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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JAMMER on April 7, 2001, at 9:12:10
In reply to withdrawl going well, posted by Robin on April 6, 2001, at 19:29:25
> Just thought I'd throw a positive story into the mix of withdrawl horror stories. So far, so good for me. I had been taking 150 mg for about 6 months, and about 2 weeks ago I decided to stop taking it. I dropped down to 75 mg which my doctor told me to take for two weeks. I'm supposed to drop down to 37.5 mg in a few days and hopefully it will go as well as the other cut back went. I can finally sit still without having something on me twitch, which was the worst side effect for me and one of the reasons why I'm stopping. It's so much easier now to fall asleep! I only had one bad experience with Effexor, and that happened after I failed to take my medicine for two days, which happened by accident! It was great for me until that terrifying night. It's obvious by reading the previous posts that Effexor has different effects on everyone. I decided to get off because I couldn't handle the constant twitching and moving and because I never want to have an experience like the one I had after not being able to take my medicine. Good luck to everyone on the drug and everyone trying to get of. Wish me luck too!
>
> RobinRobin, Glad to hear your doing well in your tapering off plan. Once at 37mg don't get in a hurry. It has been reducing from this amount that I stated having issues. The "good" 2nd plan I was given by pharmacists is(as opposed to "bad" plan by my PCP):
Once at 37.5 for a few weeks, move to every other day for 2 weeks, then every 3rd day for 2 weeks, then open the cap, empty, and reinsert half ~18mg and take every 3rd day 2 weeks, then end. Just a suggestion, in case you didn't see it in an earlier post.
I'll start the 18mg dose every 3 days in about 1 week from now. I'll post my results then. So far pretty good, although the end of 2nd day with no meds, I start feeling wierd.
-Jammer
Posted by KatieC on April 8, 2001, at 12:08:22
In reply to Re: New to Effexor XR, my side effects, anyone else?, posted by Cindy W on August 28, 2000, at 21:57:24
Hello to all,
I have read alot of the horror stories on here regarding the withdrawal symptoms... the fact that some of them may be permanent and the other people that refute that fact. I have been on effexor xr for a little over 3 months now. I felt the difference with the very first pill. I thought I had found the greatest thing since sliced bread. I had been experiencing mild to moderate depression truthfully for years...but was now really feeling the effects of it. My med doctor put me on Effexor xr because I told her I wanted something with a low risk of weight gain (I'm only 21 and have struggled with my weight for years, Had lost about 35 pounds 2 years ago and HAD kept it off) and something with low sexual side effects since I am a newlywed.
The first two weeks or so I had the constant yawning, the sleepiness, and the constant headaches. My body adjusted however and I loved the drug.
I now, however, want to talk to the doc about getting off of it. I have gained about 25 pounds in the last 2 1/2 months. HUGE appetite increase. I am tired again. And, the dreams are amazing. I can honestly say I have had screwy dreams all my life...but now they are REALLY weird. I have also recently started experiencing night sweats. I never had them before...but now I wake up my legs and arms are all sweaty. I'm wearing shorts and that doesn't seem to make a diff.
I'm really scared however after reading all the horror stories about the withdrawal. Can anyone give me any ideas as to what to do?
Can anyone suggest any other Antidepressants (preferably non MAOIs) that may not be so bad with weight gain...but still low sexual side effects?
Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. I wish you all the very best of luck.
Posted by jerz on April 8, 2001, at 18:32:11
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal FYI, posted by michellec on April 8, 2001, at 9:10:44
> > I have been on Effexor XR for just over one year, @ 300 mg/day. I decided to stop taking it and went cold turkey. Big mistake, I had severe withdrawal symptoms. So, I went back on it am on now going off slowly. I open the capsules, weigh out the dose, and then refill the capsule with the amount I’m after. I’m a chemist so this is easy for me. I thought the following information might help those of you also trying to go off this stuff.
