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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by desertoddity on September 28, 2003, at 13:05:14
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad, posted by Kevin Nichols on September 27, 2003, at 1:22:16
my advice for getting off effexor based on my experience. i am trying to get off of it now and this is what i am doing.
i was taking 2- 75mg xr tabs everyday and i cut it back to just 1. i spent a weekend with the shakes, wobbly head, heart palpitations and vivid, weird dreams, and maybe some other things, but i got through it. after about another week or so, i switched to the immediate release tabs (37.5mg) and am taking them as soon as i start feeling like my head is beginning to 'wobble' again. i will continue to wait a little longer before i take one each time until i am comfortable enough to stop them.
it's really not easy. but it was the best way i could think of to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
hang in there. you're not alone.
Posted by kcg33 on September 29, 2003, at 19:19:27
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad, posted by Kevin Nichols on September 27, 2003, at 1:22:16
Well, all, I hear your cries. I made it through an absolutely horrific 7 days, the last 3 of which I should have truly been in the hospital. Today, in desperation, I took the research I had done on Effexor along with my broken spirit and visited my doctor. I explained how absolutely horrible I have felt, and BEGGED for him to hear me and understand that I literally feel like I am dying here. My response? "After 7 days, Ms. Gray, you should no longer have any Effexor in your system. So it can not be the Effexor causing your symptoms. Effexor is a wonderful medication that has helped millions of people, and look here, according to my (handy dandy) little PDR, the studies they did with this medication before FDA approval indicated that NO BODY gained any weight on it, migraines were not an issue, visual disturbances were not a big issue, and in fact, 3% of the people in the study actually lost weight. So, Ms. Gray, if you have gained 30 pounds since you have been on this medicine, I assure you, it came through your teeth to get there. Are we clear? I will just put you on some Vistaril for nausea and meanwhile, hop on over to the hospital and have an MRI done on your head so we can be sure you don't have a tumor. Otherwise, everything looks fine, just try and get some rest".....
I have no idea what stupid little me was supposed to say to that. Like I had been lectured for being a tub-o-lard head case, I just took my little file to the front desk, paid them, and went on my way. I cried all the way home. And what did I do when I got here? I walked over to the desk and took the DEVIL (Effexor) out of the bottle and took one. I guess if the only way I can make the withdrawals stop is to swallow the crap because nobody believes me that this medication is killing me, then I guess Effexor wins. But I, too, do not have the money (and ZERO insurance) to continue paying the equivalent of an electric bill for medication I DO NOT WANT, yet I AM STUCK WITH IT BECAUSE I CAN'T GET RID OF IT. And my doctor really let me down today. I was so sick and so desperate, I really needed him to hear me, this week has been soooooo awful. So I put myself through a whole week of torment thinking I would come out the other side victorious over this creature, and it won anyway.
If there is anyone out there who has ever actually beaten this and was able to make it all the way- I could really use some encouragement. Without my doctor's assistance, I don't know what to do next, but I know that this past 7 days has been way more than I can ever do twice.
Posted by Enderkin on September 30, 2003, at 8:54:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad, posted by desertoddity on September 28, 2003, at 13:05:14
Um, Are all of you serious about all of this? I am on this stuff, and since I started on Easter my dose has doubled. Last week I added another 75 so now I am taking 225/day. I don't laugh like I used to. My body has strange pains that I never had before, and if I don't get my meds I can start to panic. When people try to get off this, should they switch to something else, or just stop taking it?
Posted by desertoddity on September 30, 2003, at 12:38:53
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad, posted by Enderkin on September 30, 2003, at 8:54:30
effexor should NEVER be stopped abruptly, especially at higher doses. it should be tapered slowly. i think the 'official line' is that it should be done over 2 weeks, but i think it is more reasonable to do it at a rate that is comfortable for the person taking it. depending on what med you may be replacing it with, it is not a good idea to start something new until you are off it. check with your doctor..check any other resources you have before starting something new.
Posted by cubbybear on October 1, 2003, at 4:16:16
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad » Kevin Nichols, posted by spiciestcrashbean on September 27, 2003, at 15:01:04
To all of you who are in living hell regarding Effexor withdrawal: I'm a regular poster on this board, particularly on anti-depressant Parnate and the benzo drug Klonopin. I've had no experience with Effexor, but for well over a year I've read posts on this board and elsewhere about the horrors of withdrawing from Effexor. I believe the latest world statistics show that Paxil and Effexor are the toughest drugs to quit. My only advice is this:
1) If you're in any way dissatisfied with your doctor, do your utmost to find one who is sympathetic and qualified to help you withdraw.
