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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KimberlyDi on September 9, 2003, at 8:15:07
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » oeps7, posted by spiciestcrashbean on September 8, 2003, at 18:40:40
First of all, why did you stop taking Effexor?
Second, since the panic attacks came back you may need to be on another AD like Paxil or Prozac.
Third, you need to taper off of Effexor, especially the XR kind, very slowly. Taking Prozac during this time has been said to relieve some/most withdrawal symptoms. Or ask for a prescription for Effexor IR (immediate release) which you can break into tiny pieces. Quitting cold turkey is not wise. Sadly there isn't enough information distributed about Effexor withdrawal when you start taking it.
Good Luck!
KDi in Texas> please could someone tell me this?I take effexor for my panic attacks. I have been taking it for 2 years. I tried to get off of it once but I just couldn't do it. I ended up in the emergency room because I couldn't stand up and would get a really bad head rush with every 2 steps that I would take. Then my panic attacks started to come back. please do they ever stop?
> spiciestcrashbean
Posted by oeps7 on September 9, 2003, at 8:22:43
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » oeps7, posted by spiciestcrashbean on September 8, 2003, at 18:40:40
> please could someone tell me this?I take effexor for my panic attacks. I have been taking it for 2 years. I tried to get off of it once but I just couldn't do it. I ended up in the emergency room because I couldn't stand up and would get a really bad head rush with every 2 steps that I would take. Then my panic attacks started to come back. please do they ever stop?
> spiciestcrashbeanYou definitely need a doctor's help when coming off of this medication. Taper very slowly and don't be too hard on yourself. Your panic attacks will stop. I happen to be in panic mode today, have been off effexor totally for 8 days now. Keep talking on this board and telling yourself it will pass.
oeps7
Posted by oeps7 on September 9, 2003, at 13:38:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by oeps7 on September 9, 2003, at 8:22:43
> > please could someone tell me this?I take effexor for my panic attacks. I have been taking it for 2 years. I tried to get off of it once but I just couldn't do it. I ended up in the emergency room because I couldn't stand up and would get a really bad head rush with every 2 steps that I would take. Then my panic attacks started to come back. please do they ever stop?
> > spiciestcrashbean
>
> You definitely need a doctor's help when coming off of this medication. Taper very slowly and don't be too hard on yourself. Your panic attacks will stop. I happen to be in panic mode today, have been off effexor totally for 8 days now. Keep talking on this board and telling yourself it will pass.
> oeps7One thing that seems to be helping me is I am on a small dose of zoloft 50mg. The withdrawal symptoms seem to come and go.
I know panic attacks are not only mentally tiring but physically as well. Why are you coming off the effexor? Are you switching to another med? Do not come off effexor cold turkey you need to do this slowly.>
Posted by cybercafe on September 11, 2003, at 1:32:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Johnlund on September 7, 2003, at 22:53:23
Posted by Mirabelle on September 19, 2003, at 11:13:24
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by Victor on November 15, 1998, at 13:28:50
Victor,your message really got my attention.I wanted to recommend reading about primal therapy to you:you can probably get these books at your local library.Also check the website:www.primaltherapy.com....My heart really goes out to you.Antidepressants can be good to do something for the symptom that is depression:but learning about what could be causing the depression in the first place is emporewing,reassuring,if not plain life-saving!!!!May you get the happiness you deserve!!
Posted by RPS on September 20, 2003, at 2:16:13
In reply to Going through Effexor Withdrawl now, posted by Bobina on April 7, 2001, at 22:38:31
I am currently coming off Effexor XR (150mg) and Wellbutrin (100mg). I dropped to 112.5 (3x37.5) for 4 weeks and now I am at 75 mg (2nd week). I plan to do this in 25% drops over 4 week intervals.
The Wellbutrin is harder to do in increments. It only comes in 100 and 150 mg formats. My pharmacist warned me not to cut them up as it spoils the sustained released mechanism in the pill. So I have been taking it on alternate days to approximate a 50% dose.My symptoms have been difficult and have made me feel like staying on the pills. I have to keep remidning myself why I am doing this. Everyone's postings on this made me feel better - perhaps these are just temporary side-effects and I will feel them less and less over time.
