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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 15 to 39 of 44. Go back in thread:
Posted by Cam W. on April 10, 2000, at 20:44:06
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Morgihed on April 10, 2000, at 19:29:24
> I am trying to get off effexor from a 4 year affair with the stuff. It basically stopped working. I am thinking about taking a multi-pronged approach involving tapering it down for a week or two, a little acupuncture, some diet changes, and some nutritional suppliments - any ideas?
>
> any suggestions?Morgihed - After 4 years of Effexor, it may be wise to taper over a longer period of time (esp. if your dose is 225mg daily or more). A taper period of 4 to 8 weeks would be better, in order to try to avoid withdrawl symptoms. Acupuncture may help ease some of the withdrawl symptoms, but I cannot say for sure. A balanced diet (eg the food guide) would probably be as good as any diet. As for a nutritional supplement; maybe B-complex vitamins to help maintain the integrity of the myelin sheath on the neurons. A healthy myelin sheath (a type of glial cell, I believe) conducts the electrical current down a neuron faster and more efficiently. Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by Judye on June 20, 2003, at 16:45:23
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Vicki on March 22, 2000, at 8:36:37
After reading Vicki's posting, although it has been a few years ago, it gives me hope that I too will make it. It is day 4 for me and I have all her symtoms. I thank God that I am only on 75 mg a day. I don't know if she still visits this posting board but I do hope so. I was almost to the point to taking another effexor pill in hopes that I would feel better, but now I have come this far I can keep on going. I would also be interested to know what supplements she took to cleanse out the toxins in the liver, and how she is feeling now after all this time.
Thanks to you.
Posted by ELENI4 on June 23, 2003, at 16:37:38
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Brenn on July 31, 1999, at 13:57:26
My withdrawl symptoms were also horrible. I was extremely irritable, couldn't see straight, felt dizzy and mentally cloudy. I couldn't think or concentrate. I had a horrible headache that woudln't let up and nausea with occasional vomiting. However after about two-three weeks it was better...relatively. I really need to be back on some kind of medication for whatever it is I have. I also noticed that with Effexor XR, if I missed even one does, I'd start to feel foggy and get a bad headache. However on regular Effexor, it was fine to even miss a week's worth of dosages.
Posted by KimberlyDi on June 24, 2003, at 13:01:07
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by ELENI4 on June 23, 2003, at 16:37:38
Interesting. Has anyone experienced withdrawal symptoms from Regular Effexor? I discontinued taking Effexor last year & had no withdrawal, but I was, like ELENI4, on the regular version, and not the XR.
> My withdrawl symptoms were also horrible. I was extremely irritable, couldn't see straight, felt dizzy and mentally cloudy. I couldn't think or concentrate. I had a horrible headache that woudln't let up and nausea with occasional vomiting. However after about two-three weeks it was better...relatively. I really need to be back on some kind of medication for whatever it is I have. I also noticed that with Effexor XR, if I missed even one does, I'd start to feel foggy and get a bad headache. However on regular Effexor, it was fine to even miss a week's worth of dosages.
Posted by nihil on July 28, 2003, at 0:24:07
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms » ELENI4, posted by KimberlyDi on June 24, 2003, at 13:01:07
I've been on 300mg of Effexor XR for a little over a year and just stopped taking them about 3 days ago. So far I've experienced shaking, dizziness, my mind races at night when trying to sleep, and my emotions are all messed up. Also been hearing things like knocking when I move suddenly but don't know if that's related or not. Any information on how long the withdrawls last and ways to help them would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 28, 2003, at 16:09:13
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by nihil on July 28, 2003, at 0:24:07
nihil?
You stopped Cold Turkey? No tapering off by gently lowering levels in 4-day intervals, getting to a final low starting dosage where you ultimately end up taking a small dosage every other day? Advice? Don't quit cold turkey. I experienced 1 missed dosage and was dizzy and ill enough to frighten me. Some people get added relief by being put temporarily on a small dosage of another Anti-Dep to ease the withdrawal. See your doctor. Or tough it out and keep us informed. <smile> Good Luck!
