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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by carissa on September 12, 2004, at 17:42:57
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by Americk on September 12, 2004, at 1:37:39
americk-
hang in there. i experienced alot of what you're describing and have come out on the other side...finally. i have to say that for me the symptoms took a couple of months to resolve. however, bear in mind that i was on a much higher dose than you were...225 mg. finding this message board was also a godsend. thanks to all who have posted there support.
peace-carissa
Posted by lorily on September 12, 2004, at 18:03:58
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by pandareina on September 11, 2004, at 8:07:50
FYI: There is another that works like effexor without the horrible side effects, I'm pretty sure it's called Cymbalta. I agree that effexor truly is a life-saver and did wonders for me. If my depression returns, I plan the same as you, try the other one. Good Luck to you, I hope we never need to find out if Cymbalta works!!!
Posted by lorily on September 12, 2004, at 18:15:23
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Andrew Phelps on September 10, 2004, at 21:26:42
Andrew, Effexor saved my life. I was not able to get sober until I got the depression under control. I now have 1-1/2 years clean, I also discontinued effexor and depakote. I was frightened, too, but it is possible to get off of it, for me and many others it is tolerable as long as it's done very slowly, little at a time, I dumped granules out of the capsule too. Not very medically recommended but I didn't want to go through what I read people here going through.
I've been off since mid-July and feel good. If you're really concerned, perhaps you should talk to your doctor about trying another medication. I've read that cymbalta works like effexor without the side effects.
the reason the withdrawals are so severe is because of the short half life. Some people get them if they miss a dose or are late taking it. It wasn't like that for me though.
Good Luck to you, I hope you find relief. Do you belong to a fellowship? There are many people there who can help you although NA seems to frown upon psych meds as a "mood-altering substance" and you'd probably find most opposed to your taking meds at all. Remember, It's YOUR decision and YOUR mental well-being, NOT THEIRS.
Posted by shanny on September 12, 2004, at 18:39:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by lorily on September 12, 2004, at 18:15:23
Hi everyone -
I have been going through Effexor withdrawal HELL today, working with my doctor, but I'm wondering if anyone has any little "tricks" that help to get you through? I don't want to miss work tomorrow, but I'm afraid I'll burst into tears in front of my boss if I get a *zap*!
I wish you had to sign some sort of form BEFORE taking Effexor for the first time, that says the withdrawal effects have been described IN GREAT DETAIL to you, and that it can last WEEKS.
I was looking for info on the withdrawal on WebMD, and, funny enough, there wasn't a lot about it. Hmmmm. There was a whole heap of info about how GREAT the drug can be (which it CAN be if it's right for you), but precious little on the withdrawal symptoms.
I've experienced just today: electrical currents / brain zaps (so uncomfortable, but you know about those...), nausea, crazy realistic disturbing dreams, agitation and crying bouts...plus my eyes hurt, has anyone ever had that?
Let me know what has helped you!
Thanks so much guys!
-Shanny
Posted by 4WD on September 12, 2004, at 20:59:14
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by shanny on September 12, 2004, at 18:39:49
Klonopin in very small doses has helped me get through the worst of the panic attacks. I get so scared and start crying. I am still taking about 1/10 of a 150mg capsule per day. (I was on a dose of 37.5mg per day for about five years)
Do any of you have panic/anxiety attacks while withdrawing from Effexor? Like you get nervous and then it spirals up into fear and then into terror and despair and crying?
Marsha
Posted by lorily on September 13, 2004, at 12:47:08
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by shanny on September 12, 2004, at 18:39:49
I found this great site with all sorts of info
I hope this helps you:http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/anti_depressants/withdrawal/venlafaxine.html
Posted by Petranella on September 28, 2004, at 14:20:59
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by carissa on September 12, 2004, at 17:42:57
I've been on 150mg Effexor for approx 6 years - for anxiety (one episode after giving up smoking - no one told me about the side effects of withdrawl then). I'm always tired and have no motivation and would really love to get off these awful tablets. First time I tried was cold turkey (felt awful) and was back on them in a couple of days. Have tried to go down to 75mg, but that brings the withdrawl symptons back with the those horrible `brain shimmers' . Can anyone advise what is the best reduction method. I have heard that you can go onto liquid Prozac and this helps to reduce the dosage really slowly. Any ideas.
