![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 232 to 256 of 735. Go back in thread:
Posted by jiggitykid on March 9, 2004, at 21:41:16
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » StaceyB, posted by MeggE on March 9, 2004, at 20:59:50
Hang in there, Sweetie. It took a little over a month, give or take, before I was finally beginning to feel that it was getting better. I've been off of it since roughly Thanksgiving (I wish I had possessed the wherewithal to journal!! If you aren't, please start), and the only remaining difficulty I have regularly is the deteriorated eyesight. I imagine it would be nearly impossible to pin that directly to the Effexor, but I know that prior to my taking the Effexor, my eyes were okay. While taking the drug, I had trouble with blurriness, and read that it is often a side-effect. I never dreamed that it would leave my eyes worse.
Anyone who defends this drug has the right to do so, only don't do it here, nicely or not. No one here wants to hear this. We are or have been going through hell with this. Have a little respect, and keep the nicey-nicies somewhere else. If a lawsuit ever goes to trial, join the defense there, but don't bring it here.
Posted by DepNYer on March 10, 2004, at 9:16:28
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » MeggE, posted by jiggitykid on March 9, 2004, at 21:41:16
My post was in no way meant to cast doubt or indicate that the symtoms you are describing in this thread are not real. I was merely trying to provide some balance to the discussion regarding the use of Effexor, or indeed any AD, so that readers understand that the effects and and possibility of withdrawl are not universal. I am not sure how this is not the place to discuss these issues, as this site deals specifically with the use of these meds.
Every medication carries risk. There are those on this site who take APs, which have no been found to increase the risk of the development of diabetes. Others take Lamictal knowing there is a small but real risk of developing a skin reaction so severe as to possibly be fatal. Depakote and Tegretol can lead to siginificant liver damage. Consider that non psych meds such as ibuprofen, used by millions with arthritis, kills several thousand people a year from sudden GI bleeding. All these medications are clearly beneficial to most, yet carry risk for some. Does tht mean we should deprive anyone from treatments that can reduce the morbidity of their illnesses? Reboxitine, a medication that could benefit many depressives, including those on this site, may not be released due to the suicide of one person involved with it's testing. Relying on that one event, which as yet has not been explained and mey be unrelated to the medication, may deprive many of the relief they need now. This may mean that public relations and fear of lawsuits will derail this medication, not science or good practices of medicine.
Coming back to the question that appears as the subject of this thread, namely, are there long term Effexor free survivors, I believe the answer I was trying to present was that yes, there are. I am one of them. I do not speak for others, but I do believe that an open and honest dialogue is needed regarding these potent medicines.
Posted by jiggitykid on March 10, 2004, at 9:52:11
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by DepNYer on March 10, 2004, at 9:16:28
>>>are there long term Effexor free survivors, I believe the answer I was trying to present was that yes, there are. I am one of them. I do not speak for others, but I do believe that an open and honest dialogue is needed regarding these potent medicines.<<<
You also are "one of them" who did not, by your own admission, suffer from the horrible withdrawal effects that the rest of the posters have. Survivor, then, would not be the appropriate term for you. Survivors are those who lived through the hell that the drug withdrawal induced. Yes, an open and honest dialogue is needed, but you went a step further in your original post to insinuate that those who are experiencing these withdrawal symptoms are a noisy minority who are endangering the success of this drug. That was offensive to me, and most likely to the others whose lives have been sidetracked at the least and wrecked at the most from the use of this drug. We want the drug company to admit that they did not disclose the information we needed to make an informed decision. We are trying to educate people who are pondering the use of this drug or who think they are crazy (many have used this term) because the withdrawal effects that they are experiencing weren't explained. If informed choice is what you are lauding, then perhaps thanking those of us who have survived the crippling withdrawal from Effexor and have chosen to share our experiences here might have been more the road to take, instead of discounting, whether intended or not, our experiences. The drug company apparently is interested in dollars over healing; if that were not the case, then the withdrawal symptoms would have been made public knowledge. We are angry, because we are struggling with a condition that affects our lives and the lives of those around us and put our trust in a medication touted to help us. Instead, it made our lives worse. I pray you never have to experience these withdrawal symptoms, but if you do, I am certain your perspective will change.
