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Effexor comments - read what others have to say about Effexor.
EFFEXOR XR WITHDRAWAL HAVE BEEN OFF THE STUFF FOR 7 DAYS MY HANDS ARE STILL SHAKING.MY HEART POUNDS AND I CAN HEAR IT A SWOOSING SOUND IN MY EARS.I CAN NOT SLEEP.I HAVE NIGHTMARES WHEN I DO SLEEP. WHY WOULD A DR. PUT YOU ON MEDICATION THAT IS SO ADDICTATIVE.EXCUSE MY RAMBLINGS I THINK I AM LOSING MY MIND.SHE NOW HAS PUT ME ON WELLBUTRIN XR 150 MG.IF THERE IS ANY HELP OUT THERE I COULD SURE USE SOME. by nora On Tue Mar 04 11:56:52 2008
Effexor information This page has given me more information than I have ever dreamed of. I wish my doctor would have read this page before I was taken off of it.
by Adam on Fri Oct 19 13:55:35 2007 EDT
effexor hell gets better I just wanted everyone to know that it is getting better. Today is day 18 of being completely off of this crap. Most of the brain zaps are gone. I still get them randomly. The anger comes and goes also. Emotional outbursts seem to be the worst right now. I get FURIOUS over nothing. I act like a child throwing a tantrum. Then I go into the bathroom and lock the door and cry. I feel bad for my kids. I had to sit down with them and explain to them about going off this medication just so they wouldn't think their mother had turned into a monster. I do see the light at the end of the tunnel finally so hang in there everybody. Each day is an improvement, some days I feel like I am backsliding so PLEASE don't get discouraged if this happens to you. The next day will be better. I am just grateful I did not have to pick up a drink over this. I am so grateful I stumbled onto this website. If you are just getting off of effexor, don't give up. You can get through it one day at a time. by Chrissy On Fri Dec 29 13:00:42 2006
effexor xr I cannot believe this!! I have been on effexor for 2 years 150mg. It never seemed to alleviate what it was supposed to. I had side effects (night sweats, weight gain, joint pain, ), but never seemed to help with depression or anxiety...it was basically "neutral" as far as any benefit in the "mood" department. I wanted to go off it about 3 months after I started. This was after reading an article in a magazine about how people had suffered with horrible withdrawals after stopping. I cut back to 75mg for a week and then 37.5 for a week. I was fine the first day, and now the second day....i feel like im going to die! The pain in my head is so horrific and the electrical sensations are unreal. I am so scared that this will never go away. I have an appt. with my physician tomorrow. I have printed soem articles for him to read. I have trusted my doctor for 15 years....but i have to wonder why he would ever prescribe this to any patient?? He couldnt possibly know the side effects of the discontinuation of this horrible drug!! I would advise anyone to stay clear of this medication----it should be removed from this earth. If any one has any suggestions as to how I can make the tapering off easier....I would greatly appreciate it!!! chesleyjill( AT) yahoo.com by jill On Thu Dec 28 17:14:43 2006
Effexor I am in the process of trying to wean myself off of Effexor and came across this website. I have been on 75mg for about 3yrs., but really want to try to get off because of the weight gain. I have to say, this drug has been a miracle in my life. For over 30yrs. I suffered with panic/anxiety that controlled my life and made my world smaller and smaller. After years of therapy that never helped, my cardiologist convinced me that it was a chemical problem and to try medication. After two weeks on this drug I felt like I had been born again. I don't for a second regret taking this medication, and if my panic/anxiety returns, I will know that I may have to be on this for the rest of my life. I know getting off may be extremely difficult, but I'm ready to try. I would love to hear from someone who was or is taking this drug for panic/anxiety disorder and if it returned after getting off the medication. For everyone who is in such pain trying to get off, my prayers are with you. by Michelle On Thu Dec 28 09:52:40 2006
Effexor Withdrawal On 10/27/05 I had a tummy tuck, etc. after losing over 100 lbs. With that came mass quantities of pain meds, drain tubes, etc. I took everything from Oxycodene to Valium (for muscle spasms). It had been 4 days since I had taken any meds at all when on 11/08/05 I was sitting in my car and saw the bottle of Oxycodene and the thought, "I could take all of that, go to sleep, and never wake up". My sister freaked out when I told her this a few minutes later and INSISTED I meet her at a local clinic where she gets all her medical needs met. (She's on anti-depressants, too). She told me that it's just like having to take meds for diabetes or high cholestrol because my brain isn't doing what it's supposed to do and that's why I'm having these thoughts. The doctor put me on step up pack of 37.5 to 75 mg and I took it for 2 weeks and felt better yet he still upped my dose to 150mg/day I also didn't take anymore of the valium either - not yet making the connection. When I went in December to my GYN I told her about the whole experience and she suggested that I try going to 150/mg a day and see if I feel even better. I had just told her I felt fine! But, I wasn't thinking and was still so emotional from the near-suicide thought that I followed blindly. Now I have made the discovery that coming off valium/oxycodone can make fleeting thoughts seem more real than they really are. I've known this for several months now but have just discovered that weight gain can be a side-effect of Effexor. I've gained 20 lbs in less than 3 months. Other side effects are sudden mood swings, hot flashes, jittery, carpal tunnel pains in wrists (not sure that's one?) Wondering which weaning approach would be best for me? I can't imagine going cold turkey - I'm a stay home mom with a VERY active 3 yr old --- I don't want to become lethargic or crash or become wired from withdrawal symptoms. Any suggestions?
by Rhonda C On Thu Dec 28 00:43:33 2006
Starting to go off Effexor I started taking Effexor six months ago due to sleep problems. I have always been a helath nut. After gaining 20 lbs. and starting to sleep constantly, developing borderline high blood pressure, I looked up the side effects on the internet. I am blown away at all the others who are having the same problems as myself. I hope I can go off these meds without losing my mind. Has anyone contact an attorney about a class action? This is horrible not to disclose this to us!
by Cheryl On Tue Dec 26 13:50:19 2006
effexor and Christmas day Well, today was day 7 that I am taking only 75 mg. Actually, I did not even take a pill yesterday and I felt OK. I was a happy camper! Today, started off good, we opened gifts and laughed and eat a great breakfast. Suddenly, I began to feel nervous and I cried while taking a shower, and I cried after putting on my make-up. I cried while cooking! SO, I took a 75mg and after about 2 hours I felt better (no more crying!) This bothers me. I really hate this rollercoaster ride. Tomorrow I have a final I MUST complete! I must send my "work" to the prof. by Thursday "end of day". So far I have not been able to concentrate on my studies and "this is soooooo important!" If I get lower then a "C" in this class I'm in big trouble! I feel like I'm retarded! My Prof. will not CARE that I'm weaning myself off EFFEXOR. ugh! it's about 11:35pm I'm so tired, my dreams/nightmares have been too much to handle SO I stay up late hoping to fall into such a deep sleep I somehow won't dream! I will see my Dr. Tomorrow afternoon. We'll talk about my D.T.'s and crap like that... what can she do???? Nothing! I have to walk this road myself..... Once I'm "finished" I'm not sure I'll even want to "try" the Topomax. I want to begin 2007 a better person. I just don't know if I can do it without "something". This depression has haunted me since I was a kid! I've had so much therapy and I am in a relationship that is so healthy and GOOD FOR ME! I just don't want to pop a pill daily! Yet, I feel like if I don't ALL MY GOOD "STUFF" WILL GO AWAY. It's like the Catch 22. I know I need it (a pill) SO DO I REALLY NEED IT? by Lola On Mon Dec 25 23:43:00 2006
An Effective Effexor XR Withdrawal Program Good Evening to All, I have been on Effexor XR - 150 mg for about 4.5 yrs and have wanted to discontinue it for sometime. Well, I got the change after learning that I am expecting (twins!). I have also been following the "Omega-Rx Zone" (book) nutritional program by Dr. Barry Sears ( www.drsears.com ) and would highly recommend it in conjunction with the ultra-refined fish oil ( www.zonelabsinc.com )! In his book, Dr. Sears cites the 1999 landmark study done by Harvard psychiatric researcher, Dr. Andrew Stoll, who wrote a book entitled, "The Omega-3 Connection". An interview conducted with Dr. Stoll and published in "The Saturday Evening Post", May - June 2005 edition, can be read online here: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1189/is_3_277/ai_n13684165 (3 pages).
On Tuesday, November 28th, 2006, my psychiatrist began tapering the Effexor XR 150 mg to 75 mg for 14 days, coupled with Dr. Sears "Omega Rx Zone" nutritional program and taking 2.5 grams of Zone Labs ultra-refined fish oil, and I experienced no withdrawal symptoms, even though, it was the 12th week of 40 weeks of my pregnancy with twins. I then was further reduced from 75 mg to 37.5 mg and have taken that for 11 days with no withdrawal symptoms, and am currently at 15 weeks + 1/7 days of 40 weeks pregnancy with twins. I did increase the fish-oil from 2.5 grams to 5 grams daily and feel great. :) Yippeee!!!!!!! I plan to follow the tapering recommendations as mentioned/posted "by michelle On Mon Oct 09 22:37:49 2006". The link is: http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/anti_depressants/withdrawal/Venlafaxine_Withdrawal.pdf for the last 15 days of my prescription beginning in 4 more days. After then, I will keep everyone posted and let you know how it all turns out. I am hoping that my success will be of use to someone else. Take care.
