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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Reneeb on February 11, 2002, at 13:14:40
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by Petezz on February 11, 2002, at 1:01:30
> Hi Pete, I felt the same way you do til I decided to wean myself off of effexor. I was up to 150mg and have been on it for a year. I am now on 75mg and about to go to 37.5mg. After the first few days of lowering my dose I felt so much more energy. I didn't realize how much the effexor was dulling my senses. I was very tired and was put on wellbutrin too. It helped a little, but not as much as lowering my dose did. I thought effexor was the greatest til I read all the withdrawal symptoms everyone was having and from my experience they were right. Plus, they say you aren't suppose to gain weight and I did - with exercising everyday!!!!It also effected my endurance when I did exercise. I would get very little headed and have to stop when my heart rate would go up. Needless to say, I was very frustrated. I am glad you feel good. I just wanted to make you aware of what could possibly happen.
Take care,
Renee
Posted by petezz on February 11, 2002, at 20:38:02
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
I began Effexor XR 9 weeks ago. I began taking one 37.5mg capsule for the first 7 days then began taking one 75 mg. capsule a day. I noticed a marked improvement with my anxiety within the first 3-5 days. After 10-14 days I noticed a vast improvement and peaked improvement at 6 weeks. I've tried Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Elavil and several others over many years. Nothing really helped. EFFEXOR XR A MIRACLE DRUG FOR ME! I experienced only a sexual side effect which has lessened as time passes. Anxiety and depression are both gone totally. I have my normal bad days but, Effexor XR is the best thing to happen to me in years! Be patient! It takes several weeks to peak in your system.
Posted by petezz on February 11, 2002, at 20:49:12
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage? » Petezz, posted by Reneeb on February 11, 2002, at 13:14:40
renee--thanks for the info---i will speak to my doc about the possibility of reducing my dose from 75mg. a day to 37.5mg to prevent any future problems. thanks again!
Posted by Maria Warren on February 12, 2002, at 6:48:27
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dosage?, posted by petezz on February 11, 2002, at 20:49:12
> renee--thanks for the info---i will speak to my doc about the possibility of reducing my dose from 75mg. a day to 37.5mg to prevent any future problems. thanks again!
I agree -- Effexor has been the drug that "did it" for my depression. I am presently on XR 375 mgm each AM. The only hitch has been the weight gain. I see my pdoc next week, and plan to discuss beinning a taper. I expect to take a LONG time comming off. I'll keep you posted. ( I have been on it for two + years)
Maria Warren
Posted by SusieQ on February 12, 2002, at 12:29:57
In reply to Re: withdrawal » pocahontas, posted by Lola on February 10, 2002, at 21:46:04
> > I have been taking a 75mg dose of effexor for about 7 months
> > and my side effects were getting worse and worse,
> > so my doctor and I decided I needed to come off.
> > He suggested taking a pill every other day until my
> > prescription was gone, and then gave me samples
> > which included a weeks worth of 37.5 mg capsules.
> > I couldn't even make the first 48 hours without
> > horrible withdrawals, so I went to plan B...start with
> > the 37.5 mg dose each day. That was fine, but they
> > are gone and I am on day 4 and I am so nauseated that
> > I can't stand it, but it does seem to be a little
> > like morning sickness in the fact if you eat a little
> > you aren't quite so sick. The fuzzy headedness, and
> > strange dizziness don't subside though. I can't
> > sleep at night, and the tears just flow for no real
> > reason, but when I do go to sleep finally
> > I can sleep for 12 hours at a time. I have been trying
> > do follow a low carb diet to get some of the weight
> > off that I have put on, and when I try to exercise
> > I just can't move my head from side to side without
> > getting sick. From what I have read, these are pretty
> > standard withdrawals. I do not want to take more
> > of this stuff with the fear that I will never be able
> > to get away from it without more side effects, but
> > I don't know if I can last another day. I do have
> > a few more pills and am considering cutting them up and just eating
> > crumbs to get by, but will I ever be able to just do without
> > them? How long do I have to endure this before it
> > stops?
