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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by cybercafe on October 19, 2003, at 18:23:15
In reply to Re: try clonazepam for effexor withdrawal » cybercafe, posted by melbob on October 19, 2003, at 16:50:59
> hi...
> just came from my sister-in-law to-be...got one and a half klonopin...took the half, feel better; however, now have a killer headache! will take the whole one tonight before bed; i KNOW it will help!
> thanks!
> melbobclonazepam can cause headaches? wow... my doc told me it would relieve headaches (through vasoconstrictive serotonergic properties?)
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 19, 2003, at 19:08:09
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » shay_5413, posted by melbob on October 18, 2003, at 22:40:33
> hi...
> well, i am only off of effexor for one day, so here are my complaints:
> 1) feeling "not here"
> 2) anxiety
> 3) slight paranoia
> 4) high-pitched beeping sound (like when those big trucks back up) in my ears, but it comes and goes
> 5)agitation
> ...so i will prob'ly start crying in a few days; i thought i was pms-ing a few days ago, and am due to have my period, but nothing yet...
Well that is completely normal,
I was on effexor for over two years, took me 5 weeks to taper off, and I experienced all this, as well as extreme nausea/vomiting, but I can tell you that it does go away, eventually, you may want to try clonazepam or maybe a herbal alternative to help you.
But you will be emotional, try to keep a good support system close, and remember it is short term, and try to recognize it for what it is, and hang in there!
Posted by msanjelpie on October 20, 2003, at 1:55:42
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by LB on May 28, 2000, at 23:51:49
> Y'all are scaring me to death! I've been on Effexor several months now, and it seems to work for me, but when does anything ever work forever? So, now I'm worried about ever going off it!
>
> I take Effexor XR 75 mg morning and 75 mg night, BuSpar AM and PM plus Klonopin low dose at night. Started the BuSpar in January because of overwhelming stress at work, and it helped a great deal. Now I'm off work but seem to be feeling more... something. At first I thought it was anxious, but now I'm not sure. It's starting to feel more like a slide into major depression.
>
> We had started to increase the BuSpar from 10 mg AM and PM to 20 mg AM and PM, and I didn't notice any difference at the 15mg level. Now, at the 20 mg AM/PM of BuSpar, I'm feeling more depressed, maybe more anxious, can't tell anymore. Any ideas on whether the BuSpar could be causing this, or what?I'm on Prozac/Ativan combo, similar to what you are on... I discovered that when I was taking the Klonopin I became depressed and suicidal... supposedly it's not a good drug to give to those that are predisposed to depression... Try a week without it and see if there are any changes...
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 20, 2003, at 10:21:51
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal - very bad news » LB, posted by msanjelpie on October 20, 2003, at 1:55:42
Hi,
First of all, you have to remember everyone is different, and if it is working for you, then don't worry about what "may" happen if you decide to go off it. I am still living, it was rough, but Effexor never worked for me, despite my pleas to my doc, he kept me on it, and increasing it. If it had worked, then I would not be worried about coming off it.
Clonazepam or any other anti-anxiety drug, numbs the CNS, so you don't really feel anything. Although I wouldn't suggest just quitting cold turkey as someone else had suggested, always talk to your doctor. Taking your meds is important and stopping a drug like that is not a good idea at all. This site is good for info, but it is not gospel, and everyone is different, that is why there is more than one drug. Always consult your doctor, and address your concerns with them as well. People here are not doctors or specialists in treating mental illness. Remember that!
And hang in there!
Jill
Posted by melbob on October 20, 2003, at 11:54:01
In reply to Re: try clonazepam for effexor withdrawal, posted by cybercafe on October 19, 2003, at 18:23:15
well, i think the klonopin made me feel better; however, i think the headache is part of the withdrawal? later last night, after i took the whole klonopin, my headache went away completely...and also i took tylenol, tramadol, naproxen for the headache...so something, or the combination, worked...and today is day 3 with no effexor. i feel ok right now, a little anxious and agitated, very few muscle tics, no headache yet. and no horrible dreams last night, thank god. i go to see my doc (gp) today at 2p.
melbob
Posted by melbob on October 20, 2003, at 11:58:57
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 19, 2003, at 19:08:09
i go to see my gp today, so i will ask her about that...i am waiting for the emotional stuff...i figure i will double-up on my various 12-step meetings, and that will help a lot..
thanks.
melbob
Posted by pzmannn on October 26, 2003, at 15:57:42
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » hockeygirlcanada, posted by melbob on October 20, 2003, at 11:58:57
I am well aware of the withdrawal symptoms of Effexor XR as I inadvertently went off a 300 mg per day dosage "Cold Turkey" about 3 weeks ago. Three days in was the worst night I have ever went through in my life. I literally thought I was going off of the deep end.
