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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jubilee on February 9, 2005, at 14:42:46
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jbc on February 9, 2005, at 12:51:55
Anti-hystimines are good for headackes as effexor messes with that. Crazy vivid nightmares are a side affect and should pass.
The slower you come off the better . Hang in there. I had enough to last 5 months slow withdrawal and 4 months is a good time to aim for with tranc's. Now I am comming off the trancs.
I sleep like a normal person now and love it and no dreams. I am not all hyper like I have been for 4 years and this has been a major life change for me .
I am still having memory problems and yes effexor does mess with the memory and I don't see much improvment yet.
Take care. Jubilee.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 19:17:10
In reply to Re: Crazy dreams, anyone??, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 9:47:10
You're welcome. I had the same experience with the dreams picking up where they left off. Weird, huh??
> Yikes! Two weeks?! Ah well, I'll deal. I'm totally going to use your idea of keeping a light on. Thanks!
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 19:20:21
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jbc on February 9, 2005, at 12:51:55
>>>He said I was looking at him like a cow looking at a new gate.<<<
I LOVE that!! I've never heard that one. We say, "like a deer in headlights," around here. Thanks for sharing it!
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 19:21:13
In reply to Got headaches, too?, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:06:07
Yep, and for me, yep. For what it's worth, you're "normal." :-)
> Are any of you getting horribly bad headaches when withdrawing? I'll go a couple hours (but no more than that) and then SLAM, holy moly does my head just ACHE.... How long can I expect these? A couple weeks, maybe? It freaks me out because I hardly ever get any headaches so my body just isn't used to dealing with them (which is why I'm pretty damn sure it's a withdrawal symptom).
Posted by jbc on February 9, 2005, at 19:33:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » jbc, posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 19:20:21
Honey, I have a million of 'em! Between my dad...who grew up on a farm in Northeastern Oklahoma and has said things like that my whole life...and my father-in-law, who grew up in a tiny town in Central Oklahoma...I could write a book! That humor, along with my faith & family is all that kept me going through all the trials of withdrawls.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 20:37:45
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Jiggitykid, posted by jbc on February 9, 2005, at 19:33:42
You should write a book (or as my in-laws say, "Y'orta write one.")! My dad and I often discuss the phrases that are disappearing from the language. I'm in the heart of the South, and there are some wonderful phrases, words and interesting pronunciations that are going away. "Homogenization of the language," I call it.
> Honey, I have a million of 'em! Between my dad...who grew up on a farm in Northeastern Oklahoma and has said things like that my whole life...and my father-in-law, who grew up in a tiny town in Central Oklahoma...I could write a book! That humor, along with my faith & family is all that kept me going through all the trials of withdrawls.
Posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 0:02:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » jbc, posted by Jiggitykid on February 9, 2005, at 20:37:45
G'day! Made the mistake yesterday of thinking that I didn't feel too bad and so went to work. What I didn't realise was that Day 3 AE (After Efexor) was going to be brouht to me by Heinz 57 Varieties of Withdrawal Symptoms.
I reckon based on all our experiences, we should get Alice Cooper to be our patron, I'm sure he was the first to say "Welcome to my nightmare". Sorry to say it Brainshiver, but welcome to ours.
Hey Jiggitykid, glad you liked the analogy. What can I say other than Ouch! Guess that's the meaning of that old chestnut "look before you leap." - sorry, couldn't resist =0). BTW it's funny you mentioned dreams that just pick up from where they left off as I've been having they for a couple of weeks now. For the record I think you're incredibly brave and should be really proud of yourself!
Oh yeah, down here we say "like a rabbit in the headlights" or "like a stunned mullet". We'e also noticing the loss of the Aussie idiom.
You guys won't believe it but I've just been reading a UN document that talks about how they are now using research into depression etc as the basis for weapons research. Somehow I think a bullet would be preferred by the majority of the population. Marg, just a note for what it's worth that Efexor-XR is an SNRI Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor not an SSRI. The UN doc talks about the way these chemicals work and also talks about Narcolepsy and SP. Funny how it arrived today. If I keep at you will you go to a sleep disorder clinic - please???
Brainshiver, yeh love my exercise too and know that not geting enough is a factor in my depression, but have accepted that I'll need to miss a few days/weeks until the balance returns. And yes, yes and yes to the new symptoms you've been experiencing. At times yesterday it felt like someone had pulled by brain out and dropped in about 5kgs (10 pounds) of electric jellyfish. Any movement caused them to either bang together or into my skull and cause a force 10 brain and body zapp with accompanying pain. What's that new Maccas slogan....oh yeah "lovin' it."
Take care.
