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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 17:59:10
In reply to Re: Actually seems to be working, posted by graceneeded on September 24, 2005, at 6:43:49
I think the worst part for me was the neausea. It lasted for about 2 weeks. The brain zapps slowly left, around 2 weeks off. I took a lot of hot baths, drank a lot of gatorade and hot vegetable broth. Eating seemed to make me sick, so the broth really helped. Eat bland foods, but healthy. I kept a journal of my symptoms. It helped me to try and look at it like a science project. And I took benedryl/tylenol pm at night. You could take dramamine, too for the seasickness. I took that a few times. You have to try and not be worried about taking other meds. For whatever reasons, I didnt want to take other stuff. But I did, and it helped. And dont be under the assumption that your problems are gone. They probably arent. We just have to try and be strong enough now to overcome them. So for the first week-2 off meds, dont go to work, or schedule anything. Lay around, watch movies, let yourself recover. I got really emotional, too! I cried at every movie I watched, even 'The Rescuers Down Under'! Id say the physical detox is pretty much done, though I am still experiencing period problems, sour stomaches, and insomnia. But all the major stuff is gone, and the 5th of this month is my first clean day. The stuff is just like hard drugs. The detox is similar to heroin, at least it was for me.
Posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 17:59:12
In reply to Re: Actually seems to be working, posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 16:38:43
oh, and the hardest part for me was after I was on zero effexor. So dont be too worried if it gets harder. It WILL pass...
Posted by wildcard on September 24, 2005, at 17:59:13
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by TinMan on September 24, 2005, at 7:50:18
>Wellbutrin caused my heart to beat very fast when i took it alone a couple years back. I had increased energy and a sex drive that wldn't stop(which is why i have a 9 month old..lol). Effexor has *helped* the depression to where the *bad* thoughts are gone but i have NO energy so i am going to ask my Pdoc about combining the two. U take care ; )
Posted by wildcard on September 24, 2005, at 17:59:14
In reply to Re: Actually seems to be working, posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 16:40:50
> i quit 225mg of effexor xr cold(NOT RECOMMENDED) and had NO withdrawal or s/effects??? I did good for about 45 days and once again, crashed and burned. I am now on 300mg a day but am going to ask my Pdoc about the effexor/wellbutrin combo. I am so sorry to hear the hell u all are going through coming off this med.. (((((hugs)))) I truly hope u feel relief soon.
Posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 17:59:16
In reply to I dont know why but, posted by wildcard on September 24, 2005, at 17:06:23
You are very lucky to not have had any of the withdrawls! But I do believe it is mind over matter, and I wouldnt be shocked to find out I made myself sick. One thing that really supports that idea was that if I didnt take Effexor at the same time daily, like within a 1/2 hour, I started to feel the brain zapps, and other things. Whereas my best friend could forget a dose and never know the difference! That always amazed me. What is/was it like with you? Do you take it at the same time?
Posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 17:59:17
In reply to Actually seems to be working, posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 1:54:35
check out this comic:
http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php?date=2005-09-07&res=l
Posted by wildcard on September 25, 2005, at 2:10:38
In reply to Re: I dont know why but, posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 17:46:11
Hey! I am one of the MOST stubborn people and truly thought i could go w/o AD's w/ the mind over matter theory but like i mentioned, hit bottom after 45 days. :~{ I do not feel any different at all regardless when i take the Effexor XR. I cld. take it in the evening and still sleep just fine. I take 225mg between 10:30am and 1pm and nap w/ my baby for two hours(after a pot of coffee also). When we wake up i take the other 75mg. I do however know that my sister in laws entire immediate family take effexor and if not taken at a certain time, they act completely out of character(this is what she has told me). I have never had s/e to meds., so i am grateful w/ all i have read. Be glad to help in any way i can ; )
Posted by SLS on September 25, 2005, at 8:52:50
In reply to I dont know why but, posted by wildcard on September 24, 2005, at 17:06:23
> > i quit 225mg of effexor xr cold(NOT RECOMMENDED) and had NO withdrawal or s/effects??? I did good for about 45 days and once again, crashed and burned. I am now on 300mg a day but am going to ask my Pdoc about the effexor/wellbutrin combo.
