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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 23:18:49
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Damos, posted by Jiggitykid on February 13, 2005, at 21:42:48
Pleasure. I'm not sure what's worst, coming off the drugs or not having been able to read anything for nearly a month! If you want to feel like you live a 'normal' well adjusted life have a look at 'Running with Scissors' and 'Dry' by Augusten Burroughs - I couldn't put them down. 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is also a remarkable book, but you need to be in a good place to read it as it can really effect you deeply. I highly recommend it though.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 14, 2005, at 7:23:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 13, 2005, at 23:18:49
I know what you mean. I had to avoid reading, and when I used the computer, I had to turn the brightness waaaay down! I looked up the last book you recommended. I see what you mean - I'm not sure I'm in that good place yet to read that. I recently read a book that dealt with the "supernatural" side of the battle between good and evil; it dealt with the angels that guard us and the demons that try to "get" us. It left me unsettled for a while, so I think I'll wait a little while on that last one. I had heard of "Running with Scissors," but I've not read it yet. Reading the synopsis makes me want to run out and get it today! "Dry" looks fascinating. I'll have to get it, too. Thanks!
> Pleasure. I'm not sure what's worst, coming off the drugs or not having been able to read anything for nearly a month! If you want to feel like you live a 'normal' well adjusted life have a look at 'Running with Scissors' and 'Dry' by Augusten Burroughs - I couldn't put them down. 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is also a remarkable book, but you need to be in a good place to read it as it can really effect you deeply. I highly recommend it though.
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2005, at 7:50:41
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 12, 2005, at 0:16:35
> you might want to check out Jasper Ffordes series The Eyre Affair, The Well of Lost Plots, Lost in a Good Book and Something Rotten. I think you'd love the main character Thursday Next - she's got a bit of spunk about her.
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book, movie, or music without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2005, at 7:55:48
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by jubilee on February 13, 2005, at 21:38:02
> My heart so goes out to all of you suffering with the very painful affects of effexor withdrawal.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect this thread to the new Psycho-Babble Withdrawal board. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050214/msgs/457497.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by Damos on February 14, 2005, at 15:02:19
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » Damos, posted by Jiggitykid on February 14, 2005, at 7:23:06
LOL, I'm actually sitting here at my desk in the office with my sunglasses on (as I have pretty much every day for 3 weeks now). Not sure whether I should be disturbed by the fact that no-one seems to think that's odd - for me anyway =0). You've got me on a roll now. Given the sheer guts and determination shown in your high dive you'd probably love "Touching the Void" by "Joe Simpson". The DVD is unreal too. As to "Running with Scissors" and "Dry" there is just know real way to describe them other than to say they're both bloody good! The expressions on peoples' faces when they return them and their complete loss for words pretty much say it all. His other book "Sellevision" is pretty damn funny too but it's just a novel not a memoir. As you've probably guessed I'm giving Dr Bob's suggestion a solid try out. My tastes are pretty eclectic so would be interested in any suggestions you might have too.
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 14, 2005, at 15:35:11
In reply to Re: double double quotes » Damos, posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2005, at 7:50:41
Thank you, Dr. Bob! I suppose if we'd read the faq, etc., we'd know that already :-). Appreciate the head's up!
> > you might want to check out Jasper Ffordes series The Eyre Affair, The Well of Lost Plots, Lost in a Good Book and Something Rotten. I think you'd love the main character Thursday Next - she's got a bit of spunk about her.
>
> I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
>
> The first time anyone refers to a book, movie, or music without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
>
> Thanks!
>
> Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 15, 2005, at 11:59:21
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Damos on February 14, 2005, at 15:02:19
> I'm giving Dr Bob's suggestion a solid try out. My tastes are pretty eclectic so would be interested in any suggestions you might have too.
Thanks! But I'd like to ask that other book suggestions also be redirected, to Psycho-Babble Books. :-) Thanks,
Bob
Posted by PW on March 7, 2005, at 18:30:12
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
I believe I successfully have successfully withdrawn from Effexor XR. After being on 75mg per day for just over a year, I began going on half doses, then half of half, and finally just stopped. I've been completely Effexor-less for about three weeks now and never really had any withdrawal symptoms.
I feel so terrible for those of you who experience the awful withdrawal described here. When my gynecologist told me I might experience withdrawal, I found this message board and prepared myself for the worst.
I don't know why some people experience the withdrawal and others don't.
QUESTION: Is it thought that Effexor weakens one's immune system? I just caught a monster case of bronchitis, and I don't smoke or anything like that. I do have asthma. I'm just wondering if my immune system might be in a weakened state from having been on the EffexorXR?
