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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 13:49:14
I just found this post and I am so glad I am not the only one. I started taking this Med about 1 1/2 years ago. I tried to get off of it about 9 months ago and thought I was going to DIE!! I had brain shocks, eyes twitched, nauseated, cried constantly, slept all day. I was so scared. I really thought I was going to have a seizure and die. My Dr told me the only way to get rid of the withdrawl was to start taking it again which at first I refused but after 2 weeks of hell I got back on it and the withdrawls stopped. So now I am a Effexor Addict. I hate it.
Posted by Phillipa on January 7, 2009, at 14:12:38
In reply to Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 13:49:14
No you're not an addict you are withdrawing from it. There is a withdrawal board check bottom of page and you will find many threads on effexor withdrawal and the very best to you. Effexor must be slowly weaned off. You're not an addict. Don't beat yourself up it's the med not you. Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on January 7, 2009, at 14:39:04
In reply to Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 13:49:14
> I just found this post and I am so glad I am not the only one. I started taking this Med about 1 1/2 years ago. I tried to get off of it about 9 months ago and thought I was going to DIE!! I had brain shocks, eyes twitched, nauseated, cried constantly, slept all day. I was so scared. I really thought I was going to have a seizure and die. My Dr told me the only way to get rid of the withdrawl was to start taking it again which at first I refused but after 2 weeks of hell I got back on it and the withdrawls stopped. So now I am a Effexor Addict. I hate it.
You're not an addict. SNRIs are notoriously difficult to get off of it -- what your doctor maybe should have added or clarified is that you may have to get on the medicine again and go on a slower downtaper to get off of it.
Cymbalta carries a similar risk but it may not be as pronounced, or may be more pronounced, its individual.
But what is the reason for discontinuing it in the first place ? Is it not working? Do you want to go medicine free ? Sometimes that's not always possible at times and there's no shame in having something works that improves your functionality.
Psychotropics are largely palliatives -- they attempt to correct a situation which is not in balance to the best of their abilities, and you continue to take them to get this benefit and improvement of life as long as it is possible, and that you can stand the side effects vs. benefits.
-- best wishesJay
Posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 14:45:49
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict » Homemommy, posted by yxibow on January 7, 2009, at 14:39:04
> > I just found this post and I am so glad I am not the only one. I started taking this Med about 1 1/2 years ago. I tried to get off of it about 9 months ago and thought I was going to DIE!! I had brain shocks, eyes twitched, nauseated, cried constantly, slept all day. I was so scared. I really thought I was going to have a seizure and die. My Dr told me the only way to get rid of the withdrawl was to start taking it again which at first I refused but after 2 weeks of hell I got back on it and the withdrawls stopped. So now I am a Effexor Addict. I hate it.
>
>
>
> You're not an addict. SNRIs are notoriously difficult to get off of it -- what your doctor maybe should have added or clarified is that you may have to get on the medicine again and go on a slower downtaper to get off of it.
>
> Cymbalta carries a similar risk but it may not be as pronounced, or may be more pronounced, its individual.
>
> But what is the reason for discontinuing it in the first place ? Is it not working? Do you want to go medicine free ? Sometimes that's not always possible at times and there's no shame in having something works that improves your functionality.
>
>
> Psychotropics are largely palliatives -- they attempt to correct a situation which is not in balance to the best of their abilities, and you continue to take them to get this benefit and improvement of life as long as it is possible, and that you can stand the side effects vs. benefits.
>
>
> -- best wishes
>
> JayREPLY
I think the drug does work great for my depression and anxiety. It seemed to be the only one that worked. But I don't like that I have gained weight, I cannot drink any alcohol, my vision is worse and I am forgetful. I can deal with the side effects but what scares me the most is what it is doing to my liver and if I will have to take it the rest of my life. If I am late a dose I have to go to bed.
Posted by SLS on January 7, 2009, at 15:20:28
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 14:45:49
How long has Effexor kept you well for?
If you decide to discontinue Effexor, you can ask your doctor for the 25mg immediate-release tablet. They are scored and easy to split. You can even nibble off small pieces at a time when you feel the withdrawal symptoms come on.
Another strategy sometimes employed is to cross over to Prozac and taper. Prozac substitutes for Effexor because both drugs are potent serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors. The half life of Prozac and its active metabolites are more than a week. You can take a single 20mg dose and wait a week or so and then follow up with a single 10mg dose. Of course, these numbers will depend on your particular biology and how high is the dosage of Effexor that you take.
