Posted by AD on June 20, 2001, at 6:39:21
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » slazart, posted by Seraphim on June 17, 2001, at 18:02:36
> > > I am currently tapering off effexor and 'OH MY GOD!' i have done such a gradual taper and am in a panic. I feel manic one minute & then like crying, I feel like I am going nuts and can't explain the inner turmoil to my family. I fight minute by minute to appear even somewhat level headed and not chew someone's butt. Outwardly I say 'you shouldn't add to the situation if you don't understand what is happening' (while smiling of course) inside I want to bellow out 'you inconsiderate piece of crap shut up and don't butt in where you don't belong!!" My head is dizzy, I have the 'electric feeling' and especially when I move my head or eyes, I am anxious and feel like jumping from one thing to another as long as it doesn't require my brain or a decision which is impossible because I own my own business. I can't seem to take a deep breath. I feel feverish and shivery but my body temp is only 97. I went from 75 mg to 37.5 2x/day then spread the time out between doses to eventually get to 37.5 1/day then began half doses of the 37.5 2x/day spreading that time until I was to once a day. Now I cut the 37.5 to taper in the same way and am even still having psychotic difficulty breaking free. I took my last half of a half of a half, Monday at noon and can barely take it anymore. I want to take a small dose to make it all go away but am trying to get over the hump and stick with it? How much longer?????? I am a basket case (and I didn't even mention the nightmares every 10 minutes.
>
> Hang in there! I have been experiencing EXACTLY the same. I started tapering from 300mg three and a half months ago. I am finally on day 15 with absolutely no Effexor. I am still experiencing many of the withdrawal effects. Dizzy, nauseau, mood swings, nightmares, etc... BUT it has been getting better and the glimpses of optimism, determination, waking up feeling like I want to accomplish something and succeed at work, have been coming more frequently and lasting longer and longer. I had the worst withdrawal effects tapering down from 37.5, once I got there. I finally broke down and went to my doctor. He gave me the original 25mg. Effexor tablets, which I broke in half in order to continue tapering and stretching out the dosages. I also took Prozac Weekly(the new once a week dose) for three weeks (Dr. gave me samples). It did help tremendously with the withdrawal effects, although my libido died almost immediately. But at least it was a little easier to get through the day without having periods where I want to jump out of my skin, jump down someone's throat or just jump off a bridge to make the withdrawal go away. And the nightmares aren't coming every night anymore (for a while it was really bad and affecting my waking life. Now I only have nightmares once or twice a week) Like I said, I am now on day 15 without ANY meds. I have also been drinking gallons of water, taking vitamins, making sure to eat only the healthiest foods, and forcing myself to get even a little exercise every day(very hard to do, but is definitely helping). Today I feel good, in fact really good and that's what I'm focusing on; each day, sometimes just each hour. I told a friend, that I met on this board a few months ago(she has provided invaluable support), that when I looked at pictures from a few years ago and then looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but cry for the person I lost. Now I see her coming back. I'm not there yet, but am very determined. Hang on to your determination, no matter what! Feel free to stay in touch.
>
> Seraphim
I can't believe how many people are experiencing the same withdrawal effects that I am coming off of effexor. It's good to know I'm not alone. Does anyone know how long these side effects last?? I just about can't take it anymore.
poster:AD
thread:1016
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010618/msgs/67188.html