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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by metro8268 on February 23, 2004, at 14:57:43
Just wondering if anyone out there has gone through the Effexor withdrawal and experienced some depression as a part of the withdrawal. I've been off of the drug for about 3 days now. The "brain shivers" have subsided a bit, but now I'm feeling depressed. I don't know if this is my depression coming back, or one of the fun withdrawal symptoms from quitting (I tapered them off, not cold turkey). My Dr. said that I would feel a little down after quitting and to give it like 3 weeks.
I just need some more encouragement that this is normal. :)
Thanks,
Wendy
Posted by flyingdreams on February 23, 2004, at 15:14:57
In reply to Third Day off Effexor and Feeling Down, posted by metro8268 on February 23, 2004, at 14:57:43
yep, getting off any of the SSRI's can cause depression. you have to work thru it and remember that it is temporary during withdrawals. It is so difficult I know! I'm on day 41 of getting off effexor. I found getting off prozac more depressing than effexor. Sometimes we mistake being tired for depression. Try to tell yourself, no I'm not depressed, I'm tired and need rest. I found myself telling myself I'm depressed alot during withdrawals. When in fact I was tired of the symptoms and needed rest, etc.
Good luck,
Wendy
Posted by anxiety66me on February 23, 2004, at 16:41:56
In reply to Re: Third Day off Effexor and Feeling Down, posted by flyingdreams on February 23, 2004, at 15:14:57
I'm getting off Effexor (150 mg/day), too. I only took it for a few weeks before I decided it wasn't worth the side effects. How long were you on it? Do you think the fact that I wasn't on it long that I won't have brain shivers when the tapering is over? That sounds horrible. Hope you feel better. Darn SSRI's, they suck!
Posted by metro8268 on February 23, 2004, at 17:03:35
In reply to Re: Third Day off Effexor and Feeling Down, posted by anxiety66me on February 23, 2004, at 16:41:56
I was on Effexor 75mg for 2 years. I had tried quitting before, but was unaware of the extreme withdrawal. So the 2 times before when I tried quitting, I got scared and ended up back on them again. This time around, I resolved that I was going to be strong and get off of them for good.
I don't know if you'll have any side effects. You'll probably feel something. Logically, I would think the side effects would not be as bad or as long as someone who's been on it for years. But who knows with this drug!
-Wendy
Posted by Bill LL on February 24, 2004, at 8:28:20
In reply to Third Day off Effexor and Feeling Down, posted by metro8268 on February 23, 2004, at 14:57:43
I guess its hard to say if its a withdrawal thing or just an underlying, and now untreated, depression.
I have been depressed for as long as I can remember so I know that my depression will return if I go off of drugs (I have tried that before).
Hopefully your depression will go away over the next few weeks. If it doesn't, do not hesitate to resume antidepressant treatment.
I have never tried Effexor, but I know from a lot of research and reading people's experiences that it is a very safe and very effective drug. But if you don't like it and your depression returns, try a different antidepressant. I like my combination of Lexapro and Wellbutrin XL.
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