2) Keep posting on this board and communicate with others who have suffered like you and found a way to beat the beast.
3) Check out any possible avenues toward class action lawsuits against the manufacturer. I believe that there is a large one going on in England, and you might be able to learn about some worthwhile "fight back" tactics from them.
Good luck to all of you and I pray that you'll come out winners against the big bucks companies who care only about one thing: the Almighty Dollar.
Posted by T_R_D on October 1, 2003, at 11:18:45
In reply to Effexor 1 - Me 0, posted by kcg33 on September 29, 2003, at 19:19:27
Hi kcg33...don't give up! I got off Effexor...I was having all of the nasty sides...it was the sickest I've ever felt that withdrawal. It took me about 3 weeks in total. After that, I went on to try some new meds...none of which worked so I went back on Effexor. Now, it seems I've developed some sort of "intolerance" to Effexor...all the *rare* side effects are happening to me at 75mg alone. Before, I was on 375mg plus a thyroid hormone as a booster. I'll be off the Effexor for a couple of days and then I'm going to try yet ANOTHER drug. You CAN do this...I did. It's scary at the time but it DOES get better. The three weeks were like an eternity but I soon forgot all about them once I started feeling better.
Take care,
TRD
Posted by AlisonDavina on October 1, 2003, at 12:18:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl .. cough? » Mitch, posted by cath on September 2, 2001, at 19:47:04
My doctor told me to miss 2 days of my Effexor before switching to Prozac. The Effexor wasnt touching my depression. I am feeling dizzy, nauseated, hot and cold and unable to sleep. I am supposed to switch to Prozac but I dont know whether to persevere and be medication free - be "me" again..the first time in 12 years. I cant believe that missing 2 doses could have such a profound effect. Does it last for long?? I cant drive my car without feeling sick. I am a widowed mother of 3 young children and I feel unable to look after them...any suggestions???
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 1, 2003, at 16:48:24
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl .. cough? » Mitch, posted by cath on September 2, 2001, at 19:47:04
> has anyone experienced respiratory problems with the other symptoms of withdrawal or am I just experiencing a bonus illness?
My doctor is tapering me off Effexor (2x150mg daily). I've been experiencing this annoying cough, and feelings like my throat is closing up.
KDi in Texas
Posted by proudestmonkey on October 8, 2003, at 11:59:03
In reply to Effexor 1 - Me 0, posted by kcg33 on September 29, 2003, at 19:19:27
This really sucks. I had no idea I was going to go through 'paxil hell' again. I decided I wanted to get off the meds, and left to go on a business trip w/o them. Magically, a 37.5 pill had snuck its way into a pocket... that took care of the electric headache for the past 21 hours...
I have 3 days left until home, with no access to effexor... is there ANYTHING over the counter that helps????
Posted by irishcatholic on October 8, 2003, at 16:02:21
In reply to Re: Effexor 1 - Me 0 -- This sucks, I had no idea., posted by proudestmonkey on October 8, 2003, at 11:59:03
find a pharmacy where you are, get the phone number, and call your doc.
ADs aren't controlled substances so should not be a big deal to get a script via phone
Posted by DoYouKnowHim? on October 9, 2003, at 0:59:35
In reply to Re: Effexor 1 - Me 0 -- This sucks, I had no idea., posted by proudestmonkey on October 8, 2003, at 11:59:03
If you really get into a tough situation, just call the local pdoc's office in whatever town you are visiting, explain your situation and ask for sample packet. It has worked for me. And all they can say is NO.
Posted by Patient on October 9, 2003, at 11:23:41
In reply to Re: Effexor 1 - Me 0 -- This sucks, I had no idea., posted by proudestmonkey on October 8, 2003, at 11:59:03
You might try diphenhydramine (Benadryl) antihistamine.