To regress, I went to see my GP on a Monday at which time she put me on Nuerontin as a pain medication for Arthritis. Because of kidney problems I cannot take Nsaids which do a great job. At the same time she switched me to Wellbutrin at my request because the Effexor seemed less effective than in the past. She did not taper the Effexor because supposedly it was not necessary since I was switching to a like antidepressent. After some research I now know Nuerontin and Wellbutin are a problem together.
umping ahead, by Thursday I did not know what was doing what to me. I was blaming everything. Bottom line is I suspect most of what was and is going on is the Effexor withdrawal.
I know I can get through this I just need some input on how long it will last and is it normal to have good days and bad days, in other words do the withdrawal symptoms come and go. Any input would be appreciated.
Posted by melbob on October 27, 2003, at 14:12:24
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by pzmannn on October 26, 2003, at 15:57:42
hi...well, i thought i was home-free after i guess about a week off of effexor. but yesterday and today, i have been feeling "not here" again. so i think it is possible that the effects of effexor can come and go for quite some time. hang in there, take some benadryl, hope you feel better soon; it will get better.
melbob
Posted by T_R_D on October 28, 2003, at 9:44:48
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by pzmannn on October 26, 2003, at 15:57:42
Hi there...the first time I went off Effexor it took me about three weeks to get straightened out. That was without any other "remedies" that can help. The second time around (just a few weeks ago) I actually got a prescription for Prozac for three days. It helped with the brain zaps/mood swings. I then took some Benadryl for the bodily symptoms...it made me very sleepy/lightheaded but at least I was in a place where either I didn't care how I felt and/or without withdrawal symptoms! After doing that I was back to "normal" in less than a week. Give it a try!
Posted by charlie29 on October 28, 2003, at 16:24:47
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by T_R_D on October 28, 2003, at 9:44:48
I had been on Effexor (225mg) for 2 years. It gave me my life back. I quit cold turkey and had no symptoms. I am really active and exercise 4x week and find it to be extremely helpful. Why don't you start little by little, walks in the park, some light cardio etc..I am sure the reason why I did not suffer from withdrawal is because of this...And remember this is just a sign that your brain is adjusting itself to its normal cemistry. Go out and get a move on..I am sure it will help a lot.
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 28, 2003, at 16:53:43
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by charlie29 on October 28, 2003, at 16:24:47
> I had been on Effexor (225mg) for 2 years. It gave me my life back. I quit cold turkey and had no symptoms. I am really active and exercise 4x week and find it to be extremely helpful. Why don't you start little by little, walks in the park, some light cardio etc..I am sure the reason why I did not suffer from withdrawal is because of this...And remember this is just a sign that your brain is adjusting itself to its normal cemistry. Go out and get a move on..I am sure it will help a lot.
I envy you for your success at withdrawaling w/o problems. I'm at the beginning of my second attempt. I'm gone down from 300mg to 225mg a day. This *feeling* is becoming familiar. Nauseas pops up without warning and fades just as quickly. Everyone seems to believe that I'm going through early menopause because I'm hot hot hot and require a fan blowing always. Dizzyness and a feeling of general unhappiness (wanting to hide in my cave) are my constant companions. I'm going to take it slower than I did last time. Please Lord give me the strength.
KDi in Texas
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 28, 2003, at 20:03:12
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » charlie29, posted by KimberlyDi on October 28, 2003, at 16:53:43
> I envy you for your success at withdrawaling w/o problems. I'm at the beginning of my second attempt. I'm gone down from 300mg to 225mg a day. This *feeling* is becoming familiar. Nauseas pops up without warning and fades just as quickly. Everyone seems to believe that I'm going through early menopause because I'm hot hot hot and require a fan blowing always. Dizzyness and a feeling of general unhappiness (wanting to hide in my cave) are my constant companions. I'm going to take it slower than I did last time. Please Lord give me the strength.
> KDi in Texas
>I was on efexor for over two years on 300 mg, and withdrew over a five week period. Going down 75mg a week. Effexor never worked for me, I have GAD, I was physically ill about 4-5 times a day, always dizzy, very depressed, but it does go away, and it does get better. It has been compared to withdrawing from Heroin, and the withdrawal effects can last for up to 3 months to a year, but I think that is more of the exception than the rule. I am also an avid exerciser, and this helped immensely, to deal with the side effects, as well as clonazepam, (which I take daily for anxiety anyway). So try to stay strong, and tell yourself that it is TEMPORARY. And it does get better.
