a Doctor has little knowlege of the withdrawls that a patient would be going through when taken off this medication? If not...she's about to get an awakening from me.
> Anyone out there reading this and is taking Effexor....talk to your Doctor before going off about these awfull side effects.
> I'll post again in a couple of days to let you know how I'm doing.
>
>
>
Posted by DustBuster on November 18, 2004, at 21:01:43
In reply to Re: I quit taking Effexor too! » DustBuster, posted by MKB on November 17, 2004, at 2:13:42
> I think the terrible, sad, worthless feeling is the effect of the Effexor withdrawal. Is it not worse than you felt before you started?
I don't know. Maybe. Probably, a little worse. I completely forgot how bad it feels to be this depressed.
I joined a depression support group at meetup.com, and went to the monthly meeting last night. Nobody else showed up, so I went to my favorite bar and got drunk instead. This city sucks.
I yelled at my two sweet kitty cats last night, for no reason other than I was upset (and drunk) and angry and wanted to make sure they stayed away from me. This morning, I just laid in the recliner, staring at the ceiling for a couple hours, thinking about nothing. One of the cats jumped onto my chest, trying to get some attention, but I just couldn't be bothered to move a muscle to pet her. I can't believe that was just this morning. Seems like days ago, already.
Weighed myself, and was shocked to see I've gained back 5 lbs since last weekend (I'm horribly obese, but had been losing 1-2 lbs per week over the past four months). Of course it's most likely due to the fact that I haven't exercised once since stopping the effexor. The only time I've even been outside of the house all week was to pick up the mail, and to drive 60 miles round trip to that stupid non-existent "support" group meeting.
I really want to go back on AD meds, I don't want to feel like this anymore. This just really sucks. I'd rather feel nothing, like I did on effexor. But I cancelled my appt with my pdoc, and I know I won't be able to get another one for at least another three weeks. Besides, I don't know if I trust him anyway. Psychiatrists just seem to be pill pushers nowadays. Here's your script, that'll be $150, now go away, but first make another appt in a month so I can get paid then too!
I am just so confused. I probably shouldn't have stopped taking the effexor, and I definately shouldn't have cancelled my pdoc appt. I probably wouldn't have quit if I hadn't joined this damned message board.
I feel like such an frickin idiot, I'm even afraid to call up my sister, who has been such a kind listener lately. I just don't want to bother her anymore with my problems. I don't even want to hit "submit" here, since I'm so obviously just searching for attention from anyone.
Patrick
Posted by Jiggitykid on November 18, 2004, at 21:29:35
In reply to Re: withdrawl? Not sure, but I AM depressed again, posted by DustBuster on November 18, 2004, at 21:01:43
Patrick, you need some help that goes beyond a message board. Many folks here have recommended taking Prozac to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms (one of which was despair for me, for a while). Personally, I would call my doctor and tell him/her that this is an emergency and get in that office. They can work you in. You already know that adding alcohol to the mix was not healthy. Alcohol is a depressant.
Your cats will forgive you :-). Mine did.
Perhaps you wouldn't have stopped taking the Effexor had you not found this board RIGHT NOW, but you would have had to quit eventually. Effexor has a tendency to plateau, and you need more and more for it to work. With me, the higher the dosage, the more anxious and detatched I became. Quitting wasn't an option. Had I been warned about the withdrawal, I wouldn't have swallowed the first pill. There are so many ADs available right now.
Sounds like the support group you found isn't the right one. Perhaps your local hospital or social services could recommend a real, reliable support group?
As for the weight, I gained 20 lbs on Effexor. I'm significantly overweight, too, so this was a real blow. I've not lost any of it, but, I've not been able to really get into the exercise. I have inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia, and now that evil Merck has recalled Vioxx, I'm in more pain and it hurts to exercise. Yes, my blood pressure has gone down (again, no information about risks until the last few weeks before the recall, and I had been taking it for six years), but I've got no real alternative for anti-inflammatory treatment. I'm looking, looking, looking :-). I know it might sound trite, but let your weight be the LAST worry right now for you. You've got to get your mind and emotions healthy first, before you can think about anything else. During the first weeks of being effexor-free (cold turkey from 275 mg), I didn't give a darn about much of anything. This lifted for me after the second week. I suppose perhaps I had a blessing in not knowing how long the withdrawal would take, so I wasn't counting the minutes until the two-week mark.
