![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1374 to 1398 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by jml on October 19, 2001, at 13:05:10
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Effexor XR » Cam W., posted by NikkiT2 on October 19, 2001, at 11:43:25
I posted awhile ago about my experiences with Effexor. I didn't specify, however, that I am on Effexor XR and not regular Effexor. As I said in my previous post, I have had very good results with this medication. While it obviously isn't for everyone, I think it's a good option to consider.
Posted by lesslee on October 21, 2001, at 10:53:10
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by RL on August 13, 2000, at 16:38:47
> > > > how can i get off this med, without losing my mind?
> > >
> > > James here....
> > >
> > > Taper then take Prozac for a few days. The prozac will slowly leave your body and end the problems you are having. I'm glad you found this space because we mention this trick often. Sorry your doc does not know about it, many do.
> > >
> > > james
> >
> > It sounds like the Effexor was really helping with anxiety. If the Prozac plan doesn't appeal to you maybe have your doc put your on Wellbutrin or Buspar for the panic until you are totally off the Effexor or as a med instead of the effexor to control anxiety. I was first on buspar but even at half a dose I felt drugged out so I switched to Wellbutrin for the anxiety. You also might try cutting out all forms of caffiene, I find that even having a chocolate bar will increase my chances of having an attack that day (and I have gone to the emergency room several times for "heart attacks" LOL).
> > Gerri
>
> I stopped taking Effexor 16 days ago after using it for two and a half years. I had to take a week off work because I was too "drugged" to deal with people. The only remaining side effects are that I am stupid (I have a great deal of difficulty thinking), as well as those bizarre "head rush" feelings.
> I recently read in another website about a drug called ONDANSETRON, which can transition you off of Effexor. The Website is http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc8.htm
>
> Some Background. I tried Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Anafranil, Nortriptaline, and many others. All worked spetacularly in eliminating (not reducing, eliminating) depression, anger and aggitation. They all also had sexual side effects. Since they all had sexual side effects and all worked, it didn't seem to matter which one I took. I picked Effexor and used it with just the one side effect. However, recently it hasn't been working as well and I was feeling sleepy, even though I was getting plenty of sleep. Because of these factors, along with the desire to find an antidepressant without the sexual side effects (Serzone and Remeron did not work for me) I decided to go off of Effexor, Unfortunately, when I stopped taking the Effexor, the depression, irritability and anger returned. I started Wellbutrin 5 days ago.
> > > I am goimg to call my doctor and request that he call in a prescription for Ondansetron. I will post my results.i've had great sucess with effexor xr, after my divorce, breakdown and other rx drugs effexor did the trick. But my new life is great after a year, and i feel like i wanted to get off of it.
I'm so glad to read about the "head rush" thing..it is so bizarre!!..i've had trouble explaining what it feels like.
I was only on .37 mg then my doc put me on the effexor immediate release to wean me off...i was able to cut that tablet in half after a awhile then in half again...yesterday was the first no med day...i've had trouble sleeping since i've cut down and eventually i give in to klonapin to help me relax and fall alseep,,but my head is still rushing and last night i cried most of the night.
now i remember is was hard to get adjusted to effexor but i finally did (after many frantic calls to my doctor) i stuck with it and what a miracle it has been.
my question is: is there anyone out there that has sucessfully got off effexor??...can anyone give me hope or a time frame of when these side effects will leave??
thank you..
Posted by dave40252 on October 22, 2001, at 16:40:32
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Nat A., posted by Dana Lynne on October 17, 2001, at 3:36:04
> I have also just been increased to 75mg 2 times a day. I am unable to sleep and have gained 10 lbs. (That's really bummin me out big time)
> Dana
> Ps.. Anyone loose their sex drive?Effexor XR works GREAT for me, at only 75mg per day. One big problem though is that it kills me sexually - not desire, physically. If only i could find something that works as well for depression w/o the sexual side effects!
Posted by Peter T on October 22, 2001, at 20:21:12
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm having success w/ Effexor XR, but not enough, and I'm already at 375mg... has anybody out there exceeded this amount? If so, what happened? THere is no clinical data for dosages this high or above, and I'm concerned about the safety of going higher.
PT
> Hi there,
>
> Anyone care to comment on the use of Effexor? Anyone
> "happy" with it? I have tried Prozac (too much anxiety),
> Serzone (too sedating). I am currently on Buspar for anxiety.
>
> Been reading many different reports... Effexor seems
> to have a lot of success...