Posted by ccb on October 7, 2004, at 9:22:26
In reply to Re: Snake: How long does withdrawal last?, posted by Petranella on September 28, 2004, at 14:20:59
I was on effexor 75 mg for about 5 years. I had the capsules. My doctor advised me to go down the the 37 mg capsules for a week, then take one every other day for another week. I got the brain zaps and my world was constantly spinning.
I ended up pulling open the capsules and taking the "dots" inside. There are about 200 dots in each 75 mg capsule. I started taking 195 dots per day for a week, then went down to 190 per day for a week, etc. When I got to the lower number of dots each day (80 or so) I had to slow down the weaning, taking 79 for a couple of weeks, then 78 for a couple of weeks... you get the idea. If the brain zaps or dizziness returned, I would bump the dose back up to my previous dose and wait another week or so before I tried to reduce the number of dots again.
It is a long process, but it worked for me. When I got down to 4 dots per day, I was able to stop all together. I had a little dizziness, but nothing I couldn't handle. Finally, I was free of effexor!!!
I have been off the medicine for about 2 months now and feel good. I'm no longer an effexor zombie. You can do it!!! Just go slow and steady. I know 9 months seems like a long time, but just remember your end goal, and that it can be done. Good Luck!
> I've been on 150mg Effexor for approx 6 years - for anxiety (one episode after giving up smoking - no one told me about the side effects of withdrawl then). I'm always tired and have no motivation and would really love to get off these awful tablets. First time I tried was cold turkey (felt awful) and was back on them in a couple of days. Have tried to go down to 75mg, but that brings the withdrawl symptons back with the those horrible `brain shimmers' . Can anyone advise what is the best reduction method. I have heard that you can go onto liquid Prozac and this helps to reduce the dosage really slowly. Any ideas.
Posted by meds4life on October 7, 2004, at 22:30:02
In reply to Re: How long does withdrawal last? » Petranella, posted by ccb on October 7, 2004, at 9:22:26
I have responded in the past about my Effexor withdrawel process. I have been on Effexor XR for over a year 150 mg. I gained about 45 pounds and decided to try Wellbutrin. I have been off Effexor completely for about 2 weeks and did not have hardly any side effects the whole time. I believe part of the reason I was side effect free was the fact that I was taking Wellbutrin at the same time. I withdrew from Paxil before and had dreadful withdrawal symptons, so I was expecting the same horrible process. Here is what I did- I went from 150 to 75+37.5 for a week. The next week I went to 75 mg. I stayed on 75 for 2 weeks. Then I went to 37.5 for 2 weeks. At this point, I figured any further lowering of my dosage would be extremely uncomfortable, but it wasn't! 37.5 every other day was my next drop (for about a week). Then, I stopped. The only thing that might have been a withdrawel effect was slight nausea once in a while and a little dizziness. Really nothing that unpleasant. I was so thrilled because I was so scared of withdrawing after my experience with Paxil and because of the information at this site. I feel great now and hope that this message will help someone else. Good luck!
Posted by Arhian on October 8, 2004, at 11:14:33
In reply to My Effx withdrawel with no side effects!, posted by meds4life on October 7, 2004, at 22:30:02
Hello from a newbie who is SO glad to find all of you!
I came off Effexor XR from 150 to 0 about 18 months ago, with horrid withdrawal symptoms lasting about a month that my GP hadn't heard of - he thought it unlikely to be the drug! About last Christmas, I was having a really bad time and went back on the treatment, which does do the trick for me, but yet again, if I missed a day, I had all of the nausea, dizziness and general hideousness - I notice someone posting here compares it to a "Star-Trek virus", and I think that describes the wierdness really well.