~Pat White
Posted by KaraS on March 7, 2005, at 19:00:12
In reply to Questions Re: Immune System?, posted by PW on March 7, 2005, at 18:30:12
> I believe I successfully have successfully withdrawn from Effexor XR. After being on 75mg per day for just over a year, I began going on half doses, then half of half, and finally just stopped. I've been completely Effexor-less for about three weeks now and never really had any withdrawal symptoms.
>
> I feel so terrible for those of you who experience the awful withdrawal described here. When my gynecologist told me I might experience withdrawal, I found this message board and prepared myself for the worst.
>
> I don't know why some people experience the withdrawal and others don't.
>
> QUESTION: Is it thought that Effexor weakens one's immune system? I just caught a monster case of bronchitis, and I don't smoke or anything like that. I do have asthma. I'm just wondering if my immune system might be in a weakened state from having been on the EffexorXR?
>
> ~Pat White
I was on EffexorXR for several years and I didn't have many health problems. I would think the fact that you're just now getting sick (while no longer on Effexor) might lead you to consider that Effexor actually helped your immune system.K
Posted by Jiggitykid on March 7, 2005, at 19:57:14
In reply to Re: Questions Re: Immune System? » PW, posted by KaraS on March 7, 2005, at 19:00:12
It's difficult to say whether it actually "helped," your immune system. I would doubt it very seriously, as I have an autoimmune disorder and was worse while taking effexor. While I would rule out nothing when talking about effexor, odds would favor that this is simply the most "sick," time of the year, and all of these nasty sinus, lung, tummy, throat viruses are crawling everywhere. Get well soon!
> >
> > ~Pat White
>
>
> I was on EffexorXR for several years and I didn't have many health problems. I would think the fact that you're just now getting sick (while no longer on Effexor) might lead you to consider that Effexor actually helped your immune system.
>
> K
>
Posted by KaraS on March 7, 2005, at 20:57:29
In reply to Re: Questions Re: Immune System? » KaraS, posted by Jiggitykid on March 7, 2005, at 19:57:14
Yeah, I honestly don't think that Effexor helps the immune system at all either. I only said that to make a point that the poster couldn't deduce from a sickness experienced when no longer on Effexor, that Effexor had weakened his/her immune system. I was just saying that I thought the timing of the sickness, if anything, would suggest the opposite.
> It's difficult to say whether it actually "helped," your immune system. I would doubt it very seriously, as I have an autoimmune disorder and was worse while taking effexor. While I would rule out nothing when talking about effexor, odds would favor that this is simply the most "sick," time of the year, and all of these nasty sinus, lung, tummy, throat viruses are crawling everywhere. Get well soon!
>
>
>
> > >
> > > ~Pat White
> >
> >
> > I was on EffexorXR for several years and I didn't have many health problems. I would think the fact that you're just now getting sick (while no longer on Effexor) might lead you to consider that Effexor actually helped your immune system.
> >
> > K
> >>
Posted by nickolai on January 4, 2006, at 22:21:46
In reply to Rest or Exercise while withdrawing??, posted by brainshiver on February 9, 2005, at 14:13:51
I just happened to come across your message and it was as if I had written it myself. I went cold turkey off of my Effexor (was taking 112 mg daily) and haven't been able to do a decent workout in weeks. Everything you describe is exactly what I've had (but also horrible fatigue, like I could sleep all day). I forced myself back to the gym yesterday and did a less intense workout than usual, but still felt like I had no energy and like I'd never be able to workout the way I usually do. I know it's been quite awhile since you posted, but I'd love to know how it turned out for you and if you were able to get back to working out regularly.
> Hey there again. I normally love working out and do so about 5 days a week. However this is day 5 of my tapering experience, and I haven't worked out since I started tapering because I've been dizzy, nauseous, and my head has been killing me. I was thinking today I should try to get back at it just to keep up on my normal routine, but I am wondering if it is smarter to rest and take it easy. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 4, 2006, at 22:47:55
In reply to Re: Rest or Exercise while withdrawing?? » brainshiver, posted by nickolai on January 4, 2006, at 22:21:46
> I went cold turkey off of my Effexor (was taking 112 mg daily) and haven't been able to do a decent workout in weeks...