KDi in TX> I've been on 300mg of Effexor XR for a little over a year and just stopped taking them about 3 days ago. So far I've experienced shaking, dizziness, my mind races at night when trying to sleep, and my emotions are all messed up. Also been hearing things like knocking when I move suddenly but don't know if that's related or not. Any information on how long the withdrawls last and ways to help them would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by ELENI4 on July 29, 2003, at 15:22:57
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by nihil on July 28, 2003, at 0:24:07
I've experienced major withdrawl symptoms with both Effexor XR and Effexor. The difference: with Effexor, the symptoms were less severe and had more to do with mental cloudiness. However with Effexor XR, the symptoms were more pronounced and included nausea as well as extreme mood swings. My emotions were just all over the place. With both though, the symptoms lasted two to three weeks.
> I've been on 300mg of Effexor XR for a little over a year and just stopped taking them about 3 days ago. So far I've experienced shaking, dizziness, my mind races at night when trying to sleep, and my emotions are all messed up. Also been hearing things like knocking when I move suddenly but don't know if that's related or not. Any information on how long the withdrawls last and ways to help them would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by aimee fay on August 1, 2003, at 6:22:45
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by ELENI4 on July 29, 2003, at 15:22:57
my doctor suggested going off effexor slowly, to avoid side affects.
Posted by aimee fay on August 1, 2003, at 6:28:24
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by aimee fay on August 1, 2003, at 6:22:45
i'm going off of effexor and haven't experienced any side effects. i was on 150mg and cut down to 75 for 2 and a half weeks. I am now on half that again for another 2 and a half weeks. In the past i have been on several different antidepressant (since 1999) and i think going off them to fast was 99% of the reason i started back on them agian. I heard that the withdrawals themselves can actually feel like depression but are infact part of the withdrawal affect. (wish i knew that AGES ago) maybe you could cut down very slowly. Good luck
Posted by aimee fay on August 1, 2003, at 6:31:59
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by aimee fay on August 1, 2003, at 6:28:24
i think my last message said 99% of the reason i ended up back on medication, that was probably an over estimation! Here's some good advice - find yourself a good partner who is caring and supportive about your illness! its doing me wonders. (I got rid of the absolute arsehole i was with - that probably started the whole thing- and things are a hell of a lot better).
Posted by TrishaTreasure on August 2, 2003, at 5:55:56
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Brenn on July 31, 1999, at 14:40:51
I have been on Xanax for 16 years for PAD and agoraphobia. Many doctors I saw over the years suggested an AD but I didn't want one. I finally caved in and decided to give one more than a 3 day try. That AD was Effexor. My father and sister are on and seem OK so I wasn't afraid of it.
HA! I started out at 18.50 mg and felt terrible. Every increase, I felt like death. EVENTUALLY, I got up to 75 mg and then 150. It was then that I noticed a urinary problem and I went to my doctor thinking I had a bladder infection. After a lot of messing around with tests, we realized it was the Effexor causing urinary retention and urgency.
So...I started down the hill to 75 from 150. Welcome to hell! It was AWFUL So awful that, as much as I wanted to get off the stuff, I stayed on 75 for a year. Finally, I decided to get off it and mapped out a plan with my doctor to do so. Oh my Lord. It was so bad. Every dose decrease was like I was going to die. I never felt so bad. The brain shocks were so loud that I could hear them as if they were church bells and I was standing inside one. They also made blinding light flashes. Plus headaches, stomach problems, dizziness, you name it.
It was the same every dose change. It was slow too. Not fast, we knew I would have some withdrawal. But this was just insane. At 37 mg I almost gave up and took a 75 because I hated feeling like death. I didn't do it though and eventually I got off it completely. I had brain shocks and other symptoms for weeks after my last pill.
