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Horrific Withdrawal Off Effexor
posted by Rosanne on 06 Aug 2006 at 10:37 pmI have been trying to get off this drug for 2 years now. In order to function at work and in my life, I had to do months at skipping one day inbetween dose. nine months later two days in between, and as of three months ago, 3 days in between. After being sick of doing this, and now working on four days in between, I decided to quit all together. It has been exactly one week without Effexor!. I am only grateful that I am off work during this time because I would not be able to function!! I have buzzing (electrical impulses) in my head whenever I move my eyes or head. As of the last couple of days I feel nauseas (almost sea sick).
I have difficulty concentrating and and very forgetful. I have numbness in my feet and twitching in my right leg, especially when I am trying to sleep. My sleep is disruptive and I have night sweats. I have blurred vision, and it is very difficult to drive (I see things that aren't there) like pulling into my driveway this evening, I thought I saw an animal run in front of my car as I pulled into the driveway. Nothing was there. I can't turn my head to back up, and I feel like a spaz, over reacting to stopped cars in front of me -- I guess I better stay off the road until I feel better huh? Basically, my life is miserable right now. To those of you out there--DON't take this stuff!!! There has to be a better way--prayer, proper eating, supplements...thanks for listening (reading)!
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| Effexor And My Patients |
| posted by Barry Funnel on 01 Feb 2007 at 2:12 pm |
| I have found that a small minority of my patients have had problems coming off effexor. In most cases they have tried doing so cold turkey. This is not advisable for any drug. So far, I have not had one who has had a problem while doing it under my instruction. |
| 1 Week |
| posted by Anon on 01 Feb 2007 at 5:06 pm |
| I am on my first week of 37.5mg tablets. After reading all these posts I am terrified to continue. However, I feel like my depression is at the point where I need help beyond counselling. Is there any other good options that people have tried?? Or should i stick to scary effexor?? I'm confused now. |
| Go Ahead |
| posted by Kenji on 01 Feb 2007 at 7:10 pm |
| This message is for the last person to post here. Go ahead. It has helped me a great deal. Just make sure you do what your doctor says. |
| It Sucks!! |
| posted by Anon on 01 Feb 2007 at 11:18 pm |
| I have been going off effexor for 4 wks, and it still sucks. Everything about it!! feeling suicidal. what fun! |
| It Worked For Me |
| posted by Anon on 02 Feb 2007 at 4:15 am |
| I have been on effexor for about six months. On balance, I would say it is the only medication that has really helped me. I am sorry to hear people have had bad experiences. |
| I Am Free |
| posted by Freeda on 02 Feb 2007 at 7:12 pm |
| I was on Effexor XR for over six years, and in May 2006 I finally got free from it! It was difficult, I was cutting the dose slowly, and felt terrible for weeks. Sweating, nausea, irritability etc... all was there for weeks. Now I am free and healthy myself. And very grateful for the help the medication provided, and proud that I am not using it any more. |
| Effexor Withdrawal |
| posted by Bonnie on 04 Feb 2007 at 7:27 am |
|
My 23 year old daughter went off 250 mg of effexor cold turkey. She stayed in her room watching TV and didn't come out for two weeks. she had none of the physical symptoms mentioned above, but did scream a lot and felt "out of control"...she is now on lexapro. She went off effexor cold turkey cause a friend told her how "bad" it was for her.