Posted by Ieva on March 10, 2004, at 11:20:33
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » DepNYer, posted by jiggitykid on March 10, 2004, at 9:52:11
In reading the "discussion" between you two, I'd have to agree with Jiggitykid overall. The W/Ds that most of us (including me) have suffered were debilitating, scary, and more severe than is published out there by the pharm companies and doctors who prescribe this drug. Whether this is due to lack of education or just one big "conspiracy" by the pushers of this drug, the fact remains that there is much more evidence out there pertaining to people's negative expiriences by use or discontinued use of this drug, than there is the positive effects (other than what is commercially advertised). These are postings by real people who have used this drug, and the amount of documentation is scary. The fact that these people are being ignored or "blown off" is unacceptable. It's no big secret that there is a push in the market to have the 'next best thing' as far as psych meds go, and there is a strong possibility that many of the SSRI drug prescribed now have not been tested long enough to determine the full range of their negative and positive side effects, in order to get the drug out there quickly. What baffles me most is that the W/Ds that most of us expirienced needed not be tested over a period of time. My onset was in 24 hrs! So why are people not being informed of the seriousness of all of this? Especially with the evdience that I found on the internet alone, to support the possible danger of this (these) drug.
I received a newsletter yesterday from my insurance company which included any article on ADs. In plain text they state how "AD's are non-habit forming.... are not addictive....." I'm not sure why type of "habits" and "addiction" they are referring to, and how they can just cluster all AD's in one category like that, but and entire web would dispute (re: www.petitiononline.com/effexor/) And this is being advertised to millions of people! Something needs to be done.
Posted by Ieva on March 10, 2004, at 11:28:13
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » DepNYer, posted by jiggitykid on March 10, 2004, at 9:52:11
BTW, today begins my first Effexor-free 24hrs, after having tapered off for the last week or so. I went from 250mg/day to 37.5mg/day, tapering down each dose gradually. This was after a disastrous attept at cold-turkey off the 250mg dose. To those of you currently doing the cold-turkey method, I beg you to reconsider. At least maybe try it from a lower dose. Trust me when I say it is MUCH, MUCH easier on you to drop off from a lower dose!! Coming off the drug doesn't have to be that bad. You will still have W/D's, but not near as severe as what you could, or are now expiriencing. Especially those of you on doses higher that 250mg. I don't know how you're coping.... My expirince was hellish. Please, please reconsider and try the "taper-off" method. Even if your anti-putting-this-evil-stuff-back-in-your-body... look at it as a means to an end.
Posted by DepNYer on March 10, 2004, at 12:38:07
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » jiggitykid, posted by Ieva on March 10, 2004, at 11:20:33
If my posts inadvertently sounded as though I was criticizing a "noisy" minority, please understand that was not my intention.
One point that was brought up was whether these ADs are tested for a sufficient period of time before their approval. That may be entirely valid. On the other hand, on almost all ADs, including Effexor, prescribing information states that long term use of these meds has not been extensively studied in preapproval trials, and that the treating doctor needs to weigh the risks and benefits of long term therapy. That is not to say that post approval, long term studies have not been done...they have. In evaluating a medicine after it is general use, the drug co. is required to gather and review all reported adverse reactions. True, the reporting is voluntary, and some doctors never file these, but of those that are filed, the drug co. must follow them up and report to the FDA those findings when significant. That is why in 2000 the FDA required updated prescribing information to include a section on discontinuation problems and the need to monitor for them. I think it is the responsibility of the treating doc to be aware of this info as well as informing you of the risks and benefits. If a doc fails to do this, they are not taking good care of you and you need to switch to someone who bothers to at least read the prescribing info in the PDR.
Posted by Tancred62 on March 11, 2004, at 15:35:39
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
Hello folks. Only those who have experienced those withdrawl brain zaps know what they're like. I tried describing it to someone today and it was hard to convey the almost eerie quality they impart. My Paxil withdrawl was bad enough without having to deal with incompetent doctors (they flushed my ears for wax). I told them I thought it was because I stopped taking Paxil but they looked confused. I joined a lawsuit against the drug only because I was angry; I don't expect it to result in anything. I'm on Effexor now, and I must say it's not good to hear it's worse than the Paxil. I've never had such weird dreams. Here's a question: If I'm taking 225 mgs a day, should I take all three (75mg caps) at once or do a morning, noon, and night dosage?