>
> I have been taking 75 mg for 9 months of this so called "wonderful drug" ,which is what the university psychiatrist called it because it takes care of my depression and anxiety in one little pill. My doctor forgot to tell me of any side effects of this medicine if I was to miss a dose, I had to find out on my own. When I realized that I was about to run out of my meds I called the doctor. When I tried to explain to the unsympathetic receptionist at the mental health office (ironic, huh?) that I can't wait that long because I have crippiling withdrawl effects she told me that I would have cope for a week. For the last three days I have be dizzy, and have also felt the constant "morning sickness" I too feel better for a brief period of time after I eat. This also creates the problem that I have been constantly eating. My eyes hurt, it is very hard for me to focus without wanting to throw-up. This is quite an inconvenience being an art student who can't do her work without feeling sick. I also sleep 12 hours a day and am still tired. I can't keep this up,I have projects due this week that I can't finish. I find myself having to leave places because I begin to cry for no reason. I just want to go back to a normal routine where I can get my work done. I was glad to find that other people have the same symptoms because I now know that I'm not crazy, other people are going through the same thing. I want to know when I will feel okay. I question whether I was better off anxious and depressed rather than like this. I wish everyone knew the side effects of this medicine before they take it. I hate this medicine and refuse to take one more pill for the fear that this will happen again.Boy, I want to tell some of my stories if I could just figure out how to to get my message to post. If this actually works, I'll come back.
Posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 16:48:12
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos, posted by Maria Warren on February 12, 2002, at 6:48:27
> Hi Maria, Wow you stuck it out for a long time!!! I have been weaning myself off too! I just started on my 37.5 dose. It is going well - I think its really smart that you are going to do it slow.
Are planning on taking anything else?
Good luck to you!!!
Renee
Posted by marlene on February 12, 2002, at 18:02:49
In reply to Re: starting effexor... keep posting.. success/dos » Maria Warren, posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 16:48:12
Just a follow-up. I went cold turkey from 150mg effexor XR, Twice a day. Tryed to talk to doctors, no help. Well, now 10 days cold turkey, and my headaches are gone, my shaking is gone, my energy is up, my desire for sex is back,(didn't realize how much that was missing). I actually started to remodel our bathroom over the weekend, and am just about done. Two problems I still have and hope will lessen is insomia(which has been a problem for awhile), but actually is worse since stopping effexor. Also, crying, which am pretty sure is still about my mom dying in Nov. So, I am glad I am off effexor and am looking for new Doc. Would like to go back on Zoloft, which I was on for 4 years, but stopped working, switched to Effexor, which I was on for 3 years. I do think I am going wait for some down time off all drugs. I also lost 6 pounds since I went off effexor. Just wanted to let everyone know.
Posted by Tom on February 12, 2002, at 19:07:17
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor, posted by Allen F. on January 30, 2002, at 21:37:12
I was using Effexor for about 2 years to help combat what my therapist/counselor deemed a mountain of depression, due to changes in lifestyle, loss of business & pending divorce.
My physcian gave me such a hard time about wanting to take Effexor, cause I'm supposed to be a man, that I finally told him either write the prescription or I was going elsewhere. They started me on (2) 75mg tablets, daily. It took about 2 weeks to really "hit" me. I had minor weight gain, increased brain function, and suddenly boundless energy and optimism. Then I went to 75 mg maintenance dosage, once a day.One day after a lot of the bad stuff was over with, 2 years later, I called and asked for information, curious about trying life again without it. They told me just stop taking it....what a mistake that was. I had cramping, ringing in the ears or buzzing whenever I moved my head. After 3 days I decided to cut my then old dosage ( i had the tablets) down to 50 percent for 2 weeks, then went to 25 % for 2 weeks. Some of the symptoms mildly persisted during the last 2 weeks. Then when I stopped altogether, I only had the buzzing in my head thing for about 2 more weeks.
My advice......NO COLD TURKEY.
Tom
Posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 20:51:38
In reply to My story of Effexor - cold turkey, posted by Tom on February 12, 2002, at 19:07:17
Tom, Your story seems to follow what everyone else is going thru. I am going thru withdrawl myself and taking it slowly. I am on 37.5mg right now. I worry about whats next!?
I also think you need another doctor. He doesn't seem to be to sympathic to your problems and what is being a man have to do with anything? It seems if he thinks that he is pretty old school.
So, are you saying you are not on anything now?
Im glad you got thru it okay!
Renee
Posted by Launie on February 13, 2002, at 0:08:42
In reply to RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02, posted by marlene on February 12, 2002, at 18:02:49
AWESOME Marlene! I feel alot better without it too. I think drs are too ready to prescribe harmful chemicals before trying the more natural ways to cure someone's problems or at least make them manageable.
Posted by Maria Warren on February 13, 2002, at 6:06:39
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02, posted by Launie on February 13, 2002, at 0:08:42
> AWESOME Marlene! I feel alot better without it too. I think drs are too ready to prescribe harmful chemicals before trying the more natural ways to cure someone's problems or at least make them manageable.