Now I am just on Xanax once again and won't go on another SD. I feel so much better. Effexor kicked my butt! I was so tired and unmotivated, Now I am doing so much better. Of course, this, after a manic episode when getting off Effexor. I never had one before and I am not MD. But WOW. Every time I used to hear that people were manic I thought it must be cool to have all that energy. Um, no. Mania is so not cool. I was out of my gourd.
I am at 4-5 mg of Xanax a day and would like to cut down to 2-3.
My doctor gave me a RX for a 4 mg XR -- scared of it.
I knew it is the same thing but does it really last all day and night? I find it so hard to believe. Plus Xanax is my crutch. Knowing it is there and IMMEDIATELY will help the panic is such a comfort.
But I am going to do it and then, maybe, will be able to cut back. The fog lifted 100000 times since getting off Effexor but I would like it to lift a bit more by lowering my Xanax dose.
Will I panic? Oh yeah. Do I now? Yup. Not as much and it isn't as scary but it's there.
Anyway, I just wanted to 1) tell you that Effexor is horrible to get off and caution everyone who does go off to be prepared and so very very slowly
and 2) ask if anyone has been on the Xanax XR and if it seems to be the same (or better?) as short acting Xanax.
Thanks! :)
Trish
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 2, 2003, at 19:12:27
In reply to MY Effexor experience and a Xanax XR question, posted by TrishaTreasure on August 2, 2003, at 5:55:56
The XR version of Xanax essentially feels the same as the immediate-release formation, but with two major differences.
1. It doesn't come on as quickly as Xanax, so I find it helpful to set my alarm for an hour before I plan on waking up so that I can take my Xanax XR, go back to sleep for an hour, and wake up feeling great. I do this with my other medication also (Ultram).
2. There are no highs and lows as there are between doses of Xanax. It's very smooth and even for the whole duration (which, for me, is 24 hours--for a friend of mine, it only lasts about 12).
Posted by TrishaTreasure on August 2, 2003, at 20:07:01
In reply to Re: MY Effexor experience and a Xanax XR question » TrishaTreasure, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 2, 2003, at 19:12:27
> The XR version of Xanax essentially feels the same as the immediate-release formation, but with two major differences.
>
> 1. It doesn't come on as quickly as Xanax, so I find it helpful to set my alarm for an hour before I plan on waking up so that I can take my Xanax XR, go back to sleep for an hour, and wake up feeling great. I do this with my other medication also (Ultram).
>
> 2. There are no highs and lows as there are between doses of Xanax. It's very smooth and even for the whole duration (which, for me, is 24 hours--for a friend of mine, it only lasts about 12).
****************I never really thought about feeling cruddy in the morning. I take a Xanax first thing when I awaken. It's a ritual. Mostly because I haven't had any in about 6 or 7 hours (I take one at bed time). Maybe I will feel ok but if not, I will try that trick of waking up and taking it earlier then trying to sleep for a while. It makes sense. I do have 1 mg tablets for a while "in case" I feel the immediate need. I sure hope this works. I would like the "straight line" vs the highs and lows when the stuff just quits and I can feel it.
Thanks!
Posted by worrier on August 5, 2003, at 21:02:14
In reply to MY Effexor experience and a Xanax XR question, posted by TrishaTreasure on August 2, 2003, at 5:55:56
> I have been on Xanax for 16 years for PAD and agoraphobia. Many doctors I saw over the years suggested an AD but I didn't want one. I finally caved in and decided to give one more than a 3 day try. That AD was Effexor. My father and sister are on and seem OK so I wasn't afraid of it.
>
> HA! I started out at 18.50 mg and felt terrible. Every increase, I felt like death. EVENTUALLY, I got up to 75 mg and then 150. It was then that I noticed a urinary problem and I went to my doctor thinking I had a bladder infection. After a lot of messing around with tests, we realized it was the Effexor causing urinary retention and urgency.
