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Post subject: Effexor Withdrawal
moxieami - Wed Mar 03, 2004 10:57 pm |
I am currently experiencing terrible withdrawal symptoms from Effexor XR. Starting a family has been a dream of mine as well as my fiancés until now. To prepare for a future with this man I investigated the effects Effexor XR may have on a pregnancy. Once I discovered the potential harm to an unborn child it was decided I would discontinue taking Effexor XR. It is important to state I was never told nor could I have discovered the facts regarding this drug and it's withdrawal effects. I am currently experiencing dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, major headaches, nervousness, tremors, vertigo, vomiting, agitation, abdominal pain, confusion and various other effects. After it was apparent to me that these were in direct response to my discontinuing taking the Effexor XR. It is impossible to me to work at this time due to the withdrawal symptoms. There are thousands upon thousands of people suffering from these effects to the point of remaining on the drug to avoid them. This to me seems more like a systematic way to keep people on this drug to increase profits than a drug to help people who are ill.
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Post subject:
Tamer Fouad, M.D. - Thu Mar 04, 2004 1:09 pm |
Moieami,
Effexor or venlafaxine is known to have disturbing withdrawal effects after more than 6 weeks of use. On discontinuing the drug you should taper its use over a period of two weeks. For a previous discussion on the effects and outcome of effexor withdrawal please check this page!
For more info on effexor click here!
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Post subject:
john frey - Sat Nov 06, 2004 8:18 am |
Dr. Fouad's advice is directly off the manufacturers web page and is very wrong.
My experience and the experience of everyone I know personally as well as that of many people posting to various web sites suggests that a much longer tapering off is needed.
I tried to taper off by my doctors recommendation and ended up in the psych ward. This time I tapered off over a 3 month period and although I experienced side effects throughout that time they were manageable. When I finally stopped taking it altogether the withdrawal effects were still more severe than during the tapering off process but remained manageable.
I wish doctors would have available more research and more independent research to advise patients with. Also a doctor might want to advise patients to use their own judgement when tapering off. The withdrawal symptoms are so severe that sticking blindly to a prescribed regime of withdrawal can be very harmful, to the point of being life threatening.
My advice to anyone is take it slow and remember you know your body and how the withdrawal is affecting you better than anyone else and you need to make your own decisions about how fast or slow you can cut back
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Post subject:
Taylynn - Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:52 pm |
Hi,
I too had a horrible time getting off of the effexor xr
I took me around 10 weeks to finally get off them. I ended up taking 2-3 "beads" out of each capsule every day or so, till I finally was down to around 15 beads in a pill!! NEVER NEVER AGAIN
I was not told either about the withdrawal side effects.
When I first tapered down, I was fine until around 5-6 days without them. Then the vomiting, lightheadedness, dizzy, etc. hit me like a brick. It dawned on me it might be the effexor, so I took a 1/2 a capsule, and sure enough felt better within around 6 hours. That is when I started taking a bead or 2 out of each pill.
I think there is around 180 "beads" in each capsule....
That rx should be banned.
Nasty stuff.
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Post subject: Doctors' Ignorance
kam_lem - Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:09 pm |
I agree with all of the above (except the Doctor)! I actually had a doctor tell me there were no side effects whatsoever from this medication. What a load of CRAP! I have been opening up each 37.5 mg capsule and then taking 1/3 of that every other day for three weeks. Now I'm on day 3 of not taking any of the medication and feeling rotten as hell. I'm dizzy and can hardly keep my head upright. I'm having trouble functioning at work. I'm nauseous and woke up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat sick as a dog the other night. I'm having trouble seeing straight. I feel like a herion addict trying to kick a nasty drug habit.
Sure the medication helped me get over a tough time, but I gained weight and now I'm suffering withdrawal sickness like a regular street drug addict. To me, that's not worth it. There are plenty of other medications that can do the same thing without these debilitating side effects. It's a crime that the FDA approved this medication and that physicians actually perscribe it without telling patients the HORRIBLE withdrawal problems it has.
I will never take another anti-depressant again no matter how suicidal or depressed I get again. It's a shame that I can't even trust the medical community to be honest and upright about what the drugs they perscribe actualy do to my body. And I believe the side effects are a way of keeping people hooked on the medication so the drug company can make a bundle of us. Why would they want us to get any better when they can have a bunch of addicted crazies on their medication who can't get of it?
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Post subject: you guys are wimps
ericpete - Mon Mar 21, 2005 6:45 pm |
I have been on Effexor 150mg for 5 months and I thought it was great. Only problem was I couldn't cum when I was having sex. Doc recommended I tapor my dose for the weekend and I decided to just stop for the weekend. I started to feel the brain shivers on Saturday afternoon and it was a bit uncomfortable but nothing to write home about. Saturday night when I had sex with my girlfriend it was great so I decided to just quit taking effexor. It's only been 3 days since I stopped but it isn't that bad for me. I feel the brain shiffers constantly, but it's not THAT bad. When I was reading about how bad it was from everyone on the internet I was assuming it would be like coming down from a weekend binge of coke or something. Nothing like that at all. I mean the brain shivers are a bit strange, but not that bad. I am curious how long the brain shivers last, but honestly all you people who are complaining about how bad this is really should try coming down from a party drug. Effexor come down is easy in comparison. Can someone tell me how long these electrical shocks through my brain are going to last?