Effexor Comments Hi there, I stumbled across this site as I searched Effexor withdrawal sites. I am glad that I found it because I don't know if I am experiencing side effects from starting Zoloft or withdrawals from Effexor 225mg Sept, 150mg Thanksgiving week and 75mg 12/7. I started at 50mg Zoloft for 2 weeks 12/7 and then went up to 100mg on 12/15. I go back to my doctor this week where whe will further reduce my Effexor dosage. From reading other postings, it appears that Effexor is quite a nasty medicine to withdraw from. However, I am confident that we can all make through the hard times. by Aaron On Sun Dec 24 18:41:22 2006
Effexor wd.s Someone should make a movie about coming off Effexor. It could be titled The Effexorcist and could feature spinning heads and spewing vomit. Believe me, I feel like Linda Blair had a walk in the park compared to what I'm going through. Three days till Christmas and I'm not sure I'll be able to even get out of the house to finish what I need to get done. My poor kids- This is not exactly the holly jolly Christmas they signed up for. Dramamine has been helping a bit with the dizziness and nauseau (but just a bit)however, there's no remedy for the crying and rages. Why did I decide to do this now? by Laurie On Thu Dec 21 22:57:48 2006
effexor withdraw I have only been taking effexor for a few months/ 5 at the most. This week (monday night) I tappered down to one pill a night. One 75mg a night, I was taking two a night. it's only Thursday night not even one week and I already feel terrible. I am so confused and my skin is crawling. I can't turn my head quickly and just typing makes me nauseous. The holidays are right around the corner and I've gotta tell ya I can't even find a reason to "speak to anyone". the only good thing that might come out of this rotten trip is I'll lose the weight I gained on this drug, 20 pounds in no more then 5 months! WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP THESE SIDE EFFECTS? today I had to leave work an hour early because I could not sit still, I could not think straight and nothing seemed to matter to me. I had a clear head for about 15 minutes and then I became confused again AND I just couldn't communicate NOR did I even care too. Can any one give me a suggestion? Here is what I was told to do... begin this week taking 75mg, next week 37.5 (I think or is it 35.7???) what ever the case may be my doctor feels this will be long enoungh to wean me off to begin Topamax. Another doctor friend of mine told me to take 75 mg this week, the 35.7/37.5 next week every night, then the third week take the 35.7/37.5 every other day, the forth week take the above one twice a week. OK so about ONE MONTH of tappering off..... The bottom line is to begin Topamax in the furure. please forgive my grammer and possible spelling errors. Normally I care, tonight I really just can't care. I think I'll return to the bathroom to Throw-up for the 10th time today.... There is nothing in my belly.. so the action hurts but it does take the felling of nausea away for a bit. Please help me through this.... is there SOMETHING I CAN DO TO HELP MYSELF WEAN OFF THIS TERRIBLE DRUG. Thank you, Lola On Thu Dec 21 21:22:17 2006
Effexor Withdrawal Today is my 15th day without Effexor. I am finally beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I started taking 75 milligrams in July of this year. I did not like the way it made me feel and I started gaining weight. (20 lbs. in 4 months). I decided to get off of it so my doctor put me on 37.5 milligrams a day. I took it every day, then every other day, then every 3rd day until I finally just quit taking it. I had just about every withdrawal symptom listed. Especially what felt like motion sickness and brain zaps. (miserable) I am also a recovering alcoholic (18 months sober) and had to stay really plugged into AA. I did not want to jeopardize my sobriety for the misery of getting off of this drug. Chrissy...hang in there. It does get better. I haven't had a brain zap yet today or any dizzy spells. Thanks for this wonderful site. I found it after 2 days of being off of it and it helped so much!! by Kim On Thu Dec 21 12:30:29 2006
Effexor and alcohol I have found in over 100 blogs and medical web based message boards that people have had a dramatic increase in the desire to binge drink, or to just drink alcohol. Also in most cases they have reported that they have blacked out while drinking on Effexor (as have I). As well the incidence of psychoses while drinking and on Effexor is quite high (about 70% of cases I have found). Most of the time this has been a lot less dramatic than what I have experienced myself. One study I have read seems to lead to the fact that in some cases Effexor and drinking can lead to psychoses in a permanent manner. This on top of the fact that 20% of the cases I read ended up with violent urges as well, leads me to think why is this drug on the market in the first place. By the way, there was never a warning on the bottle or from the doctor on the side effects of drinking on Effexor. There is in the USA a new warning about the heightened risk of suicide while on Effexor. One can only wonder why this drug is still on the market today. If there is a class action law suit in Canada regarding Effexor and its may side affects (as there is in the USA) I will gladly sign my name to the list. Yes by the way I did drink a lot while on Effexor and had to be put in the hospital because of my Psychoses and it was almost two months of being in and out before I was able to live on my own again. I still remember vividly the day I had to go in. Thank God for my friend, or I may have been too late in seeking help. Trust me I had many thought of suicide in this time frame. It was almost one year of pure hell. If you are on Effexor, please talk to your doctor about this dangerous drug and think about being taken off. by Dave Nicholson On Tue Dec 19 21:34:10 2006
effexor withdrawal symptoms are ruining my life I don't really feel like ranting and raving, because most of what I feel has already been expressed by other people on this site. However, I must say that I have lost all faith in my doctor who prescribed this poison...effexor. I am a 30 year-old, vibrant female. Correction: I was. Only on effexor for 3 months, I began weaning myself off of it as fast as I started on it. The sad part is, I have had to plan my Christmas holidays around it. I am relieved to find that I am not crazy. My boyfriend, an M.D., has watched dumbstruck as I cannot get out of the bed or sit through a movie. I hope it ends soon. Has anyone tried Prozac to alleviate symptoms and is it safe? by cathy On Sun Dec 17 18:44:53 2006
Effexor-withdrawal I have been taking Effexor XR 75 mg for serval months now. I recently just stop taking it, "cold turkey". I have had really bad mood swings, happy, sad, crying, but I have been really mean and ill. It is affecting the ones around me, I do not advise going "cold turkey"!! Other syptoms I have are, loose stools, headache, stomach ache, shivers, sweating, BAD DIZZINESS, BAD ANGER schzio type mood. You really need a support group and family-friends helping you with this, lower your dosage, dont come of completly! The main reason I choose to come of of this was a personal decision. I do not want to be on any type of meds for the rest of my life. The only thing that is helping me is my husband and kids and going to church a lot to pray! Happy Holidays! by Jay Court On Sun Dec 17 07:08:48 2006
Effexor Withdrawal I have been part of a clinical study for hot flashes. They said the drug is a relative of Effexor. It is desvenlafaxine succinate sustained release. I had moderate results from it on the hot flashes. Now I'm in the middle of a two-week taper off and I thought I had the flu. A smart friend suggested it is withdrawal. I called the 24-hour doctor line and paged twice and no one has answered me. So I started this internet search. Thank goodness for you all and your comments. I feel so bad and only you can understand. I took a Benadryl just now. Thanks for the tip. My "zaps" are about every 15 seconds. It is hideous. I'm going to have my husband drag me to that doctor's office in the morning. Say a prayer for me and I will do the same for all of you tonight. With love, Deb On Fri Dec 15 21:21:39 2006
Effexor nightmare OMG I cant stand this anymore. I started taking effexor xr about 3 yrs ago. It seems to be working fine, but I want off .. Im pregnant. Ive tried to stop taking the effexor a few times in the past but I get so dizzy and sick that its not worth it, untill now. I never knew what terrible withdrawl symptoms there were untill I read this. I wish I never would have started this in the first place. I have to stop , I want to stop for the sake of my unborn child, can anyone tell me how long this dizziness will last? Help!! by Jennifer On Fri Dec 15 10:11:57 2006
Effexor Hell I have been on Effexor for about 5 years. I have been on a dose of 220 for the past year. I have been weaning myself off of it w/o doctors help because they just want to push more drugs on you and I want to try and go the natural route this time. I weaned myself all the way down to 37.5 for about 1 1/2 weeks, now I have been completely off for 2 days and I am going NUTS! I thought I was crazy until I looked up the withdrawal symptoms and found this website. I just started crying my eyes out because I am not alone. I am so glad to have read everyone's comments about what they are going through. I have all of those symptoms. The 'brain shocks', headache, diarrhea, nausea, sweating, uncontrollable crying, and the list goes on and on! I feel like I can barely hold my eyes open most of the time. I don't even want to get dressed in the morning. I am scared because I have to go back to work in 2 weeks and I know I can not work like this. But I am determined not to go back on it. I am also in recovery for drugs and alcohol and I am going to constant AA meetings because the symptoms make me want to drink or use again and I have been clean and sober for years! I am so lucky to have been able to take time off but it is coming to an end soon. My poor husband and kids are trying so hard to deal with me too. I am also scared of the depression. I am scared the natural way won't work and I after all this I will end up back on something anyway. Whatever happens I know I will not ever take Effexor again. Thank you so much to everyone who shared their Effexor nightmare with me and thank you for letting me vent, for some reason I feel better already. by Chrissy On Wed Dec 13 21:39:13 2006
Effexor Withdrawals I have been taking Effexor since July 2000. I was suffering with severe anxiety and depression. After a short time taking Effexor I felt much better. However, like many others, if I knew then what I know now, I would have chosen a different drug. After several attempts to discontinue Effexor, I finally decided several months to make it happen. My husband and I want to have children in the near future making this a must. My doctor put me on Straterra and starting tapering the Effexor. Friday was my last day taking the 37.5mg capsule. Saturday I was fine, but Sunday it started. I am having severe withdrawal symptoms including headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and other stimuli, electrical shocks, palpitations, decrease peripheral circulation to hands and feet, emotional/teary. Basically, I feel like SH_T!! I knew I would have a hard time, but I just wish I knew how long this is going to last. I feel like I can't work feeling so terrible. I saw my doctor today, she put me on 20mg Prozac to help with the withdrawal symptoms. I pray this works and FAST! I'm trying to stay calm and talk myself through this. I will say it is nice to know that I am not alone! I'm just sad that we have to deal with such terrible effects from this drug! If I only knew!! by Samanth On Tue Dec 12 22:19:46 2006
Effexor withdrawals I was on Effexor XR for 4 years. Mainly because I have a history of depression and at the time they put me on it my mom was diagnosed with her 2nd cancer and her prognosis was only 3 months to live. Up until this summer I thought I was doing ok. Then my husband was complaining a lot about how I don't do anything around the house and how I was a zombie when I was at home. So he started doing research online and found a lot of websites like this one where people were talking about their problems while taking and trying to get off of the Effexor. At first I didn't want to hear about it. I didn't want to come off of the meds because I was afraid of what might happen; I was suicidal when I started taking it. After he threatened to leave me if I didn't try to get off of it I decided to look into it. I bought some books and did my own research online. I felt like I'd been cheated out of the last 4 yrs of my life!!!! I was a zombie. So I decided to come off of it. I talked to my dr about it and although he supported it, he wasn't really involved in it. I went to him for one appt to tell him what I wanted to do and that was it; I've never seen him since. I've done it on my own. I started off on 175mg a day. Every four weeks I stepped down a dosage. The first time it took 3 weeks before I felt the withdrawals; I was ill for 3 days and had to miss work because I couldn't get out of bed. Then, I missed two days a few weeks later. In about 3 weeks I missed 7 days of work because of the withdrawals. The last straw was when I woke up with the worse headache I've ever had in my life. I called my manager and told them that I needed to take about 2 months off so that I could go through this without worrying about missing so much work. After my 2nd tapering, I decided to stop taking the meds altogether and I was bed-ridden for almost 3 weeks! I could barely walk. If I was still working I would've surely lost my job! Now, here I am...almost 2 months later and I'm still dealing with withdrawal symptoms. Mostly headaches and 'eye pain'. I'm still not back to work yet; that's another story; but I can't believe that I've had to go through this! I almost lost my marriage over this and then I almost lost my job! It's ruined my life. by Katie On Tue Dec 12 00:39:45 2006