Posted by Ieva on March 11, 2004, at 16:20:06
In reply to Many Zaps in the past, posted by Tancred62 on March 11, 2004, at 15:35:39
You're doctor should have told you, and will still be able to tell you I'm sure, if you call. I think it's funny that you're taking 3 pills... when I was on it @ 225mg, I was on 1- 150mg pill, and 1- 75mg pill, which I was told to take both at once. You should ask your doc about that, too. And yes, my zaps were very severe, so if you ever go off, taper down. They are much less severe that way.. Good luck.
Posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:10:17
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » jiggitykid, posted by Ieva on March 10, 2004, at 11:20:33
I agree totally with what you have said. Why anyone would say that we are the minority doesn't have the facts! Please anyone if you haven't signed this do so now:
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
email your media and inform them of the TRUTH of these antidepressants and place this in your signature at the bottom of your emails to everyone:
FYI - Anti-depressants are addictive, cause weight gain
and horrible withdrawals when you get off them!
Drug companies are lying to us!
Want more info? Email me.
Posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:12:25
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by DepNYer on March 10, 2004, at 9:16:28
who are you to say what the FACTS are???? so you are claiming to be an expert??? Why be here and make everyone angry? This is suppose to be for SUPPORT not agruements. Frankly if you want to make people angry you have suceeded, are you happy making people in pain angry?
Posted by Laurajean on March 11, 2004, at 21:17:28
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:12:25
Hi everyone,
First, hope all is well out there and w/d symptoms are not too horrific. I am down to 75 mg from 300, after six weeks of tapering, and I am still quite ill. I will next go to 37.5 (tomorrow). I'm still feverish, fluey, fatigued, and having crazy, crawly feeling inside my skin. It's awful. I can't wait to be rid of this drug.As for the debate ensuing here, to DepNYer, I can understand your point about a drug that helped you and I'm sure has helped many. My whole "disagreement" is with the fact that many of us were NOT allowed to make an informed choice because the information out there, and given out by prescribing physicians does NOT address the severity of withdrawal. I was NOT in a position of having severe, treatment-resistant depression, and my psychiatrist is one that is higly regarded and doesn't yet push pills, yet she prescribed me this drug that in turn has made my life a living hell. If I had known, I definitely would have made other choices. This was not a case of quacky or undereducated physician, or patient with no other options, this was a case of taking a drug that ultimately has caused severe, and all too common (NOT the .0001 % who have rare bleeding or soemthing)withdrawal symtpoms that far outweigh any benefit I might have had on treatment.
I am not a newcomer to psych meds or other protocols...I'm 28, have been through two rounds of chemotherapy for a life-threatening illness, and am on a cocktail of life-sustaining drugs for medical issues. I can say that effexor withdrawal surpasses chemo side-fx from my vantage point. It's that bad...and I'm someone who doesn't flinch at a spinal tap or other fun procedures.
Anyway....I am angry that on top of everything else I deal with, in terms of living with illness, I now compound that with the withdrawal syndrome from a drug I would never have elected to take had there been more accurate literature out there regarding the potential side-effects. When I go on chemo, I KNOW that it can cause xyz and I know the chances for developing xyz, and I know that I am making an informed choice about the risks versus benefits. With this, however, there is no solid research, and what is out there, is propaganda from the drug companies and other stakeholders. It's unethical and our voices need to be heard, not to remove the drug, but to disseminate accurate information so that consumers and physicians can make better choices.
Laura
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 12, 2004, at 0:36:35
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors?, posted by flyingdreams on March 11, 2004, at 17:12:25
> YOU do NOT know the facts!
>
> You make us angry when you state something as if it's fact and you do not know it's fact! ... you probably have an invested interest in the drug companies for your to have said that to use in pain!> Why anyone would say that we are the minority doesn't have the facts!
> Why be here and make everyone angry? ... Frankly if you want to make people angry you have suceeded, are you happy making people in pain angry?
