Posted by jiggitykid on April 2, 2004, at 7:33:23
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jerone Farrow on April 2, 2004, at 4:50:09
Bless you, jerone. You weren't told the truth, and that stinks. The problem is, many doctors don't know the truth. The drug companies are "allegedly" sitting on the reality of what this drug does. All of the symptoms you are naming are normal withdrawal. I, too, went Cold-Turkey. It was horrible, but it was the way that worked for me. You might need to taper or to read through these boards about some of the other techniques that others here used (other drugs like Prozac, etc.,) and discuss this with your doctor. I suggest that you print out some of the statements here about withdrawal symptoms and make it clear to your doctor that these are very real and are not the occurrences of an unhappy minority. I spoke to someone yesterday whose sister is taking Effexor, and I told her that she needs to watch her sister for changes, and to urge her sister to get help if she decides she needs to quit. I described some of my symptoms to her, and told her to take care.
As for how long; it varies from person to person. My experience was that the first two weeks were the worst. Try to avoid driving at night if possible - I found that the vision problems created halos around the lights and I had trouble seeing. I drove one night - and vowed that I would not do it again until I was better. After the first month, I began to feel more normal. My vision is still not what it was before the Effexor. Disturbing and vivid dreams are also a part of the withdrawal effects, so be prepared. Don't let anyone tell you that this is all in your mind or that you are a "rare" case. There are too many documented cases right here to dispute that. There is also a petition that is being signed by thousands of people asking that the drug company reveal all of this information NOW to consumers. If you have someone close to you that can help support you during all of this, please explain to that person what is going on and suggest that he/she visit this site to read the first-hand accounts.
Please, take care of yourself. Don't be angry with your body during all of this. Be patient with yourself. It takes time. Know that you are loved and supported right here.
> I have vertigo and I acn even feel the herat beat all the way to my feet. why can I not overcome this. I cant even set here with out feeling like I am reeling and just feeling lousy. how long will this take I stooped effexor 4 days ago I don't know what to do. I am suppose to go on vacation in 7 days. I feel like the DOctor didn't tell me everything about withsrawal. I also had a seizure 5 days ago I believe from Effexor. then I was stopped COLD TURKEY
poster:jiggitykid
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040402/msgs/331687.html