Effexor withdrawal symptoms I found this website because I wanted to find out why I was having frequent brains zaps/shocks/a case of the zzzts-zzzts-zzzts shortly after having stopped taking Effexor (3 days ago). My story, very briefly, is that I started taking Effexor XR (75 mgs/day) 5 years ago to alleviate ferocious hot flashes which started when I went on to Arimidex, an anti-cancer drug which suppresses estrogen. I had been diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer in 2001 and had an estrogen-positive tumor. After two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, I prepared to go back to work. Then I entered hot flash country. They were terrible, making me feel as though I was being suffocated as well as miserably overheated. Effexor did the trick pretty well, although I still had the odd mega-flash so stayed on it throughout the five years of Arimidex. Last Thursday I completed my 5 years on Arimidex, stopped both medications cold turkey, and felt overjoyed and like celebrating. Friday I started having the brain zaps & sensation of dizziness that I had experienced now and again when I missed the daily Effexor dose. My heart sank. How long would this go on? When I had experienced it before (only for a day at a time) I occasionally felt unwell enough to stay home from work. Now retired, am I going to lose my usually abundant energy, ability to sleep well, joy of living etc. etc.? As with cancer, I'll have to take it a day at a time. I am naturally fairly resilient and up-beat, but have experienced short-term chemically-induced depression, so am very sympathetic to those of you who have had to endure full-blown depression for any length of time. What I REALLY want to say is that I am so outraged that all of you, whose stories I have read, are in so much pain, and in some cases despair, and in many cases because you took what you trusted was a drug that would help you. Instead, you have been betrayed. It's NOT OK WITH ME that drug companies & doctors brush us off as being under some kind of illusion as to these withdrawal symptoms. It's NOT OK for this medication to be prescribed without the patient being INFORMED about side effects and withdrawal symptoms - not all of us are computer savvy and know that we can find a huge amount of information about our medications on the Internet (thank goodness for websites like this one). The truth of the matter is that increasingly we are expected to take responsibility for informing ourselves as to side effects, withdrawal symptoms, etc. etc. Those doctors who can't take the time to help us through these difficult experiences are guilty of blaming the victim, adding insult to injury. Don't lose hope, my friends. Take life a minute, an hour, a day at a time. Remember you are not alone in this distressing situation, keep reading what others have to say, take heart that some have finally come through it all, and remember that drug companies are in business for the money - your money. Don't give them your health as well. Oh, by the way, re: drug companies and your money & health, I mentioned to a nurse practitioner last week that after having had years of low cholesterol, mine had suddenly shot up. I have always had high HDL so my doctor is not unduly worried. However, I said to the nurse that many of my women friends in their late 50s and early 60s (where I am) have suddenly had the same high readings. Why, I wondered. We all exercise, eat healthily, avoid animal fats to a greater or lesser degree. She looked at me and said, because the drug companies want you all to start taking Lipitor. You know, I had wondered if cholesterol level testing had been altered to reflect a falsely high reading so that we'd feel compelled to take a drug to protect ourselves.... What do you think? Sound too much like a conspiracy theory? Once again, hang in there, and always remember that you are not alone. Peace. by Sarah On Sun Dec 10 17:03:16 2006
effexor withdrawal After reading these comments I think I'm just gonna go ahead and check in to the local phsyco unit! I've just recently decided to try to get off all this medicine I'm taking. I started reducing my dosage of effexer one week ago. My wonderfull wife found this webbsite and insisted I read some of the comments. I currently am taking 450mg of effexer daily along with 400mg of wellbutrin, and 75mg of lamictal. My intentions are to eventually stop taking all of this stuff. I have reduced my dosage of effexor to half. I am already experiencing some of the symtoms such as blinding headaches, nausea, dizzyness, and confusion none of which are very bad except for the headaches. Please describe "brain zap". I'm not sure I understand what they are. thanks, george On Sat Dec 09 22:06:27 2006
(Brain zaps are the electrical shocks that some people feel when they're going through SSRI withdrawal. They generally start in the head and can extend all the way through the body. Extremely disturbing and irritating, they don't seem to cause permanent damage. - Mark)
Effexor Withdrawal Thanks so much for your site. I too thought I was crazy. I have been trying for almost a year to get off effexor due to it's numerous side effects. I tried weaning, cold turkey but always gave in and went back on it as I couldn't stand the withdrawal. I even think my Dr. thought I was nuts until I printed some of the comments from this site and showed them to him. Well I am on day 12 with no effexor and still suffering from the brain zaps/pulsing. I have been taking massive doses of Omega 3 which doesn't seem to be doing much. I have also tried Benodryl and Clariton D. They took the edge off a little bit but zapping/pulsing was still there. On the positive side...I feel happier, clearer headed and am sleeping better. I will NEVER will take this drug again!!! I am just trying to be patient as I know the brain zaps/pulsing will ease up sometime but it may take a few more weeks.I had a crying jag the other night over a Xmas song but it felt great. I felt like I was emotionally numb while on effexor and felt lousy from all the side effects. Good luck to all of you out there trying to get off this nasty drug. I feel as if I am over the worst of it (I hope) and am looking forward to feeling NORMAL. I was on 450mg day plus 80 mg of Paxil and went off Cold Turkey for the exception of (3) days of Prozac 40mg. Happy Holidays to everyone by Karyn On Fri Dec 08 09:22:53 2006
Scared to go off Effexor Where to start...I have been on 220 mgs for six years. About two months ago, my doc wanted me to wean myself off the 75 mg pill. WOAH. I had the terrible side effects, the same as everyone else. I couldn't do it. Since then, I have gotten married. We want to try to have kids Aug/Sept of '07. I want to breast feed. The Effexor goes through the breast milk, not the placenta....Once you stop breast feeding, the BABY goes through the withdrawals!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I couldn't, in good faith, do that to him/her. SO today (12/4/06) I went to a new doc. She told me, for the next two weeks, take 150 + 37.5 every other night and 750 + 75 the other nights. Hopefully I can get down to 150 + 37.5 every night, then down to 150 then down even further. I am SO afraid to go off this strong medication not because of my depression, but because of the awful side effects. I sat here crying as I was reading these posts because I don't want to have to go through that again. Granted, it was only for a week but it was pure hell. I don't know what to do...I am so scared. by Julia On Mon Dec 04 18:50:19 2006
Effexor withdrawal OH man! I have been looking for reasons to my constant nausea and dizzyness for quite awhile. Believe it or not I actually requested Effexor because I heard it was sooo wonderful. Having been diagnosed as OCD I took Zoloft for several yrs. The problem was that I shook terribly and suffered from anxiety. Zoloft stopped working for me and I began seeing a psychotherapist to help with anxiety issues. I feel like a fricken junky now with Effexor. I simply cannot stand the withdrawal from it. If I forget to take a dose I know that I will be sick. This is what made me aware in the first place. I blamed it on the anxiety and not the meds. I want to stop these meds so bad, but I cannot deal with the withdrawal and function at all. The only thing that seems to help is a bit of food, or a lot of food. That worries me too since it can lead to huge weight gains. I desperately want to get off this medication. I have 3 daughters and I cannot put them through my withdrawal. This is worse than the depression and the anxiety that I thought I was having. I simply cannot even remember what it felt like to be normal anymore. Someone please help!
by Carolyn On Mon Dec 04 15:46:16 2006
Effexor xr withdrawal It can be done! I had been on effexor xr for almost four years. It really helped me get through a rough time, but I was ready to be done with it. I tried about a year and a half ago cold turkey and went through the all of the withdrawal symptoms. I tried about six months later, this time doing the tapering thing. I had the same effects. I am a wimp somtimes so back on the medicine I went. My doc had given me some sample about 3 months ago and half of them were 37.5 mg so I thought, what the heck, let's try getting off of this again. I had gone from 150 mg to 75 mg and had been doing okay there for quite a while. I was on the 37.5 mg for a month and went back to the doctor to get a new perscription. We decided to go to the 25 mg regular effexor and take one in the morning and 1/2 of one at night. I then went to 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night and then just 1/2 in the morning. I thought this was it. When I stopped taking the 1/2 pill or 12.5 mg of regular effexor once a day I started the withdrawal again. I went back to my doctor, who was very incouraging and supportive of me getting off the drugs and she put me on prozac. I stayed on 25 mg of effexor for three days while I took 20 mg of prozac. I then stopped the effexor and stayed on 20 mg for two more days and then went to 10 mg for 5 days and then nothing. I kept a journal of how I was feeling for about 4 weeks, but I have been feeling so good that I finally quit my "effexor" journal. I kept waiting for the after effects to kick in, but nothing. It feels so good to not be taking this stuff and even better to not have any withdrawal symptoms. It can be done!!! I am living proof of that. Good luck.
by Freeatlast On Sat Dec 02 12:21:49 2006
Effexor
One night in 1998 I considered the ease of stepping up and out the window of my 24th floor apartment. The next morning I sat in my doctors office, gladly accepting a prescription for Zoloft. It worked for a time, then it didn't. I have been on 150mg of Effexor for about six years. A week ago I stopped taking it. Cold turkey. The first few days I felt fine. With an "I'm lucky, self-congratulatory attitude", I blissfully floated upon calm waters. I crashed into the coral reef yesterday. I'm thrashing, flailing, clawing for solid ground. I came here for a compass. I know I'm not crazy, but I feel like it. I'm angry, oh you bet I am. I'm stolid one minute, sobbing with grief the next. It gives me strength and hope to read the experiences of others here. I know I'll make it today. Thank you. by Heather On Thu Nov 30 21:59:08 2006
