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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SLS on February 26, 2005, at 14:30:22
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by leedoole on February 26, 2005, at 12:16:07
> I had been on Effexor for approx 6 years. I reduced the dosage, per doctor care, twice over the years. The latest dosage was 37.5. This week, I stopped taking it completely. I am pregnant, and do not want to spend the whole pregnancy going on & off different meds.
>
> I am having extreme withdrawal symptoms, as well as nausea from the pregnancy. I cry several times throughout the day, and just feel lousy. I read many of the threads, and I'm very nervous about this withdrawal lasting so long.....Your baby is probably experiencing the same distress (withdrawal syndrome) as you are. I think you are better off discontinuing the drug in a way that prevents withdrawal.
I would either:
1. Reintroduce the Effexor and use a flexible dosing schedule to taper.
2. Take Prozac 20mg for 3-5 days and then discontinue the Effexor. You might not have to take Prozac beyond the fifth day.
When mothers take SSRI antidepressants or Effexor in the third trimester, the baby does undergo a withdrawal syndrome upon birth that is quite dangerous, and can last for weeks.
Symptoms include irritability, constant crying, shivering, colic, increased tonus, eating and sleeping difficulties, hypothermia, and convulsions, just to name a few.
- Scott
Posted by leedoole on March 2, 2005, at 8:10:43
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by SLS on February 26, 2005, at 14:30:22
I was wondering what is the correct way to "taper" off of effexor. If I go back on this drug, only to taper/wean myself off, I certainly don't want to experience the same withdrawal symptoms. What a nightmare this past week has been.
Posted by Penny G on March 2, 2005, at 16:47:29
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by SLS on February 26, 2005, at 14:30:22
I am currently trying to get off Effexor by skipping a day and will then go to 2 day, then 3 days, etc. but it appears after reading these postings that is a bad idea. I am in the process of seeking a new doctor as mine wants to double my dosage to help lose weight and I am against it. Do docs get a kickback from drug companies? Anyway, mine comes in a capsule, should I break it apart and take a smaller portion each day until I get off it? I have been taking it for about 5 years. I will use the Clariton D for side affects. Any help would be great!
Posted by oilfan on March 2, 2005, at 18:58:38
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Penny G on March 2, 2005, at 16:47:29
> I am currently trying to get off Effexor by skipping a day and will then go to 2 day, then 3 days, etc. but it appears after reading these postings that is a bad idea. I am in the process of seeking a new doctor as mine wants to double my dosage to help lose weight and I am against it. Do docs get a kickback from drug companies? Anyway, mine comes in a capsule, should I break it apart and take a smaller portion each day until I get off it? I have been taking it for about 5 years. I will use the Clariton D for side affects. Any help would be great!
I have found a way that works for me to taper off. Taking your reg. dose one day and then dropping by the smallest dose 37.5 mg for a day then back to reg. dose next day etc.. Do this for two weeks then go on the lower dose for two solid weeks. I then drop down another 37.5 mg and alternate for two weeks. So far I have dropped down 75mg. and am about to drop down another 37.5 mg and begin alternating for two weeks. The headache's are hell. But I found that I smoke a joint and it helps to lessen the migraine. And going on it to lose weight is b*llshit!! It causes weight gain.Just an idea. Hope it works for you.
Posted by NickH on March 3, 2005, at 11:04:26
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by oilfan on March 2, 2005, at 18:58:38
I just started weaning off of Effexor a couple of weeks ago. I was on 300mg. Went to 225, then 150, then 75. I didn't realize the possible side effects of quitting until dropping the 75's a couple of days ago. WOW! Nausea,vertigo,shocks, insomnia,and the rest of the usual suspects.
Doctor wanted me to switch to 20mg Prozac, but I decided to get off of all meds, so I didn't pick up the prescription for Prozac.
Yesterday was BAD! Felt horrible, and got worse. I picked up the Prozac after reading about the benefits on this site. Took one yesterday afternoon and this morning, and its getting better. Not perfect, but I'm not freaking out like yesterday.