Please don't jump to conclusions about others or post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down. I've asked you to be civil before, so now I'm going to block you from posting for a week.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or email me, or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration after your block is over.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 12, 2004, at 0:49:51
In reply to Re: Any long term Effexor-free survivors? » DepNYer, posted by jiggitykid on March 10, 2004, at 9:52:11
> I think DepNYer offered a very respectful, compassionate, and intelligent opinion. You, on the other hand, come across as being in need of medication.
>
> Jon> This drug is evil.
>
> MeggE> Anyone who defends this drug has the right to do so, only don't do it here, nicely or not. No one here wants to hear this.
> That was offensive to me
>
> jiggitykidPlease don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down, exaggerate or overgeneralize, or jump to conclusions about others. Different points of view are fine, and in fact encouraged.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration.
If you haven't already, posting something about your own issues and their possible role in your reaction might be an interesting exercise -- and might help others respond to you supportively.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by DepNYer on March 12, 2004, at 8:40:28
In reply to Update on w/d and my 2 cents on debate, posted by Laurajean on March 11, 2004, at 21:17:28
Laura,
I'm sorry to hear what a rough time you're having. I have no doubt what you are experiencing is real and painful. I stongly agree (as I hope I've made clear in prior posts) that you, indeed all, deserve to know the facts about any substance we take, and make an informed decision about our care. I understand that when you had to undergo chemotherapy, you knew what to expect (and I hope you are doing well after that ordeal), and you shoud have had the same right to be aware of what to expect from Effexor.
I hope you understand that my statements here are made with the intent of helping others make the right decisions about AD use. I personally believe they are overprescribed, frequently for the wrong reasons (and this has nothing to do with your personal need for help which had you turn to AD at the time you did). I do believe, however, that for those truly in need, ADs are lifsavers, even when considering the risks. I believe many people read these threads to understand what choices in treatment are available, and how they work for others. I just believe that while individuals deserve the right and neccesity of knowing about your experience with a given drug, I am merely afraid some who could be helped are scared away from choices which could benefit them. I beleive that our society encourages us to look to pills to solve our problems as easy way out. The drug cos. do little if anything to discourage that view. Some people are mislead into seeking help from these medications without understanding their strength in altering brain chemistry, or knowing that other choices than medications are available to help them with their problems. But for those with serious mood disorders, medications can be, and are, lifsavers. We just all deserve to know the facts about medications we put into our bodies, and make informed choices from there.
Posted by prodgirl on March 13, 2004, at 0:00:16
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by metro8268 on March 8, 2004, at 20:47:40
We're talking about coming off Effexor - did you quit AD's or meds cold turkey or switch to other meds? I am going to taper off my Effexor and Trazadone next week and start on Lamicital, as I have been diagnosed as BPI. I have had horrible w/d just from the short half life of effexor, and NOT looking forward to getting off of it. Any advice or experience changing from the evil e to a mood stabilizer?
Posted by metro8268 on March 13, 2004, at 10:09:19
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by prodgirl on March 13, 2004, at 0:00:16
Take it one day at a time. Make sure you can take some time off work during the first week. And make sure you're cable TV is working :P
Also be ready for it to be awhile before you start feeling normal. I'm on day 22 and I still have the jolts and shivers every now and then, along with some looming depression that comes and goes. I'm hoping the 1 month marker will be the light at the end of the tunnel...
Posted by RobinLee on March 13, 2004, at 22:17:09
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by metro8268 on March 13, 2004, at 10:09:19
I am in the process of getting of effexor and never thought it could make me so sick. I am dizzy, sick to my stomach, diarrea, sweats, jitters, shakes, chills, hot flashes, massive crying meltdowns, body aches, head aches and the list can go on. This is horrible and I was suppose to go onto Wellbutrin and did 2 pills for 2 days and I have just decided that I will not take anymore of these anti depressants if I can help it. Going off of Celexa and Zoloft was a walk in the park. Going off Effexor is a walk in HELL! It scares me to think what these drugs do to your brain and body if these are the withdrawal symptoms. I pray I can just suck it up and keep off of these pills. Best to all of you that are going through what I am. I have had the past 2 weekends off from grad school and am so darn sick that I cannot function. Thank god my mom is here to help me out and take care of my dogs. Best to all. And thanks for this website - I thought I had something terminal or was losing my mind!