effexor withdrawal I was diagnosed with metastisized breast cancer last year. I am in stage IV cancer and being treated with effexor and various other medications. I was out of town last weekend and I skipped two 150 mg. doses of effexor. I literally thought that I was dying of the cancer. I heard electrical charges in my head and told my sister that it sounded like a cell phone was vibrating in my neck. I was dizzy and nauseous and cried for no apparent reason. I had chills and thought I had the flu or hoped I had the flu because I knew that I had begun my decline into death. It is a constant source of worry about when I will die, but, now, I am reading about the withdrawal symptoms from effexor as I had a suspicion that this was causing me difficulty. I re-filled my prescription and the terrible symptoms are leaving me again. I am so worried about how bad I felt and how this is compromising my immune system. I am now frightened to begin the withdrawal process because I don't want it to affect my cancer getting worse, but, I feel poisoned and don't think that it can possibly help my cancer with this strong and dangerous a medication in my system. Has anyone else withdrawn from effexor and in treatment for stage Iv cancer? This is such a huge dilema. My intuitive sense is that I need to begin the withdrawal process soon. I have not had a noticeable change in hot flashes with the effexor anyway. by carol On Thu Nov 30 04:45:17 2006
Effexor My seasonal depression started to mildly effect my school work last winter. My home doctor (known in town as the Candyman for his easy pill prescribing ways) put me on Effexor without telling me any side effects. Three months later, having had to take the semester off because I was unable to sleep or concentrate and had constant headaches he switched me to Lexapro without first lessoning my dose of Effexor. I stopped taking Lexapro in the summer, but still the same effects I had on Effexor continue. I get headaches, constant thirst, dizzyness, agitation, nausea and havent had a good nights sleep in months. If anyone else has had these effects last for 6+ months I would love to know if they are planning to stop any time soon, as they are hurting my life more then depression ever did. by Todd On Wed Nov 29 16:40:28 2006
Effexor withdrawal Well it's been 30 days since I went off Effexor. I went off them pretty quickly. I took a 75mg opened it up and took half. Then I took half of what was left the next day, and so on.. In 4 days I was total off. There is hope... I was luckey that I did not have any withdrawal symptoms... I was waiting every day for them to appear... But thank god they never came. The only thing I did different was I started taking Omega 3' pills.. I feel bad for all of you who have had hell getting off these things... I almost feel guilty for not having any symptoms. I have to say that I'm so much better I'm not on these things anymore... I'm able to feel things again. And friends notice that the 'fog' has been lifted.. I'm going through a very stressful time for work right now but I'm doing fine. I don't feel depressed at all. Acutally I think I felt more depressed on these things.. anyway... for those of you who want to get off these pills but have been afraid because off all the things you have read... There are people like me who have stopped w/o any problems... That doesn't mean you won't have withdrawal, but there is a chance you might not... Just keep your head up and good luck... You will be better in the long run. by Lyn On Tue Nov 28 18:18:46 2006
***
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Read what others have to say about my FREE information. Effexor XR withdrawal after 10 years cold turkey!!! Oh my God - 7 days into cold turkey withdrawal of effexor. Total hell. Thank God I had come across this website today. So thankful I am not alone. Former energetic popular vibrant beautiful lady - now withdrawn, depressed, pathetic excuse of a contributing member of society - that's pretty much how I view myself right now - hope that will change; former teacher of special ed kids; I am warm, witty, fun to be with ( or was ... ) So fed up living like this ... have decided to go off Effexor, am dizzy, confused, off-kilter, crying jags, but music sounds better, I'm more creative (like when I used to be healthy). Not eating as much, but it tastes better, (anyone else experience this). Thank you, thank you, thank you, for this website - I am determined to hang in there. by Judy On Tue Nov 28 14:25:26 2006
effexor sucks oh my god!! i wish the docs would have told me what i was in for. i started effexor a year ago and it seemed to be ok. well then my schedule changed at work and then so did my routine at home. where i use to take my meds at the same time, i no longer did. i would feel sick and oh the feeling is undescibable. so i changed my routine to work around the meds. well, when the side effects didnt get better i decided to go off it. i went to the doctor and he said lets just change your meds. he told me with being bipolar he didnt think it was a good idea to just not take anything. again i told him i wanted to come off. he refused to help me. so here i am doing this by myself. ive started to wean my doses down the best i can but let me tell you. the withdraw is going to kill me. the brain shivers, the muscle pain. i feel like i can move and the pain is almost unbearable for me. i cant sleep and i hate everyone. the crying isnt as bad but it all sucks. i think if i would have known about all this beforehand, i would have told the doctors to kiss it. the worst part is the more i read about this stuff the worse i feel. there are people out there still feeling side effects after years. i hope like hell this stops soon. honestly, i think id rather die than feel this everyday by heidi On Sat Nov 25 12:32:17 2006
effexor withdrawals Just wanted to add my woes from taking Effexor. If i would have known what H*ll id be going thru i wouldve NEVER taken it! If Effexor does all of this stuff to you when trying to get off of it, Then am i screwed? Its like the company that makes the drug put something in it that Forces you to take it for the rest of your life. If you dont, You get to suffer the consequences. :( by christina On Fri Nov 24 17:24:36 2006
Effexor XR Withdrawal S/E My struggle with Depression began again this past April. Dr. put me on Wellbutrin 150 mg x 1 wk then 300 mg. In those 2 weeks, my moods elevated and I felt less stressed. Only drawback, it has a side effect of lowering BP and I took Inderal for Migraine prevetion. This led to BP's of 80/40. Not good. Then I started on Effexor XR tritration pack 37.5 mg x 1 wk then 75 mg. I have taken it for the last 7 months but have felt little improvement compared to the Wellbutrin. Plus I gained like 8lb in that time and have no sex drive (although not an SSRI, it still works on serotonin thus lowering libido). I decided that I would rather go back on the Wellbutrin and stop my Inderal and risk increasing the # of migraines I have than live like I was. I started out by taking it every other day (without the consent of my doctor- I am a nurse- I think we as a group are known for self-medicating!) to reduce my dependence on it. I immediately noticed that if I went much more than 48hrs between pills, I felt shaky in my extremities and had tingling sensations as well. I know this was the Effexor b/c taking one stopped the S/E. I finally talked to my doctor and he stopped the Effexor altogether and began Wellbutrin again. It is day 4 without Effexor and every time I stand up then walk about 20-30 ft, I begin to feel the tingling in my legs. I also have a headache between my eyes (definitely not migraine) and am having some blurry vision off & on. I am hoping that as time goes on, the S/E will subside. As far as my depression goes, I am already feeling better than I did a week ago. It could be that whole "power of suggestion" but I do think the Wellbutrin is helping. I hope I can lose this weight I've gained and my libido will come back. I would recommend to anyone that they try something other than Effexor. Any drug that causes withdrawal symptoms after 48 hrs when you've used it less than a year is one to keep away from! by Amanda On Thu Nov 23 22:51:09 2006
I'm In Effexor XR Withdrawal HELL! First of all, I must beg anyone even considering taking Effexor XR to PLEASE find an alternative! And from what I hear, Paxil is nearly as bad. I was prescribed Effexor XR 37.5 mg about a year ago. After a few weeks, my dosage was increased to 75mg then 150 mg. I couldn't handle the larger dose due to side effects so I was brought back down to 75 mg. After having been on the drug for a couple months, a friend of mine (who is also a therapist)warned me about the withdrawal symptoms some of her patients had experienced and suggested that I talk to my therapist about this. Even after I had been on the Effexor for a few months, I could not tell that it was really doing anything significant for my depression so I asked to be taken off of the drug. Twice, I asked the Nurse Practitioner working with my Psychologist to take me off the drug but she insisted that I give it more time. Well, I left that center and began seeing a new Psychiatrist and a Therapist recently. 6 weeks ago I suggested to my psychiatrist that I be taken off Effexor because I did not feel it was working plus I felt it might be making certain behaviors worse. However, I knew I shouldn't just go off the drug on my own due to horrible withdrawal symptoms I'd heard about. As with my former requests with the other facility, I was ignored and kept on the drug. HOWEVER, my new Psychiatrist added 20 mg of Paxil to the 75mg of Effexor XR! About 10 days ago I went back for an appointment with my Psychiatrist and he told me to stop taking the Effexor. I questioned this and suggested that I be weened off the drug due to what I've heard about it. He said "you're only taking 75 mg, you shouldn't have any problems". So... I was taken off the Effexor "cold turkey" and my Paxil was reduced to 10 mg. Well let me tell you... My life for the last 10 days has been PURE HELL. I have suffered from extremely high blood pressure, dizziness, irrational impulses, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of hurting others, intense anger and crying...sometimes all day long. I go into rages. I want to tear my house apart...and I've never been a very angry person. Physically, I feel like I'm dying. I'm a full-time student and I haven't been able to even do any school work. I've stopped caring about pretty much everything and all I want is for this to go away. Death actually doesn't seem so bad if it would make all this go away! My depression before being put on Effexor was bad. But NOTHING like it is now. What am I to do?? How can someone prescribe such an evil drug without at least giving you the statistics and the possible side effects/withdrawal symptoms so that you may make an informed decision as to whether you even want to risk it?? I am so angry right now!! I finally gave in today and took an Effexor because tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I would rather die than be around anyone who could possibly "set me off". It's been about 2 hours since I took the pill and the pressure in my head has decreased significantly. But what does this mean? Am I doomed to stay on this evil drug just so I can function? My relationship, my schoolwork, and my life in general is screwed up right now and I know that Effexor XR has something to do with it! With everything I've read and heard about this drug lately, why is it even considered an option for treating someone with depression??? by Barb On Wed Nov 22 19:02:19 2006
Effexor withdrawl I have been depressed for over two years. and I justed started to use Effexor. I have been reading the withdrawl signs and I am starting to have them. I was on the smallest dose for about 2 weeks did not do anything increased and still did not really help me. I started to have nightmares and would wake up wet from sweating. I told the doctor I wanted to go off, so I was only on for maybe 2 or 3 months and I am on my second day of not taking anything and feel like fuzzy headed, like I could just fall over if I stand up and have been crying for no reason. I felt better when I was depressed. I wish I would have know all of these signs, because I may have thought more about beening put on it. I have not been sleeping well for over 6 months and that is what finally made me talk to my doctor about going on it, my husband has been telling me I am not myself. I do not want to do anything but sleep. I have been waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to breath, so I am going to have a sleep test, maybe that is all that was always wrong. I wish someone could just tell me something. I hate not wanting to do anything unless it is going to work or playing volleyball, but that is because I have too. And if I commit to something I do it. So why can I not get back out and exercise so that I will feel better. I am looking for an answer to help with all of this. And then I started to get these lovely side effects of the withdrawl signs of weaning off of the effexor. I just can't seem to catch a break. I am glad I looked at this site. Hopeful! by kbamm On Mon Nov 20 19:56:35 2006