Posted by brainshiver on February 10, 2005, at 7:12:21
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 0:02:12
Hiya again! Wow, I'm at day 6. Still sucks, but I do want to say that I tried an anti-histamine (as recommended on this forum for head aches), and maybe it was placebo effect, but it did seem to help a little. And the pain was so bad any relief was welcome. I brought the anti-hists to work today in anticipation of the head aches... and as much as I wanted to exercise yesterday, I have come to the realization that right now I just can't. At least it gives me something to look forward to.
As far as good phrases, I'm a Northwoods girl, originally from Wisconsin, and we, too, would say 'like a deer caught in headlights'. Another phrase that I think should be used more is 'more slippery than snot on a brass doorknob'. My dad used to say that to describe the icy roads, and I always got a good laugh from that one...
Anyway, thanks for all the posts. It really is amazing how much reading these makes me feel more at ease. It's always better knowing I'm not going at this alone. Take care everyone!!
Posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 19:53:17
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by brainshiver on February 10, 2005, at 7:12:21
Hiya Brainshiver. Well I'm well into Day 5 and it appears Days 3&4 may just have seen the worst of it. Hope I haven't just jinxed myself =0). What I didn't realise was that Days 2,3 & 4 were being co-sponsored by the National Dyslexia Association amongst others. While everything else seems to have settled down (thankfully; except the zapps which are still going full throttle), I still seem to be suffering temporary (hopefully) Dyslexia. Having real trouble with words, letters and numbers getting all jumbled up and just plain forgotten, and just getting my eyes to focus. All of which for an avid reader is damn annoying. Kinda hard to be too down when you look out across Sydney Harbour and the Opera House from your desk!
Wednesday was kinda embarrassing when during a meeting with some senior colleagues I went to stand up and explain a slide only to a) have my knees withdraw their services, b) be hit by a wave of nausea, the net result of which was a resounding baritone burp and Damos on his knees hanging onto the meeting table as though his life depended on it waiting for the room stop still again.
The thingameejig I was reading from the UN also talked about the importance of noradrenaline in the consolidation of memory - I'm sure someone was asking about short-term memory effects. The noradrenaline is also really important in the development/maintenance of normal sleep rhythm. Sorry Marg, but I'm gonna keep on at you cause I don't want you to be on this drug if there are other better courses of action available.
I give thanks for all of you each day and pray for your health and happiness. Take good care.
Posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 22:50:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 19:53:17
Just for the record I've been taking 1000mg of paracetamol as required max 4x/day for the brain aches, joint pain (fingers and toes especially) and fever (Days 3&4), and 2mg of antihistamine (brand name Polaramine - long time trusted friend) as required max 4x/day for the itches. So far so good, no nausea or fever today, only minor itches, brain aches (probably from the PC) and a couple of little spin outs. I'm also not one who normally get head aches either but have had all kinds and intensities.
Posted by brainshiver on February 11, 2005, at 7:07:25
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 10, 2005, at 19:53:17
Hey there, Damos! It's day 7 for me, and I'm happy to report that I am feeling like a million-freaking bucks today! For me I think that day 4 and 5 were the worst. Yesterday I had an angry Effexor headache, but by later in the afternoon I was feeling great and was even able to go the gym and have a wonderful workout.
I've got the dyslexia thing going on now, too, and having trouble communicating basic thoughts. My tongue has been tripping over itself or something. Oh yeah, almost forgot, the ol' short term memory is a bit fuzzy, too, but I can surely deal with that (compared to the other physical symptoms I was feeling, not remembering stuff is NUTHIN'!)
So, Damos, WOO-HOO! We're doing it! I'm down to taking 75mg/day now and during the bad days I remember thinking NO WAY was I going to taper down again right away, it just seemed sooooo painful. But man, I have a total restored sense of hope now. Tapering sucked SOOOO bad, but I know I can do it again. I have a one month supply of the meds (minus now the 7 pills I have taken), and if all stays okay I'm gonna drop down again!! (like you, I am a little worried I've jinxed myself.....) I'll keep you and everyone posted on how I'm doing.
Take care, everyone! And keep the hope alive!!!! We CAN do this!
Posted by Damos on February 11, 2005, at 18:39:40
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by brainshiver on February 11, 2005, at 7:07:25
Hiya, Congrats brainshiver!!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!! Well I'm halfway through Day 6 of no effexor and I am just beginning to believe that I have been truly lucky and blessed. Lucky to have got off so lightly in terms of the withdrawal (so it seems). Blessed to have found this space and all of you who are now like family to me. Still got the zapps, the occassional brain pain, dyslexia, eyesight and some minor balance problems, but otherwise okay. There were a few days there when I had the attention span of a butterfly and memory retention of goldfish =0). Unfortunately my Tai Chi, Yoga and running require a bit more balance than I seem to be able to muster right now but that's okay. Have to say I've never been a big fan of gyms (too crowded for me).