Posted by Sachikon on March 13, 2004, at 22:54:23
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl - I did it, so can you » soshie, posted by Cetacea on November 22, 2003, at 22:48:46
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the links!
I'm on day 5 having gone cold-turkey off of 150mg dose. It has been difficult to find relevant and helpful information.
I'm sorry that anyone else is experiencing these feelings but am relieved not to be alone in this experience.
The "shivers" seem almost constant right now and I'm prone to frequent crying jags which is not at all normal for me.
Effexor helped at a time when I really needed it but none of the "homework" I did before deciding to take the drug prepared me for anything like this.
If you are considering Effexor please, Don't take it unless you really need it and be aware that as wonderful as it is for a while this drug is not a forever answer.
I've been on effexor for almost 4 years and I believe that for at least the last year (probably 2) it was doing more harm than good.
Extreme fatigue and lethargy became a real problem but it crept up slowly enough that it was shocking to realize that my medication was actually making my life worse instead of better.
Good luck to everyone and thanks for taking the time to share information.> THANK YOU SO MUCH!
>
> I've been having 'brain shivers' and just thought I was "losing it", my term for the feeling! I had thought I was "lucky" not to have them. Oh well: Live and learn!
> ***********
>
> > Here is a series of articles on Brain Shivers that taught me a lot....
> >
> > http://depression.about.com/cs/venlafaxine/a/brainshivers.htm
> >
> >
Posted by MeggE on March 16, 2004, at 0:13:21
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by RobinLee on March 13, 2004, at 22:17:09
I felt exactly the same way(worrying that i had a terminal disease or was losing my mind) before I found out all of this information about the withdrawl. It's really sick to think that there are thousands of people having similar thoughts, and will continue to be, until this drug is taken off the market. I have been off of Effexor for a good two and half weeks now, and I am still feeling the symptoms..which scares me..because I am afraid that they will never go away. Now, I know this is not realistic, but I can't help but worry that there has been permanent damage done to my brain and body. What upsets me the most is that we all sound like we're going through a withdrawl from Heroin, or Coke, or some street drug (something that most people know what they are getting in to when they start doing.) But sadly, that is not the case. Most of us were just suffering from mild to serious depression, and needed an answer. We put our trust in the doctors that are supposed to help us, and ended up with more on our hands than we ever thought we'd have to deal with. What I wonder about most, is whether or not most doctors are corrupt (meaning they are aware of all of this when giving out the medication, but choose not to tell us). What makes a lot more sense to me, though, is that they didn't, and don't, take a lot of precaution when giving out this medication, because they assume it is similar to other anti-depressants, and the withdrawl symptoms are not THAT severe. If they only knew... Not to mention! Wyeth-Ayerst has kept all of the information about the effects of Effexor (ironic name, huh?) a secret to the public, most likely so they can make more money off of all the patients and their addictions to this terrible drug. I've developed quite a conspiracy theory here, and so have many others..I don't see any fault in it either..which is scary.
Another example of how everything really is..
All about the money.And if you haven't already..Sign the Petition.
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/
We can all only hope that this will not be taken lightly, and cause the removal of Effexor from the market as soon as possible.
I honestly don't believe that this drug could benefit anybody in the long run..Even if it helps for the time being, the fact that the withdrawl symptoms have hurt so many..it just doesn't seem worth it..when there are so many other drugs that aren't half as severe. If you(in general) are going to start taking it, you should be fully aware of EVERY possible withdrawl symptom way before you take the first dose. Even if you are...ah, I just don't think anybody could fully understand what the withdrawl is like until they have gone through it. and THAT is why Effexor should not be on the market. haha.
The End.