I decided to come off again, and try it slowly. I've got down from 150 to 75 a day, taking about a month and feeling less bad after about 2 weeks. Now I'm trying to take a 75 every other day, but I'm all over the place! I try to take a tablet just on the days I work really late, but some days I feel so very sick, I end up giving in and taking one when I've planned not to. My life is going so much better at the moment, but ironically, it's my treatment that's holding me back now! To cap it all, this week I've had real flu as well as the flu-symptoms of withdrawal! I KNOW I can do this as I've done it before, but I'm starting to wonder if I should have just gone cold turkey as I did last time - at least I was feeling almost normal a month later.
Glad I've been able to share this with people who know what it's like! Good luck to all of you.
Posted by Raggy on October 17, 2004, at 9:26:36
In reply to Re: My Effx withdrawel with no side effects!, posted by Arhian on October 8, 2004, at 11:14:33
I do hope that everyone has seen or heard about the new warning on these anti-depressants. The warning is for children, but adults have to be warned also.
Posted by seegar on October 29, 2004, at 23:51:15
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by 4WD on September 12, 2004, at 20:59:14
I thought that I was going crazy. I have taken Effexor xr for two years to help control the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Since coming off the Effexor (slowly, over the course of 4 weeks, as recommended) I have been getting withdrawl symptoms like I would have never believed.
"Brain Zaps", those awful dizzy, nauseous, shock-to-the-brain-for-a-second sensations whenever moving my head.
Sleeping issues
dizziness, which I chalked up to exhaustion. I have fallen twice in the last month, injuring myself.
Nausea. after I eat, for some strange reason
increase in acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms
myalgia, meaning more pain, but I think that that's the fm symptom no longer being controlled
uncontrollable fits of anger, rage
crying crying crying for no reason
depression, ah depression
increased sexual dysfunction, can you believe that the dysfunction got worse?even after a month since the last stepped down dosage.
Turns out I can blame so much of this on the Effexor withdrawl. Apparently, a great deal of people who stopped taking this drug have experienced these symptoms for this long, some even longer. Generally most made the comment that they were so thankful that their spouses were so understanding, and had not divorced them yet. That's how bad things had gotten.
This drug has affected so many people that the makers have had to change the warning labels. and, as we all know the warnings are maybe 50% as truthful and conservative as they should be. (http://remedyfind.com/newsletter_archives/August04-Bipolar.htm) article 2
After much perusal on the web, viewing many chat forums regarding this issue, I have realized that what I have been experiencing is not uncommon. I am not going crazy. I am not getting menopausal emotional symptoms at the age of 34. I just had an online chat conversation with my best friend, my husband, and ended up in tears when he told me that he was working an extra half shift this week, as we need the extra money right now. I flipped out, truth be told. I am still not sure if this was because my fella is so sweet and is working so hard to earn extra dollars, or if I was upset that he would not be at home to help me work on our deadline burdened home renovations. This behavior on my part is distressing, depressing, and has been going on for over a month. The good news is that from all research, I understand that this living hell will end. Sometime. In the future. Interestingly enough, one of the websites offering information about combating withdrawl symptoms of Effexor offered up to 80% savings off retail price for Effexor. Does that mean that staying on the drug is the best method of battling withdrawl? Nice going. If I weren’t so afraid of anti depressants now, I would have actually asked my doctor for a prescription for a drug to counteract the withdrawl symptoms of a drug. Wow. How stupid.
I realize that I will get through this, but am discouraged nonetheless as I now am back to the drawing board with regards to the original issue: reducing fibromyalgia symptoms so that I can live a normal life again.
Well, at least life is not boring!
Posted by TrinityX1 on October 30, 2004, at 19:26:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by seegar on October 29, 2004, at 23:51:15
THANK GOD I am not the only one with these CRAZY side effects. I though I was gong NUTS as well.