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Antidepressant-discontinua.html
Posted by katia on October 9, 2003, at 14:36:43
In reply to Effexor 1 - Me 0, posted by kcg33 on September 29, 2003, at 19:19:27
Hi,
I'm so sorry you had to have such an unempathetic piece of *hit patronizing doctor. These meds DO cause weight gain and everyone is individual. He doesn't know what's he's talking about. How about this? A prerequisite to becoming a pdoc - MUST GO THROUGH EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL. Sound good? I think so. They might have a little more empathy and try and DO something about it then.If they haven't already subsided, the withdrawals will. And then maybe you can find a new doctor? I hate the fact that I couldn't interview a few to find out who might be worthy of my money. Too few pdocs overworked and overpaid (because of the lack of quality when you're dealing with this many patients/clients). I had to wait two months to get into see mine. And I'm not that impressed.
I do most research and take care of myself in regards to side effects and introducing new med combos to him. If you have it in you, do your own research - this board is very helpful - and go to him and be assertive (if you can in your state - i know it's hard!!!!:-(
suggest things and reject things outright. If he doesn't work with you and he's not showing that he cares, then it's time to switch pdocs. Esp. if he insults you like he does.
Sorry you're having a rough time.
katia
Posted by proudestmonkey on October 9, 2003, at 14:46:03
In reply to Re: Effexor 1 - Me 0 -- This sucks, I had no idea., posted by Patient on October 9, 2003, at 11:23:41
I saw that somewhere else today as well (re: Benadryl). I am about to head to Walgreen's to give it a try. I'll try to post my results...
Currently....
Two days after last 37.5 Effexor:
Hot flashes (I'm a guy so I'm pretty sure it's not menopause), Pulsating/Dizzy/Electrical headache kinda thing, very moody (my wife keeps wanting to argue with me - silly rabbit), back ache (kinda like flu), overly figgity and restless.
Posted by andie on October 9, 2003, at 22:52:01
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » slazart, posted by Seraphim on June 17, 2001, at 18:02:36
I have read all the post and I have to tell you that getting off of effexor was horrible for me. I had been taking it for about 2 years.When I stopped it I only tapered off for about 2 weeks then just stopped all together,what an idiot I was. I had terrible night mares and night sweats. I was so dizzy and headaches constantly,and I also felt so strange I cant explain It. The bad news was that it took me about 3 months to start feeling better. I felt like I was going out of my mind. It has been 8 months now and Im back to a semi normal person again. I really dont think I would ever want to take effexor again in my life.
Posted by ana on October 10, 2003, at 11:46:32
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by janey on November 1, 1998, at 16:30:34
WOW! I have just read this entire thread and have gone from laughing to crying! My story is long and surely rather boring, but I feel compelled to tell it. I just want to say, to start with, if you're feeling fine on Effexor than get off this thread and don't be giving people advice about not knocking the drug. It sucks.
I have been on Effexor for about 8 years and this is day 3 without ANY. Started with a liquor and Darvocet OD at a time when there was great turmoil in my life. I was taken to a psych ward where I spent a week or so (you learn pretty quickly what it takes to get out if you want to). First they gave me Prozac and I took it for a while feeling no noticeable difference. The thing that I believe helped me more was 5 years with a good therapist. In hindsight, 5 minutes with Dr Phil would probably have done the trick. One positive about the hospitalization is that I was introduced to the concept of being an Adult Child of Alcoholics and there is no drug that fixes that. I attended ACOA meetings (12-step similar to AA) for a few years and found those helpful at all. If you believe you are depressed and it is not just some doctor's diagnosis, you owe it to yourself to seek out one of these alternatives to drugs for real help.I was told that I was in major depression and had probably been depressed since childhood. Looking back on it, I think this is an evaluation made by just another human being who may not understand that not all people are "bubbly."
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. After the five years of therapy I figured out that living with a drug addict alcoholic husband who was verbally abusive to my children (they were not his, by the way), prone to Viet Nam flashbacks, kept an arsenal of weapons, and caused me to fear he would murder someone everytime we drove somewhere was probably causing me more "depression" than any body chemistry problem and I divorced him.
Now on the upswing and in a great new relationship (of course), I was drug-free. What with trying to rid myself of "the stalker," the usual trauma of divorce and having lost custody of my younger child due to the ex-husband's abuse, I wasn't problem-free. The new relationship required massive work and my new husband and I found ourselves seeing another therapist. While he was a wonderful therapist, his suggestion that I see a psychiatrist for possible medication was an error, but trusting in the medical profession, I did as I was told.