>
> please share your thoughts on this.
Posted by Spencer on October 23, 2001, at 2:37:51
In reply to Re: Public Service Request, posted by Kattis on October 17, 2001, at 19:05:24
I posted on 15th and 17 October. In response to your request, I have been taking Effexor XR since mid-end August - 150mg every morning. Apart from a worsened memory and insomnia, which I counter by taking a Stilnox every few days to have a good night's sleep, I have had excellent results. The severe depression and intense anxiety have gone even though my problems haven't. I am able to think rationally for a change and am getting a lot of help from a psychologist. I am prepared to stick with Effexor for the time being if it's giving me this much help.
Posted by sweet_slider on October 23, 2001, at 20:24:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? Nat A., posted by Dana Lynne on October 23, 2001, at 17:37:10
Just wondering if anyone finds that a dosage works for like 2 weeks then doesn't, then when increased it works again for 2-3 weeks then pans out again. I am up to 225mg but it feels like it isn't working anymore. Any ideas?
~Sweet Slider~
Posted by drain on October 24, 2001, at 23:26:30
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Paxil - weight gain - new question, posted by Amelie on August 27, 2001, at 17:39:11
> > > Just got sample of Effexor XR. I've been on Paxil 20mg. for 1 yr. I feel great and my panic attacks are gone. BUT --- I keep gaining weight. I told my dr. to give me something else. Did anyone gain weight on this stuff? Does anyone use this for panic attacks. My dr. told me I could go right from Paxil to Effexor XR, stopping one and starting the other with no withdrawl symptoms. ANyone try it. Thanks for any input.
> > > >
> >
> > Louise - I went directly from Paxil to Effexor. I stopped the Paxil because of constipation problems and sedation. It did help with the panic though. The effexor was the wrong med for me. I was extremely agitated - even on a low dose. I only took it for a few weeks, so I don't know about panic. I was too agitated to notice any panic. I am currently on 100 mg. of Zoloft and have no weight gain, lessened panic (not completely, but almost gone) and NO agitation. My depression is currently under control and I feel 100% better.
> > Good luck to you. B.
>
> Louise -
> I had the exact same experience as you. On Paxil, I gained approximately 45 pounds. I was fairly sedate, no longer super depressed, but as I had an eating disorder previously, it didn't help to gain 45 pounds. I was switched on to Effexor about 6 months later, and immediately lost appetite, or should I say, regained a normal appetite - and lost all the weight, then some. My anxiety was gone. But as we all know who have been through this, different meds work differently for different people!
> My question is this one - I am now going off Effexor for the third time - I just really want to be off meds for good and to regulate things with diet and exercise - but I am CONSTANTLY HUNGRY. I lowered my dose by 1/2 and went off over a period of 1.5 weeks. Now, though, I have regained 10 pounds and am always hungry.
>
> Has anyone else had this experience? Does this appetite problem go away, or is it just that I've been on Effexor for so long, I don't remember what it's like to be really hungry? This is one of the reasons that I wanted to go off of meds - you begin to question what is real and what you are being made to feel.
>
> Thanks in advance - I know that i should probably see a doctor (just moved and haven't gotten in yet) - and after reading some of y'all's posts, am thinking to go back on until I can get a doctor's advice. But I'd love to know what you think. Thanks!> >Hi, I just got off 200 mg of Zoloft. I quit Zoloft because it paralyzed me in a state of constant agitation/tension. I "felt like crawling out of my skin". I thought I was having a manic episode or something, even on just 50 mg. I was scared. I've started Effexor within the past week, and I'm feeling no agitation, no tension, and better some. I am constanly hungry! I eat, and eat, but i just can't get full! Which is the opposite of Zoloft for me. It feels good, to enjoy my food, and to actually want to eat, will this last forever?
Posted by erica a on October 25, 2001, at 9:01:26
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Paxil - weight gain - new question » Amelie, posted by drain on October 24, 2001, at 23:26:30
> > > > Just got sample of Effexor XR. I've been on Paxil 20mg. for 1 yr. I feel great and my panic attacks are gone. BUT --- I keep gaining weight. I told my dr. to give me something else. Did anyone gain weight on this stuff? Does anyone use this for panic attacks. My dr. told me I could go right from Paxil to Effexor XR, stopping one and starting the other with no withdrawl symptoms. ANyone try it. Thanks for any input.