> >
> > Each 150 mg capsule of Effexor XR contains 500 mg of white beads (so, the beads are 30 % by weight Effexor). 25 beads contain 11 (+/-2) mg of Effexor. All you need to do is open the capsules, pour out the beads, count out how many you need, and then put the lowered dose back in the capsule. Do not swallow the beads directly, be sure to put them back in the capsule. I do a bunch of pills at once, first emptying several capsules into a vial or envelope, then measuring what I want back into the empty capsules. You will notice that the Effexor beads are fairly uniform in size, but there will be some smaller ones as well as some that are fused together. Try to count out the beads randomly, don’t go for just the large one or just the small.
> >
> > Hope this helps, seems to be going ok with me. I am experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms but they are nothing compared to the first time and I can easily control the symptoms with the dosage size and length time I am at that dose before decreasing further.
> >
> > Good luck
> >
> > Ishmael
Hope you can answer a quick question... My daughter and I are both trying to wean off 37.5 and are having difficulty. We'd like to try the 18.75 mg, etc. but all I have left are 75 mg capsules. Is it simply a matter of dividing the white balls into fourths and then taking that dose in a capsule? Sorry if this is a stupid question but, like many others, I've lost several brain cells during my stint on Effexor XR! Thanks. Jerz
Posted by Robin on April 8, 2001, at 21:46:37
In reply to Re: withdrawl going well, posted by JAMMER on April 7, 2001, at 9:12:10
Thanks for the advice Jammer. Sounds like a plan I'll definitely have to try. Hope everything goes well for you. Keep me posted!
Robin :)
Posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 11, 2001, at 11:16:11
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I'm new on Effexor XR-37.5mg for 2 days and today I am feeling very tense, nauseated and "spacey".Is this normal and how long does it last? I'm thinking about stopping the medication because I don't like how it is making me feel. I'm very petite and can't afford to have nausea and no appetite.Any feedback from anybody?
Posted by mstar on April 11, 2001, at 11:49:03
In reply to Re:side effects, posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 11, 2001, at 11:16:11
I have been taking Effexor XR for about a week. I have had a very up and down week. I feel better during the day and noticed an increase in energy, but I start to fade at 7:30 with nausa, I yawn all the time, have dizzy spells and can barely walk I am so tired and weak. But I never sleep though the night. Has this happened to anyone else? I am on 3 days of 75mg, I take it in the morning.
Posted by AnneL on April 11, 2001, at 12:08:16
In reply to New user!, posted by mstar on April 11, 2001, at 11:49:03
> I have been taking Effexor XR for about a week. I have had a very up and down week. I feel better during the day and noticed an increase in energy, but I start to fade at 7:30 with nausa, I yawn all the time, have dizzy spells and can barely walk I am so tired and weak. But I never sleep though the night. Has this happened to anyone else? I am on 3 days of 75mg, I take it in the morning.
Hi, Anne speaking,
Did you start at 37.5 mg. daily for the first week? The low dose taken for 4 to 7 days help the body to adjust and minimize nausea. Insomnia is a very commom complaint, your pdoc can help suggest either other the counter (OTC) medications that help with sleep such as Benadryl brand name for diphenhydramine, Tylenol PM (which is just Tylenol (Tylenol with Benadryl) or a non-benzodiazapine sleep medication such as Ambien or Sonata. I am currently taking Effexor XR 75 mg. daily and also take Klonopin 1 mg. at night for sleep. I did feel spacy, tired at all the wrong times and insomnia just like you. Nausea has not been a problem for me, make sure you take it with meals and do continue to take your dose in the morning as well. I made the mistake of taking it at around 5PM and I was up all night! The nausea is a common side-effect of Effexor, but it will pass! Ask your doctor for something that may help calm your stomach, maybe Zantac will help. Hang in there! All of your side-effects will dissipate given just a little bit more time! Good Luck and keep us posted.
Posted by DavidHIFI on April 11, 2001, at 22:06:48
In reply to Re:side effects, posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 11, 2001, at 11:16:11
> I'm new on Effexor XR-37.5mg for 2 days and today I am feeling very tense, nauseated and "spacey".Is this normal and how long does it last? I'm thinking about stopping the medication because I don't like how it is making me feel. I'm very petite and can't afford to have nausea and no appetite.Any feedback from anybody?
