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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by marip on November 18, 2003, at 20:23:26
In reply to Wits END!, posted by KimberlyDi on November 18, 2003, at 7:36:14
Effexor people: Do NOT go cold turkey for ANY reason. I was on barely 75mgs for just over 6 weeks. I felt yucky so I went cold turkey about 5 days ago and literally have not gotten out of bed for 4 days. Absolutely absolutely useless pain--eye pain, nausea, headache, uuggh!!. DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY, I repeat. TAke care of yourselves, taper off much slower than your docters even recommend. Its not worth it. Ive been depressed clinically for over 5 years but this is the first time Ive actually felt unfunctional. My life has stopped--much worse than the darkest depression ever was.
Good luck everyone. Any suggestions as to a better drug?
marip
Posted by jiggitykid on November 18, 2003, at 20:47:26
In reply to dont go cold turkey anyone!, posted by marip on November 18, 2003, at 20:23:26
Just about anything would have to be better than Effexor!! I am cold-turkeying right now. It is the only method that will work for me. Tapering simply draws out the withdrawal. I'm crazy and my family is crazy, but we are checking off the days. Damn the drug company for EVER making this, damn the FDA for releasing it, damn the marketers for "hiding" the real story about this demon drug from hell.
Posted by gfreyg on November 19, 2003, at 4:18:55
In reply to Re: Ohmygawd I feel so stupid, posted by awatts on November 15, 2003, at 16:10:13
I hate to break it to you, but Klonopin is addictive as well, and its effects wear off quickly requiring constantly higher dosage. Klonopin is a dangerous and insidious drug just like Effexor. Please reconsider your trust in a doctor who prescribed you more dangerous drugs to counteract the effects of the dangerous drugs you are currently afraid/unable to quit. This is a dangerous cycle!
good luck!
Posted by jiggitykid on November 19, 2003, at 7:46:40
In reply to Re: Ohmygawd I feel so stupid, posted by gfreyg on November 19, 2003, at 4:18:55
>>>Please reconsider your trust in a doctor who prescribed you more dangerous drugs to counteract the effects of the dangerous drugs you are currently afraid/unable to quit. This is a dangerous cycle!<<<
I am SO GLAD you had the words and the guts to post that. I feel the same way. I keep reading all of this, "I take this to counteract this, and I take this to counteract this," here, because some skewed thought process (hmm, caused by the Effexor?????) has the patient thinking that 1) the doc has his best interest at heart and 2) the Effexor is working (if it were, there would be no side effects that needed more drugs!!!!). There are amazing physicians out there who do care. But, bottom line, you (the patient) are not her child, so you are not on her mind first thing in the morning and last thing at night. THE PATIENT is in charge of his own health and health care. DO NOT blithely float along, assuming the doctors have got you covered. As my husband says, after all is said and done, physicians are still just "practicing" medicine.
Posted by responsiblek9 on November 19, 2003, at 8:10:16
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - crashed and burned, posted by Dr...Not! on November 7, 2003, at 20:46:31
Hmmh maybe the fugue states I was dropping into from the pain was a blessing then. week seven after having to drop off sudden cold turkey because of the internal bleeding. Still having side effects Just not as Horrific continuous now. I am getting some time of no pain and just the fogginess real bad and function is still very low. I hope I am coming out the other side now. Heart issues still going on. Still weak but I have to go to the board meetings I have been missing because I have been so ill. I just hope I can make it back home. 140 mile trip to get there . No safety net either . But I have to get this done . cant afford not to. But at least I dont have any major decisions to make. But the marathon meeting of 3 hours plus the drive time will probably wipe me out. It will be the first time they have seen me unable to walk though. I have a hate love relationship with my wheelchair LOL!!
-----------------------------------------> Well, that went well (NOT)! I'm back on Effexor XR after 4 days off! The withdrawal was too awful, so we're going to keep me at 75 mg for a month, then cut down by 15mg for a month, and then another 15, and then 7 and 7.
>
> As it was, Sunday am (5 days ago) was supposed to be my last dose, but by Fri I couldn't stand the nausea, crying, nightmares and sweating any more.
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 19, 2003, at 10:22:41
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - crashed and burned, posted by responsiblek9 on November 19, 2003, at 8:10:16
OK, to be fair everyone, if i hadn't taken Effexor months ago, I wouldn't be around to be suicidal today...
Strange endorsement for a drug, but it's the truth. I believe medical science is learning alot from us willing guinea pigs. The majority of us were willing and asked for something to "fix" us. I also believe due to the backlash of surprised and angry withdrawal sufferers that Effexor withdrawal will be taken more seriously in the future.