God Bless you all for the information. I don't know what I would feel like today, if I hadn't gotten the info on this site. Hopefully, we will all get past this, and return to a "normal" life.
Whatever that means....
Posted by Penny G on March 3, 2005, at 12:22:55
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by oilfan on March 2, 2005, at 18:58:38
Oilfan thanks for the advice! Thanks to everyone for being so open about your experiences. I had no idea how bad the withdrawal was going to be or I would have never gone on this med. The drug companies always play the numbers game on the side affects, but where are the withdrawals listed? How can a company make millions off people trying to get better by not being honest about how bad the withdrawals are? Doesn't seem right!
Posted by oilfan on March 4, 2005, at 16:42:07
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Penny G on March 3, 2005, at 12:22:55
> Oilfan thanks for the advice! Thanks to everyone for being so open about your experiences. I had no idea how bad the withdrawal was going to be or I would have never gone on this med. The drug companies always play the numbers game on the side affects, but where are the withdrawals listed? How can a company make millions off people trying to get better by not being honest about how bad the withdrawals are? Doesn't seem right!
NO IT'S NOT RIGHT BUT THAT'S BIG PHARMACY FOR U.
Posted by Janise on March 20, 2005, at 14:20:40
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by oilfan on March 4, 2005, at 16:42:07
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I sitting here crying like a baby reading these notes and seeing myself in so many them. I was put on Effexor last summer, I have severe, chronic migraines and no therapies have worked. My family doc thought it would help me cope with one failed therapy after another. Now though, between my neuro's and family doc, I'm getting off of all drugs except for abortives for the migraines; we've started with acupuncture and natural food supplements, at least it's not poisoning my body.
I'm on 7 weeks and counting with the Effexor reduction, I alternate between being extremely hot with sweats and excessive cold with chills. I'm at 37.5 right now and I can go every other night without exacerbating the symptoms but I have added the emotional upheaval, I cry at anything and everything.These notes have given me such relief! I don't feel alone!
A huge Thank You about the brain zaps..knowing that it's this and not that I'm going nuts: priceless!
I'm going to work with my Acupuncturist about the withdrawal, I'll let you know about that
Posted by wintermoon on July 13, 2005, at 11:40:25
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Mary Dionne on February 21, 2005, at 19:09:44
Just curious...is there a class action suit against the makers of this drug???And if not,why?
Posted by angelbean on July 16, 2005, at 2:21:37
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by wintermoon on July 13, 2005, at 11:40:25
> Just curious...is there a class action suit against the makers of this drug???And if not,why?
As a matter of fact.....
http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/157.html
Posted by maxwella on July 17, 2005, at 18:02:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by wintermoon on July 13, 2005, at 11:40:25
I'm about a month into effexor withdrawal. Started at 150mg, now at approx 30mg. Am irritable, have no short term memory, dizzy, nauseous, sad, and at times frustrated and rageful. Am planning to stop completely in about a week. Am taking 20mg Prozac-have been for about 2 months. Any other advice? Am so glad I found this site, I have felt I'm going crazy and wondering how I can work when I feel like this. I teach emotionally disturbed children! Stressful! Words of wisdom/advice welcomed.
Posted by kcgordon on July 27, 2005, at 18:25:53
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » wintermoon, posted by angelbean on July 16, 2005, at 2:21:37
I'm just starting on my way 'down' from 375 mg, dropped to 300 last week and this week started on 225. I've been on 375mg of Effexor for a couple of years and got to a point a few months ago where it 'quit'--my depression was yoyoing up and down and I started getting side effects like mild Tardive Dyskinsia, some skin sensitivity etc.
So far, nothing very noticeable during withdrawal--just a little aching and headache. I've had one or two shooting pains in my head. I'm looking for advice about the later stages of withdrawal. Is it recommended to go down by 37.5mg instead? Do most people experience problems and if so, are these at the lower doses? Finally has anyone ever tried acupuncture to address and minimize side effects? Thanks.