I have had dizziness, the "jolting" feeling when turning my head, spacey-ness, stomach upset (and diarrhea), and fatigue. My moods have been up and down like a yo-yo - crying one minute and then way up the next.
I hoinestly believe I can live life without these med's and I knew it would be hard to come off them. But the way they mess with your mind makes it even harder to deal with!
Good luck and thanks for your posts
Posted by desertoddity on September 20, 2003, at 15:43:17
In reply to Coming off Wellbutrin / Effexor now, posted by RPS on September 20, 2003, at 2:16:13
i, too, am coming off effexor xr. i've been through this before and the withdrawal is awful. i am switching to a new medication and, at this point, i just feel like giving up.
it only took one missed dose of effexor xr 150mg and by the afternoon of the same day, i would start getting that 'woozly' feeling in my head, like it was moving when it wasn't. it's dreadful. i am cutting the dose gradually, but it doesn't seem to help that much with the problems that occur when trying to get off of it.
i wish more physicians were aware of these symptoms, as i know people (my mom, for one) that wanted off and were just told to stop it.
it's a horror show trying to discontinue this medication.
Posted by Kevin Nichols on September 27, 2003, at 1:22:16
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - on a positive note, posted by spiciestcrashbean on September 3, 2003, at 8:18:05
I can not add one thing to what has been said by everyone on this subject except for this one thing. I am so angry at the psychiatrists that I have tried to explain all of this to only look at me as if I am lying. In the past I have been afraid to tell them that I can tell when I have missed only one dose. I can feel the withdrawl symptoms very quickly. I would say within two days I should be locked away. They tell me that is way to soon to feel the way I do. I thought I was crazy and felt very alone until this morning. While reading all of these posts I cried, became very angry, felt relieved to know that I am not alone and have now ended with the feeling of hopelessness. Depression ruined my marriage. I begged my wife to wait for the "right" medicine but after close to 20 times in the hospital she couldn't take anymore. Effexor was what I thought to be my savior. It was for awhile and I thought that if she would have waited we would have made it. I know that is not true now. Now I know she would have left me because of effexor. I have tried to go off from it several times and each time I end up in the hospital. I feel ashamed of myself because I find it very hard to take control of my life. I am very lonely but I know no one wants me especially like this. I think I was better off without antidepresents than with them. I know I am rambling and I appologize. I find it very hard to put into words how I feel. Thankyou everyone for sharing your experiences. Doctors need to know about this. Are any reading this post and all the others. I hope so. There ignorance can only be tolerated for a short time.
Posted by spiciestcrashbean on September 27, 2003, at 15:01:04
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad, posted by Kevin Nichols on September 27, 2003, at 1:22:16
> I can not add one thing to what has been said by everyone on this subject except for this one thing. I am so angry at the psychiatrists that I have tried to explain all of this to only look at me as if I am lying. In the past I have been afraid to tell them that I can tell when I have missed only one dose. I can feel the withdrawl symptoms very quickly. I would say within two days I should be locked away. They tell me that is way to soon to feel the way I do. I thought I was crazy and felt very alone until this morning. While reading all of these posts I cried, became very angry, felt relieved to know that I am not alone and have now ended with the feeling of hopelessness. Depression ruined my marriage. I begged my wife to wait for the "right" medicine but after close to 20 times in the hospital she couldn't take anymore. Effexor was what I thought to be my savior. It was for awhile and I thought that if she would have waited we would have made it. I know that is not true now. Now I know she would have left me because of effexor. I have tried to go off from it several times and each time I end up in the hospital. I feel ashamed of myself because I find it very hard to take control of my life. I am very lonely but I know no one wants me especially like this. I think I was better off without antidepresents than with them. I know I am rambling and I appologize. I find it very hard to put into words how I feel. Thankyou everyone for sharing your experiences. Doctors need to know about this. Are any reading this post and all the others. I hope so. There ignorance can only be tolerated for a short time.