Effexor Comments I am now beginning week six of withdrawal from Effexor and the symptoms have decreased dramatically. I thought a couple of weeks ago that I was home free because I was not experiencing those nasty zaps or the sickening virtigo, however since then the zaps have cropped up randomly in my head and body. Certainly not with the same intensity, but it is just so very annoying especially since I thought that I was through this all. When the zaps happended again I thought is this going to be a permanant side effect from this drug? Honestly that was the first thought that occured to me when I got zapped again. I am grateful for the relief I have from the intensity and duration of these hellish symptoms, but I need to know that they are not going to return, or linger on indefinitely. I have recently responded to our webhost and provided him with some specific insights re: my withdrawal experience and how I was confident that I was mostly through the withdrawal. I can't explain how annoying it was to experience a zap out of nowhere a week or so following that post. Don't get me wrong...I am more grateful for the relief from the intensity of the symptoms than annoyed by the less intense zaps for sure. My experience begs the question...ARE THERE PERMANANT SIDE EFFECTS FROM EFFEXOR? I sure hope to God not! by Lois On Mon Nov 20 15:07:09 2006
Light at the end of the tunnel I have had MS for 15 years (still working full time so very lucky so far compared to some). In January 2004 I was given Beta-Inteferon to selt inject IM - it didnt improve the MS but gave me GAD as a side effect. To counteract the side FX of one drug i was given venlafaxine 75mg. To be honest, it really helped at first but then stopped working as I became used to it after 6 months. I was upped to 150mg which again stopped working. My GP said that I needed another increase in dose to 225mg - I said no way and decided to come off it. I have always been a healthy 10 stone weight (im 5'8'') and since going on Effoxor I gained 3 Stone in 18 months with no increase in food intake or decrease in exercise. As you can imagine, with MS the last thing you need is extra weight putting stress on your body. I cut down over 2 weeks to 18.75mg then stopped. Its been 12 days with no drugs now. The first week was the worst experience of my like (made my MS attacks seem like a right laugh in comparison!) Shaking, vomiting, runs, palpitations, wild swings in blood pressure and pulse, severe muscle pain, brain zaps, eyes bouncing along in time with brain zaps etc After 7 days, the worst was over. Still feel a little muscle sore (ibuprofen helping)and have brain zaps but they are decreasing in frequency and intensity. Even so, I feel better already than I ever did on Effexor and my weight has dropped 6 pounds in 12 days with no effort. I booked a week off work and I would recommend that anyone else who wants to quits does the same as you really need time to take care of yourself with no extra stresses and be able to rest as much as possible. Hot baths are very soothing for the aches and shakes and really helped me through. My GP also gave me a small quantity of 2mg diazepam to help me through (tiny dose, short duration so no risk of addiction or subsequent withdrawal) Other advice is to be careful with alcohol, as I find that that really set the brain zaps off so Im pretty much abstaining for a couple more weeks until this stuff is out of my body. These are just suggestions as everyone is different and need to find their own way of dealing with the withdrawal I will post again in a couple of weeks to report how things are going after 1 month. Getting off this stuff IS do-able, IS tolerable and won't last forever (it just seems like it in the first few days :-) ) A week of hell, a week of residual reduced symptoms and then you'll be free Love to all Effexor and Ex-Effexor guys and gals and I hope that this has helped those wanting to stop. by Rach On Mon Nov 20 10:53:29 2006
Effexor Withdrawal MY STORY I've never posted before but after reading Yoshi2All's story I must tell mine and see if he or anyone else can help me make sense of it. Today is day 61 w/o Effexor XR 150mg per day. Today is day 22 w/o Vicodin and Phentermine. I was prescribed Effexor by my oncologist for hot flashes a few months after I had a double mastectomy, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and had my surgery 11-13-01. Approx two weeks from mammogram to surgery. I believe I started out on 37.5mg but did not feel anything. So it was upped to 2 @ 37.5 per day, until finally when I still did not feel anything (because many days I would forget to take the 2nd pill) I was prescribed the one a day pill @150mg. I had been taking vicodin and soma for my back prior to mastectomy (believe me I am not new to taking pills for pain or anything else,) In March of 2001 I was so out of it from a SDH, (to this day I do not know what caused it but was taking pills and drinking on top of it)I was taken to hospital by ambulance and had to have holes drilled into my head. The doctor told my sister if it had been five minutes later I would have died. You would think I would have learned my lesson, but since I was sent home with vicodin I kept taking them and here I am today. Anyways, I read Jane Pauley's book and in it she said her Dr. gave her an antidepressant and it made her bi-polar. My daughter and one of my sister's have told me they think I might be bi-polar, so I just decided to stop taking the Effexor since I didn't really think it reduced my hot flashes ever and now that I am 62 I rarely get them. Wow!!!! I didn't give it much thought, good grief I put my effexor in my pill box with my blood pressure, vitamins etc. Not like the vicodin, soma, phentermine which I hid for myself. So cold turkey September 17, 2006 except for 1 pill on 9/19 and 1 on 10/12. I still am afraid to talk with anyone or visit because of what I might say to hurt them. So basically for the last 2 months I have isolated myself with the help of my very understanding husband. I get so cold I take 3-4 baths per day seem to have all the the other symptoms you all have reported. Since I knew nothing could be worse than this I thought I would go cold turkey off of vicodin and phentermine. I have been wanting to do this for years but never thought I could. Well, what do you know I did it, with the help of Imodium caplets and NyQuil (a post I have saved in case I ever did get the courage to try and get off of opiates) Anyways that post said 1 -2 weeks on Imodium and I don't understand the time frame for NyQuil but I have been taking both for 23 days) And that is where I am at. Thank you for listening. by Carol On Fri Nov 17 20:06:50 2006 carolonbonair(AT)comcast.net
Effexor Withdrawl It's such a relief to find out that I'm not completely insane. I've been coming of this drug for 3 weeks. Started at 225mg, after a suicide attempt last may, they dropped me down to 150mg. I've tried to get off this crap but the side effects are just too painful. This time i've found a sample pack with 7 days worth of 75mg, and 7 days of 37.5 mg. I've cut down using that method. Now I've been on nothing for about a week. I'm so nausious. I can't think. I've cried at frigin' commercials on TV for no good reason. I've got the shits. I can't stop shaking. My memory is completely fried. I can't remember something my wife asks me 2 mins after she asks me a question. I've got a constant headache. I can't sleep. I wake up every half-hour terrified with nightmares. I don't know what to do now. I have a hard time dealing with bright light cause my head starts to pound. I'm really short with my wife and kids. I can't function at my job and I'm hoping like hell I don't get fired. If that happens, I've decided I'm gonna end it. Yes, I have a plan. I don't know if I should just go back on this crap or try and wait longer. It truly is hell for me. Seriously consider the withdrawl symptoms if you're gonna take this drug. For some people there's no problem. But for most, there is. Everyone is different, but to judge others by one persons reaction is unfair. To call someone a pussy because they themselves didn't have horrible withdrawls is unfair. Look at what everyone has to say about this drug and form your own conclusions. don't know if sharing my experience will help anyone, but perhaps it might. Good luck to all those suffering with this drug. I hope that everyone can get off this safely and work though their withdrawls. (Shit, I'm getting emotional now) Gotta go. by Andrew On Fri Nov 17 18:49:03 2006
Effexor Withdrawl I was amazed to see an article in the Brisbane Courier Mail recently about the withdrawl symptoms of effexor. I took effexor for a short time about 8 years ago (one of 5 different medications I tried). The withdrawl from them was absolutely horrendous!! I don't know where to begin. My blood pressure was fluctuating wildly from very high to so low I was almost passing out within the space of only a few hours, then back up again. I was dizzy, felt wiped out and spent almost 2 weeks in bed. I kept saying it was the effexor but noone would believe me. I could not stop crying I was shaking all over all the time. I had similar withdrawl effects from Luvox also, although the physical symptoms were not as severe, the emotional ones were worse and was again told it could not be the drugs. In the end I found a wonderful Psychologist and am a new person. The only thing any of the medications ever did was give me side effects which actually made life more difficult to deal with. Trust me they are NOT the answer, any healing has to come from within. You have to equip yourself with the emotional tools to cope with whatever is causing your anxiety and depression. Do not give up, find someone you trust and don't be afraid to give them the flick if they are not helping you and find someone else. Remember that which does not kill you makes you stronger. by Wendy On Fri Nov 17 01:36:37 2006
effexor withdrawal Glad to see I'm not the only one having issues from stopping effexor. Been off effexor for 3 days. Feeling the "etch a sketch" in the brain feeling. Like when you are just about to fall asleep, and you get that "falling off the edge of cliff feeling"- then realize it's the middle of the day and it's one of the withdrawal symptoms. Dizzy when standing up or turning head to quickly. Nausea. Diahreah. Difficulty falling asleep- then having to deal with the nightmares and waking up soaking wet. Sore legs at night, too. I'm a 40 year old female and in otherwise great physical health. On effexor for 4 months. Stopped cold turkey. Daily cardio and or weightlifting and healthy eating definitely helps to keep the feelings of anxiety/withdrawal at bay. Keeping busy helps too. It's when I think about it I feel anxious. It helps knowing they are withdrawal symptoms, and they will subside, then disappear. I just tell myself I will prevail. Thanks for this site, it was very helpful. by Theresa On Thu Nov 16 13:08:43 2006
Efexor comments I have with help from this site, been making an attempt to get myself off Efexor. Thanks to the comments on this site, I have for the past couple of weeks gone from 225mg to 150mg. The side effects of doing this have been mostly manageable at this stage, though I have had to come clean about the medication and its effects to lmy boss at work. That is because I broke down in the office the other day causeing quite some concern for my work colleagues. I have the support from work, which is a huge relief. I have learnt that I can not do this on my own, so I have got myself a councillor, to a) help me with the issues that cause the depression. and b) help me to get off the meds. I have let the councillor know that I am on Efexor, told her that I want to get off etc. She hadn't heard of it, but I have asked her to do some research so she is aware of it when I go see her for the first time. I have also come clean to a couple of friends who had no idea that I was even on medication, (turns out one of them is too!) and told them I have been trying to wean myself off. As for the side effects at the moment, they are pretty similar to what most of the comments have been saying. Headaches, my eyes go funny on me, nausea, non specific aches that come and go. The worst is the tiredness and inability to concentrate at work. Thanks to you all for being here and sharing your stories, they are great inspiration for me. by Steph On Tue Nov 14 22:32:07 2006
Effexor XR withdrawal I was on Effexor XR for a year and a half. It worked well for my depression/anxiety. My biggest complaint about the drug was 25 lb weight gain, and severe sweating. I recently decided to wean myself off of this drug, and did it slowly. I've been off of it for almost a week now, and it has been HELL. I haven't been able to work. I have constant brain zaps, heart palpitations, blurry vision, dizziness, body aches, and complete fatigue. Today, i started crying for no reason at all. I'm wondering when will this hell end????? Anybody else going through what i'm going through? by Stephie On Tue Nov 14 18:45:39 2006
effexor withdrawl help i have taken effexor xl 150mg in different dosages over the course of 10 years. in my research, i have found, and successfully weaned off this medication using benadryl to alleviate the horrible withdrawl symptoms. note, i said "weaned" off. cold turkey threw me into the hospital one time. don't despair. you can do this, but be patient and kind to yourself. i just used tylenol pm (generic) and it has helped...i did exactly what mark suggests about opening capsules and reducing the number of "crystals" in the capsule. try it. it works.
