![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 452 to 476 of 735. Go back in thread:
Posted by AIK on September 30, 2004, at 14:02:23
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » AIK, posted by Bubblehead on September 30, 2004, at 10:51:05
Have you been educated about Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement for mood swings? Since my early twenties I was diagnosed as being "bi-polar". Mis-diagnosed at that. Flipping out here and there, then becoming very happy (and along with it a sex drive). Until 7 years ago. I was talking to a pharmacist about my condition. She asked me to keep track how long my depression lasted (along with the onset and end of my menstral cycle) and my happy, good-feeling times. After the second month the pattern was evident. My mood changes were consistant with my cycle. I was a tyrant for 2 weeks prior to getting my period. During my period I would start to become more rational and more tolerant of my surroundings. The day following the last day of my period, I'd get this "sex drive". Unfortunately for my husband that is the one day that it is extremely powerful. The next 2 weeks I was in my "happy mood"...then I'd ovulate, and the crap mood came back until I got my period again. Some gals get in worse moods than I and others less. All I can say is that if it wouldn't have been for that pharmacist, I'd still be living a yo-yo life. If you go on the web and type in bio-identical hormone replacement mood swings, you can some info there. The formulations they use are not the cancer causing synthetic estrogens or synthetic progestins (progesterone is the natural chemical that is in your body already). Adjustments are made at some points when my body ages. Check it out. Glad to hear you're having a better day! AIK
> > Like I said before, you don't have to tow this load alone. I have been through counseling at certain stages of my life.
>
> I guess I failed to mention that I have been through various types of counseling during my life. I'm not afraid to call one when I need to. I actually still have a close enough relationship with one to have and action plan, just in case I ever think I might follow through with my thoughts. I also have mmy pastor and his wife to turn to. They are good family friends.
>
>
>
> > Since you mentioned that you have gotten support from your church (if of the Christian or Jewish faith), then you need to hold on to what the walk and talk with what God asks of you. That is not to take your own life. Life is the most precious thing that we have been given; you, me and the guy next door. We all are a part of God's plan, and if you leave us, we would all lose by you not being here. Do you know how wonderful it is to me that you answered my post? I know that some readers out there might think this sounds "hokey"; this is for you, me and the rest that are seeking survival for God's will, as we know him.
>
> I am Christian and do rely upon God. I just get caught up in the flesh of this world sometimes. I have suffered with depression all of my life. I do have actual chemistry related depression but a majority of it comes from circumstance. The garabage from those circumstances is in my face daily, not because I won't let go but because I still live in the town I grew up in. The depression is differnt this time though. I don't know if it is the withdrawl or if the Effexor changed my chemistry. The depression sort of reminds me of Bipolar. I am have extremely high and happy days and I am having very low and down days. You caught me on a low day with that post. On the low days, I feel like a demon has moved into my house and taken over my body and mind. I am not myself. Those are the days God carries me. I know that God is letting this so that I will move closer to him and learn from it. I'm just not there yet.
>
>
> > The important thing here is your survival during withdrawal. Do you know that during severe withdrawal symtoms, a doctor can put you on another drug to get you through it?
>
> Yes, my Doc put me on Zoloft. Unfortunatly, he did not give me a ray of hope with it. Here is his point to me, "I'll put you on the Zoloft but, like the all other antidepressants you have tried, it either won't work or you'll have the exact same side affects as you had with them all. Which therefore means that you will have to go on the old time drugs and learn to deal with those side affects." Lovely huh? I am on NO antidepressants (I am scared of them now). I am taking 1200mg of fish oil a day and it has helped some. I am going to a naturalist (who is also a very close Christian friend) who will help me find the right combination eventually.
>
> >I don't know your age, however, could your depression or change in behavior being placed on Effexor initionally, be due to the fact of hormonal changes? Pre-or post menstral symptoms, pre-or post menapause symptoms? I know of a gal who is going into early menapause, and she hasn't even hit 30 years old!
>
> I'm 29 and was placed on the Effexor for major depressive disorder/Post tramatic along with postpartum sycosis. I tried many other Ad's that failed before the Effexor. The Effexor actually was stressing my body so much that I was going into peri-menopause.
> My Mom went early so I know I will, but 29 is just crazy.