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Post subject:
Taylynn - Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:43 am |
ericpete,
It's been over a week since you posted.
Did your brains shivers end yet? Also, how about other symptoms?
If you got off the effexor without them, consider yourself lucky!
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Post subject: Effexor Withdrawal
ericpete - Mon Mar 28, 2005 7:49 pm |
So on Thursday I went back to see my Doc and he was a bit concerned that I just decided to stop Effexor cold turkey. He said I had a chance of getting depressed again so he said I should continue taking it, but taper off gradually. He said to just slow down, but do it over a few weeks so I don't get the shivers. Also he upped my dose of Wellbutrin to the regular dose for depression. So now I am taking 150mg Wellbutrin XL twice a day. I took 75mg (half my usual dose) of Effexor on friday. Skipped saturday, took 75mg on Sunday, and today I took 75mg. I feel totally normal, in fact I feel pretty freaking good today. My sex drive is definitely up because I had sex with my girlfriend this morning. I plan on stepping down to ~ 37.5mg tomorrow and trying that for the rest of the week. I might increase it if I get the shivers, but will only increase it to stop the shivers (per my doc's recommendations). I will give and update next week. I can't wait to get off Effextor so my sex drive is normal again and I get horney every time I see a girl.
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Post subject: antidepressant withdrawal
rivers9 - Mon May 23, 2005 9:27 am |
I would first like to say that everyone is an individual and medication effects people differently, so there is no one way to wean off of antidepressants. I know, personally, that effexor can take longer than a few weeks to get out of your system. The problem with these doctors replying is that most of them have never been on an anti depressant and have never experienced withdrawal side effects, and thus have no idea of what others are going through. My best advice is to taper off SLOWLY and if you start having withdrawal effects, then go back to the next highest dose and stay another week on it before going down to the next lowest dose again.
prayers to all who fight depression,
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Post subject: Effexor xr withdrawel
bevan_9 - Sat Jun 18, 2005 5:23 pm |
I have been on effexor xr for about 10 years. I was takeing 150 mg daily. 75mg in am and in pm. I was put on this for stess due to my wifes depression. My Dr. said I was depressed but I never thought I was. Anyway this is my 3rd attempt to get off effexor. First time just couldnt take the withdrawel side effects so wemt back up just to feel better. The second time my Dr. took me off all at once and gave me wellbuterin to take in its place. That was the wosrt experience I have ever gone through. I cried at the drop off a dime. Did I mention that I am a 49 year old male ? This time I tapered by reducing my dose by 37.5mg every 2 weeks and it didnt seem to bad until I was on my final 37.5 that is when i started noticing the headaches, dizziness, tremors and so forth but they were managable. Now it has been 3 days with no effexor and I am really feeling the above mentioned effects plus the slightest head movement sends my head spinningand I and smapping at my wife and 12year old daughter for the stupidest things. I really want to be off this drug because of the sexual side effects and the weight gain plus I am not bepressed and dont feel I need to be on unnessecary medication.
Are there thing we can do to help eleviate some of the withdrawl effects? I am desperate because I do not want to have to go back on this nasty drug just to eleviate the side effects
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Post subject: coming off effexor
colouredmind - Tue Aug 02, 2005 9:42 am |
hi.. i've been on effexor 75mg for a year now, my doctor prescribed me to it when i was 15. he failed to warn me about the side effects i would be suffering from when he started me on them, and now i'm suffering more than i was before. the withdrawal is something i never would want anyone to suffer from and i'm sure you guys would agree. i've wanted to come off them for around four months now and i'm now taking them every third day, and i'm suffering from 80% of the syptoms i've read. it's messing with my entire body and mind, i want it to end. i'm sixteen! i just want an actual way to come completely free of my medication without these side effects
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Post subject: Effexor Withdrawal
skipper - Tue Aug 02, 2005 6:53 pm |
Withdrawal from Effexor is the worst feeling I have ever experienced. I have tried tapering off of it from 150mg down to 75mg then to 37.5mg but got too many nerve shocks/tremors and nausea so went back on it but now I am pregnant and must go off of it and the withdrawal is so bad I ended up in the hospital two days ago. I am seriously thinking of suing my two doctors and the makers of effexor because NO ONE told me that the withdrawal would be this bad. If they did I would have never started taking it. My doctor said there would be "flu-like symptoms"...obviously he has never tried to stop taking effexor. This is a nightmare and these people should be better informed and tell their patients THE TRUTH. I would like to know if there has been any negative effects on my unborn child from this horrible withdrawal.
