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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 146 to 170 of 735. Go back in thread:
Posted by Cetacea on December 28, 2003, at 21:02:04
In reply to Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by MSR on December 28, 2003, at 18:23:14
Hi,
Look back into the posts and see what they say about taking Prozac or some anxiety med as a sort of "buffer" getting off the Effexor. One person said that taking even OTC Benadryl will help (not sure how, but I did buy some in case I got desperate). My guess (and that's all it is) is that you will have some problems remaining in 6 days, although, bear in mind that *each of us is individual* and maybe you will not suffer as bad continuing symptoms. Not sure, here, what difference your "youth" may have for your getting over the Effexor maybe sooner than some of us "oldies". If possible, I'd try (if I were you) to get ahold of 2 10mg pills of Prozac and do what I did. It sure helped me (I had it "on hand"), probably because of its long "half-life" that others have talked about here. Please call your doctor and tell him/her that you want to get off Effexor and that people are telling you that you can do it most easily "under the cover of Prozac". Tell him/her that you took yourself off of it and are having bad somatic feelings, but that you *do not want to go thru the first 5 days of w/drawals all over again*. That's my best advice. It may be worth exactly what you're paying for it, so don't take my opinion as "gospel". Also, I recall reading that *exercise* helps withdrawals, and I made sure to walk about 30mins, 5-7 days/week, minimum (am still doing this). It really, REALLY helped *me*.
Take a look back in the archived posts, and I think you will find *the best* info for folks getting off of Effexor 'fast'. It's no 'shame', IMO, to get back on it if you have to, and I think getting off of it w/the help of your doctor is the safest, most sane way to get the stuff outta your system. As is too often the case, however, your dr may not even realize the terrible withdrawal symptoms that many/most of us have. So you may have to tell him/her what you're experiencing and what you've read here. On another "board" I saw a reference to a 1998 psychiatric journal, where it was said that Prozac is a good drug for helping patients get off of Effexor. Let me see if I can paste the info here:
***************
W.J. Giakas, J.M. Davis, Intractable withdrawal from venlafaxine treated with fluoxetine, Psychiatric Annals, February 1997, 27 (2), 85-86 and 92.Authors report three consecutive cases (26-35 year old women) where patients experienced severe withdrawal after discontinuing venlaxfaxine, following treatment ranging from a week or two to seven months: "Repeated attempts at gradually tapering the dosage were unsuccessful and led to intolerable withdrawal sensations." In these and other cases, authors noted appearance of withdrawal symptoms within a few hours of patient missing a dose. Although, symptoms they saw "are not identical to a fully-fledged psychedelic experience or a true migraine headache, similarity is evident..." In all cases, venlafaxine was eventually discontinued under cover of fluoxetine, which itself was later withdrawn uneventfully in one of the three cases.
******
There it is. Hope this helps you, and I wish you the best in your plans! Hope you go on the cruise and have a GREAT TIME!~Cetacea~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> I just found this website and I have found it very educational. I have only been on Effexor for about 6 months. I started the medication as I was going through a divorce and now feel like I do not want to be dependent on antidepressant medication. So, I stopped taking them "cold-turkey" 5 days ago and I have been having awful withdrawal symptoms. I have never slept so much in my life. I can sleep for 14 hours, wake up for 2, then take a nap for 3 more. I have also experienced the strange dreams, but mostly just complete lack of energy. While on the medication, I gained weight which made me feel more depressed. Now, with the irregular heartbeat and dizziness, I feel like I can hardly even walk up the stairs. I'm only 25 years old! I feel so weak and nausious (sp?). I am going on a cruise in 6 days and can't decide now if I should start taking the medicine again so I will feel better, or just stick it out a little longer. I've made it 5 days and certainly don't want to go through this again. But, I also don't want to be suffering these symptoms on my much-needed vacation. By the time I leave for my trip it will be 11 days. Do you think I will feel better by then? Thanks for any advice.