>
>
> > I want the best for you, Kelly, that the future has to offer. I will do the best that I can to get you through this. Write me back. AIK
> >
>
> Thank you. Your spirit is uplifting. I'm in a time of transition and I know God will see me through. He already is, he placed you in my path! Thank you. Kelly
Posted by ants on September 30, 2004, at 14:41:42
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by AIK on September 30, 2004, at 14:02:23
I have a question about the hormon-related mood swing issue. I have recently gone on effexor-i told my doc I was moody, irritable, and had frequent crying bouts and this was his solution. A female doctor who was also there asked if i had kept a journal to see if it was related to my cycle. I said no and she suggested that, but now that I am on this medication I haven't bothered to do that...
Now, my question is-is there some way to figure out if it was related to my cycle now that I am on medication? Will I still get moody and crazy even with the medication and then i will know? Or will it "mask" that problem...I don't want to go off effexor (for fear of withdrawal) just to find out I actually need it, but i also don't want to stay on it if its not what i needed...
any ideas?
Posted by AIK on September 30, 2004, at 15:45:43
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » AIK, posted by ants on September 30, 2004, at 14:41:42
Yep, I sure do. Make an appt. with your OB/GYN and have him order a hormone level test (lipids, etc). If your doctor won't work with you on this, contact a compounding pharmacy and they will lead you in the right direction finding an open-minded doctor. There is also a saliva test available that I purchased that you send back to the lab and then get the results. Your compounding pharmacist and doctor will be able to read it and if your levels are low in one or more of the hormones, they'll come up with a dosage to meet your needs. I was put on Effexor for pain associated with some of my conditions and have been tapering off this because it hasn't helped to relieve the pain. Happy to say that today I reduced down to 1/2 of 37.5 mg tablet a day and hope for a peaceful tomorrow & the next week at this low dose. Next Friday, (Oct 8th) hopefully, I will be Effexor free!!!) Good luck in your search for alternatives to Effexor. If your mood swings are not hormone related, then I would continue with the Effexor (or some other SSRI or SNRI since it helps you. AIK
> I have a question about the hormon-related mood swing issue. I have recently gone on effexor-i told my doc I was moody, irritable, and had frequent crying bouts and this was his solution. A female doctor who was also there asked if i had kept a journal to see if it was related to my cycle. I said no and she suggested that, but now that I am on this medication I haven't bothered to do that...
>
> Now, my question is-is there some way to figure out if it was related to my cycle now that I am on medication? Will I still get moody and crazy even with the medication and then i will know? Or will it "mask" that problem...I don't want to go off effexor (for fear of withdrawal) just to find out I actually need it, but i also don't want to stay on it if its not what i needed...
>
> any ideas?
Posted by CarolinaGuy on September 30, 2004, at 22:47:05
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by ants on September 23, 2004, at 11:59:00
I have tapered my effexor for the past month. I also started Wellbutrin about three weeks ago. I took my last 37.4 on Sunday, it is now Thursday. I never could have imagined that I could feel this sick. I have felt the need to vomit since Sunday night. I went through some awful physiological, pschological, and physical pain. I found this website yesterday and it has felt like the biggest blessing. Knowing that others have gone through this, that I am not going crazy. I can not thank all of you enough. My question is, how much longer of this? What can I do to feel better? Is there anything OTC or herbal or anything to make the withdrawl better? Thank you so much, I have not watched this much tv or ordered this much pizza in my life. I am ready to feel like myself again.
Posted by AIK on October 1, 2004, at 6:43:26
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by CarolinaGuy on September 30, 2004, at 22:47:05
If you didn't have the stomach upset when you began your tapering, but have it since you stopped completely...this is what I have been doing. I reduced my dosage by 1/2 a tablet every 7 days. I'm down to 1/2 tablet of a 37.5 a day (I'm at day 2 of this dosage). Last night was the first night I didn't have a 1/2 tablet, but will take it this am. I'm hoping not to have the fog and stomach upset. Your tablets are scored to break in half so you might want to do what I was doing by taking 1/2 tablet in the am and 1/2 tablet a night for 7 days, then reduce to only 1/2 tablet for 7 days. All I know is that I was sick as a dog a few days after I stopped taking the 37.5 mg tablet completely, so I went back on it so I could function. That's when it was suggested to me to taper my dose down by a half tablet every 7 days. I have not been sick to the stomach or foggy in the head doing it this way...so far anyway. The next few days will tell if my body will be OK on only the 1/2 tablet per day. I don't have my herbals book here at the moment which will also list drug interactions, since you're taking Wellbutrin. As far as OTC's, I was chewing up all kinds of anti-acids, but got no relief (I belched a lot though!) Someone will reply to how long their stomach sickness lasted when they stopped completely. I'll get back to you later with the herbal info.