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect this thread to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20051018/msgs/595369.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by SleepyDancer on April 15, 2007, at 13:48:45
In reply to My experience with quitting cold turkey (150 mg), posted by Sanjay Singhal on November 1, 2003, at 4:03:42
I slowly tapered off of Effexor (150mg) after having been on the medication for 2 or so years. I cut my dose in half (75mg) for 2 weeks, then switched to 75mg very other day for 2 weeks. I am now off of it completely and although i have not been on the medication for long, relatively, i have horrible withdrawal symptoms that are deeply effecting my everyday functionality. I've had horrible "brain shivers" which are undscribable, one day so bad that if i lifted my head my vision went blurry and my head would spin, adding to my ever-present nausea. My nausea is constant and awful, often leading to vomitting. Most days i have no appetite what so ever. And of course, horrendus mood swings and uncontrollable crying. This medication maks me feel like a monster! If i had been warned of these symptoms by the doctor who prescribed it to me, there's no way i would have started this medication.
I have found help with medical marijuana, believe it or not. This is obviously not for everyone, but often it is the only time i am able to eat and keep it down. It also rests my mind, which seems to be racing more now that i am completely off the medication. It DOES NOT help with the brain shivers however, which i still get quite often. Any tips from anyone on getting rid of those damn things? I've heard antihistamines can help....I'm hanging in there....even though each day is a struggle.
Posted by gardenergirl on April 17, 2007, at 10:56:06
In reply to Effexor Withdrawals, posted by SleepyDancer on April 15, 2007, at 13:48:45
Hi and welcome to Babble!
We have a board about medication withdrawal, and I've redirected posts about withdrawing from Effexor to that board. Here is a link to the posts, including yours, there: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20061224/msgs/750649.html
namasté
gg
Posted by sick kitty on March 22, 2008, at 22:50:42
In reply to Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by Becky on October 2, 1999, at 22:03:30
I just went through the effexor w/d's. I have some advice. I'm actually going around to different boards and putting up with annoying registration procedures just to tell people about this, because effexor w/d sucks so badly, and I hope that this will help at least a few people.
a) fantasize about suing the company (well, ok, it doesn't work that well, but try it anyway)
b) Get yourself a custom taper pack. Here's how:
Find a compounding pharmacy near you. Chain pharmacies don't usually compound, but most surviving independents do, otherwise they'd be out of business. Ask your chain pharmacist; s/he will know where to find the local pharmacy that will compound for you.
Have your doctor write a prescription and send it to the compounding pharmacy instructing them to take apart your own effexor capsules and make them into a new set of capsules for you. The prescription should look like this:
37 mg for 3 days
19 mg for 3 days
10 mg for 3 days
5 mg for 3 days
3 mg for 3 days
2 mg for 3 days
Change the starting dose to whatever you are taking currently. The idea is to keep cutting the dose in half each time and round up. Note that you can actually pull the capsules apart yourself and do this, but the compounding pharmacy will do a more accurate job than you will, and they have extra capsules and handy labels. And face it, if you're in effexor w/d, you can use all the help you can get.Make sure that you get in touch by phone with the pharmacy so they know what they are doing for you and why, and get some of your effexor to to save money. Also, they will probably tell you that they can't promise that the doses will be that accurate. Just tell them that it's fine with you as long as they do a better job than you could do yourself. :)
You will get back a bunch of little bottles, one for each dosage, labeled. Put them in a row in order in your medicine cabinet. Take them as directed. When the 2mg capsules run out, you will have the w/d symptoms which will be almost as bad, but I pulled out of them in about five days and am now effexor-free.
More information: when I made up my own tapering prescription for my doctor to call in, I added one day per each dosage, so it looked like this instead:
37 mg for 3 days
19 mg for 4 days
10 mg for 5 days
5 mg for 6 days
3 mg for 7 days
2 mg for 8 daysAfter trying it, I'm pretty sure that three days for each dose is gentle enough for most people. Also, you pay by the pill for this, and most pharmacies don't take insurance for compounding. My taper pack cost me $104.00 US, and if you can get away with paying less money, so much the better.
You could also take one more step and go down to 1 mg, but my pharmacy didn't think the could be that accurate, so I didn't bother
Keep in mind that the pharmacy will be mildly confused by the prescription, which is why the phone calls are so important. Also, you will have to spoon-feed instructions for writing the prescripton to your doctor, who is probably very busy. If you can communicate with your doctor by fax, email, or in person, that will help a lot. Trying to describe the taper pack prescription to your doctor over the phone will probably not work well.
If you can get a prescription for a sedative like Klonipin, this will also help you get over the last couple of days.
If you try the custom taper pack out and it helps, please post with what dosages you used and how long on each dose to help other people figure out the best taper pack numbers.