Posted by MSR on December 28, 2003, at 22:01:16
In reply to Re: Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by Cetacea on December 28, 2003, at 21:02:04
Thank you for your help. I guess I was being silly not to talk about this with my doctor. I do not have much confidence in her advice, however. I told her originally that I was only mildly depressed and did not want to be on a "strong" or addictive medication. My symptoms were mostly sleeping all the time, lack of motivation, and anxiety. She first put me on Welbutrin which caused more anxiety, high blood pressure, & panic attacks. So, we tried the Effexor, which seemed to help with the anxiety, but caused me to be even more lethargic and reclusive. She never warned me of the terrible withdrawal symptoms from stopping the Effexor. I just want to feel happy, not like I'm on drugs!
I will certainly call her and try the Prozac. From what I have read here and on the other posts, it seems to be very helpful. I will also exercise more. I'm sure that will help give me more energy and may even have the added benefit of helping me drop the 15 pounds I gained in the last 4 months. :)
After going through this horrible feeling all week, I really don't want to start taking the Effexor again. I imagine that slowly weaning myself off will just prolong this agony. I have been fortunate to be off work the last couple days as I have felt so terrible. Tomorrow is my first day back and I am praying I will be able to get out of bed in the morning. At least now, I realize what is happening to my body and that these symptoms are more common than I knew.
By the way, my father has been taking Effexor for about 8 months and it has worked wonders for him. I have never seen him more happy or relaxed. Thanks again for your help.
Posted by rompy on December 29, 2003, at 19:38:03
In reply to Re: Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by MSR on December 28, 2003, at 22:01:16
I had good luck with Prozac getting off of Effexor. I weaned off 1 pill of effexor at a time
before going on a low dose of Prozac. But everyone's different.
Remember, your doctor is the guy who put you on this poison. Why should you take their advice anymore than your average person who's at least ingested it.
Posted by Carmen Lydia on January 1, 2004, at 23:14:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Carmen Lydia on December 28, 2003, at 4:16:48
I just want to thank those who posted their experiences here, they've really helped me a great deal. I am back on my regular dosage of Effexor and must say that all of the wicked withdrawal symptoms that I had previously experienced are mostly gone. The only thing that is bothering me is that I am constantly falling asleep. At work I try to stay as busy as possible and don't seem to have a problem but at home...well, that's another story. If I sit for a few minutes...I'm gone. If I lay down, forget it, I don't think I last 15 minutes. Oh, and the wonderful constipation is now back. So, I've started to use fiber on a daily basis and that seems to be helping some. I don't know if I want to remain on this medication much longer but am really scared of the withdrawal symptoms. This is one that I will have to take up with my psychiatrist, you know...the one that spends a whole 5 minutes with me, then writes out another script. I guess my fate is in her hands, so we'll see what happens and I will keep you all posted. I hope everyone has a wonder, happy and prosperous New Year!!
Posted by jbc on January 2, 2004, at 7:49:51
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Carmen Lydia on January 1, 2004, at 23:14:39
Your fate does NOT have to be in the hands of a psychiatrist who won't spend the necessary time with you or listen to you! Try to find another one! I know that's easier to type than it is to do, but you deserve better than what you are getting. I have mostly managed to fight my way through the withdrawals now (been off completely for about 2 months). It's not easy & yes, it is scary, but it can be done. I'm living proof! :)
Hang in there & take care of yourself. I'm praying for you!
Posted by Dr...Not! on January 2, 2004, at 13:13:23
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Carmen Lydia on January 1, 2004, at 23:14:39
I had the same problems (sleeping & digestive). The fiber did help (Citricel, prunes & bran flakes), but the sleepiness . . . ! If I sat down in a soft chair, I nodded off! And that was after two cups of strong, black coffee!
I'm down to 75 mg per day of Effexor XR, and will continue my "detox" from this dosage for another 2 months. What seems to work for me is to cut back my dosage in the increment available (37.5 mg), and then stay at that dosage for a couple of months, until my body gets used to the reduced dosage.
I spoke to my psychiatrist about the use of Prozac to reduce the withdrawal symptoms, and she wasn't sure how it could be any use, as Prozac takes weeks to kick in, and the people using it only took it for a couple of days. In addition, she said Prozac takes weeks to leave your system.