Love to all, you're in my prayers.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 11, 2005, at 20:30:34
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 11, 2005, at 18:39:40
I'm really glad to hear that the clouds are parting for you both! It's a nice feeling, isn't it? I had a strange experience last night. I woke up, absolutely certain that there was someone pressing something down on my back, right between my shoulder blades, so hard that I nearly couldn't breathe. I was trying to yell and couldn't. I woke up with the painful brain zaps and the shocks from the top of my head down to my toes. I had to get up and sleep in my chair in the den. I have always been a fairly vivid dreamer, but, until the effexor, I NEVER had the shocks and zaps along with the dreams. I hope that yours stay away once they have abated, but I thought I'd let you know, just FYI, that even after a year of being effexor-free, I'm still having the occasional zap/shock problem during sleep.
Take care!
> Hiya, Congrats brainshiver!!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!! Well I'm halfway through Day 6 of no effexor and I am just beginning to believe that I have been truly lucky and blessed. Lucky to have got off so lightly in terms of the withdrawal (so it seems). Blessed to have found this space and all of you who are now like family to me. Still got the zapps, the occassional brain pain, dyslexia, eyesight and some minor balance problems, but otherwise okay. There were a few days there when I had the attention span of a butterfly and memory retention of goldfish =0). Unfortunately my Tai Chi, Yoga and running require a bit more balance than I seem to be able to muster right now but that's okay. Have to say I've never been a big fan of gyms (too crowded for me).
>
> Love to all, you're in my prayers.
Posted by Damos on February 12, 2005, at 0:16:35
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Damos, posted by Jiggitykid on February 11, 2005, at 20:30:34
Thanks for for kind wishes Jiggitykid, you'd actually been on my mind a lot today. I actually had a similar experience just after I started the Effexor. Have to say I'm hoping like hell not to have any more =0). Are you a reader kiddo? Cause if you are you might want to check out Jasper Ffordes series The Eyre Affair, The Well of Lost Plots, Lost in a Good Book and Something Rotten. I think you'd love the main character Thursday Next - she's got a bit of spunk about her.
Take care hey!
Posted by Wanda C on February 13, 2005, at 15:06:02
In reply to Re: Crazy dreams, anyone??, posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 7:58:08
Hello,
Yes, I always have crazy dreams and I know it is from the effexor. My computer is broken so I haven't been able to read any threads lately, I am using an old computer from our garage until our other one get's out of the shop. I will be able to communicate better with you about my dreams and withdrawals when the other one is hooked back up. But I did want to let you know you are not alone with the dreams. I call them night terrors and I am also cover head to toe in sweat, but freezing and no temp. These are all related to the effexor withdrawals.I also wanted to know if anyone saw the article about drugs people need to stay away from. Effexor was in the top five and that the FDA already knew it was not a good drug for doctors to be giving out. I will get more info on it when my computer is working right.
Good luck everyone!
Wanda C
Posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 15:28:04
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Marg on February 9, 2005, at 11:42:56
Hi Marg, I believe that's the theory. So how is the SP? God that's a stupid question - sorry. Even if it's only every couple of days or so it's still too awful to contemplate. As much as I'd like there to be another solution for you other than this AD, if it makes such a difference to your life then keep taking it. You are the only one who can know what is right for you.
In my own case, if there was something I could take that meant I wouldn't suffer another severe allergic reaction and could just go out and eat like anyone else, I'd take it from now until forever only too happily. I also know what I was like pre-AD and what I'm like now and I've talked about it with my DRs long and hard and if I find myself sliding back to that place I won't hesitiate because living like that again doesn't bear thinking about, and they're both confident that there's little long term risk at a moderate to low dose.
Really hope you're doin' okay.
Posted by dancingstar on February 13, 2005, at 17:40:25
In reply to Re: Crazy dreams, anyone?? » Marg, posted by Wanda C on February 13, 2005, at 15:06:02
Hi Wanda,
I missed that article. Maybe when you're able to compute more easily, you can post the link...if it is something that can be found online.
Thanks,
Bebe
Posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 17:51:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Damos, posted by Jiggitykid on February 11, 2005, at 20:30:34
Hey Jiggitykid have your dreams ever been so vivid that you've thrown yourself out of bed and only woken up when the other person screamed in fright or you hit either a) the floor b) another piece of furniture or c) just got cold? I've done this several times over the years. When I was in my mid to late teens I also slept in an armchair for over a year and then on top of the bed but with my head at the foot end for quite a few months after that - curiously enough I still tend to sleep on top of the bed as opposed to in it. Any wonder I bansihed myself to the spare room?