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Post subject:
warning to all - Wed Aug 03, 2005 12:51 am |
I took my husband to see a neurologist today for headaches of unknown orign. Note my husband a former baseball nut in highschool has had numerous concusions from ball to head type injury. Also work related injuries to side of head. This is also where he develops his headache. With all of this information before him and an unremarkable CT scan of the brain I was full of hope. The doctor gave him orders for MRI with and without contrast, EEG, and Effexor XR. I questioned the prescription because I am not only a nurse but know people who have taken this med for depression/anxiety. He pretty much told us side effects were rare and that effexor has been NOTED to help with chronic headaches. People beware the drug companies are screwing you... Thank God I have some background because if not I would have let him take the DRUG!!!!
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Post subject: Effexor Withdrawal
susieque129 - Wed Aug 03, 2005 1:18 am |
I have been taking Effexor XR since 1999, that's six years. I was up to 225 mg per day but for the past year I've been taking 150 mg. I have attempted to get off it under my Drs direction by tapering off gradually twice previous. I always ended up taking it full time again because the withdrawal symptoms were so bad, or should I use Wyeth's terminology - discontinuation symptoms, HORSE PUCKY!!!
This is my third attempt and this time - COLD TURKEY. I am on day 4 with no effexor having been consumed. The electric shocks started as soon as my next dose was due. They have increased in occurence as well as severity. I have no appetite, feel sick and dizzy. This I could handle, it is the uncontrollable crying, the wild whirling thoughts in my head, the anger, did I say anger, I mean rage at times is overwhelming. This morning at 8:00 am, I was out mowing my lawn, that by the way i had just mowed 2 days ago, trying to burn off the hostile energy. I was crying the whole time. It was how you would cry if you were just told your father has died or something. I cried, bawled & sobbed for about five hours and 2 boxes of kleenex. Tonight, I am not too bad, but I have had a couple of small crying jags this afternoon. The zings - electric shocks go from my head to my chest and arms sometimes, and often from the tips of my toes up into my abodomen. I hope I can make it once and for all.
This drug and others like it should not be allowed to be sold. I called Wyeth Canada today @1-800-268-1946, ext 3662 and spoke to a nurse. I told her of my attempts in the past to stop this drug and my withdrawal. I gavve her an ear full. She said "a small number of patients do get adverse effects or discontinuation symptoms." I let her have it, I said a few, bulls&#t. I have been on the internet all morning looking for information on Effexor withdrawal and there are THOUSANDS of people and the worst of it is that our Doctors are not even fully informed of what kind of drug they are working with. This is CRIMINAL. We are living, breathing human beings, not test animals and there are real repercussions because of this drug. Even in the insert from Wyeth that came with my first few sample packs from my Doctor, there was absolutely no mention of the side effects of withdrawal from this drug. For heaven's sake, I knew as soon as I missed my dose because the electric shocks would start whizzing through my body. I told her that I had contacted Health Canada and the Fifth Estate (CBC TV news show) and that I was going to take my soap box and tell anyone that will listen that this drug should not be allowed to be sold in all the world. If I had known then what I know now, I would never have taken it in the first place. I also said to the Wyeth Nurse, you say it is not addictive, well I am going through hell right now, I may not be on the corner selling my body to get a fix, but i am suffering severely due to something that is NOT ADDICTIVE
Thanks, I needed to vent. But, if you feel lead to, contact Health Canada adverse drug reactions department, or in the states the FDA and any other governing body you can think of. This drug has to be stopped.
thanks, 6 year Effexor Addcit, in rehab, lol
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Post subject:
susieque129 - Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:50 am |
I posted yesterday, very determined that I would never take another effexor. Well, I'm sorry to say, I have taken another effexor. I had a terrible episode this morning. I cried and howled all morning off and on. We had to drive 50 miles on a 4 lane highway, so I got my sister-in-law to drive as I was too dizzy and mournful. I was so dizzy and naseous during the drive. I had to have the radio turned off as it was getting on my nerves. The further we drove, the more agitated I felt, I was sobbing uncontrollably, I just had to get out of the vehicle. My sister-in-law pulled over on the 401 highway, one of the busiest in Ontario, I stumbled and bolted from the vehicle staggering, I was so dizzy. I threw myself in the tall grass on the side of the highway with tractor trrailers whizzing by and was screaming, crying, praying and begging to God to pleaase help me. when I got home, I called and went to the Doctor who insisted that I take 3/4 at least of the 150 dosage I was taking, get myself under control and then try tapering off again, GET THIS over a 2 week period. I laughed and explained that I had tried tapering for 2 months once about 3 years ago, unsuccessfully.
My son was upset this morning, he had never seen his mom so manic and out of control. I took the effexor for his sake. I will try to taper off AGAIN, beginning next week. The point of this, cold turkey is not the answer. I will admit, the withdrawal was much worse than when I tapered off. The electric shocks , I can handle, nausea, OK. But the manic episodes were increasing with severity each day, what would have happend tomorrow if I did not take Effexor today. I have a little boy and a husband and it was killing them to see me in such agony. Just thought someone might want to know. Good luck everyone.