> I have tapered my effexor for the past month. I also started Wellbutrin about three weeks ago. I took my last 37.4 on Sunday, it is now Thursday. I never could have imagined that I could feel this sick. I have felt the need to vomit since Sunday night. I went through some awful physiological, pschological, and physical pain. I found this website yesterday and it has felt like the biggest blessing. Knowing that others have gone through this, that I am not going crazy. I can not thank all of you enough. My question is, how much longer of this? What can I do to feel better? Is there anything OTC or herbal or anything to make the withdrawl better? Thank you so much, I have not watched this much tv or ordered this much pizza in my life. I am ready to feel like myself again.
Posted by AIK on October 1, 2004, at 8:27:02
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by AIK on October 1, 2004, at 6:43:26
This is what I found:
Ginger root 1 g doses, repeated as necessary (no adverse interaction with Effexor or Wellbutrin, but no not take if you're on warfarin (Coumadin)).
Raspberry leaf tea 1.5 to 2.4 g/day. (no adverse interaction with Effexor or Wellbutrin but do not use if you're pregnant or lactating).
There is more on the list. Your pharmacy should be able to provide you with a printout with herbal/drug interactions.***CAUTION***DO NOT take St. John's Wort while taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs before contacting your health care professional! It alters the metabolism of many drugs***Thought I needed to pass this along since you brought up herbals. Before seeking relief on your own for your upset stomach, please call your doctor and inform him that you are suffering nausea and feel it's due to the withdrawal of the Effexor and ask about the ginger root and raspberry leaf tea. He/she may have something else to offer that will give you relief. Better Health To The Days Ahead!> If you didn't have the stomach upset when you began your tapering, but have it since you stopped completely...this is what I have been doing. I reduced my dosage by 1/2 a tablet every 7 days. I'm down to 1/2 tablet of a 37.5 a day (I'm at day 2 of this dosage). Last night was the first night I didn't have a 1/2 tablet, but will take it this am. I'm hoping not to have the fog and stomach upset. Your tablets are scored to break in half so you might want to do what I was doing by taking 1/2 tablet in the am and 1/2 tablet a night for 7 days, then reduce to only 1/2 tablet for 7 days. All I know is that I was sick as a dog a few days after I stopped taking the 37.5 mg tablet completely, so I went back on it so I could function. That's when it was suggested to me to taper my dose down by a half tablet every 7 days. I have not been sick to the stomach or foggy in the head doing it this way...so far anyway. The next few days will tell if my body will be OK on only the 1/2 tablet per day. I don't have my herbals book here at the moment which will also list drug interactions, since you're taking Wellbutrin. As far as OTC's, I was chewing up all kinds of anti-acids, but got no relief (I belched a lot though!) Someone will reply to how long their stomach sickness lasted when they stopped completely. I'll get back to you later with the herbal info.
>
> > I have tapered my effexor for the past month. I also started Wellbutrin about three weeks ago. I took my last 37.4 on Sunday, it is now Thursday. I never could have imagined that I could feel this sick. I have felt the need to vomit since Sunday night. I went through some awful physiological, pschological, and physical pain. I found this website yesterday and it has felt like the biggest blessing. Knowing that others have gone through this, that I am not going crazy. I can not thank all of you enough. My question is, how much longer of this? What can I do to feel better? Is there anything OTC or herbal or anything to make the withdrawl better? Thank you so much, I have not watched this much tv or ordered this much pizza in my life. I am ready to feel like myself again.
>
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on October 4, 2004, at 14:52:17
In reply to Re: blocked for week » Jiggitykid, posted by Dr. Bob on September 26, 2004, at 19:32:07
I apologize for the accusatory tone in the post.
> > the patronizing tone of the posts
> >
> > to imply what your original post ... did ... is insulting.
>
> Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused.
>
> I've asked you to be civil before, so now I'm going to block you from posting for a week.
>
> If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
>
> Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 5, 2004, at 1:44:14
In reply to Re: blocked for week » Dr. Bob, posted by Jiggitykid on October 4, 2004, at 14:52:17
Posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 2:18:48
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable, posted by AIK on October 1, 2004, at 8:27:02
Wrote my first post called "EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL;YOU CAN DO!