> > > > >
> > >
> > > Louise - I went directly from Paxil to Effexor. I stopped the Paxil because of constipation problems and sedation. It did help with the panic though. The effexor was the wrong med for me. I was extremely agitated - even on a low dose. I only took it for a few weeks, so I don't know about panic. I was too agitated to notice any panic. I am currently on 100 mg. of Zoloft and have no weight gain, lessened panic (not completely, but almost gone) and NO agitation. My depression is currently under control and I feel 100% better.
> > > Good luck to you. B.
> >
> > Louise -
> > I had the exact same experience as you. On Paxil, I gained approximately 45 pounds. I was fairly sedate, no longer super depressed, but as I had an eating disorder previously, it didn't help to gain 45 pounds. I was switched on to Effexor about 6 months later, and immediately lost appetite, or should I say, regained a normal appetite - and lost all the weight, then some. My anxiety was gone. But as we all know who have been through this, different meds work differently for different people!
> > My question is this one - I am now going off Effexor for the third time - I just really want to be off meds for good and to regulate things with diet and exercise - but I am CONSTANTLY HUNGRY. I lowered my dose by 1/2 and went off over a period of 1.5 weeks. Now, though, I have regained 10 pounds and am always hungry.
> >
> > Has anyone else had this experience? Does this appetite problem go away, or is it just that I've been on Effexor for so long, I don't remember what it's like to be really hungry? This is one of the reasons that I wanted to go off of meds - you begin to question what is real and what you are being made to feel.
> >
> > Thanks in advance - I know that i should probably see a doctor (just moved and haven't gotten in yet) - and after reading some of y'all's posts, am thinking to go back on until I can get a doctor's advice. But I'd love to know what you think. Thanks!
>
> > >Hi, I just got off 200 mg of Zoloft. I quit Zoloft because it paralyzed me in a state of constant agitation/tension. I "felt like crawling out of my skin". I thought I was having a manic episode or something, even on just 50 mg. I was scared. I've started Effexor within the past week, and I'm feeling no agitation, no tension, and better some. I am constanly hungry! I eat, and eat, but i just can't get full! Which is the opposite of Zoloft for me. It feels good, to enjoy my food, and to actually want to eat, will this last forever?
Well on Effexor XR 75 mg, I had been on it for 2 1/2yrs, my doctor finally took me off of it last thursday, going through a withdrawal nightmare however. My dr. took me off of it because I'd gain about 40lbs since being on it, and now I'm having health problems because of my weight gain. I just wonder how long it's going to take before the weight comes off. I have no problem with working out and eating right, that's one of the reasons my dr. took me off, I worked out 4 times a week and I was eating right, but the weight would not come off, just refused to part with me...so all I can say is "you're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't"
Posted by audrey on October 25, 2001, at 10:19:08
In reply to Re: Effexor vs. Paxil - weight gain - new question » Amelie, posted by drain on October 24, 2001, at 23:26:30
I just started taking Paxil this week, and am very concerned about weight gain. I gained almost 20 pounds over the last year and a half (depression related?) which only caused me more anxiety. I started running again and have managed to lose most of it, but I worry that gaining weight in order to stop my panic attacks might be somewhat counterproductive! However, I definitely want to try the medication. So my question is -- for the people who have gained weight while taking SSRIs -- how long were you taking the medication before you noticed any significant weight gain? Thanks very much!
Posted by Dreamy on October 25, 2001, at 12:35:46
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Anybody know...
Does Effexor put a naturally occurring chemical in your body???
Then when one quits taking it, your body has to go back to making this chemical...which takes X time for your body to crank up the manufacturing???
Posted by dreamer on October 25, 2001, at 17:07:32
In reply to What's the deal w/getting sick anyhow?, posted by Dreamy on October 25, 2001, at 12:35:46
> Anybody know...
> Does Effexor put a naturally occurring chemical in your body???
> Then when one quits taking it, your body has to go back to making this chemical...which takes X time for your body to crank up the manufacturing???Sorry I'm bewildered but thought I gained another personality :-)
Dreamer
Posted by Dreamy on October 26, 2001, at 12:35:30
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Cute! You freaked me out as I thought maybe you were going to make fun of something I said.
I have actually spent more time on the main babble chat line...
Anyhow...I have always been a VERY LUCID dreamer... and now since starting this drug I have had a different dream each night about
one of my old boy friends (different one each night)...
Its weird...I have also had more on order of night-marish dreams...
Nothing scary enough to make me quit Effexor...but definitely different than usual.