Dear Kevin,
I was very touched by your post. I to know the effects of Effexor.What can we do? Who can we trust to hear our cries of disgust.?Last week I started to run out of my Effexor and I didn't have enough money to refill my prescription.I begged and asked everyone I could find. Finally the Salvation Army helped me out.Do any of you have any idea how afraid I was?I'm sure I must have come across just like a drug addict. I'm very afraid. I know I can't afford this very much longer but I also know what happens to my brain and body if it's no longer there.I'm very afraid.
Thanks for listening
Posted by Robert Fairburn on September 28, 2003, at 4:54:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad » Kevin Nichols, posted by spiciestcrashbean on September 27, 2003, at 15:01:04
Dear kevin
All I can say to you is hang in there budy. It sounds that your a non responder to drugs, and In fact they make you worse. Dont forget thatyou have lost your wife and thats bound to make things heaps worse considering that you have a natural tendency to be depressed already.I myself am a non responder to drugs in fact they seem to make me worse, however I have just have had some very interesting blood test which is causing me to change my diet. Dont get me wrong diet will not cure you but will make things better. Just remeber there is some reason why your brain chemistry is not correct, the more you can find about this the more chances you have of doing something about it. Whatever you do make sure eat a healthy diet, can I ask you a question do you feel lethargic depressed or anxious depressed.
In regards to spiciestcrashbean
This makes me hopping mad In european and commonwealth countries (canada, Aus, NZ etc) most drugs are free from the Govt just for the reason that those who need them the most, cant often afford them. Even though im a conservative in political view I cant stand right wing govt that let there own people go without meds yet have ample money for there weapons of mass destruction. Even in the bad old days of the Soviet Union they gave their people free meds and I hate communists.
Posted by desertoddity on September 28, 2003, at 13:05:14
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad, posted by Kevin Nichols on September 27, 2003, at 1:22:16
my advice for getting off effexor based on my experience. i am trying to get off of it now and this is what i am doing.
i was taking 2- 75mg xr tabs everyday and i cut it back to just 1. i spent a weekend with the shakes, wobbly head, heart palpitations and vivid, weird dreams, and maybe some other things, but i got through it. after about another week or so, i switched to the immediate release tabs (37.5mg) and am taking them as soon as i start feeling like my head is beginning to 'wobble' again. i will continue to wait a little longer before i take one each time until i am comfortable enough to stop them.
it's really not easy. but it was the best way i could think of to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
hang in there. you're not alone.
Posted by kcg33 on September 29, 2003, at 19:19:27
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad, posted by Kevin Nichols on September 27, 2003, at 1:22:16
Well, all, I hear your cries. I made it through an absolutely horrific 7 days, the last 3 of which I should have truly been in the hospital. Today, in desperation, I took the research I had done on Effexor along with my broken spirit and visited my doctor. I explained how absolutely horrible I have felt, and BEGGED for him to hear me and understand that I literally feel like I am dying here. My response? "After 7 days, Ms. Gray, you should no longer have any Effexor in your system. So it can not be the Effexor causing your symptoms. Effexor is a wonderful medication that has helped millions of people, and look here, according to my (handy dandy) little PDR, the studies they did with this medication before FDA approval indicated that NO BODY gained any weight on it, migraines were not an issue, visual disturbances were not a big issue, and in fact, 3% of the people in the study actually lost weight. So, Ms. Gray, if you have gained 30 pounds since you have been on this medicine, I assure you, it came through your teeth to get there. Are we clear? I will just put you on some Vistaril for nausea and meanwhile, hop on over to the hospital and have an MRI done on your head so we can be sure you don't have a tumor. Otherwise, everything looks fine, just try and get some rest".....
I have no idea what stupid little me was supposed to say to that. Like I had been lectured for being a tub-o-lard head case, I just took my little file to the front desk, paid them, and went on my way. I cried all the way home. And what did I do when I got here? I walked over to the desk and took the DEVIL (Effexor) out of the bottle and took one. I guess if the only way I can make the withdrawals stop is to swallow the crap because nobody believes me that this medication is killing me, then I guess Effexor wins. But I, too, do not have the money (and ZERO insurance) to continue paying the equivalent of an electric bill for medication I DO NOT WANT, yet I AM STUCK WITH IT BECAUSE I CAN'T GET RID OF IT. And my doctor really let me down today. I was so sick and so desperate, I really needed him to hear me, this week has been soooooo awful. So I put myself through a whole week of torment thinking I would come out the other side victorious over this creature, and it won anyway.