Posted by Molybdenum on March 26, 2008, at 2:25:14
In reply to Surviving Effexor Withdrawal, posted by sick kitty on March 22, 2008, at 22:50:42
Oh dear jesus mother f*ck*ng christ, I'm on 600mg a day...!
I'd better start tapering down now or I won't live long enough to....Hmm........(?)
;)
Posted by 49er on March 29, 2008, at 11:06:21
In reply to Surviving Effexor Withdrawal, posted by sick kitty on March 22, 2008, at 22:50:42
Sick Kitty,
According to Laurie Yorke, an RN who runs paxil progress boards, that type of tapering schedule, particularly with Effexor will sabatoge your withdrawal big time.
The brain needs to time to adapt to less of a drug that has made neurochemical changes throughout the body. The recommendtion for tapering is 10% of the current dose every 3 to 6 weeks.
Since Effexor has one of the worst problems as far as withdrawal due to a very short half life, you may have to taper even more slowly.
Using another drug to help taper is not a good idea because you now have an additional drug to taper off of. You're also in danger of causing additional withdrawal symptoms.
49er
Posted by dancingstar on March 29, 2008, at 11:11:33
In reply to Re: Surviving Effexor Withdrawal, posted by 49er on March 29, 2008, at 11:06:21
Has anyone found an attorney that will pursue Effexor withdrawal problems and the lack of proper notificatiton given to patients and internists of all the side effects?
Posted by 49er on March 29, 2008, at 16:11:23
In reply to Re: Surviving Effexor Withdrawal, posted by dancingstar on March 29, 2008, at 11:11:33
> Has anyone found an attorney that will pursue Effexor withdrawal problems and the lack of proper notificatiton given to patients and internists of all the side effects?
Hi,
I am not 100% sure of this but I think attorneys are only interested in cases where there was a suicide or attempted suicide with kids. Even there, it is dicey.
It is very hard to sue. I am not going to even go there as if I started stating my true feelings, I would get banned from this board.
49er
Posted by dancingstar on March 29, 2008, at 22:01:04
In reply to Re: Surviving Effexor Withdrawal, posted by 49er on March 29, 2008, at 16:11:23
Thanks, 49er. That's been my experience, too. I don't really care if I'm banned yet again from this board. I learned long ago on which side of the fence they stand on this stuff and that it's not really in our best interest. Oh, sure, they'll let you discuss how to prevent further damage from the dread drugs, but don't dare to speak the truth about how harmful they really are.
Best of luck to you. :-)
Posted by 49er on March 30, 2008, at 6:44:25
In reply to Re: Surviving Effexor Withdrawal, posted by dancingstar on March 29, 2008, at 22:01:04
> Thanks, 49er. That's been my experience, too. I don't really care if I'm banned yet again from this board. I learned long ago on which side of the fence they stand on this stuff and that it's not really in our best interest. Oh, sure, they'll let you discuss how to prevent further damage from the dread drugs, but don't dare to speak the truth about how harmful they really are.
>
> Best of luck to you. :-)Same to you.
49er
Posted by robinjoplin on October 4, 2010, at 21:10:40
I'm a newbie but I need some big help. My Dr. took me off 150 mg. of Effexor XR about 10 days ago. He had me stop the Effexor, start taking 50 mg. of Zoloft for 5 days and then 100 mg. which I am staying on. I have had one decent afternoon since. Now I have horrible loud ringing in my left ear, my right rings but not as loud, zero energy, flulike symptoms which are getting a little better, feel like my head is in a fog and sometimes almost an out of body experience. I start crying sometimes driving down the road by myself....this is ridiculous. Anyone have any ideas? I am on a ton of meds for heart so have to watch what I take medication wise. Help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by obsidian on October 4, 2010, at 21:34:24
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal, posted by robinjoplin on October 4, 2010, at 21:21:43
yeah, getting off of effexor is a serious undertaking
I still take it. Decreasing the dose was hard. The crying and the intensity of emotion is hard to tolerate, along with the nightmares...and the physical symptoms, unpleasant to say the least.
I would hope that a change to an SSRI would help ease some of the withdrawal. Any opinion from your psychiatrist??
Posted by robinjoplin on October 4, 2010, at 21:44:44
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal » robinjoplin, posted by obsidian on October 4, 2010, at 21:34:24
No Psychiatrist involved, only a Primary Care Physician. I also have a Cardiologist. The nightmares have let up. I think decreasing the dosage rather than completely stopping it may have been easier but I'm this far and don't want to go backwards.
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