I know a few people whom profit greatly from this combination. I wish you luck.
- Scott
Posted by youdontouchme on September 26, 2005, at 10:51:17
In reply to OFF EFFEXOR AS OF LAST MONDAY, posted by graceneeded on September 23, 2005, at 12:37:38
I love this list! Your stories and comments are helping me SO MUCH! Today is my 10th day "Effexor free" and I feel HORRIBLE!! I tapered off slowly (over 6 weeks) and I feel WORSE now that I did 2 weeks a ago. I saw my psych on Friday, I confeesed to her that i had done this against her advice. She was actually very nice about it and warned me that I could still "Deep6" and advised me that I might try another kind of drug. I said "NO WAY, I would rather live my life a sobbing mess than eve feel like this again!" She thenn suggested that I remain in active therapy as often as possible.
Thank you all for sharing!!
Posted by rory on September 27, 2005, at 15:10:22
In reply to Re: OFF EFFEXOR AS OF LAST MONDAY, posted by youdontouchme on September 26, 2005, at 10:51:17
What are you feeling exactly? Is it the withdrawls or the 'root' of the problem that made you get on the meds? Maybe I can help?
Posted by youdontouchme on September 27, 2005, at 17:54:32
In reply to Re: OFF EFFEXOR AS OF LAST MONDAY, posted by rory on September 27, 2005, at 15:10:22
> What are you feeling exactly? Is it the withdrawls or the 'root' of the problem that made you get on the meds? Maybe I can help?
It is the physical symptoms that are bothering me the most. A horrible headach is the worst of it. I sem to be over the dizziness, nightmares, wierd sleep and sobbing or raging. I am depressed again, but I would rather be depressed than deal with ever going off meds again!! I DO feel a sense of success and victory at getting this far.
Posted by rory on September 30, 2005, at 14:29:18
In reply to Re: OFF EFFEXOR AS OF LAST MONDAY, posted by youdontouchme on September 27, 2005, at 17:54:32
You should feel victorious! It may be horrible, but at least youre off of it! I still feel pretty crappy, too. I had to change a few things recenlty to help get better.
for the nausea: eat saltines, tonic water, 7up,toast, stay away from acidic things.
for the headaches: take advil/tylenol, but switch off each time.
for sleeping problems: Im taking sleeping pills, but you can take other stuff, like melatonin, benedryl, dramamine, etc. And take them early enough, too. Force yourself to get up early every day.
And walk a little bit, I certainly dont feel like walking, but I make myself. It helps.
I feel exactly the same. I NEVER want to go through this again. And this will pas, eventually. Of course I may HAVE to get back on meds, some people do. But Im at 25 days and doing okay. I feel very proud of myself. Corny, isnt it? As far as the advice o symptoms, these were suggestions from a nurse practioner. Keep it up!
Posted by sydsmom on October 12, 2005, at 9:45:02
In reply to Re: OFF EFFEXOR AS OF LAST MONDAY, posted by rory on September 30, 2005, at 14:29:18
Hello all. I am new to this. I started taking Effexor last week and had bad side effects- but they soon went away. I found this site last week and have been addicted to it ever since. I am not going to continue taking Effexor, because I am really concerned with all of the problems I am reading about. I have taken AD off and on for about 10 years- but nothing steadily. I just wanted to commend all of you who have stuck this out and come off of this seemingly extremely addictive drug. Going thru the postings, I was curious: Scott- are you currently taking Effexor or have you stopped and are helping others stop as well? As others have pointed out, you seem very knowledgable in this subject. Also, does anyone know if our MDs get a kick back from the drug companies when they prescribe meds? I like my doc, but she was way too quick to prescribe this one without offering any other options. I have taken Paxil, Lexapro, and Wellbutrin in the past, but I don't recall any W/D effects from them.