Please, call your doctor first thing in the morning. Someone once said, "Never accept a no from someone who has no authority to give a yes." In other words, get past the receptionist and get the doctor to hear you. Call and get in there. Perhaps a low dosage of Prozac would help you the way it has helped others here. You need support. Don't go this alone. If I had not had support, I don't know how I would have made it. They were my light.
Please, call your doctor. Call your sister, too. She doesn't mind listening. Clearly she loves you. Direct her to this site and help her understand what you are going through. Maybe she could come stay with you for a while?
Hang in there. Come here and vent all you want. We've been there and we care. We know what you are going through, and we know how lonely it is. Take care!!!!!
Posted by DustBuster on November 19, 2004, at 1:31:11
In reply to Re: withdrawl? Not sure, but I AM depressed again » DustBuster, posted by Jiggitykid on November 18, 2004, at 21:29:35
Posted by MKB on November 19, 2004, at 1:51:22
In reply to Re: withdrawl? Not sure, but I AM depressed again, posted by DustBuster on November 18, 2004, at 21:01:43
Try L-Tryptophan. Some doctors are prescribing it now, but you don't need a prescription. It's natural and effective for mild depression and anxiety. It helps to produce serotonin, while most antidepressants only recycle it. Read more about it at www.healthrecovery.com. You can also purchase from this site. (I'm not a salesman and I don't get a commission.)
Posted by dancingstar on November 19, 2004, at 1:58:57
In reply to Re: withdrawl? Not sure, but I AM depressed again » DustBuster, posted by Jiggitykid on November 18, 2004, at 21:29:35
Oh you guys, I don't even know what to say! I was feeling sorry for myself cause still have major stomach dramas (traumas) that I'm sure are Effexor related, and that horrible pain that goes up the center of my back to my neck to my head and makes it hard to get stuff done; the kind that affects your whole nervous system. It's been nearly two months since I've stopped taking Effexor, and I feel so much better better than what I did, but mostly I still feel pretty bad. Then I read all these posts, and I was kind of ashamed for feeling bad cause I know I'm near the end of it and wish I could help someone else. Maybe we all can one way or another.
I wrote an email to my doctor with the page of signatures in the body of the email so that he can read the complaints for himself. I was at his office yesterday, and his staff tells me that he doesn't prescribe Effexor anymore -- well, I mean, they said he hasn't been writing new prescriptions --progress!! -- and that is before he even opened my email. He also even mentioned to me that Paxil was just as big a problem. I'm so proud of him for following up on my sometimes over-enthusiastic griping. He knows that I am a likely reputable source of information -- at least I think he does though I will be the first to acknowledge that not everyone has as difficult discontinuation symptoms as I have...though a lot of us do, huh?
Today I wrote to one of my attorney clients and advised him of the situation. I told him what had happened to me, and he felt bad and offered to send me to someone that he thought could help me, not something I needed nor wanted him to do as I know plenty of lawyers. But when I emailed him the link to the signatures on the petition, his tone changed. I got the impression that he was very suprised at the number of people that had been harmed by Effexor and remarked that it had to be a quite dangerous drug for so many people to react that strongly.
I should also add that my own internist even asked if there had been a class action filed yet. I told him that I didn't think that there had been and asked him if he could think of any reason why we should protect Effexor, if there was anyone that was being helped by this drug as opposed to some other alternative to Effexor. Oh, I'm sure there are tonsafolks that will disagree and scream and rant and rave and holler...but he just didn't think there was a good reason to not say how -- let me keep this in the first person -- I have been harmed by Effexor.
I say this to you because I guess I'm curious to know how anyone else feels about filing a lawsuit against the company that makes this drug. I know that I have gone back and forth on the subject, because I don't want to be bothered with it; on the other hand, I get the feeling that somene has kept the extreme dangers of Effexor top secret for a long time. Goodness knows, I had absolutely know idea.
If anyone sees this, would you let me know what you think?