Launi and everyone,
As Monday gets closer I am VERY glad for all of your postings! They give me courage to REALLY stick at the taper off the EFFEXOR XR.
The last straw came when I saw my family doc yesterday and got weighed. I could not believe it! I have gained a total of sixty pounds in about three years. I walk two to three miles a day three or four days a week and I eat like a mouse! This is insane -- !
I guess my other question to all of you is what other meds are you on? I am on Topamax 300 daily and Seroquel 400mgm daily. Also how about age? Those of you who have lost weight when stopping Effexor -- young? 20 - 30? middle aged 40ish? I am pushing 60 and used to be a runner and swimmer -- would give a lot to do that again!!
Please cheer me on folks. And yes Marlene
thats terrific! Maria Warren
Posted by Tom on February 13, 2002, at 8:13:09
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor - cold turkey » Tom, posted by Reneeb on February 12, 2002, at 20:51:38
Renee, all of this happened about 6 years ago, so i have been off the stuff for about 3 years. Over the last year 2001, it seems like some of the symptoms i had prprior to using effexor ( slight depression etc ) were creeping up on me. Talking with family members I found out, some of them also had bouts with the same symptom. There seems to be some question as to whether hypothyroidism may not be the cause. 3 of my family take synthroid, which has helped them a lot. So I'm having blood testing for that today.
I have been reading a lot on the internet about hypothyroidism in the last few days, and its wierd how many of the symptoms i have. My older sister tried herbal remidies without any success. Am unsure what I'll actually do, I just need some type of resolution, i'm tired of feeling crappy.
good luck
Tom
> Tom, Your story seems to follow what everyone else is going thru. I am going thru withdrawl myself and taking it slowly. I am on 37.5mg right now. I worry about whats next!?
>
> I also think you need another doctor. He doesn't seem to be to sympathic to your problems and what is being a man have to do with anything? It seems if he thinks that he is pretty old school.
>
> So, are you saying you are not on anything now?
>
> Im glad you got thru it okay!
>
>
> Renee
Posted by Reneeb on February 13, 2002, at 8:52:50
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor - cold turkey, posted by Tom on February 13, 2002, at 8:13:09
> Tom, Good luck today! let us know how everything went!!!
Renee
Posted by marlene on February 13, 2002, at 9:46:53
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02, posted by Maria Warren on February 13, 2002, at 6:06:39
> > AWESOME Marlene! I feel alot better without it too. I think drs are too ready to prescribe harmful chemicals before trying the more natural ways to cure someone's problems or at least make them manageable.
>
> Launi and everyone,
> As Monday gets closer I am VERY glad for all of your postings! They give me courage to REALLY stick at the taper off the EFFEXOR XR.
> The last straw came when I saw my family doc yesterday and got weighed. I could not believe it! I have gained a total of sixty pounds in about three years. I walk two to three miles a day three or four days a week and I eat like a mouse! This is insane -- !
> I guess my other question to all of you is what other meds are you on? I am on Topamax 300 daily and Seroquel 400mgm daily. Also how about age? Those of you who have lost weight when stopping Effexor -- young? 20 - 30? middle aged 40ish? I am pushing 60 and used to be a runner and swimmer -- would give a lot to do that again!!
> Please cheer me on folks. And yes Marlene
> thats terrific! Maria Warren
Maria, I am 33, having lost 102 pounds on PhenPhen before every going on Effexor, I have had a weight problem since 11yrs old. But in last year PCP found out I had a stomach problem which can cause obesity, so they had me on meds for that, and I started losing more weight. But as my complaints got worse, my weight went up, I know gianed the 102 plus some, yet even the doctors are blaming the effexor (as I was put on strict diet to stop stomach trouble). The stomach problem has subsided, but weight continued to go on up. Only 11 days without Effexor, but weight is decreasing, and energy improved. No other meds for depression, currently only taking singulair and zrytec, for asthma and allergies.Hoped that helped. I know cold turkey isn't the answer for everyone, but most post state after 1-2 days of missed meds, they went back on, due to withdrawals. I could not get doc to help me, he thought I should wait. All docs want to do is medicate or hospitalize people. My 9 yr old son is bi-polar (since age 2), everytime he has a episode, they want to put him in hospital. Then they want to know why he clings to me and refuses to tell them what is going on. Hard to tell people, when all he thinks is they will put him in hospital.