How about you?
PS -like your name!!!
Posted by dreamer on October 26, 2001, at 14:10:10
In reply to Dreamer-Screamer!, posted by Dreamy on October 26, 2001, at 12:35:30
> Cute! You freaked me out as I thought maybe you were going to make fun of something I said.
> I have actually spent more time on the main babble chat line...
> Anyhow...I have always been a VERY LUCID dreamer... and now since starting this drug I have had a different dream each night about
> one of my old boy friends (different one each night)...
> Its weird...I have also had more on order of night-marish dreams...
> Nothing scary enough to make me quit Effexor...but definitely different than usual.
> How about you?
> PS -like your name!!!Dreamy,
Same here with the dreams. Nightmares don't get so many since I increased the dose.
So detailed-real-adventurous.
Used to worry at first (always had a dream ridden sleep before meds) now I enjoy and find them quite inspiring .
Effexor gets better.........Dreamer -trying to wake after a very interesting sleep.
Posted by HeatherBear on October 26, 2001, at 16:49:36
In reply to Anyone need to keep uping dosage every few weeks?, posted by sweet_slider on October 23, 2001, at 20:24:30
Actually, I had that same problem. My advice is to get the heck off that drug!! See my post regarding the bad effects of withdrawal. I strongly believe that this drug should be removed from the market. My dr's office is trying to decide this very moment if I should go into urgent care or if i need to wait it out with a "babysitter", i.e., my mother.
Good luck in whatever treatment you and your dr choose, I just wish that no one had to feel this way.
Posted by Dreamy on October 26, 2001, at 17:25:10
In reply to Dreamy Dreamer about dreams + effexor » Dreamy, posted by dreamer on October 26, 2001, at 14:10:10
> > Cute! You freaked me out as I thought maybe you were going to make fun of something I said.
> > I have actually spent more time on the main babble chat line...
> > Anyhow...I have always been a VERY LUCID dreamer... and now since starting this drug I have had a different dream each night about
> > one of my old boy friends (different one each night)...
> > Its weird...I have also had more on order of night-marish dreams...
> > Nothing scary enough to make me quit Effexor...but definitely different than usual.
> > How about you?
> > PS -like your name!!!
>
> Dreamy,
>
> Same here with the dreams. Nightmares don't get so many since I increased the dose.
> So detailed-real-adventurous.
> Used to worry at first (always had a dream ridden sleep before meds) now I enjoy and find them quite inspiring .
> Effexor gets better.........
>
> Dreamer -trying to wake after a very interesting sleep.Interesting!
Think I'll up my dose!!!
:-)
Posted by sweet_slider on October 26, 2001, at 19:41:56
In reply to Re: Anyone need to keep uping dosage every few weeks?, posted by HeatherBear on October 26, 2001, at 16:49:36
I know, it's shitty feeling like this :(
I talked to my doctor yesterday about how I was going to be while tapering off later and she said I would have no problem, that it is not addictive and while you do have taper off slowly, there shouldn't be any problems. Well from what I have read here it sounds crazy, I don't have a lot of side-effects from taking effexor xr but it just seems that I have a good week or two and then slip back into major depression and I have to increase just to get to a good week and then I go back down. I have been on AD for almost 9 months now and it's still so hard to be optomistic when I keep slipping back further. I too was almost put into emergency care last week after a suicide attempt, so I had to move and be baby-sat as well!What are you taking now?
I am still on 225mg of Effexor XR with 25mg of amitriptyline to help sleep.
~SweetSlider~
Posted by erica a on October 29, 2001, at 9:39:06
In reply to 4 Weeks off Effexor, posted by Leo on March 7, 2001, at 17:23:26
> I'm now four weeks off effexor. Things have changed drastically for the better. I am still experiencing "flashbacks" of the withdrawal. Namely the dysphoric feeling and light headedness. Joints aching pretty bad. Still have occasional severe headaches. Still lack much motivation but I'm forcing myself to get up and get going. With this effort, there is still a great deal of fatigue. I think that this is probably due to the "no desire to do anything" while on the effexor. I am actually starting to look forward to things. I'm excited about future propects. Effexor was a debilitating drug that kept me in a depressed state of mind. It has created a "poor health" syndrome that requires a great deal of effort and stamina to overcome. Now I understand what those of you who have e-mailed me with that "hoping today will be the day" comment are experiencing. I know what I was like before the "hook" of effexor. I also have come to relize that I may never get back to where I was, but at least I know why. With my physical condition now I expect at least 9-12 months of physical rehab. I have been working with several doctors. I have had a complete and thourough physical because I was beginning to think that there was something more wrong. They have done CT's, of the head because of the vertigo and dysphoria to eliminate any other possible problems there. Sinus's and ears are clear however, they want to do more tests on the heart. I gained alot of weight while on the effexor. This, according to the doctor's, is because of a severe lack of activity while on the drug. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the effexor has effected my physical well being. The question is, how badly, how much and to what extent. I've been reading the posts about weight gain. It's the effexor that causes that "I don't want to do anything" syndrome. This sneaks up on you slowly and because of the stealthiness of the drug you don't really realize it. I am now taking the steps necessary with an attorney in Philadelphia to go after Weyth-Aeryst. I'll let you know how that goes. It's time for them to come clean.