Posted by youdontouchme on October 12, 2005, at 9:59:39
In reply to Re: OFF EFFEXOR AS OF LAST MONDAY, posted by sydsmom on October 12, 2005, at 9:45:02
Effexor was a terrible experience for me. Yes, I did not cry while on it, but I felt like a rummy idiot. I just cannot undersatnd why the docs say this drug is not addictive. I slowly withdrew for about 8 weeks and was miserable. I am now 19 days effexor free and still am having those knife like headaches.I am determined not to take anything after this experience.
Posted by laura007 on October 26, 2005, at 9:28:41
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by SamIAm on February 22, 2005, at 11:07:55
I have been on effexor for almost a month. So far I love it. I want to get on a little higher dosage, but even on 75mg there is a huge difference, espically with the social anxiety. My only concern is when I eventually come off it!! Is it really such a nightmare as you all said?
Posted by rory on November 1, 2005, at 12:44:36
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by laura007 on October 26, 2005, at 9:28:41
I think in a lot of ways Effexor saved my life. However, it is so very hard to get off of! Had I known the struggle that was to come by getting off of it, I think I wouldve tried harder to stay med-free, or at least a different med. I am almost 2 months clean off of Effexor, and still face a wide variety of problems from my body adjusting to life w/o it. If I were you, Id try to stay at a low dosage and work REALLY REALLY hard to get off of meds entirely! Not everyone can do this, though. If you need it, you need it. I was on Effexor for like 8 years...I strongly believe people must find a way to work through the anxiety w/o meds. It only masks the problems.
Posted by Gee on November 17, 2005, at 14:04:02
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by rory on November 1, 2005, at 12:44:36
I've been getting brain zaps a lot and I'm not going off Effexor at all. My doc couldn't figure it out.
It went away for awhile with the help of some dental work (long long story), but now it's back so suddenly. Has anyone else found this?
Posted by MowMowsGirl on June 28, 2006, at 22:02:33
In reply to I just want to be me again, posted by LoJo on August 5, 2001, at 16:00:17
Why couldn't we all have found this listing before going on it. I have taken Effexor XR for 3 years or so now. I was up to 375 mg. I have to say it has worked very well as far as making me not be depressed. But unfortunately I have become more and more fatigued to the point that I can't get myself up to do hardly anything. And when I do sleep, it is so soundly, that others can't even wake me up, and I've missed many important things because of it. I even find myself being too lazy to get up to brush my teeth, or do little chores that need to be done. And on top of that, I tried to get disability, and they don't consider depression to be a good enough cause. Don't they understand how it can screw up someone's life??? This started when I realized I was quiting all my jobs because of my depression. Any little criticism, other employee's trying to out do me or kiss up to the boss, or them hiring new people instead of upgrading the ones who had been there so long already. I'd go home crying my eyes out most days, until I ended up quiting. And on top of that everything in my life was not good except my family. No friends (I chased them all away by being so down all the time), no romantic relationships that lasted any longer than a few weeks to a few months, almost 30 and still no kids (which heavily weighs on women) and just general bad luck in everything. I got to the worst depression I had ever had, where I would have killed myself if I didn't believe it to be worse than living the remaining years. Unfortunately people don't seem to think your depression is as bad unless you are suicidal, which always bothered me. It's much worse to live your life depressed and a wreck every day, than to be able to just end it. (NOT suggesting for people to just end it!!! I believe if you die before you are meant to, then you get stuck in a kind of in between area where you have to work out your problems still before going to the light. So it wouldn't help!!)I'm not sure if my depression was from me naturally getting it, or from a past drug I had taken called Accutane, which was experimental at the time, and was later found to have caused people to kill others and themselves, and cause severe depression. The drug itself was for clearing up extreme acne (one of my many problems), and had many, many side effects, even lasting up to a year after you