Posted by jujube on November 19, 2004, at 9:28:45
In reply to Re: withdrawl? Not sure, but I AM depressed again » DustBuster, posted by Jiggitykid on November 18, 2004, at 21:29:35
I have inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia, and now that evil Merck has recalled Vioxx, I'm in more pain and it hurts to exercise.
Jiggitykid,
In the most recent edition of Prevention, Dr. Weil recommends a natural anti-inflammatory called Zyflamend. It is a natural antiflammatory which combines ginger and turmeric with other herbs. I am thinking of ordering some from www.iherb.com for my aunt who also was on Vioxx and, after doing some research, is not willing to go on Celebrex.
Tamara
Posted by Jiggitykid on November 19, 2004, at 9:58:39
In reply to the nightmare of effexor, posted by dancingstar on November 19, 2004, at 1:58:57
I have been very interested in joining a lawsuit for quite some time now. I've not found one yet. I'm not a litigious person and I don't think suing should be a knee-jerk reaction; however, in this case, NO ONE IN THE DRUG COMPANY, THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY AND IN THE FDA ARE LISTENING. I don't know of any other way to get their attention except to sue. Merck needs to see the light, now.
Posted by sunny10 on November 19, 2004, at 10:03:07
In reply to Re: withdrawl? Not sure, but I AM depressed again, posted by DustBuster on November 18, 2004, at 21:01:43
quick note. My T counselled me, after I chose to come off EfexxorXr, that she had had other patients stop this drug. She warned me that I might experience a "rebound effect" for up to a month after stopping it. And that did occur with me- I just kept my head down and trudged- with great difficulty.
The pain in my back, shoulders, and neck have not subsided, yet, but the severe depression has lifted. It has been two months since I quit EfexxorXR, if that helps.
Posted by dancingstar on November 19, 2004, at 10:03:50
In reply to Re: withdrawl? Not sure, but I AM depressed again » DustBuster, posted by Jiggitykid on November 18, 2004, at 21:29:35
I'd also like to suggest something that I have sub'bed in for pain and tiredness, strictly for fibro-like symptoms, completely natural. I just got this from my integrative medicine internist the day before yesterday; so I'm not going to swear by it yet. I'm pretty sure that the formualation is relatively new and this should be post on the alternative board...but since you mention it: Physician Therapeutics Sentra AM and Sentra PM. They are the same people that make Theramine, which seams to help. I haven't been taking it long enough to give you a strong recommendation, though, but I personally felt the kind of high expense was worth a try.
I think you can find this by doing an online search, but if you are totally desperate, let me know and I will turn you on to my M.D.'s website.
Posted by dancingstar on November 19, 2004, at 10:05:45
In reply to Re: withdrawl? Not sure, but I AM depressed again, posted by sunny10 on November 19, 2004, at 10:03:07
helps me :-) it's nice to know that someone has the exact same symptoms.
Posted by dancingstar on November 19, 2004, at 10:17:51
In reply to Re: the nightmare of effexor » dancingstar, posted by Jiggitykid on November 19, 2004, at 9:58:39
I will let you know what my client says, though I feel as though I want to be certain that I get this into exactly the right hands if I do anything, the hands that will be sure to do the most to protect the public or help me to do that as that is my goal. Some tangible good has to come out of it, or even I can't get involved. At least he will check it out to see if there are any potential suits in the pipelines and get back to me today.
I don't think that Merck is the manufacturer of Effexor, but I'm not positive. Isn't it Wyeth?
How do I give you an email to write to me at? I know that it isn't okay to post one. Maybe the babblemail thing will be okay. If you are intereted in this, maybe you should send me a babble-mail until we decide something. I am just hoping that it is okay to talk about this here and that Bob doesn't send me away before we figure anything out as I don't want anyone to get in trouble.
Posted by jubilee on November 19, 2004, at 11:01:25
In reply to Re: the nightmare of effexor, posted by dancingstar on November 19, 2004, at 10:17:51
Hello Dr Bob and thanks so much for your board and how much it has supported me in comming down off effexor xr. I cannot get through ,but get error boards when I try to get new messages replys off my e mail. Can you please stop noticies now for me as they fill up my box. Thanks so much and God bless you so.
I am doing well on a very slow reduction of effexor and still at it since August. God Bless , Jubilee
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