>
> So...I started down the hill to 75 from 150. Welcome to hell! It was AWFUL So awful that, as much as I wanted to get off the stuff, I stayed on 75 for a year. Finally, I decided to get off it and mapped out a plan with my doctor to do so. Oh my Lord. It was so bad. Every dose decrease was like I was going to die. I never felt so bad. The brain shocks were so loud that I could hear them as if they were church bells and I was standing inside one. They also made blinding light flashes. Plus headaches, stomach problems, dizziness, you name it.
>
> It was the same every dose change. It was slow too. Not fast, we knew I would have some withdrawal. But this was just insane. At 37 mg I almost gave up and took a 75 because I hated feeling like death. I didn't do it though and eventually I got off it completely. I had brain shocks and other symptoms for weeks after my last pill.
>
> Now I am just on Xanax once again and won't go on another SD. I feel so much better. Effexor kicked my butt! I was so tired and unmotivated, Now I am doing so much better. Of course, this, after a manic episode when getting off Effexor. I never had one before and I am not MD. But WOW. Every time I used to hear that people were manic I thought it must be cool to have all that energy. Um, no. Mania is so not cool. I was out of my gourd.
>
> I am at 4-5 mg of Xanax a day and would like to cut down to 2-3.
>
> My doctor gave me a RX for a 4 mg XR -- scared of it.
>
> I knew it is the same thing but does it really last all day and night? I find it so hard to believe. Plus Xanax is my crutch. Knowing it is there and IMMEDIATELY will help the panic is such a comfort.
>
> But I am going to do it and then, maybe, will be able to cut back. The fog lifted 100000 times since getting off Effexor but I would like it to lift a bit more by lowering my Xanax dose.
>
> Will I panic? Oh yeah. Do I now? Yup. Not as much and it isn't as scary but it's there.
>
> Anyway, I just wanted to 1) tell you that Effexor is horrible to get off and caution everyone who does go off to be prepared and so very very slowly
> and 2) ask if anyone has been on the Xanax XR and if it seems to be the same (or better?) as short acting Xanax.
> Thanks! :)
> Trish> Never tried effexor,but had horrible experiences with prozac,wellbutrin and paxil (the worst) I had been taking regular xanax for a little over a year and switched to xanax xr 2mg about a month ago. My experience has been pretty positive...it's much smoother than regular xanax...none of that "now it's working, now it's not" feeling. Just sort of a steady state...as effective as the regular stuff. Does it really last all day? No, at least not in my case, so I take .5-1mg of the old stuff at night. I also make sure I have some regular xanax around for those occasional sneak attack panic attacks. Sort of like a security blanket (or crutch as you called it). I wouldn't be afraid to try it. (and I'm terrified to try any new meds!). Luck to you, Worrier.
Posted by Trishatreasure on August 5, 2003, at 22:57:36
In reply to Re: MY Effexor experience and a Xanax XR question, posted by worrier on August 5, 2003, at 21:02:14
> Never tried effexor,but had horrible experiences with prozac,wellbutrin and paxil (the worst) I had been taking regular xanax for a little over a year and switched to xanax xr 2mg about a month ago. My experience has been pretty positive...it's much smoother than regular xanax...none of that "now it's working, now it's not" feeling. Just sort of a steady state...as effective as the regular stuff. Does it really last all day? No, at least not in my case, so I take .5-1mg of the old stuff at night. I also make sure I have some regular xanax around for those occasional sneak attack panic attacks. Sort of like a security blanket (or crutch as you called it). I wouldn't be afraid to try it. (and I'm terrified to try any new meds!). Luck to you, Worrier.-------------
-----------------------Well ... I started the Xanax XR todday and I find it very hard to believe it can work all day. I never realized I was so used to reaching for it as a crutch. Tonight I got a call saying my father (elderly and frail at 78 with depression) threatened suicide and I should get there ASAP. He is in his own apartment and they feared he would do something when the aides weren't around. My FIRST instinct was to take a Xanax and go. Then I remembered I didn't have to -- or shouldn't. I didn't take one and went and everything was fine but it sure is weird. Since I usually take 5 - 6 mg a day and I am now taking 4 mg once a day, I have old stuff too -- 1 mg tabs and took 1/2 mg this morning and will take 1/2 tonight.