Posted by jiggitykid on March 16, 2004, at 7:35:24
In reply to Reply to RobinLee, and to all., posted by MeggE on March 16, 2004, at 0:13:21
>>>Most of us were just suffering from mild to serious depression, and needed an answer. We put our trust in the doctors that are supposed to help us, and ended up with more on our hands than we ever thought we'd have to deal with. <<<
Bingo. You summed up the entire problem in two succint, beautifully worded sentences. The angry responses that the person who posted a "caution" about frightening away people who might benefit from this drug were all trying to say exactly what you just said. Your fears are justified. I took my last Effexor in October, and I can say that almost all of the problems it caused me (physically) are gone. The only remaining problem for me is blurry vision. It's not horrible, but it is worse than it was before the Effexor. It would be impossible to prove, I imagine, that the Effexor caused the vision damage because other factors could also be the culprit. I feel certain, though, that it was the Effexor.
>>>I honestly don't believe that this drug could benefit anybody in the long run..Even if it helps for the time being, the fact that the withdrawl symptoms have hurt so many..it just doesn't seem worth it..when there are so many other drugs that aren't half as severe. If you(in general) are going to start taking it, you should be fully aware of EVERY possible withdrawl symptom way before you take the first dose. <<<
I agree with you. I'd love to see Effexor disappear from the face of the earth. I doubt that will happen. Wouldn't it be cool if some of our testamonies were put in the PDR and in the patient info leaflets?? LOL! I imagine that there would be only one or two who would find their depression worth the risk of this drug. Some have argued that they've tried everything and that E is the only thing that has worked. Most likely, though, they'll be back within a year, complaining that they feel worse than they did and now they're scared to stop taking it. It's a horrible situation.
Posted by Shalala on March 24, 2004, at 1:15:55
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by RobinLee on March 13, 2004, at 22:17:09
Hey, I'm on 300mg XR per day and I start to get withdrawal symptom @ just about the 24 hr mark from the last dose. My doctor just had me divide the dose. It seems my brain can't deal without it, I'm oversensitive, crying, headachey, spacey, I don't look forward to going off it. You've confirmed my suspicions that it would be a rough ride.
Posted by prodgirl on March 24, 2004, at 1:40:25
In reply to Re: Day 55 of Effexor withdrawal symptoms-my experienc, posted by Shalala on March 24, 2004, at 1:15:55
I had the exact same responce - the spaciness, I say that my head feels swimmy. The worst is when I have to shut one eye to focus; it feels like I've had WAY too much to drink and I can't stand up. I'm in the process of weaning off Effexor, and winding up with Lamictal. The headaches are still really bad, but it's just the first week. I still have the swings - what you described, oversensitive, crying, etc. I know it takes along time to get the right cocktail...good luck to you, and all of us trying to get off this E-vil drug.
> Hey, I'm on 300mg XR per day and I start to get withdrawal symptom @ just about the 24 hr mark from the last dose. My doctor just had me divide the dose. It seems my brain can't deal without it, I'm oversensitive, crying, headachey, spacey, I don't look forward to going off it. You've confirmed my suspicions that it would be a rough ride.
Posted by elvenfae on March 31, 2004, at 13:33:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by meaux on March 7, 2004, at 0:16:22
> Wyeth is a disgrace. To know that they were and are fully aware of the physiological addiction of Effexor XR and have not made such information publically available is sickening. When starting Effexor a year ago, I was brought up to a dose of 300mg/day. I was not told of any withdrawal syndromes or addictive potentials of this drug - I checked WebMD and of course that site says nothing because who sponsors it but the pharmecutial companies themselves. My pharmacist knew nothing of its addictive potential and had not heard of the effects of Effexor on simple things like circulation (blood pressure and 'tingling' extremeties). The fact simply remains : Effexor IS PHYSIOLOGICALLY ADDICTIVE. It may be 'non habit forming' because it does not provide the user with a feeling of euphoria - but studies have proven Effexor's addictive qualities. Mothers who took Effexor for brief periods of time during the pregnancy had neo-natal fetuses suffering from Withdrawal Syndrome. Who was on Effexor withdrawal but Andrea Yates herself when she drowned her children (supposedly, anyways). I have tried three times unsuccessfully to taper Effexor. The last time I tapered to 265 mg/day for a week and it was miserable - I know what it feels like now to be an addict going through rehab. I was crippled with nausea, vomiting, headaches, spinning head, vertigo, the 'electrical' impulse feeling (like I could sense my nervous system conducting action potentials when my eyes would move). Several lawsuits exist currently to fight this evil - some that involve sufferers who experience seizures and neuropathy because of this shit. SIGN THE PETITION, GET YOUR VOICE ACROSS. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. We can not let the pharmeceutical companies reap the benefit of getting addicts to their medications. Is there no justice? I am 19 years old. In college and graduate school concurrently; I must take off my fall semester and find a way of support to get myself off this medication starting immediately this summer... after 3 days cold turkey one time I was about to physically die from the withdrawl effects - I could not get out of bed, kept hearing buzzing in my head, had a fever of over 102 and hot/cold spells. My breathing was depressed, and I was at my wit's end. THIS CAN NOT CONTINUE TO PLAGUE INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO FIGHT DEPRESSION, NOT ADD A DRUG ADDICTION TO THEIR LIST OF WORRIES.