Kath
Posted by canadiangirl3 on July 28, 2005, at 12:49:38
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by maxwella on July 17, 2005, at 18:02:39
My advice to you is don't rush it. I tapered withdrawal of Effexor with Prozac. I felt pretty good once I stopped the Effexor and just continued with Prozac. Once i stopped the Prozac all those symptoms hit me again. This went on for about three months even though I was not ingesting any anti depressant. I just had to ride it out. Finally, about early July sometime, i woke up one morning and forgot I ever had any w/d symptoms. Be patient and know that in time you will be back to your old self.
D.
Posted by teradoo on August 6, 2005, at 19:55:14
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by canadiangirl3 on July 28, 2005, at 12:49:38
I read that canadiangirl3 had withdrawal for 3 months from Effexor. I am on day 35 of Cymbalta w/d (seems to be same symptoms/effects) and still having a really rough time of it. Even though the physical effects are clearing up pretty well, the mental and emotional issues are seeming to get worse. Depression, anxiety, dissociation. I can't keep from crying every day.
I am seeing an acupuncturist, a cranio-sacral therapist and my cognitive therapist that I've seen for about a year now.
Did you have these mental/emotional problems? What did you do? Thanks for any help someone can give at this point...
Tera
Posted by canadiangirl3 on August 23, 2005, at 11:34:34
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » canadiangirl3, posted by teradoo on August 6, 2005, at 19:55:14
Hi there,
I am sorry that you are having a rough time. Go easy on yourself. It will pass. I didn't have crying bouts so much as bursts of anger and looking to pick a fight with just about anyone. You might just have to hibernate for a while. I am a BIG proponent of acupuncture and cranio sacral therapy. So it seems to me that you are doing all the right things. Just don't beat yourself up about it and you will be back to your old self in time! good luck. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by pinkfiona on August 24, 2005, at 2:13:34
In reply to Just starting Effexor withdrawal--advice?, posted by kcgordon on July 27, 2005, at 18:25:53
Withdraw SLOWLY. as slow as you can. SLS (Scott) has some good advice on withdrawal. I came off Effexor a few years ago and I had to take 2 weeks off work with dizziness and all sorts. This was on top of two weeks off for depression and one week for flu. i didn't keep the job for much longer. be careful. When I withdrew i only tapered for a week because that was the only advice I was given. Take your time. Best of luck. I've just finished withdrawal from Zispin (Remeron) and it was horrible. give yourself a little space to feel bad for a while. These drugs affect our very beings and they are not aspirin!
Posted by ed_uk on August 24, 2005, at 13:53:50
In reply to Re: Just starting Effexor withdrawal--advice?, posted by pinkfiona on August 24, 2005, at 2:13:34
Zispin..... me thinks you live in the UK ;-)
~Ed
Posted by badfish37 on September 17, 2005, at 15:58:52
In reply to Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 22:41:52
I have been trying to get off Effoxor for 4 days, which was directed by my doctor. I went off of it gradually and now I feel like a crack addict missing my drug. I have been having these hollow headaches that I'v had before when I forgot to take my med, I have been throwing up and I have panic attacks. I'm freaking out and they seem to get worse everyday. I cant call my doc cause its Saturday and hes not in till Monday, but I cant handle these side effects anymore. I dont know what to do about it, if anyone has any feedback let me know, cause I seriously am thinking about taking them just to ease the pain and I know I shouldnt.