There are other strategies that I am aware of, but they involve using benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants.
- Scott
Posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 15:25:46
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict » Homemommy, posted by SLS on January 7, 2009, at 15:20:28
I have been on the 75mg dose for about a year and a half and it works great for the depression and anxiety. I also have PMDD which Effexor helps tremendously that week with not getting so irriated and anxious.
Thanks for the advice. I have an appt w/ my Dr. this month and I want to talk about my options.
Posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 15:27:40
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict » Homemommy, posted by Phillipa on January 7, 2009, at 14:12:38
Thank you. I did read them and I am so glad I am not the only one. I really thought my head was going to explode and my eyes were going to pop out. It feels like an electric shock that comes out of the blue and then your eyes twitch.
Posted by bleauberry on January 7, 2009, at 16:48:21
In reply to Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 13:49:14
Effexor is well known for having the worst withdrawal symptoms of any antidepressant. It can be done in the ways SLS explained. That is, chopping immediate release tabs into custom size doses, and even taking small doses of prozac. Somehow prozac smooths things out. And eventually when you need off of prozac, it is a lot easier than effexor.
Do you know how many thousands of people suffer, not being able to find medications that work good for their depession and anxiety? So many it is a crushing heartbreak. You should consider yourself very very very fortunate. Concerns about liver, weight, vision, etc, are miniscule compared to your mental stability.
I never heard of anyone destroying a liver with effexor, especially such a low dose as you take. Weight gain can be managed. Reading glasses or prescription glasses might be in order. For any liver concerns, simply take capsules of the herb Milk Thistle everyday. It is one of the few herbs that actually has a ton of scientific evidence on it. It has been proven many times to be a liver protector and liver rejuvenator. It can even protect a liver from acute mushroom poison damage.
Most people get side effects or other concerns much worse than yours. Compared to them, yours are child's play.
All meds come with side effects. In a perfect world we could swallow a pill, be cured, and have no side effects. That rarely happens. To be well, managing side effects is the cost of doing business.
Thousands of people in your shoes discovered that after they deserted a good med, they fell back into the same depression as before, usually over weeks or months. Then when they finally give in and restart the med again, they find it doesn't work like it did before, and that a lot of things that should work don't.
If it aint broke, don't try to fix it. But if you must, wean down in very tiny steps over a period of 2 to 3 months, with some low prozac in the background. Personally I think you should stay with it and take on an easier challenge...becoming the boss of the side effects and managing them.
You know the saying, you don't know what you've got till it's gone? You and effexor have a pretty good thing going.
Posted by SLS on January 7, 2009, at 18:16:17
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 15:25:46
> I have been on the 75mg dose for about a year and a half and it works great for the depression and anxiety. I also have PMDD which Effexor helps tremendously that week with not getting so irriated and anxious.
>
> Thanks for the advice. I have an appt w/ my Dr. this month and I want to talk about my options.One option is to remain on Effexor since it is working so well for you. On this forum, many people fantasize about having what you have. You have already proven to yourself the need for continued treatment.
What sorts of options would you like to be presented with? Why is discontinuing Effexor so important if you will only need continued treatment with drugs anyway? Ideally, what kind of treatment would you like to have? If you do not respond to other treatments, there is a risk that returning to Effexor will not work again.
I do believe you are doing the right thing by working with your doctor and collecting as much information as you can.
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by yxibow on January 12, 2009, at 22:37:16
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 15:27:40
> Thank you. I did read them and I am so glad I am not the only one. I really thought my head was going to explode and my eyes were going to pop out. It feels like an electric shock that comes out of the blue and then your eyes twitch.
Electric shock sensations are common with both increases and decreases of serotonin transmitter functionality.
-- Jay
Posted by yxibow on January 12, 2009, at 22:45:44
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 14:45:49
> REPLY
>
> I think the drug does work great for my depression and anxiety. It seemed to be the only one that worked. But I don't like that I have gained weight, I cannot drink any alcohol, my vision is worse and I am forgetful. I can deal with the side effects but what scares me the most is what it is doing to my liver and if I will have to take it the rest of my life. If I am late a dose I have to go to bed.
If it is the only one that has worked, maybe you have to weigh the balances. Forgetfulness is common with a lot of psychotropics, unfortunately, but there are psychological excercises to improve your memory -- considering your side effects I'm not sure that Namenda would be a good thing -- some people have had luck.As for the vision concerns, I would see a opthamologist or an optometrist (who is allowed at least in some states to give full eye exams) and determine just what is going on with your vision, if there is anything organic.