by tracy On Tue Nov 14 06:42:52 2006
Effexor (Waking from Dreams Problem) I read all of the posts on the effexor problems, and while I haven't tried to get off of the drug yet, I am having an unusual side effect that I have searched throughout the internet trying to find out if anyone has experienced it to. I have a twin sister and she actually did to less of a degree. It has been so bad lately, though, I'm afraid I'm going to have a seizure, stroke, something traumatic in my brain. Basically if I wake up abruptly from a dream, instead of seeing the usual boxes, shapes when your eyes are closed, I have psychidelic shapes, different colors, patterns, flying around, changing shape, etc. rapidly. I try and open my eyes and they don't want to stay in one place. Along with that, my ears rumble physically, my eyes feel like they are swelling, sometimes my heart beats more strongly, I feel suddenly cold, and my parts of my face and lips go numb. I'm looking to find out what is going on inside of me. The drug company really needs to know about this side effect. Thanks. by kerrie On Mon Nov 13 02:09:40 2006
I Surrived Effexor!!!! Hello everyone - I left a message on this site at the begining of October. I was 9 days off the Effexor and felt like I was not going to surrive, but I did!! It was hell but I made it and if I can do it, you guys can too!!! I feel like I am living and FEELING my life instad of just watching it go by. I have lost 12lbs, feel like a better mother, wife and person in general. I am not totally symptom free but I know I will be one day!! I still snap at people sometimes but at least I feel it's real feelings and I am just having to learn how to feel and cope with some things all over again. I know it sounds a little weird but I will take it over the horrible things I went thru in the first few weeks off this terrible drug. I am now 2 days off my Wellbutrin which leaves me totally DRUG FREE!!!!!! Yes free from all drugs!! This is the first time in 4 1/2 years. I am so excited about this. I feel good and I feel real again. I am sure that I will have a few more bumps from stopping the Wellbutrin but I know I will make it!!! I just wanted to put some good news and hope on this web site. I also wanted to thank Mark for creating this site!!! Mark you must a wonderful man to dedicate so much of your time and energy helping others making it thru....so from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!!!!! Before I go, I wanted to respond to the message that Milo left regarding there being any adults left in this world...well Milo "we" the individuals putting our hearts, souls, and horrors on this website in order to help others ARE the adults. You sound as if you have some "growing" to do, in more ways than one. Maybe your side effects have left you insensitive to others pain, or maybe you lacked the sensitivity to begin with. Either way, I hope you have or will learn to have compassion for others. It will take you a lot further in this life than being so critical. And from a medical standpoint, each persons body reacts differently to medications. Perhaps, you are one of the lucky ones that surrived this medication with less intensitity and severity of withdrawl symptoms. Either way, I wish you health and happiness. by Cynthia On Fri Nov 10 17:12:52 2006
Effexor comment I only can say this: Withdrawing off of Effexor XR after taking it for at least 8-10 years is the worst feeling in the world to me. I only wish there was something I could take to combat the dizzeness and lighheaded feeling I have all the time. I can't stand this and I feel I am loosing it. I can not function with this feeling and when I walk it is very slow and I am always holding onto things. I just want to feel normal again. I have periods of hot flashes and then the chills. I am not sure if this is related to my ears or withdrawing from the effexor. I was on 300mg a day and tapered down over a few years time. I was finally down to 37.5 mg a day and stopped that after a month . Taking it then every other day to every 3 days etc.. my family doctor told me in order to go on a weight loss pill called merida I had to go off the anti-depressant pill completley.Which is what I did. I still have not started taking the pill yet. Am waiting to see what the heck I am going to do about the dizzeness here, my dr. prescribed valuim to me to combat the dizzeness. Do I want to take this valuim??NO> I feel nothing is working and I do no not want to end up dependent on antil depressants again. Is there any suggestions out there for me. Any help on what to do about the dizzeness and all these terrible effects I am havingg? I have been off the depressants for a month now and it is just getting worse. Thanks by Karen On Thu Nov 09 11:45:51 2006
Effexor withdrawal
I am 38 years old and have been on Effexor for 1 and 1/2 years now. I was having weight gain from the 75mg and talked to my healthcare provider about the issue. I told her that I really hated to change to anything else because my depression symptoms had become so much better than on anything else I had taken. No crying fits or anything. I had trouble with the sexual side effects and some concentration problems but I felt like I could deal with that. The weight gain was concerning me though because I had gained 40 pounds in yr and I had worked so hard to get off 25 of that previously. Because of the weight gain, my blood pressure is steadily rising. I get all different readings. She had done some research and told me that there was a better chance to lose weight if she increased the dosage to 150mg so I said let's give it a try. Well, I really did'nt have any trouble with the up in dosage, except for the weight was steadily going up. Last week I went to her in tears and said I've got to do something because I have now gained 57 pounds. I'm more misserable than if I just cried all the time. I told her that with weight watchers and wellbutrin I did very well. She did a little more research and said the drugs are in two completly different catagories and that she did not see any problem with changing back to the wellbutrin. Thursday (tomorrow) will be a week since I changed to the wellbutrin. I never in my wildest dreams would have expected the results I'm getting. For the first 2 days I felt kind of sluggish. I was having trouble with my blood pressure but figured that had to do with the weight gain and I have mitrovalve prolapse anyway. By day 3, I had the brain flash things going on and had somewhat expected something like that, but kept right on going. By the end of the third day the crying spells had started. That very insecure feeling as if nothing is right in my world kind of thing. Again I figure normal for withdrawal. By day 4 I have also added severe nausea and diarrhea and hot and cold flashes. By day 5 I added profuse sweating. I truly didn't think I'd make it through day 5. Today is day six and I actually made it through the day and worked all day today. It's been tough but I've kept in touch with my doctor and with the Lord guiding me through this with a wonderful husband, I'm hoping things are gonna get better. Now I know why they put drug addicts and alcholics in institutions to overcome withdrawal. I've not felt this rough in a long time. I've not been able to eat much because of the severe nausea and some vomiting (I have to be really sick to throw up!!) I've been eating maalox to settle my stomach some and living on coke I was walking 4 miles in an hour before all this started. I barely made it through the day today. Very sluggish and highly jumpy. The least little noise sends me into orbit. Jump right out of my skin. I did weigh this morning and have lost 5 pounds in one week. That is the only good thing that has come out of this whole ordeal. I wish I could have read these testimonies before I started the effexor. I researched on the drug site itself and expected the side effects of taking the drug but never imagined the withdrawal symptoms of coming off the drug. I feel like the company should direct you to this web site before you start taking any kind of effexor. One of my friends is on the same stuff and we talked about her getting off of it too. Needless to say I just got through e-mailing her this very site. To all of you who have written on this site, thank you very much. It's good to know I'm not toatally loosing my mind with the constant ringing in my ears and nasty other withdrawal effects I'm suffering right now. You all have been an encouragement to me and as I pray for myself I'll remember you in prayer also. We're gonna pull through. And some day we will be EFFEXOR FREE!!!! by hangin in there On Wed Nov 08 19:48:05 2006
effexor I have been taking 75 mg for over a year and then was told to increase with the 37.5 (I think that's what it is). I started feeling crappy with the increase and went back to 75 mg and have been severely depressed, wanting to die! I can't handle anything. I'm exhausted to the point where I feel as though I can't lift my body. My head has always been foggy on this med. It's like I have a delay. I can't think half the time if someone asks me a question. I sweat every single night to the point my shirt is soaked. It's sickening! I felt like I was going nuts until I decided to check out Effexor for myself. I never looked up the side effects, etc. because I'm married to the doc who prescribed me this stuff. It's so difficult to be in this situation. Thanks for sharing your stories and I'm not sure what I am going to do. by carole On Wed Nov 08 16:40:05 2006
Effexor withdrawal I had been on Effexor 150 mg for 2 years and was now ready to go off. In the past, I've gone off Prozac, Zoloft and Celexa with little or no symptoms. My doctor had me go to 75 mg for 2 weeks and then a 75 mg capsule every other day for two weeks. I followed it perfectly and at about week 3 of this schedule, I began to feel a strange dizziness and got what I thought to be the flu. I ached all over, was nauseated, had severe diarreah and stomach pains. I lost my appetite, began having terrible nightmares and these electric shock like sensations. I am now entering the third week of this hell. I can honestly say I've never had a malady or illness (even depression) lay me as low as this withdrawal. I went back to the doctor, convinced that I'd suffered some sort of brain damage and he assured me that it would all go away. I can't concentrate, and my hearing and vision even seem to be suffering. I have no energy and am having frightful anxiety and irritability (not part of my original depression). I haven't even been functional for 2 weeks, even though I've tried to stay the course and help myself get over this. If I'd known that Effexor would cause me to feel so sick, I would NEVER have agreed to go on it. I would have stuck with celexa or prozac. To the man who posted that people need to "just grow up" and be adults and quit crying about this withdrawal, I reply that he either didn't have it very badly or that he lacks compassion to a shocking degree. I would NEVER say such harsh words to someone who was feeling as sick as I am now. by Sue On Wed Nov 08 14:11:01 2006
Effexor CR PLEASE HELP!!! by ELIZABETH On Tue Nov 07 01:58:07 2006
effexor I've been "detoxing" from Effexor for about three weeks and found a great product called the Ultimate Meal at my local health food store. It has REALLY helped with the horrible side-effects of detoxing from the medication. Just wanted to put the word out there to anyone who is really struggling with the mood swings and dizziness. by Steph On Tue Nov 07 00:26:08 2006
HOW TO SURVIVE EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL After 8 years on 75 mg a day, I began tapering off of Effexor this past July. The experience has been so scary and difficult that I am in awe that I have been able to experience such intensity without losing consciousness. For me, the main difficulty has been electrical surging, pulsing, and zapping. I feel like a tuning fork. I am a very persistent person, and I will absolutely not have this. I will also not go back on the poison to ease the withdrawal effects. So here is what I have done (after spending about 2 weeks hugging the floor): 1. Glutathione, a brain nutrient, 50 mg morning and night (no, I am not a doctor, but why would I trust a doctor?). 2. 64 oz of water daily. 3. Gatorade. 4. Baths in Dead Sea salt. 5. Daily exercise. I do a type designed to facilitate neurokinetic flow -- it is called T-Tapp, after its founder, Theresa Tapp. Google her. I do this every other day, on alternate days I swim 40 minutes, and on Sundays I rest. 6. I have learned a system of self-applied accupressure called 'EFT' (Emotional Freedom Techniques), which I do daily -- go to 'www.emofree.com'. 7. Also other 'energy' techniques. Google Donna Eden. 8. Other accupressure supplied by lying on vinyl balls called 'Miracle Balls' (look up Elaine Petrone). 9. Massage, reflexology, accupuncture. There is very good news in all of this. All of these things help, and I am getting better. I have come to understand each brain zap as an opportunity to clear up some disturbance in my energy system which would otherwise have continued to put limits on my experience of life. I am releasing 'emotional baggage' from the past which I had been unable to budge at all before despite earnest self-help, psychiatry, journaling, prayer, group therapy, and a wonderful husband. By the way, I'm retired and on a pension; otherwise, I'd have certainly had to quit my job in order to attend to this health issue, and then I'd have had no income to pay for all the treatments I have needed! Effexor should undoubtedly be banned from the universe. Merely warning people about the effects of this substance would be useless, because the actual experience is beyond anything that can be described or truly imagined.