I was on EFFEXOR XR for about 10 weeks and am now coming off and down and up for about 4 days now.
I was on 75mg which I understand is NOT a lot but, I went down to 35mg by cutting the pills in 1/2 and still am experiences terrible withdrawals.
The 1st day I cried over everything, even a stupid commercial and experienced BRIAN VOLTS every time I moved my head. I was feeling nauseous and every time I tired to eat I could only take a few bites before having to turn away. I did experience stomach pains, kind of like menstrual cramps too. I experienced a bit of confusion and was tired but not sure if I really wanted to go to bed. The 2nd day got a bit better however; still experience the dreaded "BRAIN VOTLS" but did not feel as nauseous as the 1st day. The 3rd day was slightly better but not far from the day before. Here I am on day 4 and the only symptom I experience is the BRAIN VOLTS. The only way that I can explain them is being spun around on a chair until you feel dizzy and having the dizziness pulsate through your brain and fingertips and heart like a VOLT of electricity. It really is annoying but they VOLTS are getting further apart as the days go by. I sure hope they go away real soon.
Coming off of Effexor really stinks and I feel for the individuals that have been on a larger dost then I have and for a longer period of time. I can only speculate the withdrawal symptoms are much more rampant than I have explained.
I just wanted the next person who reads this forum to know that they are NOT ALONE and NOT going CRAZY. Everything will become more NORMAL as each day passes.
I cant say that EFFEXOR actually helped me, but I can say that coming off of it sure makes you feel much more NORMAL then before being on it … hey maybe that is the purpose for the drug ????
Thanks for your time. Looking forward to Day 5
Posted by ladyofthelamp on November 8, 2004, at 10:12:21
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by TrinityX1 on October 30, 2004, at 19:26:06
Hi everyone,i was just wondering if anyone else has extreme thirst either during or after stopping effexor.I drink approx 4 litres a day yet i still feel and look dehydrated.This cannot be normal.I stopped effexor 3 weeks ago but if anything the thirst has got worse!!Any ideas as i feel i need to be on an intravenous drip!!!!!
Posted by pandareina on November 8, 2004, at 13:39:00
In reply to Re: Effexor and extreme thirst!, posted by ladyofthelamp on November 8, 2004, at 10:12:21
I hardly drink water, during of after effexor. The only condition I know that causes thirst like that is diabetes. Have you checked your blood sugar lately?
> Hi everyone,i was just wondering if anyone else has extreme thirst either during or after stopping effexor.I drink approx 4 litres a day yet i still feel and look dehydrated.This cannot be normal.I stopped effexor 3 weeks ago but if anything the thirst has got worse!!Any ideas as i feel i need to be on an intravenous drip!!!!!
Posted by ladyofthelamp on November 8, 2004, at 14:13:04
In reply to Re: Effexor and extreme thirst!, posted by pandareina on November 8, 2004, at 13:39:00
My doctor checked my urine,presumably for sugar and didn't say there was anything wrong but did tell me that the thirst was caused by effexor and to stop it.I assumed stopping effexor would make the thirst go away but it hasn't.I do not go any where without a bottle of water and it is getting me down.I do not urinate alot either so i have no idea where all the water goes!!!!.My doctor never seems concerned whatever i say to him but i feel this is a serious matter.He just tells me to always carry water with me.This cannot be normal can it???
Posted by ed_uk on November 8, 2004, at 14:37:07
In reply to Re: Effexor and extreme thirst!, posted by ladyofthelamp on November 8, 2004, at 14:13:04
Hello!
Effexor can cause a dry mouth, this could make you thirsty. Do you have a dry mouth on Effexor?
Increased sweating is another common side effect. Effexor made me extremely sweaty :-( I had to drink a lot of water to compensate.