Rather than have me start taking any other medications, she prefers that we continue the way we've been going (reduce the dosage and wait for my body to get used to it). Then, when we get to the final 37.5 mg, we would choose a time to deal with the final withdrawal symptoms and try to face them head-on, using people instead of medications for my safety net. She said we'd pick a 3-week period when she would be available by phone, when friends of mine would be available by phone and in person, and we'd see if I could get through the sweats, nightmares, trembling, heart palpitations and nausea. If I simply couldn't stand it any longer, and the "moral supports" weren't enough, she said I should just take my regular dose (37.5 mg, at that time), and the physical problems would cease. After 2 more months, we'd try it again. If that didn't work, she'd come up with another plan.
There's always hope! Never give up!
Posted by MSR on January 2, 2004, at 16:35:25
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Carmen Lydia, posted by Dr...Not! on January 2, 2004, at 13:13:23
I posted a few days ago saying that I quit cold-turkey. It has now been 10 days and I am happy to say that the withdrawal symptoms are almost completely gone. I was only on 75mg and only took it for about 6 months, so that may have made it easier for me. The sleepiness and diziness were my worst side effects. I think if you can tough it out for a week or so, it will get better. I personally would rather go through a week of hell than taper off and drag it out for months at a time.
Posted by jiggitykid on January 2, 2004, at 18:02:57
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Carmen Lydia on December 28, 2003, at 4:16:48
What you are experiencing is normal withdrawal. Should you choose to continue, keep in mind that these will continue for a while - mine lasted a few weeks, with each day lessening somewhat. I feel SO MUCH BETTER now that I am not taking Effexor. Thankfully, I didn't need anything else after withdrawal - make sure you and your doctor keep close tabs on you to see whether you do or not. I've said in the past and I'll say in the future, this drug is bad news, and patients are not warned about it. If they were, tho, no one would touch it, and the powers that be know this. Hang in there. I wish you the best!!
Posted by jiggitykid on January 2, 2004, at 18:16:10
In reply to Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by MSR on December 28, 2003, at 18:23:14
I'm concerned that you were prescribed an antidepressant for a life event and not for clinical depression. This is what worries me - this stuff is being handed out like candy when it should be carefully controlled and monitored. Have you had trouble with depression before? If not, I would advise you to not take it again - tough out or ask your doc's advice about what can help lessen the effects if they are impossible to handle. I would also offer advice for you to get some support - if you are not already getting support for the grief and emotions over the divorce - as well as support for the withdrawal. Hold on - it will get better. Effexor is nothing to be played with. Some have reported vision damage that is permanent - mine seems to have finally cleared up, but still doesn't seem to be just right. Take care of yourself. You are in my prayers.
Posted by jiggitykid on January 2, 2004, at 19:04:01
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Carmen Lydia on January 1, 2004, at 23:14:39
>>>. I guess my fate is in her hands, so we'll see what happens<<<
No - it doesn't have to be. There are better ones out there and surely there is a better one in your area. Falling asleep at the drop of a hat was a problem for me, too. Not so bad, now that I'm not taking it anymore. Please don't be afraid of the symptoms of withdrawal. There are others here who have posted ways to lessen the symptoms. I went cold-turkey, which worked for me, but it was not easy. It took two weeks for the symptoms to really let go, but they have and I'm grateful that I'm not taking it anymore. I'm much clearer and much more awake. Find a better doc - and take care of yourself.
Posted by MSR on January 2, 2004, at 19:48:16
In reply to Re: Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by jiggitykid on January 2, 2004, at 18:16:10
Thank you for your concern. I have not taken the Effexor, or any other antidepressant medication, for 10 days now and I feel better than I did the entire time I was on them. My doctor is at an HMO healthcare facility and hardly spent any time talking to me before sending me out the door with perscription in hand. I have had symptoms of depression in the past, like over-eating and over-sleeping, but I think my problems were more situational than medical. I have been talking with a counselor at my church since the divorce and she has helped me through my depression much more than the psychiatrist. My father is on Effexor and it seems to really help him. But, I personally don't want to be on this medicine ever again. It made me feel even worse and those withdrawal symptoms were scary. I'm thankful to all who have offered advice and support.