by Harriette On Sun Nov 05 22:03:46 2006
Effexor withdrawal I've been taking effexor for 4-5 years now and am very curious about some possible withdrawal symptoms which I may be experiencing on occassion. I have read that if people miss one or two doses they feel dizziness, nausea and or headache. What I tend to feel is more like motion sickness. Mild nausea with a mild headache (more like a sinus headache) like one would feel from car sickness. It feels awful and nothing seems to relieve it. I can't seem to pinpoint if it directly relates to missing my meds because I often miss a day or two (If I skip breakfast I tens to forget to take my pill). I hope someone can tell me this is absolutely a side effect, otherwise, I may go crazy not knowing why this occassionly happens to me. Thanks! by Renee On Sun Nov 05 17:48:59 2006
Husband coming off Effexor My husband has been taking a combination of Wellbutrin and Effexor for depression. The Effxor is a recent addition, to replace Prozac and the Ritalin they prescribed to counteract the "sleepy" effects of something. That cocktail from hell caused him to act hypermanic, and they changed him over to just Wellbutrin and Effexor. In truth, they have never gotten the meds right since he was diagnosed 3 years ago. We were much better off before drug treatment. It was me who instigated the weaning from the drug treatment, and I am up against the wrath of his psychologist. I believe my husband is no longer capable of making an informed decision by himself, and is effectively disabled on this drug. The psychiatrist told him to go off the Wellbutrin cold turkey, and to reduce the Effexor from 100 something to 75 something, to 37 something. He is taking Provigil to counteract the sleepiness, without it he would sleep nonstop. This is not a depression sleep; it's a "can't keep his eyes open" kind of sleep. He is like a zombie, cries, can't keep a thought in his head, has numerous headaches and aches and pains. Anyway, this is the first day on the 37 something dose, and it has been pretty bad. I read him some of your postings out loud, and he was comforted. It is good to know that there are others out there who share a common experience with this process. I pity those who don't have family to see that this drug is dangerous, and to help their loved ones escape the horrible effects. How can it continue to be marketed with so many people suffering like this? Any advice from others, especially wives, would be great. Bless each of you; I am sending out good vibes to all in this Website that all of you will succeed and be healthy. by Alyson On Sun Nov 05 15:11:32 2006
simular stories on effexor I just made a comment on effexor and it's effect on me...I see and read Ron and Tynda's story and it fits me to a tee...As they say...thank God there are other's like me experiencing these atrocious symptoms.Now I know what to do and expect. My shrink will be told these stories and I will want him to find me relief and help in withdrawing...I have been on 37.5 for three years and in just a week of withdrawal i have these complaints. For those that don't know. The up take for effexor is the serotonin level which should be for everyones health benefit But tryptophan 5htp can be bought in any health store.Check out serotonin on the web and it's benefits!! Thank you all, I'm not alone!!! by dave On Fri Nov 03 22:24:43 2006
Effexor withdrawl I have been taking various doses of effexor for 10 years. I had tried getting off a few times, only to relinquish and take as prescribed. Recently, I discovered by my own research, that taking Benadryl helps relieve the withdrawal symptoms while weaning off the Effexor. It, for me, is working. Today is my first day in 10+ years that I have not taken Effexor. Yes, my head is a little fuzzy and I have had flu like symptoms, but over the course of the last two months, I have weaned myself and these symptoms are nothing compared to trying it all without the benadryl. Hope this offers you all some hope. I know my doctor just told me that "you are one of the people that may need this medication for the rest of your life", "think of it like you would diabetes". Perhaps, like myself, you can do this, too. Please be patient and forgiving of yourself and taper slowly. Use caution when driving and don't mix alchohol into the process. With love and understanding,
Effexor Thankyou just reading through some of the posts after googling effexor withdrawal through sheer desperation, I am not alone!!!I have been taking effexor for 2 1/2 years 225mgdose.I started a withdrawal programme 4 weeks ago as directed by my psychiatrist for 2 weeks I reduced to 150mg the following 2 weeks down to 75mg then nothing for the last 4 days,at first I thought I had picked up a bug as my head was banging,feeling sick and diaorrhea and going hot and cold,as the days have gone on I feel worse.Vomitting,aching all over ,fatigued ,terrible dreams and my partner says been shouting out in my sleep along with emotional bursts of tears for no apparent reason. I now know that it will get better and thank God I am getting of this awful drug, right now my brain is drained but I will not give up the fight thankyou all and may you all win your battles too. by cazie On Tue Oct 31 19:09:30 2006
Effexor Everything I have read here is so similar to the way I live! It started 4 years ago when my son was born. I experienced a severe anxiety attack. My Dr. recommended med after med (welbutrin, Zoloft, and the list goes on) Once on Effexor which due to side effects took me 2 months to get to 150mg I started to experience the problems. After 2 years I have decided I can no longer take it. I have gained about 30 lbs in 2 years (I think because of the effexor) and If I even take my Effexor one hour late I end up dizzy, and with a major headache. Not to mention the diarrhea and irritability. I snap at my helpless children for doing nothing wrong. At this point I was scared to even miss a dose. I would go to any lengths to make sure I had it everyday and on time. I then felt like a drug addict. Nothing could function as normal nor could I do anything until I had my pill. The first year or so I thought I felt happy. Now I think I am losing my mind. I have no energy, my blood pressure is sky high and I always want to sleep. Needless to say I feel like a zombie! I ran out of my Meds on Friday and it is now Tuesday. I am going to see my Dr to put an end to this madness. Thanks to all of you who commented because I thought I was losing my mind. Take care and May God Bless each and every one of you! by Staci On Tue Oct 31 12:42:22 2006
Effexor Insanity I am relieved to find other people that understand what I'm feeling~ I'm not crazy!! At the same time I am scared about how long this will take to come off of! I'm enraged that this drug company doesn't warn anybody that these withdrawal sypmtoms. This is serious stuff! I've never experienced anything quite like this or have been as terrified. I was taking 75mg then 150mg for quite a while. I decided I didn't want to take it anymore- partially b/c I've gained a lot of weight. SO I had my doc wean me off gradually reducing my dosage over the past 6 weeks. I am down to 37.5mg and hadn't taken them for the past 3-4 days. I just wanted to stop. I WAS WRONG. I felt so sick, I called the doctor and told them everything I felt and they told me to continue taking the rest of my 37.5mg. Okay, but what about when I'm supposed to stop taking them?! Insomnia, Chills, Brain Shivers, Diziness/Vertigo, Nausea, Irritablity, HOW LONG AM I GOING TO FEEL LIKE THIS?!
by Natalie On Tue Oct 31 01:45:49 2006
Milo's comments Milo- there is no need to be such a jerk. We all experience things differently,and you were just lucky! Judging by the amount of anger in your post you could probably do with some medicating anyway, im sure alot of people that read your comment would agree with me. This site is a support for people who are doing it tough, not for people like you who want to come in and make them feel worthless for something that they have no control over- ie- side effects. I am lucky- mine are nearly gone- but i still feel for every single person on here. I think it is you milo that needs to be "adult" about this topic. Grow up. by kirstin On Mon Oct 30 20:32:46 2006
Efexor withdrawl Its Day 6 after stopping efexor. I had to stop and really think then what day it was because I'm so, so foggy-headed. I have been taking this drug for 4 years now, varying doses, but more recently on 300mg daily. Weaned off by - cutting in half for week, in half again for week, then off completely. No tablets in house now so can't go back on it. Oh God, I feel awful. Suffering all the symptoms listed by other unfortunate people. May write some more, but feel too bloody awful right now. Only good thing is knowing I'm not alone in what I am experiencing and for others to know WTF I'm talking about... by Elizabeth On Sun Oct 29 20:11:29 2006
effexor Good day.... I've just started to wean myself off of Effexor. I've been on it for 2.5 years. I can say it did help me during a tough time in my life, but I'm not so sure I need to be on it for as long as my doctor has had me. Anyway, I will keep you posted on my progress. All of these web sites I've been on has me down right scaried. But then I do have to remember that more people comment on bad experiences than on good. I've always been able go some 50 or more hours after taking my last dose before I would start to feel a little 'off'. (did not happend often but my work schedule is all over the place - sometimes I would forget) So I'm hoping that tapering down will be the best method for me. Thank you for this board. It has been enlightening on what I MAY experience. I'm hoping for just a few withdrawal symptoms, that will still allow me to function. Wish me luck. by Lynda On Sun Oct 29 07:02:32 2006
Effexor Comments In reference the the post noted below by Milo Filmore: Effexor Withdrawal Tolerable Sick stories from sick people!! by Milo Filmore - hews9615@mypacks.net On Fri Oct 27 16:35:58 2006 Dear Milo - I am encouraged to hear that you are free of withdrawal from this very bad drug. I am encouraged to know that you did not pack your bags to go on a pity trip. I am encouraged to know that you have taken responsibility for your choices in your experience. Having said that, I must add that I am not encouraged by any of your comments suggesting that people sharing their experiences here are on some sort of pity trips. That is just not on!! That is a blanket statement that you need to rethink. The physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms from this drug do vary in intensity and duration (from what I have read here), within the whole context of every individual's experience. I want anyone who may feel discouraged by the comments on Milo's post to understand that it is not your fault that you were led down the garden path by the healthcare system and it's providers to this difficult and, most challenging place of withdrawl you are experiencing. It is not your fault that you may not be 'getting over it' in the same fashion or time line as others in the same boat. Continue to reach out for support and if anyone tries to undermine, or lay unrealistic expectations upon you in your process of gaining the victory over this hellish withdrawal...don't take it to heart...you have enough on your plate to deal with...just keep on believing that you are on the road to recovery and God Bless you in the process, and pity the one who would try to condemn you for that. by Lois in Canada On Sat Oct 28 13:35:49 2006
effexor withdrawal I stopped taking Effexor altogether at the beginning of July refused another antidepressant & am currently only taking Buspar. The first thing I experienced was intense anxiety, anxiety that would wake me up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding hence the Buspar. After about 2 months off Effexor I began having numbness in my hand & then strange electrical currents or twinges throughout my entire body these twinges are constant & quite debilitating. I was told by the nurse at the psychiatrists office it couldn't be withdrawal symptoms because they were occuring too late. Neurologist states not withdrawal here take some neurontin well I'm pretty gunshy about pharmaceutical medications particularly since he would not discuss with me the side effects or anything about the medication at any length.These pages bring me hope but what I want to know is are these withdrawal symptoms the fasciculation or parethesis permanent? I refuse to go back on that medication since I have been off it for almost 4 months but I cry daily from the pain of these electrical currents going off & the activities of my life have decreased considerably. I did get the psychiatrist to say if I was having these symptoms then they were indeed withdrawal whatever comfort that is. But is this permanent? Is it really withdrawal or something else. The neurologist did a nerve test & could find no reason for the numbness in my hands & feet. Psychiatrist said could last up to 3 months which means 1 more month to go Your comments would be greatly appreciated by vickie On Sat Oct 28 12:41:49 2006
effexor withdrawl I am not the best person about taking medications. I tend to forget. It seems that everytime i forget to take the effexor, by the next day I am getting headaches and feeling generally crappy. If I go back and take it, the symptoms seem to go away. I have gained 50lbs over the last two years on the med. I felt this was making me more depressed than the effexor was making me able to deal with the stress I was under. I actually thought maybe i wasnt't taking enough when things at work got really bad, so I asked my doctor and he said to go ahead and take 150mg. That didn't really help and the weight, being tired all the time and not sleeping was making it worse. I went back down to 75mg (on my own) and now have not taken a dose for 1 week. I have just read some of the comments and felt like I was reading exactly what I was feeling. Actually I was laying down about 2 hours ago and felt the zaps you were speaking of for the first time. After getting up is when I decided to look up and see if there was anything out there to tell me what is going on. Question - SO WHAT DO I DO? My daughter says to take a dose to make the symptoms go away but after reading some of the comments, I don't think that would be a good idea. Again - SO WHAT DO I DO? Please help. by charlene On Fri Oct 27 18:55:23 2006 (Some people find it necessary to take a capsule apart, count out the granules, and remove one granule per day. That's how much of a problem it is for them. On the other end of the spectrum, some people have no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. Most fall somewhere in the middle, with tolerable withdrawal symptoms for a week or two. You never know how bad it will be until you start going though it. Counting out the granules may be the best srategy for severe cases. The problem with going cold turkey (besides any painful withdrawal symptoms) is that you don't know how much time it will take for your brain to readjust back to normal. Effexor creates much different reactions in different people.