Since you may not know your baseline (what you had with vision beforehand), I suppose its hard to say how much has changed, but it could also be just a natural fluctuation in vision -- causation is not always causality.
Well, people with diabetes may have to monitor their glucose and possibly take medication and insulin for life but it improves their functionality and possibly extends their life expectancy to normality.
Others with complex immune disorders may have to take steroids and be careful about infections, but also this prolongs and makes a normal life as well, possible.
Same thing can be said with simple thyroid imbalance, Synthroid can be taken for life and a relative is doing just this.
If you're concerned about your liver, have you had ALT (liver functionality) blood tests ? Do they show any gross abnormalities ? Do you have a liver disorder that would prevent you from taking alcohol or be cautious about medicine ?I mean I'm not advocating alcohol, but people do have it socially time to time, being careful that it doesn't add to depression.
-- best wishes
Jay
Posted by desolationrower on January 16, 2009, at 1:27:30
In reply to Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 13:49:14
Being an addict is a state of mind. It is being obsessed with some goal that doesn't lead to contentment. It doesn't matter what chemical is entering your body.
-d/r
Posted by Neal on January 16, 2009, at 12:12:37
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by desolationrower on January 16, 2009, at 1:27:30
don't some people have sexual side effects to Effexor? there are tons of posts on this board about it from past.
Are there tricyclics that one can substitute for Effexor?
Posted by homemommy on January 16, 2009, at 16:41:50
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by Neal on January 16, 2009, at 12:12:37
It is alot harder for me to get into sex and to feel the sensation. I am not sure what you can do for that. If you want to email me I will inform you on what I have done.
Posted by homemommy on January 16, 2009, at 16:43:42
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by desolationrower on January 16, 2009, at 1:27:30
> Being an addict is a state of mind. It is being obsessed with some goal that doesn't lead to contentment. It doesn't matter what chemical is entering your body.
>
> -d/rUmmm I am not sure where you get this info you said above but it is an addiction. I cannot stop it tomorrow without have major withdrawls for over a month. I would consider that an addiction. I am so glad it works for me but my fear is if I ever do get off of it that I won't be able to and the long term effects since there is not a study.
Posted by yxibow on January 16, 2009, at 19:53:07
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by homemommy on January 16, 2009, at 16:43:42
> > Being an addict is a state of mind. It is being obsessed with some goal that doesn't lead to contentment. It doesn't matter what chemical is entering your body.
> >
> > -d/r
>
> Ummm I am not sure where you get this info you said above but it is an addiction. I cannot stop it tomorrow without have major withdrawls for over a month. I would consider that an addiction. I am so glad it works for me but my fear is if I ever do get off of it that I won't be able to and the long term effects since there is not a study.Addiction in my view is started foremostly with the use of unnecessary substances, often obtained illegally. Yes, addiction can occur concurrently or as a result of habituation, but Effexor is not a controlled substance and not known for "addictive properties".
Other substances with far more punch have been abused by people, such as Provigil, benzodiazepines, outside of their medical guise.
Continuing to self-hound about being an addict in this situation I really find to be a disservice to yourself and your psyche.
Withdrawals can be for some people very incredible with SNRIs. That doesn't make it an addiction, and if the drug worked for you in the first place, its really a choice, do you want to remain functional and able to keep your own independence and self-worth in society, or do you want to risk the problems of facing an illness unguarded and untreated ?
Its true, there are no long term studies of a number of SSRIs and SNRIs although there are definitely millions of patient-years of information, but I think the slippery slope can go all the way to the mercury fervor that has been described on the board. Do you want to continue to have decay and possible dentures on complex bridges and root canals making it impossible to eat solid or hard food, or do you want to risk the possible minor amount of mercury that theoretically could enter your system?
I wish you the best of your choices.
-- best wishes
-- Jay
Posted by desolationrower on January 18, 2009, at 6:21:01
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict » homemommy, posted by yxibow on January 16, 2009, at 19:53:07
> > > Being an addict is a state of mind. It is being obsessed with some goal that doesn't lead to contentment. It doesn't matter what chemical is entering your body.
> > >
> > > -d/r
> >
> > Ummm I am not sure where you get this info you said above but it is an addiction. I cannot stop it tomorrow without have major withdrawls for over a month. I would consider that an addiction. I am so glad it works for me but my fear is if I ever do get off of it that I won't be able to and the long term effects since there is not a study.