I HOPE YOU WILL LOOK IT UP ON A DIFF THREAD. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041002/msgs/398346.html
Did'nt really know what I was doing and ended up starting new thread. also on http...babble/20041002/msgs/399260.html I have had excelent results going off slow, and I'm talking from 300mg's a day for long time down over a period of 4 to 5 months. I've tried 2 other times and first time almost got locked up in loonie ben. Hypermania, blacking out in the middle of conversations, triple vision, and flu symptoms. that was only off 75's. Second time ; went too fast and ended up causing myself a mild stroke. Met someone by e-mail on the effexor petion page I found who gave me hope again for getting my life back.(have addresses) The key is very slow and other meds to help with effects. In the overall process I ended up with a bottle of 60 ,10mg prozac, a bunch of 37.5's and alot of 150's I was on. (I also save every pebble and measure in a lg capsul) I am over two months into withdrawal from 300mg's a day to just started a 75 am and a 37.5 pm this week. I do 5 days of prozac with every drop and space at least 3 weeks apart. Also got anti-hystamine sprayer for headackes, nausea pills, and some old panic attack pills,inderal for panic symptoms. God definatly I feel interviened for me and I believe he will do the same for others. After studying other's affects off the threads ,I knew what I needed to suceed. My worst effects are difficulty sleeping and fighting sleep and now waking up "drug out" when I do sleep. Nausea ,only if I do not take prozac first 5 days with a drop. Overall, pretty darn good and I m very excited about getting my life back after the last 4 years. I've had insomnia and been going blind, plus hypermania and agitation for 4 years. Also ,I can still drive this time. I had every side affect on petition except , high blood preasure. Effexor Petition address is http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/ Very informing on effexor side affects and found Dougs e-mail there. Oh yeah,He has his own web site and story of withdrawals. he just went real slow and took a tranculizer. ( Please excuse my spelling) I sure hope this has been some kind of help for you and hopefully others that read. It's my heart to give others hope ,like I was given. God Bless you. Jubilee
Posted by AIK on October 6, 2004, at 8:14:04
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope, posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 2:18:48
Optimism (definition: to anticipate the best possible outcome). My body is telling me "don't like being on 1/2 tab a day...want more". I was certain I was on my way to recovery. 3 days into my last of the tapering down: the fog, the vomiting, to "h" with everyone around me (more severe than ever before). I even told a co-worker to make sure they bury me in my wedding dress since no one else wants to wear the "d" thing. I'm so mad at myself for allowing "me" to put this substance into my body in the first place without knowing the severity of withdrawal if I ever had to go off of it. Oh, that's right...the general public or prescribing doctor didn't know that at the time of this "cure all". Not just for depression anymore! Hot flashes, pain, whatever. I'm so beside myself right now I can't write anymore. Effexor sure is great for keeping one in a "quiet state" while everyone around you beats the "s" out of you...and you just let it go...like I've said before, La, la, la, la. Dr. Bob can now knock me off his site as he sees fit. I'm done. This will make that Dave person from a few weeks ago very happy, as he can practice pharmacy without the rest of you knowing if he's legit or not. "Let's be Civil". Hard to do in withdrawal, dah
> Wrote my first post called "EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL;YOU CAN DO!
> I HOPE YOU WILL LOOK IT UP ON A DIFF THREAD. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041002/msgs/398346.html
> Did'nt really know what I was doing and ended up starting new thread. also on http...babble/20041002/msgs/399260.html I have had excelent results going off slow, and I'm talking from 300mg's a day for long time down over a period of 4 to 5 months. I've tried 2 other times and first time almost got locked up in loonie ben. Hypermania, blacking out in the middle of conversations, triple vision, and flu symptoms. that was only off 75's. Second time ; went too fast and ended up causing myself a mild stroke. Met someone by e-mail on the effexor petion page I found who gave me hope again for getting my life back.(have addresses) The key is very slow and other meds to help with effects. In the overall process I ended up with a bottle of 60 ,10mg prozac, a bunch of 37.5's and alot of 150's I was on. (I also save every pebble and measure in a lg capsul) I am over two months into withdrawal from 300mg's a day to just started a 75 am and a 37.5 pm this week. I do 5 days of prozac with every drop and space at least 3 weeks apart. Also got anti-hystamine sprayer for headackes, nausea pills, and some old panic attack pills,inderal for panic symptoms. God definatly I feel interviened for me and I believe he will do the same for others. After studying other's affects off the threads ,I knew what I needed to suceed. My worst effects are difficulty sleeping and fighting sleep and now waking up "drug out" when I do sleep. Nausea ,only if I do not take prozac first 5 days with a drop. Overall, pretty darn good and I m very excited about getting my life back after the last 4 years. I've had insomnia and been going blind, plus hypermania and agitation for 4 years. Also ,I can still drive this time. I had every side affect on petition except , high blood preasure. Effexor Petition address is http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/ Very informing on effexor side affects and found Dougs e-mail there. Oh yeah,He has his own web site and story of withdrawals. he just went real slow and took a tranculizer. ( Please excuse my spelling) I sure hope this has been some kind of help for you and hopefully others that read. It's my heart to give others hope ,like I was given. God Bless you. Jubilee
Posted by Jiggitykid on October 6, 2004, at 11:51:02
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope, posted by AIK on October 6, 2004, at 8:14:04
I'm truly sorry you are in so much pain, physical and mental. All I can tell you is that, once the withdrawal was over and all of the effexor was out of my system, I was better. The withdrawal was horrible. But, once the first two weeks of no effexor was over, things began to be better. After the third week, I was feeling somewhat hopeful again. After the fourth week, I was actually thinking about the future.