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Post subject:
susieque129 - Thu Aug 04, 2005 3:34 am |
Here is an online petition I found that will be sent to Wyeth-Ayerst for Effexor if anyone is interested in having this drug banned
http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html
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Post subject: Re: you guys are wimps
Acrobat - Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:13 pm |
| ericpete wrote: | | I have been on Effexor 150mg for 5 months and I thought it was great. Only problem was I couldn't cum when I was having sex. Doc recommended I tapor my dose for the weekend and I decided to just stop for the weekend. I started to feel the brain shivers on Saturday afternoon and it was a bit uncomfortable but nothing to write home about. Saturday night when I had sex with my girlfriend it was great so I decided to just quit taking effexor. It's only been 3 days since I stopped but it isn't that bad for me. I feel the brain shiffers constantly, but it's not THAT bad. When I was reading about how bad it was from everyone on the internet I was assuming it would be like coming down from a weekend binge of coke or something. Nothing like that at all. I mean the brain shivers are a bit strange, but not that bad. I am curious how long the brain shivers last, but honestly all you people who are complaining about how bad this is really should try coming down from a party drug. Effexor come down is easy in comparison. Can someone tell me how long these electrical shocks through my brain are going to last? |
i had that sex problem too with effexor. It was a pain.
As for withdrawl, i came off it a bit too fast and i went REALLY depressed. Felt like i was in a dream world and all i wanted to do was kill myself. I had really violent thoughts too.... i considered killing a bunch of people i hated and then killing myself in gruesome way...
Im amazed i survived that few weeks and am still here. I feel great now, but thats because i stopped using effexor and went back to an old reliable drug. Which im now coming off, gradually.
Im not sure effexor should be banned, but its definatly dangerous.
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Post subject: effexor xr the drug from hell
poopymimi - Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:02 pm |
I have been on effexor for about 3 years. I was very depress after getting sick with a disorder that has left me physically disabled. I have tried several time getting off this drug. I don't need it anymore, but I keep taking it because I can't handle the side effects. I am disabled with 2 small children at home, my husband works two jobs to take care of us and this medication is too expensive. My insurance only covers part of it and I don't need it anymore. I am no longer depressed.
I am going to take a few beads out at a time. Say 3 a day for one week. Then the next week 4, then so on. I will check back and let you know what my progess is. I am going over night with my husband on a little aniversary date, so I will wait until Monday, Aug. 22 to start. I miss one day, and I am ill. I'm dizzy and I feel like puking and I have terible bowel movements that cause so much pain. I can barely take care of my kids.
Good luck to everyone!!!
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Post subject: Effexor is evil!!!
grapequeen - Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:32 pm |
I am currently in withdrawal from the Evil Effexor. I was on 150mg and tapered down gradually (75mg for 2 wks, 37.5mg for 2 wks and I've been off it completely for about a week) and my withdrawal symptoms are better but still there. I tried going off cold turkey several months ago, but the nausea, vertigo and brain zaps were so terrible that I was sobbing in the office and couldn't take it any longer. I took a 150mg capsule and felt better in several hours. My withdrawal has been MUCH better after tapering. Not great, but MUCH MUCH better. PLEASE do not go off this medication cold turkey! It really should be banned...
My symptoms: dizziness, brain zaps, clumsiness (bumping into walls, tripping over my own feet), sight problems, extreme irritability over small things, crying at the drop of a hat, nausea, headaches, scary scary dreams where I'm being chased by ax murderers, weight gain, a major craving for vegetables (esp. broccoli)
But I am gladly dealing w/ these symptoms because I now have my emotions back. When I was on the medication, I was numb. I didn't get angry or sad, but I also wasn't really elated or super happy about things. I have always been an extrovert, and when I was on Effexor I was a wallflower and quiet in social situations. I felt awkward all the time. This is gone now that I'm off the medicine! I'm already starting to feel like my old passionate, exuberant self.
General practioners are clueless, y'all. They hand out these drugs like candy without warning patients of their side effects or withdrawal symptoms. This is because they aren't aware of them themselves. It has been my experience that we often know much more than GP's about medical science. From this point forward, I will be self-diagnosing myself using medical dictionaries. Yes, surgeons and specialists are extremely important! They can save lives. But GP's are pretty much useless.
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Post subject:
DeLWolcott - Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:55 pm |
Susie, how are you doing? I missed your last post as I was out of the country and I'm rather shocked that no medical professional responded to your distress.
I hope things are better. If not, you need to get in contact with your physician that is regulating your Effexor. If they are not being supportive with your withdrawal and sympathetic to your withdrawal symptoms, find another doctor. Withdrawal can be very dangerous for some people, and you sound as if you were in that group a couple of weeks ago.
I understand what you're saying about the manic episodes. I had those, plus I didn't feel safe to drive because I kept feeling like I was coming out of a dream, having to snap myself back into the realization that "this" was reality.
It can be a long process, but the slower the better for everyone involved, including you and the people around you. Get in touch with a physician or local mental health clinic to help you through this. You are not alone and do not let anyone try to tell you that it's just you.
Best wishes and hopes for your condition now and your success in withdrawal!