Posted by Launie on February 13, 2002, at 9:48:01
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02, posted by Maria Warren on February 13, 2002, at 6:06:39
Marie and everyone,
I would not suggest going cold turkey either. I only went cold turkey because I had nothing
to step down to. No insurance means you do with what you have. I also had only been on it for two weeks. I would
suggest stepping down if you can and you have the means to do that.Ok, I am in my early 40's and just a mom. I can't remember if I told you that I have been dx with
FM (Fibromyalgia) and osteoarthritis, among many other things. I have been suffering from these things for many years
and it took going to several specialists to finally get a dx (diagnosis) of FM. Many times over the years, I suffered with
what I would classify as clinical depression (i.e., not wanting to get out of bed, crying alot, feeling overwhelmed and somewhat hopeless....etc.)
Psychiatrists and counsellors only saw the depression and failed to see the chronic pain my body was feeling. I was in so much pain at times
I could not walk straight up and down, I was bent over. Or worse yet, limping because my hip hurt so bad.It wasn't until my rehabilitation dr. for my degenerative disc disease sent me to a rheumatologist that I got some closure to this. He did
some testing, he pressed on 19 'tender points' which made me almost go through the ceiling literally. When he was finished, he ordered MORE bloodwork (I feel like I could
save lots of lives with the amount of blood I've given lately). I assume he was checking for other disorders to rule them out, such as thyroid problems, Lupus, Lyme disease, etc.
He told me to try to get off of my Vioxx which I take mainly for my back (didn't realize how much it helped my hips and knees too). He put me on Glucosomine/Chondroitin (YUK!, hurt my belly or maybe it was something else I was
taking). He also told me to take extra strength acetaminophen (NOT Tylenol, he specified the generic) 2 pills 4 times a day. Also the Effexor. My body went into total revolt! I was feeling 'great' when I saw him and I was only taking
my own regimen, but this one he gave me killed me. It made my belly hurt, I was too tired to move.....oh and my bladder started to work overtime during the night. Needless to say, I didn't get the much needed sleep FM patients need.
So, I went back to my original regimen of: 2 Citrical Plus (Calcium/Magnesium), 1 Black Cohosh (totally herbal and for perimenopausal symptoms), and my 1 Vioxx a day. I feel much better and can't say the same for if I had stayed on the Effexor.My point......do what makes your BODY and MIND feel better. Don't put your 100% trust in what doctors prescribe because no one knows better than YOU! If your body tells you it DOESN'T FEEL BETTER, get off it and tell your doctor it didn't work.
Too many times, I thought I was 'supposed' to take antidepressants because that's what the medical field told me I needed. MALARCHY! I admit there were times when I probably could have used it, but I realized and learned through research that the DEPRESSION DIDN'T CAUSE
THE FIBROMYALGIA.....the Fibromyalgia caused the depression! I would say that's a big difference. Ok...I'm done boring all of you. Take care and good luck whatever you do. Just remember, YOU are the only one that can take control of you own life. Doctors are only there to help....if they help....
and YOU are the one who can do what's best for you. Pep talk over now.Launie :)
PS....These support groups are great, aren't they??? Thanks everyone for your posts.
Posted by Pamela Lynn on February 13, 2002, at 12:16:32
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02 » Maria Warren, posted by marlene on February 13, 2002, at 9:46:53
> > > AWESOME Marlene! I feel alot better without it too. I think drs are too ready to prescribe harmful chemicals before trying the more natural ways to cure someone's problems or at least make them manageable.
> >
> > Launi and everyone,
> > As Monday gets closer I am VERY glad for all of your postings! They give me courage to REALLY stick at the taper off the EFFEXOR XR.
> > The last straw came when I saw my family doc yesterday and got weighed. I could not believe it! I have gained a total of sixty pounds in about three years. I walk two to three miles a day three or four days a week and I eat like a mouse! This is insane -- !
> > I guess my other question to all of you is what other meds are you on? I am on Topamax 300 daily and Seroquel 400mgm daily. Also how about age? Those of you who have lost weight when stopping Effexor -- young? 20 - 30? middle aged 40ish? I am pushing 60 and used to be a runner and swimmer -- would give a lot to do that again!!