I'm also new at this and I found that the weirdness and nausia go away. For me it took three weeks. Many previous posts mentioned the time it takes for this stuff to work, as much as six weeks, so tough it out if you can. I had the starter kit that started at 37.5 for a week than on to 75 for the long term. I decided to stick with 37.5 for a while. I've chosen to take it slow, but if you want to stop, I'd suggest reading previous posts about weaning off this stuff. Don't go cold turkey, it can get nasty.
Posted by DavidHIFI on April 11, 2001, at 22:10:09
In reply to New user!, posted by mstar on April 11, 2001, at 11:49:03
> I have been taking Effexor XR for about a week. I have had a very up and down week. I feel better during the day and noticed an increase in energy, but I start to fade at 7:30 with nausa, I yawn all the time, have dizzy spells and can barely walk I am so tired and weak. But I never sleep though the night. Has this happened to anyone else? I am on 3 days of 75mg, I take it in the morning.
Talk to your doctor about getting 37.5 for a week before stepping up to 75. Seems wrong to start at 75.
Posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 13, 2001, at 7:42:19
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I AM GOING OFF THIS AWFUL MEDICATION. IT HAS MADE ME EXTERMELY NAUSEOUS AND I HAVE BEEN VOMITING FOR 2 DAYS. I HAVEN'T WANTED TO GET OUT OF BED AND I FEEL VERY DEPRESSED. HATE IT! I'LL NEVER TAKE THIS AGAIN.
Posted by sabnyc on April 13, 2001, at 14:37:14
In reply to Re: New user! » mstar, posted by AnneL on April 11, 2001, at 12:08:16
I'm on my third day of effexor XR (37.5m), and am having, what I believe are normal, but unpleasant side effects. I'm very spacy, hard to concentrate, jittery and tired at the same time, and sleep is bad (MD gave me Ambien for that). I'm taking the med for a mild non-debilitating, depression (or fear of going into one). I'm turning 50, lost job, broke, scared about the future etc. I didn't want to spiral down, I need all my wits about me to confront these things. (I took zoloft 5yrs. ago for about 9mos. and it really helped). Is there anyone else in a similar situation? I most likely could handle this without the med, but I want to use everything I can...I write and am also concerned about the effect on that. I'd appreciate hearing from you.
Posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 13, 2001, at 14:52:06
In reply to Re: New user! » AnneL, posted by sabnyc on April 13, 2001, at 14:37:14
I felt absotulely awful on Effexor and by the third day I had to give it up. I had all the symptoms you had plus severe nausea and vomiting.I was taking this for menopausal symptoms and I would rather have those than the side effects from Effexor anyday! Good luck.
Posted by AnneL on April 13, 2001, at 14:59:56
In reply to Re: New user! » AnneL, posted by sabnyc on April 13, 2001, at 14:37:14
> I'm on my third day of effexor XR (37.5m), and am having, what I believe are normal, but unpleasant side effects. I'm very spacy, hard to concentrate, jittery and tired at the same time, and sleep is bad (MD gave me Ambien for that). I'm taking the med for a mild non-debilitating, depression (or fear of going into one). I'm turning 50, lost job, broke, scared about the future etc. I didn't want to spiral down, I need all my wits about me to confront these things. (I took zoloft 5yrs. ago for about 9mos. and it really helped). Is there anyone else in a similar situation? I most likely could handle this without the med, but I want to use everything I can...I write and am also concerned about the effect on that. I'd appreciate hearing from you.
Your start-up side effects sound very much like mine did. I even stopped taking it after only 3 days, but my depression which was compounded by situational stressors was so bad that I became very motivated to stick it out! I'am really glad that I did. I started at 37.5 mg. x 7 days, went to 75 mg. x 15 days and am now on 112.5 mg. I had absolutely no problem upping the dose to 75 mg. (well maybe jittery for a day or two) but then it was gone! I am now experiencing the same "ramping up" feeling on day 2 at 112.5 mg. but am confident this will pass in a day or two. Only you can decide whether or not you require medication at this time in your life. Perhaps asking for medication from your doctor is an indication that you feel the need is great enough.