Ed
Posted by seegar on November 8, 2004, at 14:54:30
In reply to Re: Effexor and extreme thirst!, posted by ed_uk on November 8, 2004, at 14:37:07
Oh, ya, was I thirsty on Effexor. Dry mouth is a common side effect with this drug. Dry mouth is also common with fibromyalgia, so I was doubly damned. I am one of those people who can't be without water nearby normally, but on the Effexor, my mouth would be so dry that I sounded mush mouthed when talking. Almost two months off the drug, I am still drinking water. Hey, it is very good for the complexion, so keep drinking water, not pop or coffee.
Posted by ladyofthelamp on November 8, 2004, at 16:46:01
In reply to Re: Effexor and extreme thirst!, posted by seegar on November 8, 2004, at 14:54:30
Hi everyone and thanks for your help!I don't have a dry mouth in particular and don't sweat at all really.I could understand it if i did have thse things.I never have had to drink anything other than tea or coffee but now water is my poison!!All this water doesn't do my skin alot of good as it is dry yet i have spots for the first time in my life.I strangely seem to have symptoms of quite bad dehydration about 90% of the time just as if i had been without any liquid for 24hrs or something.To be honest i am quite worried about it so i will go and see my GP again.Incidentally i have also had the other withdrawal symptoms mentioned on this site and at least i don't feel such a failure or get tempted to go back on this poisonous drug again now i have an explanation for the weird side effects.
Posted by jujube on November 8, 2004, at 19:08:33
In reply to Re: Effexor and extreme thirst!, posted by ladyofthelamp on November 8, 2004, at 16:46:01
Has your doctor checked your electrolytes? I don't much about this, but I seem to recall seeing something once about a person who was drinking, and needing, a lot of water, and it turned out there was an electrolyte imbalance. I may, however be mistaken. Just a thought.
Also, you may want to ask your doctor to run a Glucose Tolerance Test, which is also used to rule out diabetes.
Hope you get some answers soon.
Tamara
> Hi everyone and thanks for your help!I don't have a dry mouth in particular and don't sweat at all really.I could understand it if i did have thse things.I never have had to drink anything other than tea or coffee but now water is my poison!!All this water doesn't do my skin alot of good as it is dry yet i have spots for the first time in my life.I strangely seem to have symptoms of quite bad dehydration about 90% of the time just as if i had been without any liquid for 24hrs or something.To be honest i am quite worried about it so i will go and see my GP again.Incidentally i have also had the other withdrawal symptoms mentioned on this site and at least i don't feel such a failure or get tempted to go back on this poisonous drug again now i have an explanation for the weird side effects.
Posted by roobie on November 9, 2004, at 5:44:02
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by TrinityX1 on October 30, 2004, at 19:26:06
Wow! thanks so much for your note on Effexor. I have written in this forum before and read a lot to get other users valuable input. But yours kinda hit home.
I started with Paxil a few years back, which was great but later I was very apathetic, un-orgasmic and put on about 15 pounds. I asked my g/p about an alternative (a friend was on Effexor) so she said that was fine.
Well the weight did NOT decrease but the orgasms DID return and I had a little more 'spring' in my step.
Now that some of the stress (except for my husband :) who totally thinks ME taking these meds is for HIS well-being...) has dissapated. I figured let me see if I can taper-off some. I too was 'only' on 75mg twice a day, so I simply discontinued the dosage in the evening. I thought about splitting one pill, but I typically forgot the evening one anyway and took it off-schedule.
Well the very first morning I had the weird sensation in the head, which now I think I understand the meaning of 'brain-zaps' or 'brain-volts'. I woke up today with cramps and was like I JUST got over my period... what's up with that.
So THANKS for pointing out some of those side affects. It's espeically helpful to relate when someone is on a similar dosage. Don't get me wrong, this med HAS helped me as it has others that I have read in posting; but I also see the long term issues and horrible withdrawl experienced by many. I have been very carefully trying to see if I have 'changed' and I suppose my 'sarcasm' has kicked in again (some things I find funny, others may not).
