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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by outback on December 17, 2004, at 9:42:35
I am a grandmother of 7, and suffered a severe depressive episode four years ago,for which I had to be hospitalised.The phsyciatrist started me on 75mg Efexor,which made me extremely nauseous, headachy, etc. but after many weeks it kicked in", as they say, and I was able to function again and gradually get on with life, although I never felt really well, or looked it. As I hate taking medication, my highest dose ever was only 75mg. After two years, I got down to 37.5mg, and was very stable. I'd meanwhile addressed some of the problems which had caused my depression, and starting to actually enjoy life once more.
My husband and I recently went away for a short break in the country, and feeling so well on vacation as you do, I thought "I don't need this stuff anyomore - I'm fine", and stopped taking the Efexor altogether. I thought I could get myself off at last - went six or seven days "cold turkey" - felt well apart from being a bit highly strung, no withdrawal side effects.Arrived home to unexpected stress and a family dispute. (Excessive stress seems to be my trigger - in fact there is new research which cites cumulative stress events over life as a major causative factor in depression, re. the effect on the brain.)
The stress problems, plus friends family members horrified that I'd gone "cold turkey" and urging me back on it, (you'll spoil everyone's Xmas) ended with me dutifully going back on "it", 37.5mg, once daily, and boy it was like being hit by truck. Headache, nausea, lurking mild depression, tears, numbness in hands and feet, your head and neck undergoes changes in feelings, you can feel this drug gradually engulfing your whole body. Until you have been clear of it, you don't realise what a potent drug this is, and how your body tries to reject it.
The only thing I will say about Efexor is that it was very successul in getting me out of my initial extremely severe depression, which I hope encourages anyone just going onto it.These "going onto it again" symptoms were so severe I thought I am going to beat you, so after seeing my family doctor with his agreement, I have now got a pill cutter and tried a half tablet daily = about 18mg a day - but the depression started to well up, and the side effects are still there.
I have no physciatrist as he has moved interstate. I know my body hates being on this stuff - it is telling me so by showing such a strong rejection.
My dilemma is - do I try to tough out "cold turkey" or do I go back "on it".
I am kicking myself for going "off it", as I was going along well - well if you can put up with the usual side effects of dry mouth, occasional headaches, dry sinuses, bad breath, and what I call "piggy" looking eyes, but at least no depression and able to cope with, and even enjoy, life.
If anyone can help me I would be very grateful.
My daughter wants us to go to Bali with her and grandchildren early next year. I can't go if I am like this. I felt I HAVE spoilt my Xmas and everyone elses, as well as our prospects for a happy holiday.
Should I get back on this and try to get back to where I was, or should I try tapering off. I have to get off it sooner or later. Don't want to take it permanently, as it cannot be good for you very long term.
Is there anyone out there who has successfully tapered off??
Posted by Fallen4MyT on December 17, 2004, at 9:42:35
In reply to Need others opinions on withdrawal, posted by outback on December 14, 2004, at 18:08:47
Hi I am sorry things are so hard for you right now with the extra stress and all..I do not take this med but wanted to suggest you check out the search feature in the site for your med or go to the board called JUST babble on here thats where a alot of people post on meds and I have seen TONS of threads on your med..Let us know.
Posted by deirdrehbrt on December 17, 2004, at 9:42:36
In reply to Need others opinions on withdrawal, posted by outback on December 14, 2004, at 18:08:47
Hi... This thread will probably be moved to the med board, but I wanted to give you a bit of an answer here.
You're right... Effexor can have some powerful side effects. I was on it myself for a number of years, and then went to Prozac because the effexor seemed to be getting less effective. I had also switched once to Wellbutrin, and the withdrawl from effexor was hell. I was on a much higher dose than you are, but the second time I came off, and went to prozac it wasn't as hard.
The most important thing I have noticed about coming off this med is to do it slowly, especially if it is not being replaced with another SSRI. I went from 150mg to 75 without too much of a problem, and stayed there for a week, then down to 37.5 for a week, and was supposed to stop, but felt horrible. I had to go to 37.5 every other day, then every three days, etc. and finally got off of it, but it was really hard. I wish you luck.
Maybe you could find a doc to prescribe another SSRI that is easier to come off of, and use that as an intermediate med. Just a thought...