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Post subject: Effexor withdrawal
nzilla - Tue Aug 23, 2005 5:15 am |
Here's my story:
I started Effexor in 2003 to manage some awful post-partum depression. My son is now three and a half and the offending hormones seem to have stabilized yet I carried on with Effexor because I could not quit. I started on a 75 mg dose after attempting Paxil for a couple of months. Paxil was okay but knocked me out so my doctor suggested Effexor. The dose was just fine and I had very little side effects so I carried on merrily until last summer when I decided to quit. My doctor suggested I come off it over a month's time. I went down to 37.5 mg a day for a couple of weeks - fine, then every other day - no good. It seems I needed a daily fix no matter how small. I was able to get some 37.5 mg pills that could be cut in half so I was then taking an itty bitty pill. Then I tried the every other day thing which meant that I felt sick as hell every other day. After about 36 hours from my last dose I got severe dizziness, headaches and hot flashes. As a mom to a preschooler, I just couldn't afford to be incapacitated like that. Another pill and I was fine.
I then saw another doctor who suggested that I had come off too fast. I ended up back on 37.5 mg a day. I am a full-time university student so I simply could not afford to try quitting again during school. But with two weeks to go before next semester, I have gone precisely 57 hours since my last pill. I hadn't planned to try to quit right now but (yes, this is stupid) I ran out of pills at the end of last week and just didn't get around to calling the doctor for a refill. Normally, I'm a little more responsible about such things but frankly, I really want to quit. The thing is, I'm feeling okay aside from being a little light-headed and pretty tired. Plus, I have a doctor's appointment in the morning - I should at least survive until then (hopefully). I'm hoping that I'm going to finally get off these things but I know that I could get hit with ugly symptoms at any time. Luckily, both my husband and I are off work and school respectively for the next two weeks so I can take naps if I need to and so far I have - I've slept away half of the last two days.
I'll post again and let you know how it's going. Wouldn't it be nice to have a success story on quitting Effexor?
Hopeful
P.S. Susie - I'd like to hear how you are doing, too.
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Post subject: WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS FROM EFFEXOR..... PURE HELL
kendyl - Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:31 pm |
I AM CURRENTLY TRYING TO TAPER OFF EFFEXOR XR 75 MG. I WORK FOR A DOCTOR , SO HE WARNED ME TO TAPER.I DID EXAXCTLY WHAT HE SAID. LET ME TELL YOU, NOTHING IS TEXT BOOK!! I AM LIVING HELL RIGHT NOW. I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK NOW FOR 2 DAYS. THE ELECTRIC SHOCKS ARE HORRIBLE ALONG WITH NAUSEA. EXTREME DIZZINESS,NIGHTMARES,WEAKNESS, MANIC EPISODES. THIS IS MY THIRD DAY WITHOUTEFFEXOR. I ENDED UP TAKING A 37.5 THIS AFTERNOON BECAUSE I CAN'T TAKE IT ANY MORE.THIS DRUG WORKED WELL FOR ME . MY HUSBAND AND I DECIDED TO HAVE OUR SECOND CHILD SO I WANTED OFF OF THE DRUG.
I WILL SAY RIGHT NOW THAT I WILL NEVER , EVER ,EVER TAKE THIS AGAIN . THE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS ARE THE WORST THING I HAVE EXPEREINCED IN MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE.
IT DIDI MAKE ME FEEL BETTER TO KNOW THAT I AM NOT GOING THROUGH THIS ALONE.
THE DRUG SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET!!!![/b]
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Post subject:
DeLWolcott - Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:43 am |
Kendyl is absolutely right. Nothing is textbook. You have to listen to your own body and mind during this process.
If/When you begin to feel the withdrawal symptoms again, you need to get an Effexor that is scored you can go down slower. Liquid would be the ultimate way to taper if it is available to you through any pharmacy. Check with hospital out-patient pharmacies if needed.
I wish you the best of luck during this next attempt. Total withdrawal is attainable and may it be quick for you. Patience is not only a virtue, but a must during AD withdrawal for MANY. Remember that in no way should you ever consider yourself as failing if you have to go back up just a bit. It can be like dancing the 2-step...2 steps forward, one step back or even the other way around. Eventually the goal will/can be reached. And always keep your doc informed of everything you're feeling. They may suggest going on another AD to help with the symptoms of Effexor withdrawal, but you do your research and have all of your questions answered before beginning anything new.
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Post subject:
DeLWolcott - Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:54 am |
Kendyl, you are definitely not alone!! It can be the most difficult situation a person has been through, making the original cause for going on the medication seem trivial. I, in fact, am still going through the withdrawal process, 90% down from my original dosage.
I know it can be done. I know it's incredibly hard for some of us. I know the majority of the physician community needs more education in the problems that these medications are causing on a larger scale than they can imagine. I am working on that through different lines, along with trying to offer support to those who need it along the way.
Banning the medications at this point would be detrimental to the world at this point. Can you imagine the entire world (or the estimated 8 to 13% of the world on these medications) going through withdrawal all at the same time? We have to get the education out to the general and medical public. We have to get the drug companies to admit what they have known for years in their research. It's going to be a long road.