The psychiatrist tried Zoloft and Wellbutrin on me and I felt no different on either. She then put me on Effexor, the little tabs that you can cut in half, don't remember the dose. I can recall once telling her that she seemed depressed, which she didn't take very well at all. (here's where you laugh)
A couple of times during the "effexor years," I tried to quit cold-turkey and experienced all the worst of the symptoms described in this thread including one bout where I felt like I was dying of the worst flu ever and couldn't stand or walk without help. Bad girl, get back on your medication. Ran out once more and called the shrink's office for a refill and curiously got an answering machine. The secretary returned the call to inform me that the good doctor had killed herself with alcohol, anti-seizure and pain medications. Talk about an eye-opener!
Now I had to resort to finding the effexor somewhere else because I knew by experience that I couldn't just quit. Thus began the precribing by various other medical professionals including my gynecologist who did me a "favor" by giving me a scrip for more effexor, no questions asked. Unfortunately, this also means no follow-up.
Over time I have graduated to 75 mg of XR four times a day (insurance would no longer allow for the tablets), and finally once or twice a day, whatever I felt like taking.
Symptoms while on the effexor included nightmares, some extremely amusing and enjoyable dreams (my husband says I should write a book about them), constant fatigue, migraines (sometimes two or three a week), and insomnia if I took a dose later in the day. I have also gained 40 pounds.
My wanting to get off effexor has been ongoing almost as long as I've been taking it. My husband bought into the idea that I would have to take it the rest of my life like he takes his thyroid meds. The problem for me, aside from symptoms, is the stigma. Yes, I take antidepressants therefore I must be insane.
Too late to make a long story short, I recently went on the Atkins diet after years of feeling like a fat blob and failing to lose weight on any diet or exercise program. Atkins has been working great for my husband, not so great for me, so I went back to the book and read the chapter about "metabolic resistance." Dr Atkins, rest his soul, says antidepressants are the worst offenders in causing the diet to fail, so I decided to kick the effexor, knowing what I would have to go through. And this time I am not doing it with a doctor, though I don't recommend such a perilous path to anyone else. Remember, I am only on day 3.
I am not experiencing anywhere near the severity of withdrawal symptoms that I had before, although I am so happy to see that I am not the only person whose brain rattles around inside my skull and makes me sometimes want to vomit.
In conjunction with the withdrawal, I have been working out three days a week, 30-60 minutes of walking, treadmill, etc. The first day without effexor I began taking St John's Wart, 300 mg softgels three times a day. Maybe the low-carb diet is helping also, I can't say for sure. I just know I don't feel anywhere near as bad as I did when stopping the effexor for one day or so in the past.
I realize there are people out there with actual body chemistry problems who need medication. I don't advocate that anyone else do what I am doing, I just wanted to share this story. Recently my son-in-law lost his father who was pretty much his best friend. He went to a doctor who prescribed Welbutrin. I told him he shouldn't start on any ADs. They have become the cure for everything, it seems. The death of someone close to you is grounds for depression and I can say from experience that drugs don't cure or help one to avoid a natural grief process, nor do I believe they should be prescribed for what I call "situational depression." I now believe that this was my original problem and I was much too easily led to drugs to cure what lifestyle or behavioral changes could have accomplished.
I noticed in the thread where someone said they didn't feel unhappy or mentally depressed. That's me. I'm not by nature a bubbly, high-on-life person. I am introspective, a loner and something of an artist. I want my mind clear and I want to be off effexor and I don't plan to live on St John's Wart either, will taper off that when I'm feeling better. I feel fine mentally with plenty of creative energy, just the physical self is going a difficult time. I am looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel.
My purpose in this EXTREMELY LONG post is to thank those of you who have shared and kept this very informative and helpful thread going and also to beg you to examine your thinking, your behavior and where you are currently at in your life to see if there is another way out than this sickening, soul-murdering drug-taking. I look forward to reaching the light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks for listening!
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 14:39:35
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by ana on October 10, 2003, at 11:46:32
Thanks for sharing ANA! You write very well. If my memory was clear enough, I would write stories about my Effexor-dreams also.
My experience was different. Something in Effexor lifted me from suicidal depression and being unable to handle stress at work to a semi-functional person. But alas, Effexor raises my blood pressure too much so I'm tapering down. I do know what I'm in for. I've skipped 2 dosages before (on accident) that left me vomiting and so dizzy that I had to be in bed. I'm starting to feel depression again, but to be more aware of it than consumed by it, if you get my meaning. I've only tapered down from 300 to 150 daily yet so the worst is yet to come. I'm taking Batrim DS x 2 daily for a disturbing dx of Grade A Streptococcus, non-invasive type. (Acronym is GAS, believe that??? haha... in my obit, I can put that I died of GAS! ROFL. hmmm, maybe my humor is not appropriate at this moment.) Batrium's SE's can be so scary that I really don't know which one is causing me to feel awful.