> > Please cheer me on folks. And yes Marlene
> > thats terrific! Maria Warren
> Maria, I am 33, having lost 102 pounds on PhenPhen before every going on Effexor, I have had a weight problem since 11yrs old. But in last year PCP found out I had a stomach problem which can cause obesity, so they had me on meds for that, and I started losing more weight. But as my complaints got worse, my weight went up, I know gianed the 102 plus some, yet even the doctors are blaming the effexor (as I was put on strict diet to stop stomach trouble). The stomach problem has subsided, but weight continued to go on up. Only 11 days without Effexor, but weight is decreasing, and energy improved. No other meds for depression, currently only taking singulair and zrytec, for asthma and allergies.Hoped that helped. I know cold turkey isn't the answer for everyone, but most post state after 1-2 days of missed meds, they went back on, due to withdrawals. I could not get doc to help me, he thought I should wait. All docs want to do is medicate or hospitalize people. My 9 yr old son is bi-polar (since age 2), everytime he has a episode, they want to put him in hospital. Then they want to know why he clings to me and refuses to tell them what is going on. Hard to tell people, when all he thinks is they will put him in hospital.
NO! Not "all" doctors only want to hospitalize patients and put them on meds.!!!! My Shrink's objective is to help me, to stand by me in what "I" choose to do, and to give me advice...and if I choose to go on meds. she carefully monitors me and is in close contact with me. Most people that I know have been helped immensely by their doctors. The meds. for psychiatric patients has saved countless lives. If you have a problem with your doctor, especially when it concerns a child, you should definately say "see ya" to that doctor and get a new one. I think a whole lot of doctors get really bad reps. Let's remember what exactly the medical profession has given to us, and to our children. They are not all bad. Thank you. P.L.
Posted by Reneeb on February 13, 2002, at 13:32:05
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02 » Maria Warren, posted by marlene on February 13, 2002, at 9:46:53
> Hi Marlene, I know exactly how you feel. I exercise everyday and couldn't understand why I was gaining weight til I found this site. I was stunned, because my doctor and many other doctors claim you wouldn't gain weight. I am weaning myself off effexor as we speak. I am also on wellbutrin - from the threads I have read here no one has had any weight problems with wellbutrin.
I had noticed also that when I did exercise it was more difficult to get thru my workout. Since I have lowered my dose I can't believe how much more energy I have. I can't wait to get off this stuff.
You mentioned swimming and running. I think thats a great idea. I know it would make you feel better. Go slow if you have to - start with swimming.
Hope all is well,Renee
Posted by Reneeb on February 13, 2002, at 13:32:17
In reply to Re: RE: Went cold turkey on 2-02-02 » Maria Warren, posted by marlene on February 13, 2002, at 9:46:53
> Hi Marlene, I know exactly how you feel. I exercise everyday and couldn't understand why I was gaining weight til I found this site. I was stunned, because my doctor and many other doctors claim you wouldn't gain weight. I am weaning myself off effexor as we speak. I am also on wellbutrin - from the threads I have read here no one has had any weight problems with wellbutrin.
I had noticed also that when I did exercise it was more difficult to get thru my workout. Since I have lowered my dose I can't believe how much more energy I have. I can't wait to get off this stuff.
You mentioned swimming and running. I think thats a great idea. I know it would make you feel better. Go slow if you have to - start with swimming.
Hope all is well,Renee
Posted by kimberly ann on February 14, 2002, at 16:36:39
In reply to Re: NO Motivation on Effexor XR » Sandee, posted by Janie on February 15, 2001, at 18:12:52
hi
i have read alot of the posts bout effexor xr.. i too am one of the people on this crap, that is totally messed up from it.. i am trying to get off of it, but i am not sure i can :( . i have been on it for 3 years, i was once up to 300 mg's a day, i weaned myself down to 75mg and thats the lowest i can go, i take 75mg every other day.. if i try to go more i get awful side effects, some i cant even explain.. some of my symptoms of the side effects are... heart palpatations, rapid heart beat, almost feels like my heart is working hard, and i am just sitting on the couch doing nothing.. nausea, its off and on.. dizziness, irrattional thoughts.. anger, lazyness.. i also have this weird feeling with my face and head, when i move it back and forth, or go to look at something, it almost feels like there is a magnet, pulling my head down, and i get a weird feeling inside my head thats hard to describe, kinda like a fuzzy heavy feeling, its almost like i am looking through someone else's eyes. i also get chills, hot flashes, cold hands.. my periods are all weird.. i have passed 2 kidney stones, and alot of other weird symptoms, like stopping in the middle of a sentance and not remember what i was gonna say.. forgetting things, feeling unable to function with daily tasks i use to do.there is more but i cant name them all, does anyone know how to get off this stuff without going through all those horrible side effects??. i cant stand it!!! thanks
Posted by MaKi on February 14, 2002, at 17:26:51
In reply to Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by kimberly ann on February 14, 2002, at 16:36:39
Hi, I'm very sorry to hear that you aren't doing so
good weaning off the Effexor XR. I am one of those
people who thinks this drug is doing wonders for me.