All I know is my biggest fear is a seizure from coming off or lowering the dose too fast and I am not 100% sure that I truly have the 4 mg in my body yet. It's really different but could be a good thing when I get used to it because I won't be taking a Xanax because I *think* I need one to get through a situation.We'll soon see. I just wish I knew if I really was getting 4 mg and if I would have any warning that my body was not getting enough of the stuff before I had a serious problem. **Terrified of the thought of a seizure. My son had a sezure disporder for a few years and it is so scary.**
I wonder if it is better to take 2mg in the am and 2 at night? Mine come in 2mg tabs and I could spilt them up if it keeps things smmooth. I will see what the doctor says. I know I won't want to be without my regular Xanax though. It is like a 17 year long friend that has been there to help me in the worst of situations. I do want to taper to 2 mg eventually (and off if possible) but I always like to know it is there IN CASE, ya know?
Thanks Trish
Posted by moshe on October 14, 2003, at 17:15:14
In reply to Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by Brenn on July 31, 1999, at 13:57:26
i was hesitant to start taking this drug and scared about the withdrawl effects. i took 75mg per day for about a year and a half. It helped but I did feel like I was less able to feel all emotions. I am a cryer. I cry very easily and when I was on effexor it was a struggle to cry. Even when I wanted to cry just to get the emotions out, I couldnt. I have now stopped taking it. I weaned myself off and have had definate side effects. i have had a headache for about 12 days now. I keep getting those brain surges.. feels like when your dreaming that your falling and you wake up in the middle of it still feeling like your falling but it's only in my brain.... feels like my head is jerking when its not moving at all. The manufacturer says you can just stop taking this pill without weaning... DO NOT DO THIS. The first day that I skipped a pill, I cried for the whole day and felt so depressed.... be careful of this drug. The manufacturer is not telling us everything there is to know
Posted by trishatreasure on October 14, 2003, at 18:09:13
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by moshe on October 14, 2003, at 17:15:14
> i was hesitant to start taking this drug and scared about the withdrawl effects. i took 75mg per day for about a year and a half. It helped but I did feel like I was less able to feel all emotions. I am a cryer. I cry very easily and when I was on effexor it was a struggle to cry. Even when I wanted to cry just to get the emotions out, I couldnt. I have now stopped taking it. I weaned myself off and have had definate side effects. i have had a headache for about 12 days now. I keep getting those brain surges.. feels like when your dreaming that your falling and you wake up in the middle of it still feeling like your falling but it's only in my brain.... feels like my head is jerking when its not moving at all. The manufacturer says you can just stop taking this pill without weaning... DO NOT DO THIS. The first day that I skipped a pill, I cried for the whole day and felt so depressed.... be careful of this drug. The manufacturer is not telling us everything there is to know>>
I am off the stuff and the brain shocks are finally gone. They lasted weeks after the last pill. Withdrawal was HELL. Take it very slowly. Sometimes another SSRI will help offset the effects but I feel 100% better off all SSRIs and won't go another after that experience. Since going off Effexor, I am more energetic, less tired and much less anxious.
That is just me, of course. For some, it is great. But if you have to go off, do it slowly, please. It's mind numbing how awful the withdrawal can be.
Trisha
Posted by WakingDreamer on October 14, 2003, at 21:15:48
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by moshe on October 14, 2003, at 17:15:14
moshe i'm so glad youre writing this, i think i'm addicted to effexor, i just cant get off it for more than a day because of the tremors and headaches and suicideations. i don't know if there's help, i havent found answers to the effexor problem yet on this board, but there are a lot of people talking and thats a start.