It's hard, but it can be done. I know that sounds trite, with what you are going through. NONE of this is your fault. NONE of it. Please take care of yourself. Hang on!!
> Optimism (definition: to anticipate the best possible outcome). My body is telling me "don't like being on 1/2 tab a day...want more". I was certain I was on my way to recovery. 3 days into my last of the tapering down: the fog, the vomiting, to "h" with everyone around me (more severe than ever before). I even told a co-worker to make sure they bury me in my wedding dress since no one else wants to wear the "d" thing. I'm so mad at myself for allowing "me" to put this substance into my body in the first place without knowing the severity of withdrawal if I ever had to go off of it. Oh, that's right...the general public or prescribing doctor didn't know that at the time of this "cure all". Not just for depression anymore! Hot flashes, pain, whatever. I'm so beside myself right now I can't write anymore. Effexor sure is great for keeping one in a "quiet state" while everyone around you beats the "s" out of you...and you just let it go...like I've said before, La, la, la, la. Dr. Bob can now knock me off his site as he sees fit. I'm done. This will make that Dave person from a few weeks ago very happy, as he can practice pharmacy without the rest of you knowing if he's legit or not. "Let's be Civil". Hard to do in withdrawal, dah
>
> > Wrote my first post called "EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL;YOU CAN DO!
> > I HOPE YOU WILL LOOK IT UP ON A DIFF THREAD. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041002/msgs/398346.html
> > Did'nt really know what I was doing and ended up starting new thread. also on http...babble/20041002/msgs/399260.html I have had excelent results going off slow, and I'm talking from 300mg's a day for long time down over a period of 4 to 5 months. I've tried 2 other times and first time almost got locked up in loonie ben. Hypermania, blacking out in the middle of conversations, triple vision, and flu symptoms. that was only off 75's. Second time ; went too fast and ended up causing myself a mild stroke. Met someone by e-mail on the effexor petion page I found who gave me hope again for getting my life back.(have addresses) The key is very slow and other meds to help with effects. In the overall process I ended up with a bottle of 60 ,10mg prozac, a bunch of 37.5's and alot of 150's I was on. (I also save every pebble and measure in a lg capsul) I am over two months into withdrawal from 300mg's a day to just started a 75 am and a 37.5 pm this week. I do 5 days of prozac with every drop and space at least 3 weeks apart. Also got anti-hystamine sprayer for headackes, nausea pills, and some old panic attack pills,inderal for panic symptoms. God definatly I feel interviened for me and I believe he will do the same for others. After studying other's affects off the threads ,I knew what I needed to suceed. My worst effects are difficulty sleeping and fighting sleep and now waking up "drug out" when I do sleep. Nausea ,only if I do not take prozac first 5 days with a drop. Overall, pretty darn good and I m very excited about getting my life back after the last 4 years. I've had insomnia and been going blind, plus hypermania and agitation for 4 years. Also ,I can still drive this time. I had every side affect on petition except , high blood preasure. Effexor Petition address is http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/ Very informing on effexor side affects and found Dougs e-mail there. Oh yeah,He has his own web site and story of withdrawals. he just went real slow and took a tranculizer. ( Please excuse my spelling) I sure hope this has been some kind of help for you and hopefully others that read. It's my heart to give others hope ,like I was given. God Bless you. Jubilee
>
>
Posted by invisiblemanpa on October 7, 2004, at 16:35:32
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope » AIK, posted by Jiggitykid on October 6, 2004, at 11:51:02
Hey don't give up..I will probably be feeling some of he same next week when I plan to be on zero. If I would of stayed at 225 mg, I think I would of become suicidal. It truely brought me to the lowest of lows that I have felt. I was never more apathetic, I still have some left after this week...so who knows...maybe I will have to count out a few more microcapsules...but I AM going to get this out of my system...it has never helped me..depression wise or anxiety.......for those that it has helped...well God Bless em......