Good Luck and keep us posted. AnneL
Posted by JAMMER on April 13, 2001, at 15:00:57
In reply to Hate it! , posted by SCALLOPSHELL on April 13, 2001, at 7:42:19
> I AM GOING OFF THIS AWFUL MEDICATION. IT HAS MADE ME EXTERMELY NAUSEOUS AND I HAVE BEEN VOMITING FOR 2 DAYS. I HAVEN'T WANTED TO GET OUT OF BED AND I FEEL VERY DEPRESSED. HATE IT! I'LL NEVER TAKE THIS AGAIN.
> It is VERY important to wean of this medication slowly. Tapering slowly to lowest dose over several weeks, then splitting the dose in half for 2 weeks, and half again is what I'm doing, taking it everyday. For XR, 37mg 2 weeks, 18mg 2weeks, then 9mg for weeks is my plan. I'm at the end of 1st week at 18mg.
Yes, getting off this med SUCKS........At the end of 2nd day with no use brain shivers set in with other negative withdrawal symptoms. (see my previous posts).
My experience has taught me to get back on it. and begin tapering by reducing the dose. and all the ugly withdrawals, will subside. Mild headaches and some anxiety are my only symptoms.
Best wishes
Jammer
Posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
> I"M back on 75 Mg. of Effexor and I feel great! The so called terrible withdrawl symptoms were nonexistant because I tappered off Slowly;however the anxiety I experienced felt awful-no other anti-depressent has ever helped me like Effexor does and the few longterm side-effects are very mild and quite managable! To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects: also BEWARE THE BRAINWASHED SCIENTOLOGISTS who oppose all psychiatric medication based on the lunatic ravings of a dead science-fiction pulpwriter!!
Posted by violalloyd on April 13, 2001, at 16:35:48
In reply to New user!, posted by mstar on April 11, 2001, at 11:49:03
> I have been taking Effexor XR for about a week. I have had a very up and down week. I feel better during the day and noticed an increase in energy, but I start to fade at 7:30 with nausa, I yawn all the time, have dizzy spells and can barely walk I am so tired and weak. But I never sleep though the night. Has this happened to anyone else? I am on 3 days of 75mg, I take it in the morning.
I wish I had found these boards when I was first put on Effexor! I would have talked to my Dr. about alternatives, and would never have gotten up to 112.5 mg/day.
I took it for 2 years, and am going through horrible withdrawl, even though I am gradually decreasing my dosage.
Reading posts by others going through withdrawl has been a great help to me. The electrical shock sensations and the shakes and jitters are horrible.
Thanks to all who have posted.
Viola
Posted by Sarah M on April 13, 2001, at 17:39:56
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by maggie on April 13, 2000, at 14:32:34
Withdrawl for me has been terrible. I wish I'd investigated more before I signed on to taking this drug. Here are my symptoms:
-Persistent light-headedness, and a vertigo sensation of falling all of the time
-Auditory halucinations, to include sound of static every few seconds, (ZZZT!), that also seem to interrupt my vision
-Dierreah
-periods of profuse sweating, or hot flashes, seemingly unrelated to the temperature. I am in my 20's, so I'm pretty sure this is not menopause
-serious insomnia. One night I re-organized my bathroom cabinets at 2:00 am. Despite this restlessness, I find it hard to concentrate. At work, I frequently lose my train of thought in the middle of a sentense. I think this has to do with the feeling of electricity, and the ZZZT!!! sound every few seconds.
-Shaky and sweaty palms
-interrupted vision; that is, my eyes cut to one side without my consent.
I have been off of Effexor for about 8 days, and these symptoms persist.
> Nice to see everyone on these message boards....
> helps to know one is not alone.
>
> I have been on effexor xr for about 1 year - 150mg)
> and it has really helped me with my depression!!!