Posted by dancingstar on February 13, 2005, at 17:56:21
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 17:51:42
Hi Ladies and Gentlemen,
While I was searching for that article that Wanda mentioned, I found yet another link for you that you might find interesting:
Posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 18:52:58
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by dancingstar on February 13, 2005, at 17:56:21
Thanks dancingstar, (I'm the antithesis of your tag even without my 'wobbly boots' on). Sadly the stories there have an all to familiar ring to them. A couple brought me to tears. Hope you're doin' okay.
Posted by jubilee on February 13, 2005, at 21:38:02
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 18:52:58
My heart so goes out to all of you suffering with the very painful affects of effexor withdrawal. Hang in there and give yourselves alot of credit for surviving withdrawals..
I have been off effexor for over a month and the only thing I am suffering from is a total identity crisis. The last 4 years on effexor I was hypermanic and a serious insomniac fighting sleep with every ounce of strength ,even though I took a strong med to go to sleep , like serequil.
My son once explained to me once why people on crank(speed) don't sleep. He said the speed tells them that they are dying and and feel the need to get things done , so they stay up days. The way I fought sleep was insane. Now I enjoy sleeping alot.now I am very calm but not really motivated much about anything. I am on welbutrin . I am eating more . I am having very few angry outbursts now and I am in alot more control to use the energy for something possitive like cleaning my house. I am not overemotional anymore.
So thats where I am at. Again I suggest going as slow off effexor as possible . I was blessed to have a large bottle of meds when I decided to go off, and I got hope on the internet one day as I almost died from a stroke one time. Really scared me. The other time I almost got locked up for swearing at a Dr. as I tended to swear alot in withdrawal. I had tripple vision 2 weeks that time and couldnt drive. It came on me on a long blank piece of freeway and I was all over the road and lucky I didn't kill myself.
One guy said 4 months with trancs as I was literally stuck on that med.
I wish you all the best. Jubilee
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 13, 2005, at 21:42:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 17:51:42
I've never left the bed (that I know of!) except for when I used to sleepwalk as a teenager. Only did that a few times, but my cousin and sisters got a lot of laughs out of it. When I have scary vivid dreams now, I'm usually flailing around to the point that I either wake myself up, or wake my husband up, who could sleep through a tornado going through our room. If I wake him, I know I've had a doozy of a dream!!
As for Jasper Ffordes, I had not heard of him until you mentioned him. I've done some looking, and the books look very interesting. I'll have to check them out. I am a bookaholic! Thanks!
> Hey Jiggitykid have your dreams ever been so vivid that you've thrown yourself out of bed and only woken up when the other person screamed in fright or you hit either a) the floor b) another piece of furniture or c) just got cold? I've done this several times over the years. When I was in my mid to late teens I also slept in an armchair for over a year and then on top of the bed but with my head at the foot end for quite a few months after that - curiously enough I still tend to sleep on top of the bed as opposed to in it. Any wonder I bansihed myself to the spare room?
Posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 23:18:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Damos, posted by Jiggitykid on February 13, 2005, at 21:42:48
Pleasure. I'm not sure what's worst, coming off the drugs or not having been able to read anything for nearly a month! If you want to feel like you live a 'normal' well adjusted life have a look at 'Running with Scissors' and 'Dry' by Augusten Burroughs - I couldn't put them down. 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is also a remarkable book, but you need to be in a good place to read it as it can really effect you deeply. I highly recommend it though.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 14, 2005, at 7:23:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 23:18:49
I know what you mean. I had to avoid reading, and when I used the computer, I had to turn the brightness waaaay down! I looked up the last book you recommended. I see what you mean - I'm not sure I'm in that good place yet to read that. I recently read a book that dealt with the "supernatural" side of the battle between good and evil; it dealt with the angels that guard us and the demons that try to "get" us. It left me unsettled for a while, so I think I'll wait a little while on that last one. I had heard of "Running with Scissors," but I've not read it yet. Reading the synopsis makes me want to run out and get it today! "Dry" looks fascinating. I'll have to get it, too. Thanks!
> Pleasure. I'm not sure what's worst, coming off the drugs or not having been able to read anything for nearly a month! If you want to feel like you live a 'normal' well adjusted life have a look at 'Running with Scissors' and 'Dry' by Augusten Burroughs - I couldn't put them down. 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is also a remarkable book, but you need to be in a good place to read it as it can really effect you deeply. I highly recommend it though.
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2005, at 7:50:41
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 12, 2005, at 0:16:35
> you might want to check out Jasper Ffordes series The Eyre Affair, The Well of Lost Plots, Lost in a Good Book and Something Rotten. I think you'd love the main character Thursday Next - she's got a bit of spunk about her.
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book, movie, or music without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
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