Please Please let the rest of us know what happens. I have been going through "holy hell" since coming off of effexor. I had been on it for about 2 1/2yrs. Gained about 30lbs, even with exercising and eating right. I have been a walking time bomb, crying, nausea, vomiting, angry outbursts, feeling like I want to die, head rushes, just a lot. Maybe you can be the voice for the rest of us.
Posted by girlie on October 30, 2001, at 8:27:39
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor, posted by erica a on October 29, 2001, at 9:39:06
I was on Effexor XR for about 5 years, with 300mg being my highest doseage. Effexor was a life saver for me and I'm distressed to see people trying to sue and get it pulled from the market just because it didn't work for THEM. ALL anti-depressants are different and, just because it's not right for some doesn't mean it's wrong for all!
Yes, I gained weight and it SUCKS! Yes, I had night sweats and vivid dreams and negative sexual side effects, and they SUCKED! BUT, I would have long ago lost my friggin mind to anxitey and fear and depression without Effexor. What anti-depressant out there has NO negative side effects or withdrawl?? (and, if you can answer that question, then you obviously found one that is right for YOU, but not necessarily the next person)
In July I began weaning off of Effexor because I want to get pregnant. The reduction from 300mg to 225mg was difficult, at best. The reduction from 225mg to 150mg went without ONE negative side effect. From 150mg to 75mg there was a day or two of mild brain swoosh. I'm now on 37.5mg and will finish my medication on Friday. I fully expect this to be the most difficult part. At least my appetite has finally decreased dramatically - thank HEAVEN!
SO, after all of that, I would rather go thru the weight gain and the side effects to have saved my mind and the ability to function in society.
I'll repeat, just because it doesn't work for YOU, doesn't mean it's not working for someone!
This is all JMHO
girlie
Posted by Dreamy on October 30, 2001, at 10:22:15
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor, posted by girlie on October 30, 2001, at 8:27:39
> I was on Effexor XR for about 5 years, with 300mg being my highest doseage. Effexor was a life saver for me and I'm distressed to see people trying to sue and get it pulled from the market just because it didn't work for THEM. ALL anti-depressants are different and, just because it's not right for some doesn't mean it's wrong for all!
>
> Yes, I gained weight and it SUCKS! Yes, I had night sweats and vivid dreams and negative sexual side effects, and they SUCKED! BUT, I would have long ago lost my friggin mind to anxitey and fear and depression without Effexor. What anti-depressant out there has NO negative side effects or withdrawl?? (and, if you can answer that question, then you obviously found one that is right for YOU, but not necessarily the next person)
>
> In July I began weaning off of Effexor because I want to get pregnant. The reduction from 300mg to 225mg was difficult, at best. The reduction from 225mg to 150mg went without ONE negative side effect. From 150mg to 75mg there was a day or two of mild brain swoosh. I'm now on 37.5mg and will finish my medication on Friday. I fully expect this to be the most difficult part. At least my appetite has finally decreased dramatically - thank HEAVEN!
>
> SO, after all of that, I would rather go thru the weight gain and the side effects to have saved my mind and the ability to function in society.
>
> I'll repeat, just because it doesn't work for YOU, doesn't mean it's not working for someone!
>
> This is all JMHO
> girlie
Boy...it's nice to hear someone who doesn't think gettting off of effexor isn't
that big of a deal... all I hear about is what hell gettin off the stuff it...
whats distressing for me is that at least right now, I am on it and feeling pretty
darn good. And other AD's were making my hair fall out...let me tell you...
an increased appitite is nothing compared to hair loss...you know...you can control
what you stick in your mouth, but you can't control hair loss.