If you've got severe withdrawal symptoms you'd be much safer reducing gradually. Others can simply stop taking it and be okay. Comparing yourself to others may not be the best idea, since there's such a wide variation in withdrawal intensity. No one can honestly tell you what is best for your unique situation. The intensity of the withdrawal symptoms may be your best guide. If it were me, I'd withdraw slowly, although many on this page quit abruptly and made it through okay. - Mark)
Effexor Withdrawal Tolerable Sick stories from sick people!! I was dumb enough to let my Doc put me on Effexor for something not in any way requiring a psycho-active drug. That was my mistake, but I'm a big boy and I take responsibility for my own actions and bad decisions. I kicked Effexor XR cold turkey when I realized what I had been taking for a year, and that I didn't need it even if it did work (which I doubt that it does.) Yes, there were withdrawal symptoms, which only proves that it should be a controlled substance. But, as a big boy, instead of having a pity party and looking for yet another drug, I just toughed it out, and in two weeks I was fine. Anyone who has no self control, or who looks for a second drug to help them kick a first drug is a fool! Just stop the drug, tough it out for a few weeks, and STOP CRYING. Aren't there any adults left in the world?!? by Milo Filmore - hews9615@mypacks.net On Fri Oct 27 16:35:58 2006
need help with effexor xr withdrawals i was on effexor xr 37.5mg for about a month, then bumped up to 75mg for about a month and a half when i started having problems. the brain zaps that i've read about, as well as feeling as though i was living a half of an emotional existence. went back on 37.5mg for two weeks, then quit... now the problems have really begun! have an excruciating head/jaw/tooth/ear ache that had me both at emergency and the dentist's office. (teeth are fine, by the way)but i have lost part of the hearing in my left ear. my left arm is also suffering with tingling and numbness, and i feel stoned all of the time!!! maybe i wouldn't have minded this sensation in my teens... but it isn't welcome now! does anyone know how long these effects go on... whether i should be concerned that it has done some damage to my brain (lungs as well, as it gave me bronchitis), or if there are any means by which to diminish the searing head pain and come down from my "not so euphoric feeling"? since my doctor doesn't really take me seriously about this, i feel that the only people i can turn to is other unfortunates who have had to endure this horror... never mind that they started effexor becuase they were initially looking for help. any and all advice, reassurance would be most welcome... and something i definately look forward to. this medication has made me (close to) non-functional, and i want some sense of myself back, as i'm sure my husband and kids do, too. thanking you in advance.... sincerely. by Jennifer On Thu Oct 26 20:38:55 2006
withdrawal effexor going to hell It is my first week withougt Effexor. Iam losing my brain not my mind I know am not in depression. I need to know where is the responsability of this to sue them. Whyeth it's has the responsability with this. On the PDR do not exist this symtoms of withdrawing Effexor.It's better be depressed than this. Please if somebody knows how to sue them write to me. by Edith On Thu Oct 26 00:31:50 2006
Effexor Comments It's me again, and I remain grateful for the support at this site, in the very least to gain an understanding that it will get better. I am relieved to have the confirmation that the symptoms I am experiencing (now day five)are indeed withdrawal from Effexor. I know it gets better and thank God for that...sure no faith in this world's systems, particularly the 'Health Care Industry'. I can say that with authority because neither my physician, my pharmacist, nor the pharmaceutical industry advised me what to expect when I came off of this drug. I certainly had an inkling though, when I thought (some time ago) I could forgo my medication a day or so (out of town). Well I was absolutely jolted, both physically and psychologically! The symptoms I experienced literally shocked me, and needless to say I arranged asap for my meds. So now in the present, I am going through this process of withdrawal from Effexor,knowing I will come out at the other end, lessons learned (cause let's face it folks this is hell at times). God Bless you and toodles for now. by Lois Marie On Wed Oct 25 16:56:32 2006
Effexor I just found this website. I only had to read a few comments before I broke down a cried. I thought I was losing my mind! I have been on 150mg per day for at least 3 years. I am also on Lamictal 400mg per day. Just last week I ran out of my Effexor and have gone down hill since. I have heart issues and a pacemaker to help. I thought I needed a new generator. My heart rate went to 117 bpm and all I did was walk a couple of feet to my car. My blood pressure has been very high and tends to fluxuate. I also feet dehydrated and can't seem to drink enough of anything. My whole body keeps swelling up on me and at times my hands go so numb it feels like they are not there. I can't move them. I thought it was carple tunnel syndrom. If that is not bad enough I also have sweats and chills and the mind thing is horrible! Monday I was at work and I could not function at all. My head has been doing all sorts of scary things. I can't even describe it. I have been very nauseous, weak, shakey. I have been so hyper to the point where I can't control it. Then when it stops...it's like hitting a brick wall. Yes..it is physically painful. I am also afraid I will lose my job over this because of all the time being out "sick". I just started this job 6 weeks ago. I have an appointment today to see what can be done. I am scared to death. I can't seem to control my emotions. I read also about eye sensitivity to light, I thought it was because I have very light colored eyes....What a dope! Thank you all for sharing your nightmares. It has helped me tremendously. And for those of you who have not had withdrawls from this...you are truely blessed by GODS grace. You have been spared from true hell. by Joyce Tucker On Wed Oct 25 09:03:21 2006
Effexor Withdrawal I am grateful for this site and very relieved that I am not alone in dealing with withdrawal from this terrible drug. I have gradually weaned from 150mg to 75mg to 37.5mg over the course of the last 3 months. The symptoms are tough...brain zaps, nausea, aching arms and legs, irritability, headache...and it has only been four days since my last dose. I just want to thank the site founder and those who have contributed their stories about withdrawal... By the grace of God I will get through this most difficult of days. God Bless you all in your journey through to the otherside of life without effexor. by Lois in Canada On Tue Oct 24 10:13:58 2006
Effexor/Wellbutrin Withdrawal I found this site and read through it briefly while doing some research for my husband, who is an attorney, for a client of his who got a DUI and said her behaviour and failure of the sobriety test was due to Effexor withdrawal. This ...click here for the rest of the story
effexor today i no longer feel alone ive been on this drug for 12 mnths 325mg aday bot recently 225mg daily ive tried to tell doctors what is going on in my head and body they wont listen ive tried suicide 4 times since ive been on effexor(buti do have a history of this)i live in brisbane australia my name is michael does someone want to start a network of support you can phone me on 0413 536171 we need to tell our stories tell the public by michael On Sun Oct 22 20:12:36 2006
EFFEXOR HE!! First, I want to say thank you for those sharing their experience with Effexor withdrawl. It is hard to believe that the doctors we trust hand this stuff out. Iw as on Effexor for 2 years (300) and actually decided to go off it because I lost my insurance. Although I had enough information from the web to taper down and not go cold turkey, I went from 75 a day to nothing. I thought it would be safe enough from this dose. Boy was I wrong. I won't go into the many horrible side effects because they have all been covered here without exageration. While my he!! was taking over my life I did web searches to investigate my symptoms and lo and behold , EFFEXOR kept popping up and then your stories. I thought I was losing my mind and all I wanted was to die in my sleep (when sleep did come). I thought I would lose my husband through this and friends were hanging by a thread. I could not blame them. Fortunatley I am blessed with a wonderful husband (ex-nurse) who is familiar with withdrawl symptoms and has been holding my hand through all of this. The nightmare is not over, but it is getting better. 7 weeks now and still having brain shocks , vomitting , blurred vision , headaches , and snapping at the people I love. What this drug has done to my brain and personality is beyond anything I ever would have imagined. How could doctors do this to people! I find myself coming back here to read your comments and stories. I want to again thank all of you for sharing. If it were not for you I would have chalked it all up to going insane and probably suicide. Thanks to you I will hold on and get through this thing. I now see a light at the end of the tunnel. I will keep getting the word out to all who will listen. They have to take this drug off the market. Walk with Christ and he will see us through. God Bless. by Judy On Sun Oct 22 11:39:26 2006
there is life after effexor I wanted to give others hope- there is life after effexor! I went cold turkey from 300mg a day about one week ago. The first 4-5 days were awful. I thought at any moment I would have a seizure! I was dizzy, nauseated, vomiting, had vertigo, insomnia, migraines, brain "zaps/shivers", diarrhea, and tremulous movements. I was unable to work or even remotely function as a human. It has been one week and most of the symptoms have subsided, I still have insomnia and some dizziness. But, I can function! Now I am trying to lose the 15lbs I gained in 2mos being on this hhorific drug. I also switched to a new psych this week. He agreed that effexor is an awful drug (with exception for a select few)! I am so happy! I made it through the fire with this drug and have a new, knowledgable pychiatrist whom will never put me back on this med. For those of you going through withdrawals, hang on! The withdrawal symptoms make you wish for death, however, it will get better! There is life after effexor withdrawal! by Amy On Sat Oct 21 16:57:54 2006
effexor side effects I was very interested to read Narelle Boyles story on Effexor. I was diagnosed with depression about four and a half years ago (am 52 years old) and was prescribed Effexor at a dosage of either 250 or 300mg once daily.I have suffered exactly the same side effects as listed in Narelles story. In fact I have mentioned to my wife on several occasions that if I could put them down on film they would exceed any horror or sience fiction movie ever produced !!Very frightening and often upon waking it is very difficult to extract yourself from them, I have felt like a Salvador Dali painting with one half of my conciousness in one place and the other half in another, have been aware of my surroundings and what is happening but have been unable to extract myself from this other "dimension"without great mental difficulty . The nightmares are atrocious. The feeling of dissociation from ones body , a feeling of being on the outside looking in , even when carrying out a conversation seems to happen frequently too. About twelve months I decided that I would try and reduce the dosage and with my GP's advice I reduced to 150 mg once daily and maintained this for about three months, further reducing the dosage then to 37.5mg twice daily, this was maintained for a further three to four months when things started to go pear shaped again.
The dosage was the increased to 150mg once daily, this seemed to rectify the emotional problems , but did nothing to aleviate the intermittent physical symptoms. Several weeks ago I suffered a number of debilitating dizzy spells coupled with nausea,and was subsequently hospitalised for several days as I was not able to stand or even move my head .Was subsequently examined by an ENT speacilist who has ruled out vertigo and Menieres disease.Am still unsteady on my feet and currently am undertaking further tests. The loud "zapping" sound in the head is also something I mentioned to my wife recently , sounds like a huge spark jumping from one side of your head to the other, with such intensity that it will wake you from a sleep and if awake will make you jump with shock, with the same intensity as if someone clapped their hands once loudly. I sympathise with her with the short term memory loss also , my memory is the worst it has ever been . All these symptoms I have had whilst still on 150mg/day! It's time to slowly wean myself right off it having read what Narelle has been through. Interestingly though the GP is keen for me to be on this dosage further 4 years , try and reduce again , if that is not successful will need to stay on it indefinately!! Definately not an option by Ron On Thu Oct 19 23:03:36 2006
Effexor Withdrawal I had been taking Efexor-xr 150mg for three months (started on Efexor-xr 75mg). I suffer from insomnia and post traumatic stress. Not long after I started on it, I began to get terrible headaches, hot sweats as well as couldn't sleep. So then I was taking valium, stilnox, headache tablets as well as efexor. Luckily my gp didn't see the sense in taking exefor anymore and advised me to stop taking it for three days cold turkey then start on 15mg Avanza at night. Well, on the third day of withdrawal (which was of course a Sunday) - I ended up in the 24hr medical centre because of one VERY concerning sympton I had. Zapping in my head, nausea, sensitivity to bright light, strange flashing lights in front of my eyes I could endure - but the most scary was when I had awoken from a nap - I couldn't see (for a few seconds only - but seemed forever). So okay - I thought this maybe was my imagination whatever, but then had another nap later on, and my vision gone again - seemed to last a bit longer this time. I was convinced that I was going blind which absolutely terrified me. Naturally my blood pressure & heart rate was up as well - so what a mess. |