Also, these medications have their place. Counseling is a must during AD therapy as the medications do not CURE the problem. So the problem must be gone before withdrawal has any chance. Proper withdrawal must be worked with between the patient and the physician.
On the good side, physicians are beginning to listen and learn, through educational resources and through observations of their patients. Progress is being made.
Best wishes to you and yours also!
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Post subject:
moonbeams - Thu Aug 25, 2005 6:07 pm |
I've read this thread and others in this forum with great interest. Its good to know that there are others out there trying to get off this drug.
I started a blog this week on my daily dealings with getting off the Effexor XR and if anyone wants to read it over and has any suggestions for me I'd be happy to have them.
Today is day 3 and so far its ok. I'm going very slow, taking just a few beads out of one pill. I tried in the past to go off by 1/4 of the dose and about lost it from the withdrawal effects. I keep reading here and other places that the bead idea might work. I'm going to give it a try. I want off this stuff.
Best of luck to everyone else getting off this stuff. Know your not the only one.
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Post subject: No More Pills Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lotsofsugar14 - Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:38 pm |
The situation that I am currently dealing with is one that I wouldnt wish on my worst enemy! About 6 years ago I was diagnosed with "Anxiety disorder" after collapsing in my local Wal-mart store. They recommended my taking Paxil and talking to a mediator/counselor. To no avail none of that worked so I decided to come off of paxil and take control of my life again. The side effects of those pills were so horrible that it felt like I was constantly walking on a trampaline and and being shaken. I didnt want to talk or be around anyone. After finally dealing with it for 2 weeks I was O.K. again. (or at least i thought). About a year later my life became so topsy-turvy that I was too scared to leave the house, I wouldnt even check the mail alone. Finally my mom dragged me to the doctor and she put me on Effexor XR 150mg. At first it seamed to work but I think its all in my head. So now I am trying to get off of this and never take pills again! Im not going back to the doctor this time because all they want to do is up my meds and keep me dosile. Thats not what I want. I want to live a normal life and have kids (which you cant do while taking Effexor RX). If you are reading this wondering wheather or not you should take pills, I would definatly not! To the doctors-what is your take on this? I dont think i had anxiety at all, just low blood sugar that morning. I beleave Paxil made me more anxious than I was prior to that eppisode.
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Post subject: Effexor Ignorance
ILove2Teach - Mon Aug 29, 2005 2:56 am |
About five years ago I went to my doctor for a routine check up for my thyroid. My doctor was alarmed at my weight loss. I am 5'6" amd was about 110 pounds and 45 years old. He asked me what was going on in my life. I told him that my father was dying of a terminal illness and because I was very close to him, it had caused some anxiety. My doctor suggested that I go on the anti-depressant Effexor. I told him that I was not depressed. He replied by saying that there is a fine line between anxiety and depression and I just needed to trust him. So, I began taking 75MG a day. After one month, I told my husband that I didn't feel any different, so I was going to quit taking them. His reply shocked me. He said, "Please don't. You seem so much happier and less irriated with _________ (our ADHD teen)." So, I said, "Okay, if you see a difference, I'll take it for you and the kids." After a year on the drug, I gained 30 pounds and I went to the doctor and said that I wanted to get off of the Effexor because I was actually starting to feel depressed. I can't believe that I let him talk me into doubling my dosage, but soon I did start feeling normal again. However, that year I put on an additional 30 pounds, for a total of a sixty pound gain! I had to start wearing my mother's clothes and buying new ones. Though I felt fine emotionally, I felt terrible about my appearance. I also didn't like the fact that it totally took away my ability to enjoy sexual satisfaction. So, I tried several times to wean myself off the drug, only to get headaches, nausea, funny brain sensations and incredible irritablility that was out of proportion to the situations that brought it on. I made an appointment with my doctor to discuss this, and he told me that it was all my imagination because "Effexor is little more than a vitamin." Every time I tried to quit, I couldn't stand the nausea or irritablility that it caused and I'd go right back on it. Then I started to search the internet and discovered that these symptoms were not all "in my head." I decided to ask my pharmacist for help and he suggested a slower program of withdrawl. The first week, I cut my evening tablet in half, so that I was taking 3/4 of my daily dose. After two days, I got an very upset stomach which lasted for several days, but I stuck it out because I wasn't having the irritablility. The second week, I cut my evening dose in half again and again suffered stomach flu-like symptoms on and off throughout the week. Yesterday, I started my third week and I totally eliminated my evening dose all together, so that I'm now taking only 75MG per day. I expect that I won't feel wonderful this week either, but I'm going to follow through. At this rate, I'm not experiencing the irritability at all. Do you think that it's wise to keep going at this pace? Am I going to quickly? I start teaching 5th/6th grade the day after labor day and do not want to be sick when school starts. Any suggestions for me would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!