stopped taking it, but the depression didn't go away for those people. It didn't work the first time I took it, so the doctor tried for one extra year (Lucky Me) and it still didn't work!!! And now I think my depression is in a large part a cause of it. On top of that I had a panic attack that lasted 5 days, and I lost so much weight during that, that I only weighed 85 lbs. So the doctors sent me to a psychiatrist of course. I was put on Effexor XR, and Xanax when I needed it for the panic attacks, and Fiorinal (similar to Vicodin) for when I would get migraines. And now here is the current situation. I decided I wanted to try and go off Effexor XR #1 to see if I still needed it. If we are always on it, how do we know if we are better or not right?? And secondly because I want to try and have a baby, and I'm sure it wouldn't be good in that case. Although I have to wonder if being on Effexor while pregnant or being severely depressed while pregnant is worse. Anyone got that answer?? Anyways, I started lowering the dose by 75 mg, giving it a week, before lowering it again. I didn't tell my psychiatrist yet, because she makes me go too often as it is, and is way to expensive to go to more often. While lowering the doses not much occured as far as side effects. A little dizziness maybe, but nothing like a day of forgetting or anything. Now I have been off it completely for 2 days. Yesterday, the first day, I felt horrible, very hot and sweaty, almost threw up several times, dizzy, diarrhea, fidgety feeling, what I call a shifting sound or feeling in my head (other people have said like a bug zapper or brain shivers, which may be the same thing, but that one is hard to explain), once in a while a sound like liquid moving in the back of my head, or upper neck area (anyone had that?), and almost like I'm having a panic attack at times. Just not good. Today was a little less, but still very much not normal. I am going camping in a few days, and wonder if I will enjoy it as much while feeling like this. But I am dead set on trying my life without it for a while, and a little discouraged to hear that some people still have side effects up to 8 weeks after stopping!! While on it, if I forgot a dose, the Xanax always seemed to help. But I don't want to become dependent on that either. So I will keep you updated on how my withdrawal is going, since it seems to be so helpful to others in the same position. What is the half life of the medicine that everyone is talking about?? What does that mean? And has anyone's doctor given them tests while on it. Mine doesn't, so how do I know it's not effecting my liver, kidneys or something else?? Anyways, I just wanted to share, and would welcome a letter from anyone else in the situation. Thanks!
Posted by pandareina on June 28, 2006, at 22:02:36
In reply to My Effexor XR Story - long but worth it., posted by MowMowsGirl on June 28, 2006, at 1:56:31
MowMowsGirl,
I read your post and wanted to tell you that you are not alone on this. If you cannot handle the side effects of quitting so fast,go back to a comfortable dosis and do it much more slowly than you have done. There is no rush, right? You are not pregnant yet I assume. It took me months to quit, getting down to removing pellets within a pill at the very end. I have also taken Acutane for 16 months some years ago.
I do not think personally that acutane made it worse for me, but that was me, everyone is different. Have hope too, girl! I met my hubby at 35 and got married at 36, had a kid at 37, which has been the best "cure" to depression. I am now a happy depressive person,if you can phantom that!For good measure and to even me out(I still have huge ups and downs) I now take welbutrin (spelling), which I find to be great.
Anyway, I would talk to your doctor and not do it alone.I would tell your doc about not being able to afford going more often to the office. If he/she is not flexible about it, I would say your doc's principles are kinda screwed up. There are many ways to quit effexor, other drugs can help with the side effects. But you need your doc to help there.
Oh yes one more thing ... my depression went away while pregnant and it was very mild from the time I quit Effexor. So I totally understand you wanting to know where your depression stands.
Effexor has not caused any damage on my liver or kidneys or anywhere. For me Effexor saved me and no matter how hard it was to quit it was worth it.
Good luck and believe that all you want from live is waiting right around the corner, when you least expect it, too.
Pandareina
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