Posted by wildcard on September 17, 2005, at 15:58:55
In reply to cant get off this effexor!!!, posted by badfish37 on September 17, 2005, at 3:41:22
i was VERY fortunate when i quit effexor cold, i had no s/e but i do know some babblers have had to take a dose of effexor while tapering off b/c the s/e were so severe. if ur doc does not have an after hour #, i see no harm in taking the minimum dosage of effexor to help the w/d u are having UNLESS ur doc wants u to discontinue the med. for a serious health reason. that is only my opinion and i am not by any means a doc.. hope u feel better soon and if u google effexor, u will find some threads where people have had the same w/d as u are. take care
Posted by Nervous Rob on September 17, 2005, at 19:32:58
In reply to cant get off this effexor!!!, posted by badfish37 on September 17, 2005, at 3:41:22
> I have been trying to get off Effoxor for 4 days, which was directed by my doctor. I went off of it gradually and now I feel like a crack addict missing my drug. I have been having these hollow headaches that I'v had before when I forgot to take my med, I have been throwing up and I have panic attacks. I'm freaking out and they seem to get worse everyday. I cant call my doc cause its Saturday and hes not in till Monday, but I cant handle these side effects anymore. I dont know what to do about it, if anyone has any feedback let me know, cause I seriously am thinking about taking them just to ease the pain and I know I shouldnt.
When I was having withdrawal from Cymbalta, my doc told me to empty a half of a capsule in some orange juice and take some that way. I did that for two days and the side effects were eliminated.
The most important thing you should do is call your doc on an emergency. That's why they get the big bucks. Your doctors don't want you to suffer and will tell you better than anyone here how to deal with it since they know your background and history. If you can't get your doc on the phone and your symptoms are getting worse, call any doctor you go to and ask for help. Someone will help you. Good luck.
Posted by graceneeded on September 18, 2005, at 7:08:06
In reply to Re: cant get off this effexor!!!, posted by Nervous Rob on September 17, 2005, at 19:32:58
Had the same promlem. Take some less drowsey Dramaphine and one Benedryl and most of the seasickness and hangover stuff will leave. Tapper off the Effexor till every other day for about a week at 34mg. If you get real sick take another Effexor. You are comming off too fast. I did the samething at first then my doctor listened to me and am coming off much better now. 4 more days till Effexor free. Its a good med with bad side affects and worse withdrawels. Danny
Posted by youdontouchme on September 22, 2005, at 10:01:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by bruin on February 21, 2005, at 21:21:44
I am so glad I found this site. I have been searching on line for info on effexor since I started taking it. I am "Effexor Free" for 6days now. I tapered off by myself because my psych and my therapist would not supprt me in stopping this med. IT WAS AWFUL! I would rather spend the rest of my life sobbing than feel like I did on that drug. This site has helped me SO MUCH! Thank you all for sharing your stories!!
Posted by graceneeded on September 23, 2005, at 18:15:00
In reply to had to up the dose after withdrawal, posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:54:00
i AM OFF AFTER BEING ON IT FOR FOUR YEARS. WILL THE WITHDRAWAL SIDE AFFECTS EVER STOP. STILL FEELING SEA SICK AND CAN HEAR MY EYES MOVE. i WENT FROM 225 TO 0 IN 5 WEEKS. I WILL BE GLAD WHEN THE WITHDRAWEL AFFECTS LEAVE SO I CAN SEE HOW I AM REALLY DOING WITH OUT MEDS!
Posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 17:59:07
In reply to had to up the dose after withdrawal, posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:51:23
I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg's for around 8 years for anxiety/depression. I must say that Effexor saved my life, and its a good drug compared to others I have tried. But I will also say it IS A DRUG. And getting off of it was hard. Ive been off of it for around 3 weeks now. I tapered off over 2 weeks, and the hardest part was the first week on zero. HOWEVER, it is do-able. Everyone is different, and will detox differently. I did want to take more, even considered licking the pills, when it got bad. But I didnt, and it worked. The side effects are gone! There is a lot of advice and specifics that Id love to share if anyone wants it. Oh, and I am not fixed, or cured. I am starting the process of seeking help. Anxiety is a son of a b*tch, and it haunts me still.
Posted by graceneeded on September 24, 2005, at 17:59:09
In reply to Actually seems to be working, posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 1:54:35
I have been effexor free since Monday. Please share your experience. I still have the buzzing and seasickness. I feel drugged, dull and hard to concentrate. Am looking forward to see if all the stuff I have learned over the past 15 years really works without meds. You are so right about it being a process. The good part is we are trying and walking out the process. Keep in touch.
Danny
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