If there is anyone out there who has ever actually beaten this and was able to make it all the way- I could really use some encouragement. Without my doctor's assistance, I don't know what to do next, but I know that this past 7 days has been way more than I can ever do twice.
Posted by Enderkin on September 30, 2003, at 8:54:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad, posted by desertoddity on September 28, 2003, at 13:05:14
Um, Are all of you serious about all of this? I am on this stuff, and since I started on Easter my dose has doubled. Last week I added another 75 so now I am taking 225/day. I don't laugh like I used to. My body has strange pains that I never had before, and if I don't get my meds I can start to panic. When people try to get off this, should they switch to something else, or just stop taking it?
Posted by desertoddity on September 30, 2003, at 12:38:53
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad, posted by Enderkin on September 30, 2003, at 8:54:30
effexor should NEVER be stopped abruptly, especially at higher doses. it should be tapered slowly. i think the 'official line' is that it should be done over 2 weeks, but i think it is more reasonable to do it at a rate that is comfortable for the person taking it. depending on what med you may be replacing it with, it is not a good idea to start something new until you are off it. check with your doctor..check any other resources you have before starting something new.
Posted by cubbybear on October 1, 2003, at 4:16:16
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very angry, very sad » Kevin Nichols, posted by spiciestcrashbean on September 27, 2003, at 15:01:04
To all of you who are in living hell regarding Effexor withdrawal: I'm a regular poster on this board, particularly on anti-depressant Parnate and the benzo drug Klonopin. I've had no experience with Effexor, but for well over a year I've read posts on this board and elsewhere about the horrors of withdrawing from Effexor. I believe the latest world statistics show that Paxil and Effexor are the toughest drugs to quit. My only advice is this:
1) If you're in any way dissatisfied with your doctor, do your utmost to find one who is sympathetic and qualified to help you withdraw.
2) Keep posting on this board and communicate with others who have suffered like you and found a way to beat the beast.
3) Check out any possible avenues toward class action lawsuits against the manufacturer. I believe that there is a large one going on in England, and you might be able to learn about some worthwhile "fight back" tactics from them.
Good luck to all of you and I pray that you'll come out winners against the big bucks companies who care only about one thing: the Almighty Dollar.
Posted by T_R_D on October 1, 2003, at 11:18:45
In reply to Effexor 1 - Me 0, posted by kcg33 on September 29, 2003, at 19:19:27
Hi kcg33...don't give up! I got off Effexor...I was having all of the nasty sides...it was the sickest I've ever felt that withdrawal. It took me about 3 weeks in total. After that, I went on to try some new meds...none of which worked so I went back on Effexor. Now, it seems I've developed some sort of "intolerance" to Effexor...all the *rare* side effects are happening to me at 75mg alone. Before, I was on 375mg plus a thyroid hormone as a booster. I'll be off the Effexor for a couple of days and then I'm going to try yet ANOTHER drug. You CAN do this...I did. It's scary at the time but it DOES get better. The three weeks were like an eternity but I soon forgot all about them once I started feeling better.
Take care,
TRD
Posted by AlisonDavina on October 1, 2003, at 12:18:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl .. cough? » Mitch, posted by cath on September 2, 2001, at 19:47:04
My doctor told me to miss 2 days of my Effexor before switching to Prozac. The Effexor wasnt touching my depression. I am feeling dizzy, nauseated, hot and cold and unable to sleep. I am supposed to switch to Prozac but I dont know whether to persevere and be medication free - be "me" again..the first time in 12 years. I cant believe that missing 2 doses could have such a profound effect. Does it last for long?? I cant drive my car without feeling sick. I am a widowed mother of 3 young children and I feel unable to look after them...any suggestions???
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 1, 2003, at 16:48:24
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl .. cough? » Mitch, posted by cath on September 2, 2001, at 19:47:04
> has anyone experienced respiratory problems with the other symptoms of withdrawal or am I just experiencing a bonus illness?