I guess it works differently on everyone. Did you
ever talk to your doctor about what's happening to you?
Maybe it's not the Effexor, did you ever think it might
be something else going on with you? It sounds to
me that you should really get some help with this, I'm
sure I would be going crazy if I was dealing with all
of those side effects.I wish you the best of luck and I hope things get
better for you. Keep us posted!MaKi
Posted by Reneeb on February 14, 2002, at 19:49:01
In reply to Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by kimberly ann on February 14, 2002, at 16:36:39
> Hi Kimberly, I am also weaning my self off effexor. Instead of going from 75mg to nothing why don't you go down one more dose to 37.5mg maybe that would make it easier to wean yourself off???!!
Geez, I think you should talk to your doctor about all those side effects. I have had a few of the ones you mentioned. I also gained some weight on it too.
Renee
Posted by ann on February 14, 2002, at 20:48:43
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!! » kimberly ann, posted by Reneeb on February 14, 2002, at 19:49:01
I am really confused and kind of scared. I've been on effexor for three weeks now. 37.5 mg the 1st week, two of those capsules the second week and now two in am and one at pm. The 1st week I felt strange but I stayed on it because it had cut my appetite drastically. I lost 15 lbs by the second week. I've just started three pills a day, I don't feel depressed but I don't feel too much of nothing. But, all of a sudden I just can't stop eating, even thou I've up the dossage. I do feel like I can stay on it at present but after reading all the comments on withdrawal symptons I'am really concerned about what I might be getting myself into. I am glad I've found this website because it has made me more aware of something I had no idea of, but I really have to make a decision if I want to stay on it or not. Just wanted to let you all know and thanks again for making me aware of the side effect. I really wish I would have known before I took my 1st dose.
Posted by Reneeb on February 14, 2002, at 21:05:18
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by ann on February 14, 2002, at 20:48:43
> Ann, I hear you! It's not only the withdrawal symptoms, it's the feeling of nothingness that you have not happy-not sad-just there! I didn't realize that I felt that way til I started to withdrawal from it. I couldn't believe how much energy I got back after one week of lowering my dose. Before that, I thought the stuff was great!
Renee
Posted by Elizabeth on February 15, 2002, at 8:47:28
In reply to Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by kimberly ann on February 14, 2002, at 16:36:39
Hi. I can think of a couple of ways to taper off Effexor XR.
One way is to switch to plain Effexor, which comes in tablets that you take several times a day. The total daily dose should be the same to start. The lowest strength is 25 mg, and because they are scored tablets, you can break them in half.
The other way is to switch to Prozac. Prozac is a very long-acting drug with an even longer-acting metabolite (norfluoxetine). As a result, Prozac self-tapers and most people don't experience withdrawal symptoms. The main problem here is figuring out the equivalent dose. I'd expect about 20 mg of Prozac to be okay if you're on 75 mg of Effexor, but that might not be enough. Get the Prozac in 10 mg caps so you can reduce the dose. You shouldn't need to take it for more than a few days.
There are also things you can take that can help with the withdrawal symptoms. Benadryl seems to be used a lot for the weird dizzy feelings, nausea, and perhaps urinary and GI problems; Dramamine should work too if you prefer that. Beta blockers might ease the cardiac effects and perhaps some of the agitation. Benzodiazepines should ease the agitation/jitters. You can use clonidine for the hot-cold flashes and cardiac stuff.
You can also combine these strategies. I hope that this information helps you. Definitely talk to the doctor who prescribed the Effexor about the trouble you're having; besides the fact that a lot of the ideas I've suggested require a prescription, I think it's important for doctors (not just patients!) to be informed about the withdrawal syndromes that people often get with the newer ADs.
-elizabeth
Posted by sjb on February 15, 2002, at 8:53:08
In reply to Re: Effexor is a bad drug!! i need help!!!, posted by ann on February 14, 2002, at 20:48:43
Ann,
I had a similar experience with the weight. When I was first on it w/Tompomax, I lost some weight and life was wonderful, well, relatively speaking. After about month, the appetite suppression started wearing off and I was binge eating much more frequently. We tried to chase the initial lift by upping the dosage but it did not work. I eventually was up to 450mg a day and coming off was horrible. I wish you luck but it is not rare for a lot of SRRI's to have initial appetite suppresion that eventually wears off and often times increasese appetite with continued use.
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