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Post subject:
moonbeams - Mon Aug 29, 2005 10:23 pm |
Love2Teach~
This is my 3rd time trying to get off Effexor, and so far this has been the most tolerable to me. I'm opening up the capsules and removing some of the beads, I started with around 10-12 a week ago and I took out just over 30 today. I was on 150mg for a year, then last April my doctor talked me into more using the same theory, that it would help me sleep..blah..blah..blah. So since April I've been on 225mg.
The weight gain has been insane. I never had a weight issue in my life, was not so fit before I got pregnant with my now 3 year old, and since his birth I've gained nearly 50lbs. Just crazy. I too have no feelings, and sex is a joke (my poor husband!)
I think you have to do what is best for you on this, I think there is no perfect cutting back dose that covers everyone. I personally can't feel yucky, I have three kids, babysit two others, one of my children has autism, and I am in constant motion running him to his daily program and making sure that the afternoon one here at home goes smoothly, along with taking care of the rest of the family. I have to be at my best 120% of the time.
I don't want to tell you what to do, because I'm not you. I think you should listen to your body and adapt as you see fit. Good luck! I hope you are able to wean off successfully.
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Post subject:
DeLWolcott - Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:10 am |
ILove2Teach, taper as you feel you can and stay in contact with your physician. If you come to a point where the withdrawal is too much to handle with the beginning of school, do not feel bad for going up a tad to get over the hump.
There is no withdrawal schedule set in stone anywhere. You have to listen to your mind and body to know when you are ready for your next step down, or when that last step down may have been too much and you need to edge back up for a few days.
This goal can be reached and it's not fun for anyone. Keep up your patience and courage, but be patient with yourself also. Do what you need to do to make your return to school as pleasant as possible without the added anxiety of "I have to complete this by such-in-such date!"
Good luck and have a great year!
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Post subject: the effigy of EFFEXOR...
barrygirl - Tue Sep 06, 2005 2:40 am |
wow...just google'd on effexor withdrawal...and read all your posts. I am in the throes of only one 75mg. capsule every other day...and trying to stop. I never took more than 2 per day...as it worried me..and the out of body experience was NO FUN....I also have no highs or lows...never cry...but never laugh much now...and my poor hubby is wondering where his sexy mama went.
Yes, it is horrible..(I'd rather go thru labor again...even BREACH!)..than deal w/ the evil of EFFEXOR WITHDRAWAL.
my dr. also said nothing about it's usage or withdrawal...and i refuse to go back to the quack! I will try to take some of the capsules apart ,...REDUCE THE DOSE and continue down that road...i had said that earlier to hubby...and we agreed to give me 2-3 days of no expectations...i will have to not schedule any work...etc.
it is criminal to do this to all of the well-intentioned patients!
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Post subject:
DeLWolcott - Tue Sep 06, 2005 3:07 am |
Do NOT give up! Successful withdrawal is attainable. A slow taper is the answer.
It's easy to be angry with your physician for not having the knowledge about the possilbilities with these medications, but it's truly not their fault. The drug companies have covered up the parts of their research they don't want anyone to see. (I have copies.) They teach their drug reps how to side-step questions. The doctors are so busy when the reps visit that they only hear the great things and have to move on to their next patient. The drug companies are still denying these problems that so many people are reporting, but keep doing your research. Print out the most relevant information to your situation if you are able, or copy down the website addresses to pass along.
If your physician refuses to take your symptoms seriously, it's time to find another physician. If you have to go to this step, call the physicians' offices beforehand and specifically ask them if they have dealt with SSRI or SNRI withdrawals. If the receptionist has no idea what you are talking about, ask to speak to one of the nurses. There are still many physicians who have not realized that these problems really do exist, but many more are becoming aware and know that tapering has to be flexible to fit each patient. One patient may be able to taper within a month or less. Another patient may take as long as a year.
Cold turkey is NOT the way to go and the drug companies do actually admit to this. They just don't admit how long or give a clue how to do it...because they really don't know themselves. You can do this and you can do this safely and slowly. No one knew what they were getting into when they started these medications, but you have the abiity to educate yourself on how to taper.
Now let your physician know immediately what is going on, how you are feeling, and what you want to do with you medication schedule. You have control of what you put in your system. You don't like what this has done to your system and you have the right to demand to be taken off safely.
Good luck!
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Post subject:
mom0f3 - Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:29 pm |
I remember 2 years ago coming to a website like this one myself looking for help for the horrible withdrawls from effexor xr I was on the drug for a year and a half I quit cold turkey and like I see alot of people posting it has to be as bad as coming off of heroin it is the worse thing I've been thru but I made it thru the withdrawls, it took me 2 weeks before the worse was over and then slowly disapated. the only thing that took the edge off the withdrawls was ativan (lorazepam)seemed to help some, I managed to get thru that horrible time, nasty drug Hang in there it gets better
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Post subject:
DeLWolcott - Wed Sep 07, 2005 2:13 am |
These reactions are becoming more public and it is great because people are learning that they are not alone! It's not "just them" and the symptoms don't necessarily mean that the dosage needs to be increased or another medication needs to be added. A support system that understands is a MUST during withdrawal.