Good luck!
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 11:12:35
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 28, 2003, at 20:03:12
My lowered dosage is during the afternoon so I'm really crawling the walls by evening. Unfortunately, I'm self-medicating by drinking some in the evenings again. Started because I was frantic from upset tummy & brain zaps, realized that it seemed to help with the withdrawal. I have no clue if it's because of the Serotonin/Dopamine see-saw effect. Lowered serotonin is raised dopamine or vice/versa. And alcohol affects dopamine. I obviously need to find a way to raise my dopamine another way besides drinking. <sigh>
Brain fog, any ideas?
KDi
>
> > I envy you for your success at withdrawaling w/o problems. I'm at the beginning of my second attempt. I'm gone down from 300mg to 225mg a day. This *feeling* is becoming familiar. Nauseas pops up without warning and fades just as quickly. Everyone seems to believe that I'm going through early menopause because I'm hot hot hot and require a fan blowing always. Dizzyness and a feeling of general unhappiness (wanting to hide in my cave) are my constant companions. I'm going to take it slower than I did last time. Please Lord give me the strength.
> > KDi in Texas
> >
>
> I was on efexor for over two years on 300 mg, and withdrew over a five week period. Going down 75mg a week. Effexor never worked for me, I have GAD, I was physically ill about 4-5 times a day, always dizzy, very depressed, but it does go away, and it does get better. It has been compared to withdrawing from Heroin, and the withdrawal effects can last for up to 3 months to a year, but I think that is more of the exception than the rule. I am also an avid exerciser, and this helped immensely, to deal with the side effects, as well as clonazepam, (which I take daily for anxiety anyway). So try to stay strong, and tell yourself that it is TEMPORARY. And it does get better.
> Good luck!
>
Posted by Random987 on October 29, 2003, at 14:15:26
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » hockeygirlcanada, posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 11:12:35
I am new to this board, but from what I understand, there are some "dompamine agonists" that may help raise dopamine levels. There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that dopamine is related to libidio and some people have some sucess fighting effoxor sexual side effects with dopamine agonists.
There are prescriptions such as bromocriptine, pramipexole, cabergoline that will raise dopamine.
There are also some herbal remedies such as: Mucuna Pruriens (increases l-dopa)
Also, nicotine is a dopamine agonist so, some people chew nicotine gum to raise dopamine levels.However, I haven't tried these (yet), so YMMV.
> My lowered dosage is during the afternoon so I'm really crawling the walls by evening. Unfortunately, I'm self-medicating by drinking some in the evenings again. Started because I was frantic from upset tummy & brain zaps, realized that it seemed to help with the withdrawal. I have no clue if it's because of the Serotonin/Dopamine see-saw effect. Lowered serotonin is raised dopamine or vice/versa. And alcohol affects dopamine. I obviously need to find a way to raise my dopamine another way besides drinking. <sigh>
>
> Brain fog, any ideas?
>
> KDi
> >
> > > I envy you for your success at withdrawaling w/o problems. I'm at the beginning of my second attempt. I'm gone down from 300mg to 225mg a day. This *feeling* is becoming familiar. Nauseas pops up without warning and fades just as quickly. Everyone seems to believe that I'm going through early menopause because I'm hot hot hot and require a fan blowing always. Dizzyness and a feeling of general unhappiness (wanting to hide in my cave) are my constant companions. I'm going to take it slower than I did last time. Please Lord give me the strength.
> > > KDi in Texas
> > >
> >
> > I was on efexor for over two years on 300 mg, and withdrew over a five week period. Going down 75mg a week. Effexor never worked for me, I have GAD, I was physically ill about 4-5 times a day, always dizzy, very depressed, but it does go away, and it does get better. It has been compared to withdrawing from Heroin, and the withdrawal effects can last for up to 3 months to a year, but I think that is more of the exception than the rule. I am also an avid exerciser, and this helped immensely, to deal with the side effects, as well as clonazepam, (which I take daily for anxiety anyway). So try to stay strong, and tell yourself that it is TEMPORARY. And it does get better.
> > Good luck!
> >
>
>
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 15:25:10
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Random987 on October 29, 2003, at 14:15:26
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 16:30:52
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Random987 on October 29, 2003, at 14:15:26
amazing how dopamine, libido, and parkinsons seem so closely related.