Enough said. Either my withdrawal symptoms have reduced at 75mg or the true misery of my life at the moment completely overwhelms it. Add to that the fact that I'm sick with the "Crud" and I'm barking (coughing) like a friggin sea lion... and that I get stuck for hours in a SOBER crying jag every day now...
Thanks for the opportunity to vent.
KDi in TX
Posted by jbc on November 19, 2003, at 10:36:14
In reply to Re: dont go cold turkey anyone!, posted by jiggitykid on November 18, 2003, at 20:47:26
Amen! Amen! Amen! I wish I could afford to file suit! If anyone knows of a class action suit out there or has the funds to start one, I'd join in a heartbeat!
Posted by Dr...Not! on November 19, 2003, at 13:35:36
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - crashed and burned, posted by responsiblek9 on November 19, 2003, at 8:10:16
After going back on 75 mg/day Effexor XR, awful symptoms are gone. I try to eat properly, exercise and meditate every day, with moderate success (donuts are a food group, right?). I will continue this plan until after the holidays, and then try again to withdraw completely, 37.5 mg at a time, under the supervision of a doctor!
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who finds the strength to post their messages. My actions during withdrawal have not always been smart ones, but as I see you all struggling with similar choices I realize that we are all doing the best we can. Our difficulties are worsened by the drug's negative effects on our minds and bodies. However, those of us who suffer from chronic depression should also realize that during the time we withdraw from Effexor, depression may once again creep into our lives. How can we distinguish between withdrawal symptoms and the recurring depression? I don't believe we can, because our minds are affected. If we are under the care of a good doctor, the job belongs to him/her.
Please, seek out a doctor who will work with you to resolve any problems you may have with your medications.
Posted by responsiblek9 on November 19, 2003, at 14:17:17
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - crashed and burned, posted by Dr...Not! on November 19, 2003, at 13:35:36
I can tell , it is not the normal depression I am having and the therapist is noting this too. My neighbors are noting the difference also. All know me well and this is not a normal crash. So I am well aware of it. By not going blind into it I can cope a lot better . But I cant speak for anyone else. But it takes the fear away. Which is a major part of the depression .
Posted by jiggitykid on November 19, 2003, at 14:41:40
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - crashed and burned, posted by Dr...Not! on November 19, 2003, at 13:35:36
>>>If we are under the care of a good doctor, the job belongs to him/her.<<<
Yes, and also to those around us who love us and know when we are acting in a healthy manner and when something is wrong. We just have to remind ourselves to listen and not react negatively if someone addresses some aspect of our behavior or emotional state. Thanks for the very heartfelt post. I am praying for you.
Posted by Jasper on November 19, 2003, at 14:57:19
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - crashed and burned, posted by Dr...Not! on November 19, 2003, at 13:35:36
A big "Thank You" to everyone posting their experiences. I second Dr. Not's gratitude! It's very helpful for me to know I'm not going through this alone. I've taken something from all of the recent posts I've read.
I took the first small step from 75mg XR to 37.5 regular Effexor twice a day. The same dosage, but even that was a little shaky. After Thanksgiving I will try go to 25mg twice daily and hopefully settle in from that by Christmas. After the new year I'll think about splitting a 37.5, half in the am, half in the pm... and then maybe even split a 25! I knew those math classes would come in handy some day! Anyway, I don't have any personal experience with this yet, but it seems to me like the XR confuses the body. With the regular Effexor you at least know what your getting, when your getting it and that five hours later half of it will be out of your body.
Best to everyone.
J.
Posted by Karalyn on November 20, 2003, at 2:11:13
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - crashed and burned » Dr...Not!, posted by Jasper on November 19, 2003, at 14:57:19
one way I got off after two tries of not making it was taking one prozac to help alleviate the withdrawls. this seemed to stay in my system, as the doc put it, and withdrawls werent as bad. I too do not want to go back on cause of the withdrawls even though my pdoc says he would rather me go back. I'm trying Lexapro now. if anyone is on that let me know.
Posted by pixygoth on November 20, 2003, at 14:03:10
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal, posted by Jiggitykid on November 17, 2003, at 16:24:07
Mmm... the eyeball squeezing, I think it's like when you start peeling an orange and it squirts you in the eye... but for minutes at a time. Right?