Personal education about the medications and close contact with a physician who is fully familiar with these medications (i.e., psychiatrist preferably) is very important. With an understanding physician and a social-type support system, a person can be successful with more ease.
Thanks for your input MomOf3. It's good for people to hear that success is possible from someone who has actually succeeded.
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Post subject: TAKE IT SLOW!
screampal - Sat Sep 17, 2005 11:02 pm |
Please! Anyone getting off effexor: TAKE A LONG TIME TO DO IT! Don't listen to your doctore when they say it only takes two weeks. I spent four weeks getting of it and was down to half a 37.5 mg pill, but when i stopped all together it was horrible! Dizziness, aches, fatigue, sleeplessness, vision impaired! I am taking a fourth of a pill now just to deal with the symptoms. I would strongly reccomend taking a very long time to get off. I will never again take this medicine- it helped me when I was very depressed, but these withdrawal symtoms are horrific. I can't wait until I no longer have to put this stuff in my body. I wish anyone going through this too the best of luck! Just remember it takes a lot of time!
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Post subject: withdrawal symptoms
all2JC - Wed Sep 21, 2005 6:21 pm |
Doctors are clueless and too decieved by the drug companies info. I have been on Effexor xr for 9 yrs and the past 4 at the highest dose of 375mg. I have gotten myself down to 150mg through colonics, all organic diet, and low impact exercise combination. This has been indescribable...the horrific side effects and I thought this drug was not addictive although getting down to a lower dosage has put my body into utter chaos! No one can comprehend unless you have been on Effexor. I have a hard time functioning in a given day. My only hope is that the Lord God will miraculously heal me. I believe this drug has nothing good to offer and should be taken off pharmacy shelves, but we all know the greedy drug co. will not tell the TRUTH irregardless of how many people they hurt. So , to those who intentionally put out harmful drugs...you WILL reap what you sow! God help us who have been lured into and physically harmed by the lies.
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Post subject:
DeLWolcott - Wed Sep 21, 2005 7:05 pm |
Oh, these drugs aren't "addictive" according to the drug companies. We just develop a "dependence".
It's all very frustrating and I have always said (in other circles) that the drug company lords and their shareholders should have to take these medications they push, specifically the AD's, for a month or two, then try to quit them.
But alas, they won't take me up on my offer.
Ooh. Evil/angry professional coming out. Sorry.
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Post subject: how long does this dizziness last?? It's awful
hock1 - Mon Sep 26, 2005 11:17 pm |
Can anyone give me some idea how long to expect this awful dizzness? I've only been on 75mg. of Effexor since this past July and decided to just stop taking it -- I had to leave work today, I thought I was going to faint.
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Post subject:
DeLWolcott - Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:48 pm |
There is no set time of withdrawal symptoms. Every person has different reactions. I'm sorry that there isn't anything more definitive that I can give you.
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Post subject: Effexor Withdrawal
IamMe - Wed Sep 28, 2005 10:32 pm |
I have been trying to get off Effexor for quite awhile now after being on 300mgs daily for almost 3 years. (Is it just me or is that a high dose???) I compeltely believe that this whole effexor thing is stupid, the side effects and withdrawal defintally make me question the sucess of the drug. Especially when the Drs never told me about any of them!!
Okay, so I have a question, 3 days ago I cut down on my dosgae again and since then my heart has been racing. Has anyone else experienced this? My resting heart rate is above 90 beats a minute! Its crazy! Its a normal beat, just very very fast! Any suggestions or comments?
Also, although I have been suffereing the horrible side effects such as brain zaps, nausea, crying, headaches, dizieness, bumping in to things and all the like, I have defintally not had it so bad that I want to go back on the meds. I think the difference between my case and worst case senerios is that i am tapering off realllllllly slow. I had read posts about withdrawals before and am not taking any chances. I have been waiting around 8 weeks after I lower my dosage before I lower it again. Last time I waited 16 weeks coz it took awhile to get use to it. This way although the withdrawal effects SUX at the time, by the time I am ready to lower my dosage again I have had at least 2 weeks with mild withdrawals so I have the mental and physical strenght to go through them again! I know it is dragging it out but if it means taking 12 months and actually getting off this stupid pill them I am all for it!!!! So maybe if you are having trouble try leaving it longer for your body to adjust before you drop down again. Hope that helps someone!
May everyone who needs strenght to fight this find it.
Take Care.
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Post subject:
DeLWolcott - Thu Sep 29, 2005 3:00 am |
Yes, withdrawal can cause a racing heart. This will calm down with time. Sometimes you can slow it down with controlled breathing exercises.
The doctors never told us about these side effects and withdrawal symptoms because they were never told about them. They (the doctors and the drug companies) are now having to acknowledge the existence of these two phenomenons because there are so many reports of them...and new studies coming out all of the time with new warnings.
Slowly, but surely, the information is getting out thanks to people like yourself and others in the medical community paying attention. Everyone starting these medications have the right to know the side effects and proper withdrawal methods. One day, it will be common knowledge.
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