> I am new to this board, but from what I understand, there are some "dompamine agonists" that may help raise dopamine levels. There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that dopamine is related to libidio and some people have some sucess fighting effoxor sexual side effects with dopamine agonists.
>
> There are prescriptions such as bromocriptine, pramipexole, cabergoline that will raise dopamine.
>
> There are also some herbal remedies such as: Mucuna Pruriens (increases l-dopa)
> Also, nicotine is a dopamine agonist so, some people chew nicotine gum to raise dopamine levels.
>
> However, I haven't tried these (yet), so YMMV.
>
>
>
>
> > My lowered dosage is during the afternoon so I'm really crawling the walls by evening. Unfortunately, I'm self-medicating by drinking some in the evenings again. Started because I was frantic from upset tummy & brain zaps, realized that it seemed to help with the withdrawal. I have no clue if it's because of the Serotonin/Dopamine see-saw effect. Lowered serotonin is raised dopamine or vice/versa. And alcohol affects dopamine. I obviously need to find a way to raise my dopamine another way besides drinking. <sigh>
> >
> > Brain fog, any ideas?
> >
> > KDi
> > >
> > > > I envy you for your success at withdrawaling w/o problems. I'm at the beginning of my second attempt. I'm gone down from 300mg to 225mg a day. This *feeling* is becoming familiar. Nauseas pops up without warning and fades just as quickly. Everyone seems to believe that I'm going through early menopause because I'm hot hot hot and require a fan blowing always. Dizzyness and a feeling of general unhappiness (wanting to hide in my cave) are my constant companions. I'm going to take it slower than I did last time. Please Lord give me the strength.
> > > > KDi in Texas
> > > >
> > >
> > > I was on efexor for over two years on 300 mg, and withdrew over a five week period. Going down 75mg a week. Effexor never worked for me, I have GAD, I was physically ill about 4-5 times a day, always dizzy, very depressed, but it does go away, and it does get better. It has been compared to withdrawing from Heroin, and the withdrawal effects can last for up to 3 months to a year, but I think that is more of the exception than the rule. I am also an avid exerciser, and this helped immensely, to deal with the side effects, as well as clonazepam, (which I take daily for anxiety anyway). So try to stay strong, and tell yourself that it is TEMPORARY. And it does get better.
> > > Good luck!
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Random987 on October 29, 2003, at 23:29:11
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » Random987, posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 16:30:52
Yeah, I found that connection to be pretty strange. I just wonder if it really works. From my limited research, I really haven't seen too many people who say that this stuff really works. I guess I need to find a girlfriend before I can really tell if the stuff works ;).
Posted by charlie29 on October 30, 2003, at 3:40:03
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Random987 on October 29, 2003, at 23:29:11
To all of you..I deeply understand your concerns, worries, confusion etc...I am the living proof that you can live life without Effexor..Trust me a little suffering will lead to a greater happines once the side effects of the drug subsides..Then you will know that somehow Effexor have corrected what was wrong in your brain and you are depression free..I am off the drug for 2 years now, depression free, I have a history of self harm on major depression. It will be al right hang in there.
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 30, 2003, at 8:31:14
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help » hockeygirlcanada, posted by KimberlyDi on October 29, 2003, at 11:12:35
> My lowered dosage is during the afternoon so I'm really crawling the walls by evening. Unfortunately, I'm self-medicating by drinking some in the evenings again. Started because I was frantic from upset tummy & brain zaps, realized that it seemed to help with the withdrawal. I have no clue if it's because of the Serotonin/Dopamine see-saw effect. Lowered serotonin is raised dopamine or vice/versa. And alcohol affects dopamine. I obviously need to find a way to raise my dopamine another way besides drinking. <sigh>
>
> Brain fog, any ideas?
>
> KDi
> >
Well there are some natural things to try, 5-htp, is a serotonin booster, one thing that people on MAOI have to avoid. Self medicating is not a great idea, as I am sure you know, because you will only feel worse. Have you ever tried yoga, or pilates? Yoga is good for boosting energy, clearing the mind, I am not a yogi, but I just use a couple of beginner tapes and it works wonders. Maybe clarocet nri, apparently another herbal remedy that works wonders. Or talk to your doctor, do you plan on going back on any medication at all, maybe clonazepam, a good mood stabilizer? I am sure there will be other responses to for help. I took an anti-nauseant, and alot of tylenol over the 5 weeks. I took effexor at night, so that is when I was reducing, so i was sleeping through the worst part of it.