Posted by jonathan33 on January 7, 2004, at 14:48:15
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jiggitykid on January 2, 2004, at 19:04:01
wow amazing, and i thought i was going crazy, i had been on the medication for roughly 2 months or so starting out at 37.5 then 75 then topping out at 150mg. At first everything was improving dramatically and i really felt better about myself and i actually wanted to wake up in this world, then recently about 2 weeks ago, i hit a roadblock, i thought it was just a bad few days, but out of sheer frustration, i hated taking the medication and blamed it for making me feel, downright numb, and what do you know i am know starting to think its the issue and its not me! i threw them away 2 days ago, because i wanted to stop and get new meds. BAD IDEA, i have had nonstop sweating, and its so embarassing, i was in the restaurant sweating and i couldnt take it. then i have these really fucking bad anxiety attacks, worse than before and i get so insecure about myself and my surroundings, i could not believe all this would transpire in just 2 days of not taking the medicine. recently i have had the WEIRDEST dreams , and i recall them perfectly, everything is EXTREMELY detailed and they are completely lucid dreams, as in i am in total control, and everything is refered to rainbow like colors, and when i wake up i have scratches on me, i am starting to get scared to sleep now, but i am always so tired, and feel like shit, my heart races and my mind is detached, at school is the worst im a computer programmer and i feel so weird looking at what i do, blah i am upset, anyone else have weird dreams?> bless my family and my girlfriend for putting up with my ass.
Posted by Carmen Lydia on January 7, 2004, at 15:47:28
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jonathan33 on January 7, 2004, at 14:48:15
I hope that you call your physician and let him/her know what you're experiencing. Do you still want to be off of the Effexor? Or are you planning on going back on it? You will start to experience more withdrawal symptoms that are not pleasant at all. The dreams do get bad but with me, my body needed to sleep, so I slept. I am sure it must be hell for you. You will need those close to you to understand what you are going through and will go through, their support will be of great benefit to you. Again, my advice to you is to call your doctor and let him/her help you through this difficult time. I'll pray for you and hope that you feel better soon.
Posted by jiggitykid on January 7, 2004, at 22:54:41
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jonathan33 on January 7, 2004, at 14:48:15
The dreams were super strange and I was afraid of going to sleep, too. I felt more "awake" when I was asleep because the dreams were clearer to me than reality during the withdrawal. I went cold turkey - worked for me but it doesn't work for everyone. Read suggestions here on withdrawal and make sure you have someone to help you. Hang in there!
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 7, 2004, at 23:44:54
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jonathan33 on January 7, 2004, at 14:48:15
> then i have these really f[*]cking bad anxiety attacks ... i am always so tired, and feel like sh[*]t ... bless my family and my girlfriend for putting up with my [*]ss.
I'm sorry you've been having a hard time, but please don't use language that could offend others:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by momof5 on January 14, 2004, at 21:41:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jiggitykid on January 7, 2004, at 22:54:41
hi i hope i can find my way back here since after i registered it took forever lol. I honestly thought i was the only one going through all of this... im in the first week of coming off effexor and im hating life. What a horrible,mind numbing drug this is ... i have lost all interest in everything so my dr increased the dose which made things worse. I would love to think i could live med free but im not that naive but i do know that i will never go back on this drug again. Thanks to everyone who shared their story ... it really really helped me to know im not alone.
Posted by Mishelle on January 15, 2004, at 1:03:02
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by momof5 on January 14, 2004, at 21:41:31
Has anyone had these type of symptons while actually taking the medicine. I can hardly function taking it. Now, I don't know whether to keep taking it or to stop. I previously took zoloft and had a horrible experience getting off it. Someone tell me what to do..I cant continue like this it's driving me crazy -er.