>
> Addiction in my view is started foremostly with the use of unnecessary substances, often obtained illegally. Yes, addiction can occur concurrently or as a result of habituation, but Effexor is not a controlled substance and not known for "addictive properties".
>
> Other substances with far more punch have been abused by people, such as Provigil, benzodiazepines, outside of their medical guise.
>
> Continuing to self-hound about being an addict in this situation I really find to be a disservice to yourself and your psyche.
>
> Withdrawals can be for some people very incredible with SNRIs. That doesn't make it an addiction, and if the drug worked for you in the first place, its really a choice, do you want to remain functional and able to keep your own independence and self-worth in society, or do you want to risk the problems of facing an illness unguarded and untreated ?
>
> Its true, there are no long term studies of a number of SSRIs and SNRIs although there are definitely millions of patient-years of information, but I think the slippery slope can go all the way to the mercury fervor that has been described on the board. Do you want to continue to have decay and possible dentures on complex bridges and root canals making it impossible to eat solid or hard food, or do you want to risk the possible minor amount of mercury that theoretically could enter your system?
>
> I wish you the best of your choices.
>
> -- best wishes
>
> -- JayI mostly agree, except whats more important than the 'socially unacceptablity' of drugs, is whether they are personally unacceptable. Of course most people will use societal norms to decide. And i'm not sure the fear of getting off - yeah thats pretty much a given when you start effexor, but that doesn't mean stopping it NOW is a good idea. And there might be some longterm risk; but ADs are better as a prophylactic than as an acute treatement for depression. so maybe you should take it long term. i think thats all that matters; alcohol addiction is bad because it kills your liver and makes you miss work and be beligerant with one's family. IF i gave up my car, it would be terrible: hauling stuff around in the cold, being exhausted, finding new ways to get places. i'm ok with needing things as long as they improve my life.
-d/r
Posted by anne-sophie on January 22, 2009, at 13:17:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by desolationrower on January 18, 2009, at 6:21:01
Effexor is not addictive -nor is any other antidepressant. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms doesn't instantly mean a drug is addictive. Being addicted means becoming tolerant to the drug and needing more and more to achieve the same effect and/or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
This doesn't mean, however, that the withdrawal symptoms aren't horrible. They can be dealt with, though and. . .they will pass!
Posted by bulldog2 on January 24, 2009, at 12:53:14
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by homemommy on January 16, 2009, at 16:43:42
> > Being an addict is a state of mind. It is being obsessed with some goal that doesn't lead to contentment. It doesn't matter what chemical is entering your body.
> >
> > -d/r
>
> Ummm I am not sure where you get this info you said above but it is an addiction. I cannot stop it tomorrow without have major withdrawls for over a month. I would consider that an addiction. I am so glad it works for me but my fear is if I ever do get off of it that I won't be able to and the long term effects since there is not a study.I've read that ritalin as an adjunt may correct the sexual issues.
Posted by bulldog2 on January 24, 2009, at 13:14:44
In reply to Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 13:49:14
> I just found this post and I am so glad I am not the only one. I started taking this Med about 1 1/2 years ago. I tried to get off of it about 9 months ago and thought I was going to DIE!! I had brain shocks, eyes twitched, nauseated, cried constantly, slept all day. I was so scared. I really thought I was going to have a seizure and die. My Dr told me the only way to get rid of the withdrawl was to start taking it again which at first I refused but after 2 weeks of hell I got back on it and the withdrawls stopped. So now I am a Effexor Addict. I hate it.
I copied a link that has a definition of addiction. It really has nothing to do wether the med is illeal or prescribed by a doc. It really is more of a physical process and you should not judge yourself negatively. If it is a plus be greatful something works. Untreated depression has greater consequences.
Posted by Homemommy on January 26, 2009, at 10:58:56
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by bulldog2 on January 24, 2009, at 12:53:14
> > > Being an addict is a state of mind. It is being obsessed with some goal that doesn't lead to contentment. It doesn't matter what chemical is entering your body.
> > >
> > > -d/r
> >
> > Ummm I am not sure where you get this info you said above but it is an addiction. I cannot stop it tomorrow without have major withdrawls for over a month. I would consider that an addiction. I am so glad it works for me but my fear is if I ever do get off of it that I won't be able to and the long term effects since there is not a study.
>
> I've read that ritalin as an adjunt may correct the sexual issues.
Thanks I will have to ck that out.