Hi I just read a thread by you regarding Effexor XR withdrawl. I am trying to come off of it right now and I was wondering if you were ever able to do so? Did the capsule counting work? I am only two days in and having a horrible horrible time. I will not sit here and complain to you but I am real scared. My husband is thank goodness hoem today to take care of our son (8 mo old). I can't do this.
Another thing is- I did experience a horrible time when I had my son -two different doctors told me Effexor XR was safe to take and my son ended up being born dehydrated AND had withdrawl symptoms. Can you imagine a baby experiencing what we have??? I have been so disgusted with this medicine....I just have no words.
I did sign the petition today though-
Thanks for your time,
Jamie
Posted by jerone Farrow on April 2, 2004, at 4:50:09
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by elvenfae on March 31, 2004, at 13:33:12
I have vertigo and I acn even feel the herat beat all the way to my feet. why can I not overcome this. I cant even set here with out feeling like I am reeling and just feeling lousy. how long will this take I stooped effexor 4 days ago I don't know what to do. I am suppose to go on vacation in 7 days. I feel like the DOctor didn't tell me everything about withsrawal. I also had a seizure 5 days ago I believe from Effexor. then I was stopped COLD TURKEY
Posted by jiggitykid on April 2, 2004, at 7:33:23
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jerone Farrow on April 2, 2004, at 4:50:09
Bless you, jerone. You weren't told the truth, and that stinks. The problem is, many doctors don't know the truth. The drug companies are "allegedly" sitting on the reality of what this drug does. All of the symptoms you are naming are normal withdrawal. I, too, went Cold-Turkey. It was horrible, but it was the way that worked for me. You might need to taper or to read through these boards about some of the other techniques that others here used (other drugs like Prozac, etc.,) and discuss this with your doctor. I suggest that you print out some of the statements here about withdrawal symptoms and make it clear to your doctor that these are very real and are not the occurrences of an unhappy minority. I spoke to someone yesterday whose sister is taking Effexor, and I told her that she needs to watch her sister for changes, and to urge her sister to get help if she decides she needs to quit. I described some of my symptoms to her, and told her to take care.
As for how long; it varies from person to person. My experience was that the first two weeks were the worst. Try to avoid driving at night if possible - I found that the vision problems created halos around the lights and I had trouble seeing. I drove one night - and vowed that I would not do it again until I was better. After the first month, I began to feel more normal. My vision is still not what it was before the Effexor. Disturbing and vivid dreams are also a part of the withdrawal effects, so be prepared. Don't let anyone tell you that this is all in your mind or that you are a "rare" case. There are too many documented cases right here to dispute that. There is also a petition that is being signed by thousands of people asking that the drug company reveal all of this information NOW to consumers. If you have someone close to you that can help support you during all of this, please explain to that person what is going on and suggest that he/she visit this site to read the first-hand accounts.
Please, take care of yourself. Don't be angry with your body during all of this. Be patient with yourself. It takes time. Know that you are loved and supported right here.
> I have vertigo and I acn even feel the herat beat all the way to my feet. why can I not overcome this. I cant even set here with out feeling like I am reeling and just feeling lousy. how long will this take I stooped effexor 4 days ago I don't know what to do. I am suppose to go on vacation in 7 days. I feel like the DOctor didn't tell me everything about withsrawal. I also had a seizure 5 days ago I believe from Effexor. then I was stopped COLD TURKEY
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