OK?
Thanks for the input!
Hope its as easy for me when I try!
Dreamy
Posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 1:39:51
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor, posted by Dreamy on October 30, 2001, at 10:22:15
Dreamy - Most people do not have a problem with stopping Effexor™ (venlafaxine). Even those who are prone to Effexor withdrawl (eg. those who are rapid metabolizers - ie. those who have polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450-2D6 gene; approx. 5% of those of European heritage) can be weaned from the drug with proper management. Slow weanng [very slow in some instances (eg. decreasing by 37.5mg every 2 to 4 weeks)] and perhaps the addition of a small dose of Prozac™ (fluoxetine: 10mg - 20mg) can ease the discomfort. Occasionally, I have seen Xanax™ (alprazolam) or Rivotril™ (Klonopin™ - clonazepam) used on an "as needed" basis, to help with the anxiety.
In my clinical experience, I personally have not seen a case of serotonergic withdrawl that couldn't be managed with little more than mild, transient short-term discomfort. Any significant discomfort was addressed and managed symptomatically, as it arose.
This is just my clinical experience. - Cam
Posted by BobS. on November 1, 2001, at 18:11:37
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » Dreamy, posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 1:39:51
Cam,
By implication then, does that mean anyone who experiences major symptoms is having a recurrence (anxiety disorders only)? Many have posted on various boards about Paxil, usually the worst offender. Personally, I am on my fourth attempt to discontinue Paxil, with increasing symptoms. Your post is the first time I have seen withdrawal played down, by someone generally well regarded by board users.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
BobS.
> Dreamy - Most people do not have a problem with stopping Effexor™ (venlafaxine). Even those who are prone to Effexor withdrawl (eg. those who are rapid metabolizers - ie. those who have polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450-2D6 gene; approx. 5% of those of European heritage) can be weaned from the drug with proper management. Slow weanng [very slow in some instances (eg. decreasing by 37.5mg every 2 to 4 weeks)] and perhaps the addition of a small dose of Prozac™ (fluoxetine: 10mg - 20mg) can ease the discomfort. Occasionally, I have seen Xanax™ (alprazolam) or Rivotril™ (Klonopin™ - clonazepam) used on an "as needed" basis, to help with the anxiety.
>
> In my clinical experience, I personally have not seen a case of serotonergic withdrawl that couldn't be managed with little more than mild, transient short-term discomfort. Any significant discomfort was addressed and managed symptomatically, as it arose.
>
> This is just my clinical experience. - Cam
Posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 18:46:45
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor, posted by BobS. on November 1, 2001, at 18:11:37
Bob - Ask your doctor about giving you 2 to 4 weeks of Prozac™ 10mg (or generic fluoxetine 10mg). Decrease your Paxil to as low a dose as comfortable, then add the Prozac 10mg in the morning. Take the two SSRIs together for a week or two (depending on the severity of the Paxil symptoms you have experienced in the past), then stop the Paxil. Continue the Prozac 10mg for another week or two and then stop. If withdrawl symptoms return after stopping the Paxil, have your doctor raise the Prozac dose to 20mg (2x10mg) for a week, and then decrease to Prozac 10mg for another week.
Because of Prozac's long half-life and active metabolite (desmethylfluoxetine - aka norfluoxetine), this SSRI should leave the body slow enough not to cause any withdrawl symptoms.
Personally, I have seen the most problems with the regular Effexor, with it's 5 hour half-life. I have seen one elderly gentleman go through mini-withdrawls every night, because the pharmacy had given him 37.5mg regular tablets and not the XR capsules.
Paxil's cholinergic rebound can be troublesome in some people withdrawing from it. It can mimic some of the symptoms of serotonin withdrawl (eg sweating and tremor). If this is the case, your doc may have to give you a low dose (0.5mg to 1mg/day) of an anticholinergic like Cogentin™ (benztropine) or some other similar drug and withdraw from one effect at a time.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
P.S. Perhaps, print this out and take it to your doctor.