>
> BUT I have found - from missing doses - that the
> withdrawal effects are real. For me, they have
> included strange effects in my brain. A feeling
> of electricity or shocks, also vertigo when I move
> my head from side to side or up and down. Then it
> feels like my head has moved too fast and my eyes
> take a few seconds to catch up. This prohibits
> driving, makes me dizzy and feels very bizarre.
>
> Muscular tension and knots in my leg and hip -
> where I previously had bursitis - GREATLY
> increased when I decreased my dosage from 325 mg
> back to 150mg od.
>
> The side effects, that I can live with, are
> weird dreams plus a LOT of twitching and
> involuntary movements of arms and legs when in bed.
> These wake me up lots of times, but that is much
> preferrable to the weight of depression.
>
> This drug is wonderful for some,
> and disasterous for others.
> Worth a try if you really want to be rid of
> that dreaded pit of despair!!!
>
> Maggie
Posted by Sarah M on April 13, 2001, at 17:52:22
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Judy on April 23, 2000, at 22:43:54
YES!!!! I am in my early 20's, so I'm pretty sure it's the drug. It's awful.
> Sweating - is anyone having problems with excessive sweating from taking Effexor, 75 mg, the time released version? I can't decide if it's the med or menopause......
Posted by Ryane01 on April 14, 2001, at 6:40:12
In reply to Re: effexor xr and side effects, posted by Sarah M on April 13, 2001, at 17:52:22
I Am 17 and i have been Taking Anti Depressents and Stimulants and Well alot of things in the past including Risperdal which is very bad anyway i was put on EffexorXR and i started slowly at 35.5 mg i belive and now i am on 300Mg a day is anyone else on such a high dose?
Posted by Quasibarbidoll on April 14, 2001, at 8:10:01
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects: !!
Watch your over..generalizations,.......at 75mng for fibro, I was neither mentally ill or depressed.I have had EXCELLENT results w/ 5htp and Same and used a 4 MONTH step down strategy worked out between myself , my pharmacist and my Physician who was HOPELESSLY following the existing protocal.
I am strong willed and well read....certain AHP shills might like to paint us as lunatics... but
we were just uniformed consumers.
I have a friend on 150mg... NO TROUBLE. To each his own and Caveat emptor'
Posted by Marilyn on April 14, 2001, at 9:55:15
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
> To all the newbies and longtime users of this wonderful med, dont be swayed by the postings of mentally ill people who go off their meds and blame their depressive symptoms on withdrawl or longterm side effects > >
I just can't believe that someone is allowed to say such a low minded thing like above.
You better educate yourself a bit more on this horrible drug.
http://www.washingtonian.com/health/hardtoswallow.htmlMarilyn
Posted by Marilyn on April 14, 2001, at 10:00:50
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
More about effexor (venlafaxine):
http://www.priory.com/psych/venhall.htmMarilyn
Posted by Marilyn on April 14, 2001, at 10:04:50
In reply to I Love Effexor, posted by Denny on April 13, 2001, at 15:38:04
> > also BEWARE THE BRAINWASHED SCIENTOLOGISTS who oppose all psychiatric medication based on the lunatic ravings of a dead science-fiction pulpwriter!! > > >
Another low minded statement.
Read this link to educate yourself:
http://www.breggin.com/Joemccarthylives.htmlMarilyn
Posted by Denny on April 14, 2001, at 11:17:52
In reply to Re: I Love Effexor, posted by Marilyn on April 14, 2001, at 10:04:50
I stand by what I wrote: Effexor IS the best anti-depressant I've ever used and there's nothing low about pointing out to be aware of very subjective opinions of the mentally ill off their meds and Spinelesstologists!
Posted by Julie L on April 14, 2001, at 11:43:39
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Sarah M on April 13, 2001, at 17:39:56
I too had similar withdrawal symptoms- i was on Effexor (not XR) 70 mg a day for 5 years then down to 37.5 mg a day for a year after that... I decided to get off the meds a few weeks back (cut my dosage in half for a week).. I've been off of the drug for about a month now, and I feel great. The side effects went away after a few weeks. All i can say is hang in there, it'll get better!
-Julie
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