Posted by trishatreasure on October 14, 2003, at 22:48:53
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by moshe on October 14, 2003, at 17:15:14
Everyone taking any SSRI should ask their doctors about withdrawal problems and if the med they are on is a tough one to get off. In general, I think Prozac is the easiest. Effexor and Paxil are the hardest to get off. I believe there is a lawsuit against the makers of Paxil because of the terrible withdrawal problems people are having. Effexor has got to be at least as bad. I literally didn't know if I could make it through the writhdrawal. The headaches, shocks, thoughts, mania and so much more were unbearable. Doctors should be really upfront about this because they know full well the problems Effexor withdrawal can cause. They just figure we don't need to know. Had I known the problems I would have getting off it, I would have never gotten ON it.
Trisha
Posted by amyholly on October 29, 2003, at 9:03:17
In reply to Re: MY Effexor experience and a Xanax XR question, posted by TrishaTreasure on August 2, 2003, at 20:07:01
I have been on every SRI made and the last one was Effexor. I never had any problem moving from one medication to another, but I am in agony from going off the Effexor. I tapered VERY slowly to the point where I counted the granules and went down to 10/100 granules a day. There are about 100 in the 37 and a half capsule. I feel horrible. I really can't explain the feelings. It is dizziness, but not like any I have experienced before. I have really weird feelings in my head, but I don't know if I would call them brain zaps. I cannot think clearly at all. I cry all the time and I NEVER used to cry. I cannot work or even function. I have had no medication for five days and I seem to be getting worse, not better. I REFUSE to go on a little of Effexor or anything else because I have worked too hard to get off these things. I have even tried Meclizine, which has always helped me with dizziness, but no relief. Noone knows anything about this. I have asked my psychiatrist and pharmacists and they all think I am crazy! I did try the benadryl that people have posted helped them, but I stopped that yesterday because it wasn't helping either. I am soooo tired that I don't know if I can go to therapy today, but boy if anyone ever needed to see their therapist, it is me today. Help!!!
Posted by mo she on October 29, 2003, at 9:15:17
In reply to effexor withdrawl is unbearable, posted by amyholly on October 29, 2003, at 9:03:17
Hi Trisha,
I know how you feel but hang in there. My side effects are SLOWLY fading. No more headaches and brain serges are happening less and less often. I also had the dizziness.. hard to explain feeling and also a little bit of anxiety at the time of the dizziness but thats fading also. It has taken a few weeks so far but I'm just glad to be off since I now realize how powerful this drug really is. First couple of days after i stopped I was laying on my closet floor crying my eyes out for no real particular reason that i could put my finger on but I dont feel like that anymore. You're not alone and your not imagining what you are going through.
Take care of yourself ... : )
Posted by mo she on October 29, 2003, at 9:21:03
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Symptoms, posted by trishatreasure on October 14, 2003, at 18:09:13
i just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my post.... it helps to know we're not alone and not imagining these things...
Posted by trishatreasure on October 29, 2003, at 9:44:46
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawl is unbearable, posted by mo she on October 29, 2003, at 9:15:17
> Hi Trisha,
>
> I know how you feel but hang in there. My side effects are SLOWLY fading. No more headaches and brain serges are happening less and less often. I also had the dizziness.. hard to explain feeling and also a little bit of anxiety at the time of the dizziness but thats fading also. It has taken a few weeks so far but I'm just glad to be off since I now realize how powerful this drug really is. First couple of days after i stopped I was laying on my closet floor crying my eyes out for no real particular reason that i could put my finger on but I dont feel like that anymore. You're not alone and your not imagining what you are going through.
> Take care of yourself ... : )Thanks!