I'm hanging in, one day at a time, like everyone else. Hope to see you post again.
KDi in Texas
Posted by katia on October 10, 2003, at 14:43:44
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by ana on October 10, 2003, at 11:46:32
Hi,
Thanks for sharing such a long life history.
I just wanted to respond to some comments you made. I agree that people are overmedicated out there, but you can't throw the baby out with the bath water. There are lots of people who are undertreated and should be on medication (like myself for so many years). Is it situational depression or chemical imbalance? The chicken or the egg? If the propensity is there then a situation can throw one into a depression far from natural grief. I agree people shouldn't be medicated for natural griefing processes, but if they go on for too long and therapy is not working and it's obvious this person has fallen into a clinical depression due to life's circumstances, then medication is not such a bad idea.
I can't agree with you more about combining therapy and medication. It's a wonderful combination, as well as diet. all angles should be addressed.>Yes, I take antidepressants therefore I must be insane.
I don't necessarily agree with this above statement. I agree that there is a stigma out there, but it's becoming less and less as people become more educated about "mental disorders".
Good luck to you on your new med free life.
btw, I endured a hellish Effexor w/drawal followed by a hellish Zoloft w/drawal.
Katia
Posted by alli22314 on October 11, 2003, at 19:27:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » ana, posted by katia on October 10, 2003, at 14:43:44
Effexor discontinuation can, indeed, be a very scary thing. The trick is to go VERY SLOWLY and ramp up on another AD med at the same time. I just went from 225mg to 0 over the course of several weeks. No kidding! I dropped down 37.5 every week but for the first 4 days of each week opened up a 37.5 capsule and took half of the granules (effectively, cutting down the Effexor by 18.75 every 4 days.)
I've been battling some light dizziness lately but seems I can make it diminish or go away with Benedryl.
I had no idea it was going to be this hard.
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 13, 2003, at 15:20:56
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by ana on October 10, 2003, at 11:46:32
Makes me want to throw my hands up in the air and scream "who cares about high blood pressure" and gobble my effexor pills back up. This dizzy, sick, lightheaded feeling is too much.
Posted by MamaB on October 14, 2003, at 6:31:13
In reply to Oh heck, this is difficult!!, posted by KimberlyDi on October 13, 2003, at 15:20:56
Most research has shown that Effexor XR should be withdrawn over about a 30 day period. That's how I did it and had no symptoms, and I was on a whoppin' dose!
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 14, 2003, at 9:15:12
In reply to Re: Oh heck, this is difficult!!, posted by MamaB on October 14, 2003, at 6:31:13
> Most research has shown that Effexor XR should be withdrawn over about a 30 day period. That's how I did it and had no symptoms, and I was on a whoppin' dose!
Some of my problem is that I was also put on Bactrim for 10 days for a Streptococcus Pyogenes infection on my arms. Bactrim has some whopping side effects of it's own, so I decided to start my withdrawal from Effexor after I'm through with the Bactrim. Yet I take Effexor last night and this morning at usual dosage and feel just fine.
An apology to everyone that went through Effexor withdrawal. Even tapering down can be awful. I don't regret taking Effexor though. It made a huge difference in my life.
KDi in Texas
Posted by WakingDreamer on October 14, 2003, at 21:12:46
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by ana on October 10, 2003, at 11:46:32
thankyou for your post ana. i've been on effexor for three years and it doesnt help but i can't get off it either, i don't know how you can work out and function at all trying to stop it, soul-sickening is understatement for how the stuff works on me.
sorry i cant respond to your whole post, i have add too so medication is a multifaceted part of my health experience.
Posted by kcg33 on October 15, 2003, at 5:58:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by ana on October 10, 2003, at 11:46:32
Posted by Lyndie on October 15, 2003, at 8:10:05
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by WakingDreamer on October 14, 2003, at 21:12:46
I have only been on the effexor for about 6 weeks, for the first week or so it worked, now it doesnt seem to work and I didnt take on last night. I am only on the 37.5 the doc tried to up the dosage but it made me sleep all the time so I didnt up it. I dont want to take it any more, will I have any of these problems that yall are having if I quit taking them? thanks for the help Lyn
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