Good luck again, keep us posted!
Posted by Ksmith on October 31, 2003, at 10:15:55
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 30, 2003, at 8:31:14
I have been on Effexor XR for 4 years. I have tried on numerous occasions to get off it. I have discussed it with my Dr. I have reduced dosage to crumbs. I have added separately Ativan and Buspar to help get off the Effexor, with no success. The symtoms are horrific! Terrible shocks to the brain, dizziness, nausea, the worst being the "brain Zaps". I am afraid of brain damage. My husband and I are now discussing having me hospitalized to get off this drug. The drug no longer works for me, just makes me very sleepy when I get stressed, to the point that I have become agoraphobic. How on earth can I get off this drug?
Posted by melbob on October 31, 2003, at 23:50:20
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Ksmith on October 31, 2003, at 10:15:55
hi...benadryl helps...just read some more of the posts and you'll get lots of suggestions...good luck!
melbob
Posted by Ksmith on November 1, 2003, at 14:10:55
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Ksmith on October 31, 2003, at 10:15:55
I believe the doctors do not realize nor do they take seriously the withdrawal agony one goes though on Effexor. It's easy for some to say it's a great drug, but the withdrawal is something else!
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 1, 2003, at 16:04:28
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by Ksmith on October 31, 2003, at 10:15:55
> I have been on Effexor XR for 4 years. I have tried on numerous occasions to get off it. I have discussed it with my Dr. I have reduced dosage to crumbs. I have added separately Ativan and Buspar to help get off the Effexor, with no success. The symtoms are horrific! Terrible shocks to the brain, dizziness, nausea, the worst being the "brain Zaps". I am afraid of brain damage. My husband and I are now discussing having me hospitalized to get off this drug. The drug no longer works for me, just makes me very sleepy when I get stressed, to the point that I have become agoraphobic. How on earth can I get off this drug?
Well the common name for those brain zaps are called brain "shivers" and they are very common with effexor with drawal. I know it feels awful and scary, but I was on effexor for almost 3 years, on maximum dose, and got off the awful drug, over a five week period. It was hell, I puked every hour, sweats to shivers, brain shivers, but it eventually went away, and got better. They compare it to heroin withdrawal, although no methadone! I used clonazepam for the worst times, just to try and stabilize my mood and take care of my son. Although I use clonazepam anyways, as i have severe g.a.d. It lasts much longer than ativan or xanax, and is less addictive. (I have used it for 6 years, no tolerance at all)
Good luck! Any questions just ask!
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 3, 2003, at 15:19:39
In reply to Re: What are the Effexor withdrawl symptoms? Need help, posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 1, 2003, at 16:04:28
Some people said they had a metallic taste going onto Effexor. I have an awful taste going off of it. This headache and sickness to the stomach that abates only alittle when I take my next allowable dosage is becoming all too familiar. My husband, sweetheart that he isn't, gripes and complains about the lack of fun I'm being. See my pdoc tomorrow. Have zero faith that she can make anything better.
THanks for letting me vent.
KDi in Texas
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 3, 2003, at 19:40:05
In reply to Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by KimberlyDi on November 3, 2003, at 15:19:39
> Some people said they had a metallic taste going onto Effexor. I have an awful taste going off of it. This headache and sickness to the stomach that abates only alittle when I take my next allowable dosage is becoming all too familiar. My husband, sweetheart that he isn't, gripes and complains about the lack of fun I'm being. See my pdoc tomorrow. Have zero faith that she can make anything better.
First of all, sorry for your husband not being understanding, my family had a hard time being overly sympathetic, but it is a pain that only other people who have had the same experiences can know. I never had a metallic taste going on to it, coming off of it, I had a yucky taste, I wouldn't say metallic, just gross. How are you tapering? What dose were you on? There has to be something to help you. Really, people withdrawing from Effexor should be hospitalized, that is why there are so many lawsuits now coming about, due to the nature of the withdrawal, and the company had to change the material in their insert to add side effects. I did it at home, as I am a single mom with a little boy, but if you have to be hospitalized, it is the best place to be, I would think, in order to be successful, and there would be other meds they could give you to make you comfortable and monitor you..
All the best, and make sure you don't hold back with yoru pdoc, and make sure he/she listens to you... I have had to come out and tell them to listen to what I am saying, instead of trying to rush me out of the office, they are paid to see me. Good luck!!
> THanks for letting me vent.
> KDi in Texas
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