My doctor is tapering me off Effexor (2x150mg daily). I've been experiencing this annoying cough, and feelings like my throat is closing up.
KDi in Texas
Posted by proudestmonkey on October 8, 2003, at 11:59:03
In reply to Effexor 1 - Me 0, posted by kcg33 on September 29, 2003, at 19:19:27
This really sucks. I had no idea I was going to go through 'paxil hell' again. I decided I wanted to get off the meds, and left to go on a business trip w/o them. Magically, a 37.5 pill had snuck its way into a pocket... that took care of the electric headache for the past 21 hours...
I have 3 days left until home, with no access to effexor... is there ANYTHING over the counter that helps????
Posted by irishcatholic on October 8, 2003, at 16:02:21
In reply to Re: Effexor 1 - Me 0 -- This sucks, I had no idea., posted by proudestmonkey on October 8, 2003, at 11:59:03
find a pharmacy where you are, get the phone number, and call your doc.
ADs aren't controlled substances so should not be a big deal to get a script via phone
Posted by DoYouKnowHim? on October 9, 2003, at 0:59:35
In reply to Re: Effexor 1 - Me 0 -- This sucks, I had no idea., posted by proudestmonkey on October 8, 2003, at 11:59:03
If you really get into a tough situation, just call the local pdoc's office in whatever town you are visiting, explain your situation and ask for sample packet. It has worked for me. And all they can say is NO.
Posted by Patient on October 9, 2003, at 11:23:41
In reply to Re: Effexor 1 - Me 0 -- This sucks, I had no idea., posted by proudestmonkey on October 8, 2003, at 11:59:03
You might try diphenhydramine (Benadryl) antihistamine.
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Antidepressant-discontinua.html
Posted by katia on October 9, 2003, at 14:36:43
In reply to Effexor 1 - Me 0, posted by kcg33 on September 29, 2003, at 19:19:27
Hi,
I'm so sorry you had to have such an unempathetic piece of *hit patronizing doctor. These meds DO cause weight gain and everyone is individual. He doesn't know what's he's talking about. How about this? A prerequisite to becoming a pdoc - MUST GO THROUGH EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL. Sound good? I think so. They might have a little more empathy and try and DO something about it then.If they haven't already subsided, the withdrawals will. And then maybe you can find a new doctor? I hate the fact that I couldn't interview a few to find out who might be worthy of my money. Too few pdocs overworked and overpaid (because of the lack of quality when you're dealing with this many patients/clients). I had to wait two months to get into see mine. And I'm not that impressed.
I do most research and take care of myself in regards to side effects and introducing new med combos to him. If you have it in you, do your own research - this board is very helpful - and go to him and be assertive (if you can in your state - i know it's hard!!!!:-(
suggest things and reject things outright. If he doesn't work with you and he's not showing that he cares, then it's time to switch pdocs. Esp. if he insults you like he does.
Sorry you're having a rough time.
katia
Posted by proudestmonkey on October 9, 2003, at 14:46:03
In reply to Re: Effexor 1 - Me 0 -- This sucks, I had no idea., posted by Patient on October 9, 2003, at 11:23:41
I saw that somewhere else today as well (re: Benadryl). I am about to head to Walgreen's to give it a try. I'll try to post my results...
Currently....
Two days after last 37.5 Effexor:
Hot flashes (I'm a guy so I'm pretty sure it's not menopause), Pulsating/Dizzy/Electrical headache kinda thing, very moody (my wife keeps wanting to argue with me - silly rabbit), back ache (kinda like flu), overly figgity and restless.
Posted by andie on October 9, 2003, at 22:52:01
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl » slazart, posted by Seraphim on June 17, 2001, at 18:02:36
I have read all the post and I have to tell you that getting off of effexor was horrible for me. I had been taking it for about 2 years.When I stopped it I only tapered off for about 2 weeks then just stopped all together,what an idiot I was. I had terrible night mares and night sweats. I was so dizzy and headaches constantly,and I also felt so strange I cant explain It. The bad news was that it took me about 3 months to start feeling better. I felt like I was going out of my mind. It has been 8 months now and Im back to a semi normal person again. I really dont think I would ever want to take effexor again in my life.
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