Posted by BobS. on November 1, 2001, at 19:25:41
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » Dreamy, posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 1:39:51
Cam,
By implication then, does that mean anyone who experiences major symptoms is having a recurrence (anxiety disorders only)? Many have posted on various boards about Paxil, usually the worst offender. Personally, I am on my fourth attempt to discontinue Paxil, with increasing symptoms. Your post is the first time I have seen withdrawal played down, by someone generally well regarded by board users.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
BobS.> Dreamy - Most people do not have a problem with stopping Effexor™ (venlafaxine). Even those who are prone to Effexor withdrawl (eg. those who are rapid metabolizers - ie. those who have polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450-2D6 gene; approx. 5% of those of European heritage) can be weaned from the drug with proper management. Slow weanng [very slow in some instances (eg. decreasing by 37.5mg every 2 to 4 weeks)] and perhaps the addition of a small dose of Prozac™ (fluoxetine: 10mg - 20mg) can ease the discomfort. Occasionally, I have seen Xanax™ (alprazolam) or Rivotril™ (Klonopin™ - clonazepam) used on an "as needed" basis, to help with the anxiety.
>
> In my clinical experience, I personally have not seen a case of serotonergic withdrawl that couldn't be managed with little more than mild, transient short-term discomfort. Any significant discomfort was addressed and managed symptomatically, as it arose.
>
> This is just my clinical experience. - Cam
Posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 22:59:46
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor, posted by BobS. on November 1, 2001, at 18:11:37
Bob - The original answer that I gave was regarding the weaning from a serotonergic antidepressant, used for depression. I am sorry that I misread your post the first time.
As for weaning from a serotonergic antidepressant being used for an anxiety disorder; in addition to following the steps in my original post to yours, you have to watch for a return of anxiety symptoms. These may be difficult to separate out from the withdrawl symptoms. A shor course of Rivotril™ (Klonopin™ - clonazepam) may be prudent to help quell the anxiety associated with weaning from the Paxil. Ask your doctor about this.
I still think, that because of their shorter half-lives, relative to Paxil, Effexor and Effexor XR are probably the worst offenders for causing serotonergic withdrawl syndrome. The added possiblity of cholinergic rebound with Paxil withdrawl, does throw another factor into the equation; although I have not really seen that many cases of cholinergic rebound with the Paxil (or I missed it, figuring it to be part of the serotonergic withdrawl syndrome, which resolved using the steps outlined in my last post).
I hope that this clears things up a bit more. - Cam
Posted by mary b. on November 2, 2001, at 11:20:49
In reply to Re: Long-term effects, posted by Cindy W on August 31, 2000, at 21:48:33
hi
I just read your note and am curious to know if anyone else out there is suffering from hair loss and brittle nails as a side effect of Effexor. I feel great on the Effexor but my doctor says it can't cause hair loss, I'm not so sure, how common is this? > > > HI
> > >
> > > My dr gave effexor xr to me about 4 weeks ago. I struggled with taking it because I just thought that taking something is a cop out,lol. I am having sever mood swings and I am angry and depressed a lot. I will pick fights with my oldest child..now 18 and my dh is confused because I swing in moods so quilckly. anyways, I took the first pill yesterday.....at 1 pm after another senseless blow out with my son. I felt fine all day maybe a bit nauses and could not fall asleep last night and right now I am feeling a bit edgy.....I have been reading alot of the posts and now I am so scared to takes this stuff!! I don't want the side effects or the withdraws.....I feel like I am having a hard tome breathing something i never had before......could it be this stuff already!!
> > >
> > > HELP,LOL
> >
> >
> > I have been on this stuff since it came out in 1994. The longer I take it, the worse the side effects become. I have developed what they call fibromyalgia, have developed hypertension, have terrible insomnia, nausea, no libido, no orgasm, dry skin and itching, incontinence, trouble starting to urinate, electric shocks through my legs and feet that cause them to move, brittle nails, thinning hair, my hearing is decreasing, mental fog and memory loss (what was I saying?), fatigue, no stamina, no enthusiasm, night sweats, profuse sweating, and weird dreams. I am terribly sensitive to medications, and have only been on the 37.5 dose! And yes, these might be symptoms of other problems, but I am careful about seeing my doctor, and there doesn't appear to be any other source. I am trying to wean myself from this stuff after attempting cold turkey once before. I just hope I haven't incurred some kind of permanent brain damage from this stuff. And since I've been on it so long, it will probably take forever to vacate the premises. Never take a new drug they know little or nothing about!
>
> Naanra, I take Effexor-XR 375 mg/day. A couple of months ago, I started itching terribly. Could you describe your itching? I'm trying to find out if my hives (which occur at night and fade by morning) are due to the Effexor-XR (which I've taken now for 9 months) or some kind of allergy. Thanks!!--Cindy W
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