Are you also on any type of benzo....I know the Klonopin is making this a bit easier for me.....
E
Posted by Jo52 on October 12, 2004, at 10:42:17
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope, posted by Jubilee on October 6, 2004, at 2:18:48
I began Effexor XR 75 mg end of July and stopped it on October 4th after suffering from horrible nightmares and incredible loss of sleep. My family doc said I shouldn't have any withdrawal symptoms since I was on it for such a short period of time. IT HAS BEEN HORRIBLE!!! I did talk the doc into giving me some Wellbutrin after reading here it helps with withdrawal. I started it on Oct 8th. However, I started throwing up on Oct 7th and did so for three days. I have continued to have an intermittent fever, horrible dizziness, the most bizarre tingling around my mouth, on my lips and the tip of my tongue. I also am experiencing crying jags, chills, can't sleep, and my body suddenly heats up like it's 200 degrees awake or asleep. I don't think my family doc is going to be of any help, can anyone here clue me in - how long is this HELL going to last?????????
Posted by Sarah whea on October 26, 2004, at 22:04:34
In reply to Re: My experience with quitting cold turkey (150 mg), posted by soshie on November 2, 2003, at 8:50:15
Posted by Jubilee on October 27, 2004, at 18:29:25
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope, posted by Jo52 on October 12, 2004, at 10:42:17
I have been reading different posts on this thread and I noticed my post was moved over here . I hope that was a good thing.
I wanted to let all others know what is going on so far as I am taking 4 or 5 months at least. ( I started the 1st of Aug.). I read a post that suggested 25 mgs a week from her doc, so I tried it. Not bad, at first, but after my second drop for the second week I am doing half 37's now and I am dealing with a mild head ache and some nausea. I decided to go ten days before going down again, and remember I use 10.mgs of prozac every time I drop for the first 3 days, which really helps.
When going off effexor it was advised by my doc to take it 2 times a day. So I am taking half a 37.5 in AM and PM and I will stay on this for two weeks this time.
AK, I think that two months is way too fast, and I think myself that I would tell my Doc that I changed my mind and wanted to go back on it and get more if you are out and take the 4 or 5 month idea. I'd just keep picking it up and go off slow with support form the posts. I wouldnt have said anything if I was to do it again, especially if I was on a low dose. Thats just what I would do as I realize that most people arn't like me accidentally starting off with a bottle of 60 -150mgs to spread out that far.(as 5 or 6 months) I'll be honest aabout what I did. I figured my doc wouldnt understand , and I happened to have this bottle when I decided, but I went in and asked for prozac and a histamine sprayer( and if I wasn't already on Welbutrin, I would have asked for that as a back up for my depression. ) sense I told him I was going off that is. If you have refils , just keep ordering them . I already had an anti nausea for when my chronic pain makes me sick , so I take a stomach pill, a prozac, a tranc he gave me for the agitation effexor causes, and I have inderal for panic attacks I used to get real bad. (Thats a safe heart pill that stops the attacks I used to get when I went to 12 step meetings) You can cut pills with sissors I discovered and I would cut them in small pieces and go down over like 4 months. Tell him you want more if possible , or I would say I changed my mind and just keep picking it up each month. I took my power back from doctors a couple years ago as they have almost killed me before. I told my doc thank you and just did my thing. He isnt God. Anti hystimine spray really knocks the headaches, and I figure if your head hurts too bad then you are going too fast. I already have Fibromialgia and getting thru the day is hard enough. I wrote on another thread today also, as I try to help and encourage as many as possible. When I read the effexor petition, added to one of AK's posts or I'll do it again
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/I don't believe in lying , but I don't believe in dying if at all possible either! If I ran out of effexor and became dog sick I would say I insist on going back on it if possible because I love the stuff if I had to!, or at least ask for some prozac for ten days , or some of the things mentioned above. I was told to take at least 3 or 4 months and so far its working . I would find some way to go back on effexor and do it right, and keep it your business. I don't know much about welbutrin as I am going off it too, but I have been healed of my dep. so I don't need anything.but I was on elavil for 19 years and it has no withdrawels , has a mild sedative in it a chronic pain killer, and helps you sleep. I had every side affect from effexor except high blood preasure. It ruined my vision, caused agitation, anxiety, and insomnia, and hypomania (just plain manic!!)and more for 4 years and I am already getting alot of my mind back and finally sleeping again and feeling calm. I am on 2 half 37.5's now and will be for two weeks. I will keep checking in. I hope this has given somebody hope and some ideas. Also 300mgs to 75 isn't a bad drop, its when you get lower its more dangerous.God be with you all, jubilee..