S
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 20, 2003, at 15:16:48
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal » Jiggitykid, posted by pixygoth on November 20, 2003, at 14:03:10
After having my therapist implore me to up my Effexor dosage back to 150mg at least until the holidays are over with... I did. But you know, going up from 75mg to 150mg a day is worse than the decrease. After each dosage, my hands tingle and my mind tingles. This feels like giving up land that I won in a bloody battle, but I'm falling apart. I can taper off from 150mg to 75mg to eventually zero in Jan of 2004. Hopefully, 150mg of Effexor and 50mg of Imipramine will be enough to stop my frequent crying jags for now. I want to beg my pdoc to give me something to make me stop hurting so bad.I keep telling myself "do not self-medicate, do not self-medicate". My newest mantra. Climbing the walls at my home, I'm desperate enough to think about trying aroma-therapy and relaxation CD's.
Posted by Stavros on November 20, 2003, at 16:28:42
In reply to Effexor Rollar Coaster-wanna ride w/me?, posted by KimberlyDi on November 20, 2003, at 15:16:48
Kimberly, I am climbing the walls at my house as well. Not working and cannot get away from this thing in my head I can barely use every ounce of energy to not think of hurting myself. I feel for you and I have no answers. One day at a time and that is too much for me today. IF Strattera doesn't do something rapidly i am going to lose it? Keep on keepin' on.
s
> After having my therapist implore me to up my Effexor dosage back to 150mg at least until the holidays are over with... I did. But you know, going up from 75mg to 150mg a day is worse than the decrease. After each dosage, my hands tingle and my mind tingles. This feels like giving up land that I won in a bloody battle, but I'm falling apart. I can taper off from 150mg to 75mg to eventually zero in Jan of 2004. Hopefully, 150mg of Effexor and 50mg of Imipramine will be enough to stop my frequent crying jags for now. I want to beg my pdoc to give me something to make me stop hurting so bad.
>
> I keep telling myself "do not self-medicate, do not self-medicate". My newest mantra. Climbing the walls at my home, I'm desperate enough to think about trying aroma-therapy and relaxation CD's.
Posted by mellinn on November 20, 2003, at 17:41:20
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - crashed and burned, posted by responsiblek9 on November 19, 2003, at 14:17:17
Just realized my "crashing" and the feeling of losing my mind could actually be from forgetting to take my Effexor for two days now. My doctor has put me on 225mg - have been on it since last January. Several times this year I have had the same occurrences. What usually happens is that I just forget to take it while I'm sick (flu, cold, etc.) Pretty soon I feel like I've gotten sick all over again, but worse. (uncontrollable crying, naseau, headache, blurred vision - the works) This is the first time I've ever "googled" effexor to find out for myself just what I've been doing to my body. Boy, do I feel stupid. Here I thought I losing my mind gradually and having mini-nervous breakdowns. I am really not sure what to do. I know that I probably won't be able to wean off easily - two small children at home and a husband who travels does not make for an ideal situation right now. Thank you to all who have submitted their experiences - it truly does make me feel better -maybe I'm not going insane and it's just the medicine.
Posted by jbc on November 20, 2003, at 18:21:39
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl -, posted by mellinn on November 20, 2003, at 17:41:20
You are definitely NOT insane. Definitely come off slowly. I had only taken up to 75 mg, went to 37.5 mg for a week & then off completely. I really should have gone off slower than that. I ended up being off work for 3 total days (2 & then another one) because of how beat down my body was from the withdrawals. Come down as slowly as you are able! Get your doctor to work with you! Force him if you have to!
Posted by jiggitykid on November 20, 2003, at 19:43:22
In reply to Re: effexor withdrawal » Jiggitykid, posted by pixygoth on November 20, 2003, at 14:03:10
>>> I think it's like when you start peeling an orange and it squirts you in the eye... but for minutes at a time. Right?<<<
No, not really. It feels more like the membrane surrounding my eyeball is too small and is smushing each eyeball. I know it's gross, but that's the best I can do :-).
Posted by jiggitykid on November 20, 2003, at 19:48:23
In reply to Re: Effexor Rollar Coaster-wanna ride w/me?, posted by Stavros on November 20, 2003, at 16:28:42
I am so sorry - your therapist has clearly never taken Effexor XR and he/she has no clue what your poor body is going through. I stopped cold turkey - not necessarily what works for everyone, but I knew I could not take the tapering. For a little over a week, I have been crazy and sick, but every day the severity of the symptoms decreases. Today, frankly, was the closest to "normal" I have felt since beginning the Effexor XR. The swings are still here, but they are at least expected - I know what is causing all of this, so I just have to hold on for the ride.
I want the medication off the market. Those of you who are having luck with it, I am happy, but I don't think the rest of the depressed world should be asked to "test" the drug for one more minute.