I don't think you've spoilt Christmas, you just need to get to feeling a little better.Good luck,
Dee
Posted by Phil on December 17, 2004, at 9:42:36
In reply to Re: Need others opinions on withdrawal, posted by deirdrehbrt on December 14, 2004, at 18:50:10
You probably need to be on something if stress is triggering depressions. Try not to worry how long you're on something, just try to get stabilized. Prozac may be a good choice to segway to from Effexor or if you insist on weaning off, Prozac can make the transition easier for some.
Posted by Shortelise on December 17, 2004, at 9:42:37
In reply to Need others opinions on withdrawal, posted by outback on December 14, 2004, at 18:08:47
They say we're NEVER supposed to go off these meds cold turkey. But you lived, it seems. I think it's hard on the brain chemistry which might be why things are a little touch and go right now. Maybe you should've started back at a low dose? Maybe if you cut the dose in half?
I don't have any solutions at all, short of having a chat with your family doc about it. I just want to say I'm sorry for you, that is sounds like you're getting pushed and pulled. You make me think of my mother who is your age, and who is on Prozac. She is finally taking a consistent dose of Prozac, and her mood seems to be stabalizing for the first time in her life. We, her family, really want her to stay on this med because it's easier for her, and easier for us. Through trial and error she has come to understand that she needs to stay on this med. But it is her right, just as it's yours, to decide to go off of it.
I really feel for you, outback. If I were in your shoes, I'd find a new therapist, someone to get to know a little, and who will be around for just this sort of thing.
Hugs (if you permit!)
ShortE
PS You talk about stress - "normal" people react to stress too. It's ok to get upset sometimes.
Posted by outback on December 17, 2004, at 9:42:37
In reply to Re: Need others opinions on withdrawal » outback, posted by Fallen4MyT on December 14, 2004, at 18:27:57
I am very grateful to those who have replied to me so far, even for the "hug" from one of you very kind people out there. It is very much appreciated.
I think the contact with others and the support
you receive are very important.I seem to have settled better on my half dose
(a 37.5 pill cut in half) and I also saw a Chinese herbalist the other day, who has given me some supportive herbal medicine. Of course there is a large element of courage required too.
I will do another post downtrack, and meanwhile wishing everyone the joys of the Festive Season.
Posted by banga on December 17, 2004, at 15:48:17
In reply to Re: Need others opinions on withdrawal, posted by outback on December 16, 2004, at 19:49:52
I am glad that things gor a little better. You are right--your xerience sums it up: these medications can help tremendously, but they remind us how powerful they are by iing such nasty side effects and withdrawal effects. This is not vey scientific, but I wonder if what you went thorough was like your body became confused--you ended up simultaneous withdrawal effects and side effects from restarting it.
I hope the herbs work well for you. A suggestion that comes to mind is finding a new psychiatrist--even if for now you decide not to alter your dose schedule. That way you know where to turn to if things start slipping again. He/she may recommend a different medication in time; if you switch to another SSRI, you wont have as terrible side effects comming off the Effexor. Effexor is particularly notorious for bad side effects.
But in the meantime, have a happy holiday!
Posted by dancingstar on December 19, 2004, at 23:32:01
In reply to Re: Need others opinions on withdrawal, posted by outback on December 16, 2004, at 19:49:52
Hi Outback,
After they hear what you have been through with this drug, I think anyone that thinks you need to take this crap is whacked! It is pure poison, and they are totally out of their minds!!!!
I'm trying to sue Wyeth, the company that makes this poison. Who needs this? I had no idea that this is what was making me so ill for the last three years? What on earth allows you all to be so tolerant of this? Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is the same company that used to be American Home Products, the company that made Phen-Phen.
I've read the posts on a regular board in England where they've obviously figured out for the last year that something about this whole situation just isn't right. Someone here already posted the link. I'm amazed that anyone is willing to put this garbage into their bodies for even one more day.
The doctors haven't figured this out yet; so they can't even help us. Get some Benadryl to help you get off of the crap, and maybe -- just maybe you will be one of the lucky one that Prozac can help with the withdrawal symptoms. Going off the drug slowly does help lots of people, but not everyone. The longer we take it, the more damage Effexor seems to have done to our nervous systems. We only find out when it's too late. Why take the chance?
Bebe
Bebe0217@aol.com
This is the end of the thread.
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