Posted by boatsie on October 28, 2004, at 19:46:27
In reply to Re: effexor w/drl so far so good, posted by Jubilee on October 27, 2004, at 18:29:25
I started cutting back on Effexor ER early this summer. I was on 300mg for several years following about six years on Paxil. My cut backs have been 225 for one month, 185 for two months and now I am at 150 since September. Each step has been symptomatic: headaches, flu like symptoms, anxiety, fatigue .... I am taking a 'green' supplement which has everything you can think of each morning, along with CoQ10, Ginko, B Complex and Cal Mag. I am currently free from the feeling that my mind was an enormous black hole and I was always struggling to reach back into this void to find meaning, continuity, self, and even simple sentence structure. Word retrieval problems? Gone. Lack of motication: ebbing, always ebbing. depression: in and out, some days worse than others.
The next step down will probably be to 125 or something very minimal. I am grateful to have a psychiatrist who is working with me every step of the way, even though she truly believes that in severe cases of mjd left untreated as mine was over many years, damage to brain is unrepairable. I still believe I will prove that wrong someday; and i know she does as well.
After so many years on medication, the shortfalls start outweighting the benefits.
Posted by Jiggitykid on October 28, 2004, at 20:35:13
In reply to Re: The Slow Withdrawal Process, posted by boatsie on October 28, 2004, at 19:46:27
>>>even though she truly believes that in severe cases of mjd left untreated as mine was over many years, damage to brain is unrepairable. I still believe I will prove that wrong someday; and i know she does as well.<<<
I agree with YOU 100%. Nothing is impossible, especially where the amazing brain is concerned. I'm glad you've got such terrific support. Not all of us have been so lucky. Thank you for your inspiring post!!
Posted by Jubilee on October 28, 2004, at 22:13:53
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal inevitable;reI found Hope, posted by Jo52 on October 12, 2004, at 10:42:17
My Lord, sounds like hell, and only after 3 months of being on effexor! If I had any left I would go back on it, tell the doc I changed my mind about going off it. and keep refilling it till I could wean down real slow like 4 or 5 months. Remember to save every pebble to strech it out.
I woke up very dehydrated, dry mouth and unquenchable thirst. Has anybody had that happen
I wrote about my last drop down of effexor yesterday and after 3 days now it wasn't going as smooth as I thought it would. I did try what one person suggested, to go down 25 mgs a week. This is my 3rd day and I half felt like I had the flue this AM. I went right back up to 2 37's a day and going to stay there a total of almost 3 weeks. That is how I first felt "led" to do it. I only did 37.5s, for a week and thats not near enough time for our bodies to adjust. I also feel really wierd in my head, not like myself.
Things I would do if I got sick from my dr. lowering my dose too rapidly.; Call him and say I decided to stay on them ( because you have ) and that you can't deal with any depression right now with whats going on in my life, (Because you can't! Ha) Even suggest a higer dose maybe would work better , and it will in your case if your'e taking 4-6 months to go off!!Ha.
This is no laughing matter I know and I am sick , but not as bad as you , my friends.
The bible says that if you are in a trial then ask for wisdom and he will absolutly give it.
If I knew others that might have extra or some they didn't use, I would call them. They said that taking prozac makes it better, so my doc was going to wean me off in 6 weeks and gave me a bunch of prozac. I take them when I first drop down. God interviened considering effexor one day, when I felt led out of the blue to look it up on the web. Then I found the babble site and learned alot before I told my doctor. God does supply all our needs when we are fully dependent on him. I must give him total credit for all he provided, the timing , and the added medications I was given. Until that "day" I thought I was stuck on effexor forever and I don't even have depression anymore. The effexor petition sit told me how dangerous this drug is , and why I have been losing my eyesight , and been manic for 4 years and an insomniac!!! I love to read, and the Lord preserves his children. when I think of all I am going to recover after 6 weeks or 7, I have no problem with patience.
I have found 25 a week to go down is too fast and just wanted to share that.