Posted by jiggitykid on November 20, 2003, at 19:50:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl -, posted by mellinn on November 20, 2003, at 17:41:20
You are not losing your mind. The Effexor is taking your mind, and it's after your body. It tried to take my health, my marriage and my sanity. You really need to make some serious decisions about what to do, and make sure, sure, that you have support when you do it. I don't think you need to change anything until after the holidays. I am praying for as well as for Effexor XR to disappear.
Posted by jiggitykid on November 20, 2003, at 19:53:25
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl -, posted by jbc on November 20, 2003, at 18:21:39
>>> Come down as slowly as you are able! Get your doctor to work with you! Force him if you have to!
<<<Do what works best for you. Weaning is what some folks here have found is the only way for them. Others have found that cold turkey is the only way. I am one of the latter. Do research, read and listen to what people who HAVE BEEN THERE have to say, not what studies and doctors who have read the pamphlets have to say. Don't even listen to those who say that you should continue the Effexor XR if it is working - who knows what kind of long-term harm this drug may cause. My eyes were not bad before I took it, now, I am having trouble focusing. Could stick with me. Take care of yourself!
Posted by mellinn on November 20, 2003, at 19:54:25
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl -, posted by jbc on November 20, 2003, at 18:21:39
Thanks - after the holidays I might think about getting off this stuff. Before I had written my last post, I took my 225mg. dose and now am feeling somewhat better. It's absolutely amazing to me how I feel so dependent on this stuff. Sometimes I feel like just staying on it the rest of my life so as not to have to put myself or my kids, for that matter, through these awful withdrawals. Writing my last post, I was crying, could barely see straight, and felt like my head was going to burst - any research on the long term effects of Effexor - is it better to just live my life taking this drug? Seems to me some of us just might have to be on it forever. I'm hoping not.
Posted by mellinn on November 20, 2003, at 20:15:46
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl -, posted by mellinn on November 20, 2003, at 19:54:25
Is anyone on 225mg.? I take it right before bed - all at once. My doctor said whatever works. Makes me somewhat tired in the middle of the day, but maybe taking it at different times of the day may be better. The information I'm getting from these posts is great. I really thought I was in this alone, it's easier to read and inform myself through these posts than it is even talking with my doctor. When he asks me, I say "everything's great, no problems here" - all he pretty much does is prescribe my Effexor -haven't gotten into any detailed sessions. I'm on this because I was having trouble with depression, which I've had for years and the Prozac seemed to stop working for me. I told my Ob/Gyne and he referred me to this psychiatrist, so here I am.
Posted by Scared Stiff on November 20, 2003, at 22:09:42
In reply to Re: Effexor Rollar Coaster-wanna ride w/me? KimD, posted by jiggitykid on November 20, 2003, at 19:48:23
I'm considering going off this stuff based on this message board and the fact that I haven't felt like 'ME' since being put on it. I needed something after my second and third child when the panic attacks started and the Psych DR prescribed 37.5 mg. It took about 6 weeks of panic attacks, my hubby thinking I was completely insane and driving around with my new children for hours until it was time to go home. My last child is now 3 and I am feeling like maybe I want to fell like "ME' again without the constant haze I get daily on Effexor and am completely terrified of even one panic attack.
I know my family doctor will just tell me 'Do what you think is best' and based on this message board I am terrified. I don't want to be one of those statistics. My family needs me too much! But I need ME back too!
Not meaning to beg, but any help or suggestions on this? What 'kind' of doctor is the right kind to go to to help wean off this stuff to make sure someone doesn't need it anymore?
Posted by byron on November 21, 2003, at 0:14:33
In reply to Wits END!, posted by KimberlyDi on November 18, 2003, at 7:36:14
> I've gone down from 300mg to 75mg so far and may have to go cold turkey next. My soon-to-be-ex hubby stole all my medications (including for my cold!) along with my drivers license, visa/debit card, and my jewelry. None of my meds were anything he would enjoy. I can only guess he took them because he wants me to fall apart.
>
> He's doing a pretty good job of it. It's too early for refills. I don't know what to do.
>Couple of thoughts:
1) Quitting meds in the middle of high stress isn't very wise unless they're causing problems - and if that is the case, a change in meds might be better than quitting. Also if you Doc changes meds, then the too early rule to refill does not apply.
2) You may be able to get samples from your Doc.
3) If you are in crisis, you can go to your local MHMR crisis center, psychiatric emergency room and they'll probably help you if you can't afford to just buy it yourself.
4) Change your locks if your about to be ex is bugging you. If he comes around, call 911 and let the police sort it out, don't you try to do it.
5) Having a good therapist can be very helpful at times like these.Hope this helps,
Byron
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