Posted by watergirl on January 15, 2004, at 1:36:33
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jiggitykid on January 7, 2004, at 22:54:41
Posted by neon on January 16, 2004, at 10:32:36
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Heather33 on October 4, 2003, at 21:27:27
Hello all,
I have been on effexor for approximately 1.5years. I couldn't deal with the fatigue so I started reducing my dosage from 225mg two weeks ago to my last pill 3 days ago...I feel like crap, vertigo, diaharea and so forth... I was reading in a book that omega 3 really helps depression...I started taking 1 1000 mg pill 3 times a day and you wouldn't believe the results....
Posted by flyingdreams on January 16, 2004, at 14:00:20
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl -, posted by Stavros on November 21, 2003, at 13:38:15
but doesn't prozac just delay the withdrawl symptoms?
Posted by flyingdreams on January 16, 2004, at 15:55:40
In reply to Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by MSR on December 28, 2003, at 18:23:14
I'd hang tough and bring the meds with you for the cruise. If it gets really bad then you would have that option.
Posted by zingaling on January 23, 2004, at 12:02:51
In reply to Re: Quit cold-turkey. Should I start back?, posted by flyingdreams on January 16, 2004, at 15:55:40
I am very grateful for you all and your open-ness and honesty.
I have been on E for about 1.5 yrs - ending with 225mg/day...150 in a.m., 75 at lunch. I have NEVER been impressed with it. I am also on Wellbutrin for last 6 mo. Doc switching E for Lexapro but wean off and clear out from E first. Minus 75mg each week. Am now at zero for 3rd day. W/D is horrid! I've read through all the postings and can second just about every symptom ('cept the "eye-squeeze", thank God). The worst for me the what y'all call the brain shivers/phasing...I've been calling "zings". These would begin sporadically within hours if I was late with a 75mg dose and are now a constant companion. Also used to just be limited to the brain - now goes down to my toes. I remember a time (as a recovering alcoholic) when I might MISTAKENLY think this a "cool buzz"... This plus tearfulness and sleepiness has now caused me to miss 1-1/2 days work. I am glad the weekend looms ahead 'cause I despise the idea of missing any more work - I am impatient with physical illness that way.
Thanks to you all there are a few troublesome situations I have been experiencing that I had no idea the E w/d may be causing. As my body further dispels this poison, I'll pay attention to see if any needs to be addressed by GP. Of particular concern: I don't recall anyone mentioning minor numbness of the limbs and/or extremities when in one position for very long. Has anyone noticed something like this?
I have been reading the postings for hours now, so I cannot focus enough to address anyone specifically. There are a few thoughts I would like to share if you will bear with me:
a) My doc is replacing the E with Lexapro (a sister to Prozac). The plan was to begin the Lexapro after I have been without E for a full week, however, because of the severity of the w/d, I am now laying in wait for the postman to deliver my Lexapro today - she has me beginning it early. I will do my best not rush to attack the man and rip the package from his hand when I see his truck! So this echoes what others have said about Prozac/Lexapro being used for w/d relief. Although, I do not know what would be done if I was not to begin it anyway.
b) Something those of us in this boat of depression need to remember (I am writing this to remind myself as well): Depression has an organic basis, is a physical illness. We often are still bombarded with the undercurrent of prejudice that says our illness is strictly "mental" and we, therefore, "weak" or "less-than". I believe this is why the "shame" happens. If this were the case, then, it would stand to reason that those who who do not suffer with depression are "strong" and/or "mentally healthy". Believe me, I know many who do not have the illness of depression who still could not be considered "mentally healthy" by any stretch of the imagination. Except for times like this - w/d from an A/D, or times when my depression is out of control, I am often can be grateful for this illness. (Again echoing what someone else on this site has said). Because of my depression I have been led to psychotherapy. Because of psychotherapy I have come to explore me and have come to a greater appreciation for the love of others' and the brighter side of humanity. Because of therapy I have been led to become a spiritual seeker in general and a seeker of God. This reveals to me the beauty and purpose of life that my illness tries to strip away and that many never find need to consider.