Maybe I would go to the emergency room if I had Ins.and maybe they wold give some more. Hope I have been helpful. I feel I have another 6 weeks more to go. I lift you friends to God in the Morning . If you pray , God will intervien and help you and can open doors , and also give you favor with the doc... Take it slow, Jubilee
Posted by Katarina K on November 3, 2004, at 21:05:48
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawels -dry mouth thirst, posted by Jubilee on October 28, 2004, at 22:13:53
Hey there. I just posted on another Babble site, but I thought I would post here as well. I was on Effexor 75mg for two years for treatment of PTSD. I was great at first. Better than all the others. After a while, the constipation, dizziness, giddiness, numbness, and weight gain, got to be too much. I'm on day four of cold-turkey withdrawal. HELP! A couple of days I was in complete crying mode. I was also itching like crazy. And then of course, I am still suffering from the naseau and dizziness. The dreams have been crazy as well, but I try to have a sense of humor about them. For the first 3 days I had horrible tingling and fuzzy sensations in my face and neck. However, the worst has been today. My feet and hands are burning, aching and feel much larger than they are. I am still irritable as hell, especially in the evening. Is this going to get better? PLease help!
Posted by Jo52 on November 4, 2004, at 8:02:47
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawels -burning feet and hands, posted by Katarina K on November 3, 2004, at 21:05:48
I got on Wellbutrin XL 150 after 6 days of no Effexor and then took a 20 mg Prozac the middle of the next week and a 10 mg Prozac the following week and this cured 90% of the symptoms. I would recommend getting the Prozac immediately!! The third and fourth weeks I experienced some intermittent fever episodes that would last about an hour at a time. I'm off about 6 weeks now and seem to be symptom free. In addition I take 1 25 mg Xanax at night. I am still taking the Wellbutrin, but plan to only take it about another two months and then wean off of it. I am hoping that the Xanax takes care of the mood swings and I'll deal with anything else as it comes up.
Posted by Jiggitykid on November 4, 2004, at 8:36:37
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawels -burning feet and hands, posted by Katarina K on November 3, 2004, at 21:05:48
It DOES get better, but it will take a little while. My experience was that the worst symptoms abated after about two weeks. Then, most of the symptoms were gone after about a month, then after a couple of months, I realized that I was feeling MUCH better and much happier than I had been while on this drug from hell. I'm curious as to when they'll "voluntarily" pull this like they did Vioxx. . .
Hang in there - it does get better. Just know that you are NOT crazy and that the symptoms are very real, regardless of what your doctor might say. I quit cold-turkey, too, and, while it was miserable, I'm glad I did, because then I didn't have to make the tapering decisions. It was gone and I refused to swallow another granule. Take care!!
> Hey there. I just posted on another Babble site, but I thought I would post here as well. I was on Effexor 75mg for two years for treatment of PTSD. I was great at first. Better than all the others. After a while, the constipation, dizziness, giddiness, numbness, and weight gain, got to be too much. I'm on day four of cold-turkey withdrawal. HELP! A couple of days I was in complete crying mode. I was also itching like crazy. And then of course, I am still suffering from the naseau and dizziness. The dreams have been crazy as well, but I try to have a sense of humor about them. For the first 3 days I had horrible tingling and fuzzy sensations in my face and neck. However, the worst has been today. My feet and hands are burning, aching and feel much larger than they are. I am still irritable as hell, especially in the evening. Is this going to get better? PLease help!
Posted by MKB on November 7, 2004, at 16:54:27
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawels -burning feet and hands, posted by Katarina K on November 3, 2004, at 21:05:48
The only thing that helped me was taking Benadryle before bed.
Posted by bbly78 on November 11, 2004, at 10:55:25
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Americk on September 11, 2004, at 21:07:04
I am coming off the Effexor also.. But I was on a 300 dose.. I slowly came down to 225, then 150.. But then my doctor stopped that after 3 days and put me on 75 for 4 days and 37.5 for 4 days.. I feel like crap.. I am now off completely, until I start my new medicine, which could be a week.. For the past two days I have been vomiting, shaky, freezing, numbness in my arms.. If anyone can suggest something, I would greatly appreciate it.. Today I officially come off the effexor.. If the last two days are anything close to whats to come, someone just shoot me now..
Posted by Jo52 on November 11, 2004, at 13:07:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bbly78 on November 11, 2004, at 10:55:25
Call Your Doctor Immediately! I was able to get a 20 mg Prozac (1) for the first week and a 10mg Prozac (1) to take the second week. The symptoms were immediately relieved (within 12 hours) after taking the first Prozac. I also started Wellbutrin at the same time, but it was the Prozac that did the trick. I only took the two - one each week and I was fine. Minor symptoms the third week but nothing that I couldn't ignore. Good Luck! It stinks, but this will definately help.
Posted by MKB on November 11, 2004, at 16:05:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bbly78 on November 11, 2004, at 10:55:25
I managed to finally get off without the Prozac, but I have heard that it helps. Benadryl helped me too.
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