Posted by Homemommy on January 26, 2009, at 11:01:06
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by bulldog2 on January 24, 2009, at 13:14:44
> > I just found this post and I am so glad I am not the only one. I started taking this Med about 1 1/2 years ago. I tried to get off of it about 9 months ago and thought I was going to DIE!! I had brain shocks, eyes twitched, nauseated, cried constantly, slept all day. I was so scared. I really thought I was going to have a seizure and die. My Dr told me the only way to get rid of the withdrawl was to start taking it again which at first I refused but after 2 weeks of hell I got back on it and the withdrawls stopped. So now I am a Effexor Addict. I hate it.
>
> I copied a link that has a definition of addiction. It really has nothing to do wether the med is illeal or prescribed by a doc. It really is more of a physical process and you should not judge yourself negatively. If it is a plus be greatful something works. Untreated depression has greater consequences.
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction
>
WHEN I first started reading this I thought I wrote it. You described it exactly and that is the same thing I was told. I am slowing switching to Lexapro. So far I have had no withdrawls. I take half of my dose of Effexor and 1/2 the dose of Lexapro for a week. I am going to keep updating my status so others can read it.T
Posted by Elanor Roosevelt on January 26, 2009, at 13:47:08
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 26, 2009, at 11:01:06
having withdrawal symptoms does not define you as an addict and you should be thankful for that
it seems that pdocs do not have much sympathy for the painful withdrawals people suffer
you should not have to feel so bad
listen to the advice people have given you here
i know many have reported the prozac approach to work
perhaps the prozac will help you and you can stay with it
please take good care of yourself
Posted by Homemommy on January 26, 2009, at 14:01:16
In reply to Re: Effexor Addict, posted by Elanor Roosevelt on January 26, 2009, at 13:47:08
MY 3 DAY FOLLOW UP!!!! Jan 26, 2009
My Dr and I started weaning me off of Effexor Sat the 24th of Jan. I am taking 1/2 a dose of Lexapro and 1/2 my dose of Effexor which is 37.5 ml. Today is my 3rd day and I have not had any side effects. I will update you in a few days. On Sat I will stop Effexor all together and take the full dose of Lexapro. Already I have had more energy.
Trudy
Posted by Jim45 on February 4, 2009, at 12:55:36
In reply to Effexor Addict, posted by Homemommy on January 7, 2009, at 13:49:14
Dear Homemommy,
After coming off high-dose Effexor that I'd been taking for years, I went through INCREDIBLE dysphoria, anhedonia, amotivation, social phobia, and an AWFUL mental phenomena like a very vague headache, but no pain, just a feeling of misery from the first thing in the AM until I went to sleep at night. I also thought I was dying and wanted to die.
I advise as little as needed for as short a time as needed. It was a wonder drug for about two years. Almost worked too well. I would say that I was psychologically addicted. Then the 75-150 mg XR dose quit working. I tried to stop, had weird and awful symptoms. Thought I was dying. Then via online research I found out what was happening. Saw my Doc and he supplemented the research w/a printout about FXR XR withdrawals. He upped my dose to 150 to 300 mg daily and I was fine for another 2 years. Then it stopped working AGAIN, but trying to stop was now SO hard - nausea and vomiting too + things you mentioned, that I decided to just keep taking it even though it wasn't helping. Doc gave me new meds to take and I started adding some illegal stuff.
I try to warn people about Effexor. The first paragraph tells part of what I ended up having to go through after 5 or 6 years of taking it. My Doc lost his license and I was forced to stop the Effexor in about 10 days.
After 2 years of mental hell - sorry - I'm now taking a low dose of non-time release FXR. 37.5 mg daily. Within a couple of weeks restarting it I was a little better and added other stuff which now has me back to normal.
A word about addiction - I respect others opinions here, but addiction is complicated. The main element of addiction is neurological changes. The withdrawals from drugs are due to those changes. SO Effexor makes changes, and you have terrible withdrawals when you stop, so in a way, yes. We can be addicted to FXR and many other psych meds.
'Nuff of that. You mentioned sexual side effects.
For a guy it's great. Pardon this discourse, but FXR turned me into a stud who could go and go without orgasming, and when I did....it was FANTASTIC. BUT...for a female, not being able to reach orgasm is different. You all usually last longer than guys do. I'll mention Selegiline. Research it though. Especially if you're taking other meds and because it can interact w/FXR.Good luck & best wishes!
I'm sort of a housedaddy :)
This is the end of the thread.
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