c) The "organics" of depression: It is also my belief (I can give no scientific quotes - just my belief) that our physical world had been stripped of much that is nutritional and good for our bodies and bombarded with much that is poisonous. That is why vitamins are now recomended when they were once poo-pooh'd for general nutrition. If we are affected by our environment at such a level as general health, then it does not take a leap of faith to comprehend deficiencies in neurotransmitters in our brains due to environmental issues. Increasingly we are unable to biochemically have healthy bodies by existing, eating & drinking. Then there are social and esoteric environmental factors...I, for one, would like to come to the place where I am able to speak of this illness and treatment as openly and honestly as I would talk to others of, say, diabetes. I am sure if I had diabetes and my sugar was out of control causing me to take a sick day, I would feel no guilt or shame. But, alas, I too am victim of the whispering tones used when speaking about depression and am still afraid of the perception of others.
d) I thank whoever it was that said we are responsible for our own treatment and/or health - not our doctor(s). This is one more lesson learned. I am not sure how to put this into practice, however. It was posted by someone that the doctors (supposedly) did not even know of the Effexor side effects. Why not? Did the pharmaceutical companies not know? Why not? Who do we trust and how do we get the truth before the damage is done? Daily we hear of what was thought to be good yesterday is actually bad or vice-versa.
Thank you for letting me speak my peace, my hope is that I have encouraged someone. Also, again thank you for sharing and encouraging me. God bless.
Posted by Dr...Not! on January 23, 2004, at 14:23:53
In reply to MANY THANKS God Bless us, everyone, posted by zingaling on January 23, 2004, at 12:02:51
I'm at 75mg Effexor XR and holding (down from 300mg/day for 8yrs). Debilitating depression has come back, but I refused to increase dosage of Effexor--my withdrawal side effects have spooked me about this drug. My doc has started me on Lexapro 10mg (I've been reading Lexapro Psycho-Babble posts, and thank the Lord for Psycho-Babble!), and wants me to complete my withdrawal from Effexor using Lexapro instead of Prozac as a "withdrawal shield." I sure hope this works. P-B posts seem to indicate that folks starting Lexapro while on other SSRIs do not experience the same severity of Lex's side effects (is there any drug out there that DOESN'T have side effects?).
So, in answer to a) see above; b) me, too; c) agree wholeheartedly; d) they do the best they can with what's available, and we're the guinea pigs! I suppose we should blame the drug companies, but without them we wouldn't have the drugs in the first place.
God bless you all for your posts, and may He bless us with His comfort and strength.
Posted by zingaling on January 27, 2004, at 5:53:23
In reply to Re: MANY THANKS God Bless us, everyone » zingaling, posted by Dr...Not! on January 23, 2004, at 14:23:53
Thanks for the reply Dr...Not! I recall your postings; your journey has been a long and difficult one. I have been encouraged by your determination and sharing. May He give you rest.
Within hours of taking 10mg Lex the brain zapping and body tingling lessened. I thought that was the worst part of the withdrawal despite the tears, sadness and anger. Then I admitted to myself how hopeless I felt. I was in full blown depression, and what a horrible place to be! Sometimes I forget. So I am thankful for the drugs - I guess Effexor did keep me from sinking for a time.
On 15mg of Lexapro now - I am now out of bed for longer periods of time, brushing my teeth, and even styled my hair yesterday. I shovelled some snow, but then that proved too much. Just the thought that I could - actually just NOTICING IT SNOWED - was such a relief. The physical symptoms have lessened immensely, but I know they are lurking just under the blanket of Lex -- I wonder for how long.
I am grateful to P-B and you all. God Bless.
Posted by Dr...Not! on January 27, 2004, at 18:14:11
In reply to Re: MANY THANKS God Bless us, everyone, posted by zingaling on January 27, 2004, at 5:53:23
Depression worsening, so stopped the Lexapro and felt better. (Like banging your head into the wall--it feels so good when you stop!) In addition to the extra depression, was falling asleep and had cramps in my legs! Ugh. I'd better call the shrink and see what she's got for Plan B.
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