I am off the stuff now totally and the bad days are behind me. I was almost manic for a while, up and down, sad, happy, speeding around, tired. It was surreal. It took about 6 full weeks after my last dose to go back to normal (whatever that is). I was told to try Wellbutrin because I have SAD and winters are tough for me but I said no way and bought a light therapy lamp to use daily. I just can't bear the side affects going on and coming off these medicines. I know many have great results and their lives are improved alot but I am not really depressed, more anxious and with little energy in the winter. I'll take the light therapy and the nerves. I never want to go through the Effexor feeling again.I hope anyone tapering hangs in there and knows the time will come when they are back to their old selves again and can either start a new med or move on. Many times I wanted to just take 37 or even 18mg of Effexor just to stop the symptoms for a day but I knew if I did, I would never get off the stuff.
Addictive? YES! And doctors should warn people. I would have never even tried it had I known the hell of withdrawal from it.
Trisha
Posted by marta on October 29, 2003, at 12:42:10
In reply to effexor withdrawl is unbearable, posted by amyholly on October 29, 2003, at 9:03:17
hi, i'm new to this site and just wanted to research how others have gotten off of effexor xr. i've was on the 75 mg for 9 months and then 2 weeks ago i quit cold turkey. it was hell. the effexor xr was the first med for depression i've been on and i noticed that i was actually getting more depressed. i guess it was constantly reminding me of my depression. the second day of me being off it was really bad. it's the worst dizziness and nausea ever. i couldn't even walk straight after the third day. i noticed also that i was getting really bloated. after a week tho the dizziness went away. my seeing is still a bit blurry tho but that i don't mind after going through the first week. i have really good eyesight so it feels like i need glasses but i'm sure that that will pass soon too. after 5 days i got the worst pain in my abdominom. i got severe diarrhea. started taking a lot of vitamins and it really has helped with my tiredness also. i noticed that i can fall alseep with no problem now. when i was on effexor xr it usually took me 4 hours to fall asleep. that was the worst because the med made me tired enough and then getting less sleep made it so much worse. i couldn't function and i was going to college and flunked a ton of my courses. the fact that i was taking 7 courses didn't help but i was never able to concentrate. anyways, it's almost been 14 days now and my abdominom still hurts like hell. the diarrhea is going away but the pain is horrible. i've got a cold also which i got two days ago from my brother and when i cough it hurts the most. it's like a stabbing pain. i'm getting a lot more energy now. i find tho that i wouldn't have been able to do this without any support from family and my boyfriend. i just got into a relationship with a guy and because he makes me extremely happy this is so much easier. I also started a course in Scientology. not trying to promote it but i found that that was my key to getting through this and realizing my ability to be happy without meds. And with the weight gain that people have been experiencing. just a tip cause i noticed that i have been a lot hungrier. i just keep myself busy so that i can keep my mind off of food and if i have nothing to do i will go for a walk and i'll eat my regular meals and same amount. just drink a lot more. has anyone else out there gotten off of effexor xr without weening off of it also.
Posted by joecrybaby on December 30, 2003, at 18:07:36
In reply to Effexor XR withdrawals after quitting cold turkey, posted by marta on October 29, 2003, at 12:42:10
my name is joe and i quit taking effexor after 4 months of being sick of not being able to live my life and not being able to experience any emotion. i am 21 and this has been the hardest year of my life. ive been on 4 anti depressants over the past year, and none of them worked, and after this experience i will never try another. i feel like i have lost control of my life. ive been overly suicidal, yet i am not depressed. my brain just feels like its not working. its a giant cloud. i cant concentrate and i lost my memory capacity. basically i live the days just recalling what i can remember because i am incapable of living my life and creating new ones. anyways, it took me 2 months to get off effexor, cutting it down from 150 to 75, then to 37.5, then to nothing. its been over a month since ive done this and i am still living in a personal hell. i heard trying to take other meds like going on prozac near the end could help, but i am unsure. i am also unsure as to what effect this might have since i have been off meds for the past month. i could really use some help from anybody. i am a senior at a prestigious college, and i want to enjoy my life again, as well as make up for some of the bad grades caused by this pain. any help would be greatly appreciated. i just want to know how much longer i am supposed to be going through this. you can leave a message here, or my email is jcolon@ucsd.edu ... i would be so thankful to anyone who could help...thanks
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