I would like to ask as well, has acne been an issue? I usually only break out one-a-month, but have noticed more blemishes in my lower cheek area to my jaw-line.
I do try to exercise a couple days per week, minimum 30 minutes and I hope this tapering-off will show some weight loss.
Input appreciated...thanks!!!
Posted by ladyofthelamp on November 9, 2004, at 9:39:24
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by roobie on November 9, 2004, at 5:44:02
I too was only on 75mg and yep spots and bumps under my skin on my face which i have never had before even in my teens.I think effexor messes up your hormones if you are a woman as i do not really have a sex drive and do not feel sexy very much.I too am more sarcastic now i am withdrawing and a bit overcritical but hope this will go soon.The best bit for me is i have my sense of humour back at last.I don't think i had a really good laugh in the 4 years i was taking effexor.The oddest thing is i have suddenly started fancying men who are going bald or thinning quite a bit in the last week or so!!!!Got a real thing for them at the moment.What's that all about then!!!!????.Any one beat that for a silly side effect of effexor withdrawal???
Posted by ladyofthelamp on November 9, 2004, at 9:44:22
In reply to Re: Effexor and extreme thirst! » ladyofthelamp, posted by jujube on November 8, 2004, at 19:08:33
Thanks for the suggestion on electrolytes.I haven't been back to my doctor yet but i will make sure i get lots of tests done, but my doctor is a bit too laidback for his own good so it will be a battle to get him to do anything!!!
Posted by ABCDee on November 10, 2004, at 16:04:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal & side effects, posted by Dave K. on November 28, 1998, at 12:58:34
I have been on effexor since nov. 03 after prozac no longer worked. Was on 75mg.xr. Worked great for awhile but in feb. 04 had to increase to 150 mg. still had issues, so added wellbutrin xl 150 mg. seemed to help, but SE from effexor was bothersome esp. sexual SE and sweating which is bad enough when you are 43 and premenopausal. In summer 04 i decided to decrease effexor to 75 mg and increase wellbutrin to 300 mg. That really helped, but still had sweating and sexual SE. On oct. 4, I began a 2 week weaning with 37.5 mg my last dose was oct 17. 2 days later the withdrawl set in big time! Shock-like electrical sensations were the first. I felt like I could shoot sparks out of my fingers & toes! It happened every time I moved my head or eyes,dozens of times a day. that I could deal with,even joked about it. then the real shit kicked in. nausea and vomiting were the worst esp. when you are so thirsty but cant drink much for fear of puking. Eating a little helped, but I was on the pot 15 min. later with diarrhea. I also couldnt think worth a damn, which is worse when you already have add. Now for the good news folks. this too will pass. Last fri, 11-5 I hit rock bottom. Cried several times that day and finally let it all out to my husband that night in the hot tub and he finally understood what i was going through. The next night, I went out with a gf to see male strippers and boy the timing couldnt have been better. It was just the catharsis I needed to start the healing process. My moods are gradually getting better, shocks are gone, thinking is getting clearer nausea almost gone, and diarrhea has decreased somewhat. Hang in there and dont blame the dr. medicine is not an exact science, esp. when dealing with the brain. My daughter and I know this firsthand. I truly wish you all luck. the hell will end.
Posted by roobie on November 10, 2004, at 16:10:31
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal side effects, posted by ABCDee on November 10, 2004, at 16:04:39
Whoa!! Thanks so very much! I had the nausea worse yesterday morning, but nowhere near what you described. I totally felt like I was going to puke and when I turned my head, my vision took an extra five seconds to follow.
I am trying to pay close attention to my moods and if I get snippy. I also better get my butt in gear to see if I can decrease some of these pounds.
Thanks again for writing. I was almost thinking, if this is how it will be, I just stay on it and deal with my liver and other s/e down the road! The 'diary' of events (not diareah :) ) offers hope!
roobie
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