No one should ever come off anything cold turkey. Ten years ago my gynecologist suggested 20 mg of paxil for perimenooause. I was so happy to be off the emotional roller coaster of my life. I gained 100 lbs back that I had off for 10 years (not because of the drug making me overeat, but because I didn't care of I overate or not). So the doctor switched me to effexor 75 mg then 150 mg. I have since lost 56 lbs. and have cut the dose considerably I had tapered off the paxil, over a 6 month period to a miniscule dose, but found myself in the corner crying over everything when I cut that dose out completely (should have skipped days as suggested). I have cut the effexor down to the 37.5 dose over the last 2 years and have no intention of going off it. My mom is on an anti-depressant for years (thank God) and is 74, my daughter was flunking out of school cause she didn't care about life, and was put on an anti-depressant and is now graduating w/ honors. Who am I to think "it" skipped a generation? Bottom line, if I/you have a seratonin deficiency, it has to be replaced. Either with health food supplements or anti-depressants. If what you are on no longer works (and they don't after a few years) then you/I will need to switch. If I were diabetic I wouldn't wean myself off insulin ! By the way, I am an Food Addict, and have been off sugar flour and wheat (on and off) for most of the last 30 years. I have been clean of SFW for 5 years now. I know what withdrawal feels like. I have no problem toughing it out. I would no more pick up a candy bar to feel better during withdrawal, then put a gun to my head. But I have a brain chemistry that is different from most and the sugar "lifted: my spirits the way alcohol does. Anti-depressants supplement the part of the brain that doesn't produce the chemical I need. I am not one of those people that need it "short term" to get over a life situation beyond my control. Thank God for the anti-depressants that saved my marriage, and the children that suffered from my OCD/ADD and every other initial thrown at me |
| Effexor Hell |
| posted by Karyn on 07 Feb 2007 at 7:28 am |
|
I was on both Effexor and Paxil until November 2006. I was feeling horrible from the side effects and was having thoughts of suicide which I never had when I wasn't on the meds. I tried many times to wean but went right into the withdrawal. I decided I needed to bite the bullet and go cold turkey which is what I did the day after Thanksgiving.
I was on 450 Mg of Effexor and 80 mg of Paxil ( deadly combo). Here I am approx 10 weeks later and still going through withdrawal which is primarily the brain zaps. I have done alot of research and have tried benodryl, clariton, Omega 3, St. John's Wort, Brain Calm. You name it and I've tried it. Nothing is working and some days I feel like I am going to lose my mind. By the way aside from the withdrawal I am far less depressed than I was while on the meds and am starting th sleep better. I just wish I knew how long this is going to go on. If anyone has any input feel free to email me at kam0458@aol.com |
| How To Get Off Effexor, Without The Side Effects!! |
| posted by Nickie Vaughan on 07 Feb 2007 at 9:54 pm |
|
I have been taking 150 Mg of Effexor XR for 21/2 years. Everything has been well but I have noticed a lack of motivation, drive, and over all passion for life. I also began to have restless leg syndrome. I began to think that all the previous symptoms were a result of Effexor.
But I have experienced the same horrible symptoms in the past if I've missed a dose and tried to cut back. This is a really hard drug to get off. Yes the withdrawal symptoms are worse than the depression. So, admitting to myself that I didn't want to go through this I seriously wanted to do something. So I took the Effexor capsule apart. Not good, that simply wasted an expensive drug. Next I took a small penny nail and punctured the tip of the capsule. This worked. Next I started with 4 granules that I carefully tapped out and threw them away. The next day I repeated the process and carefully emptied 6 granules out in my hand. each day I have increased the amount I have taken out by 2 or 3. I am now up to 67 granules that I am not taking. So far the only thing I have noticed is it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to take EFFEXOR at the very same time each day, thus avoiding the sensory shocks, nervousness, shakes etc. The granules in the Effexor XR, are the same. The only difference is the size. So to compensate for the different sizes I simply count each, no matter how small as one. I hope this helps. NVaughan |
| I Hate To Be A Cynic, But... |
| posted by Alicia on 08 Feb 2007 at 1:30 pm |
|
I moved from Oklahoma to Northern CA in 2005. It wasn't until the beginning of 2006 that I found I was suffering from Depression. As it turns out, my doctor thinks I have been suffering from it for years. I initially started Prozac, it was great. I felt so much better...but I was soooo tired. I was starting to fall asleep at work. I was switched to Wellbutrin, it didn't do anything.
I was then switched to Effexor, but it made me so tired I couldn't handle that either. I have to agree with Jason who left a message earlier this month. There are always going to be some levels of withdrawals from medications. However, I have not been on an anti-depressant for over a month now, and I feel like I have the flu. It is not from withdrawals. It is from STRESS. I am depressed. The depression is making me physically sick. I have to believe that is what is happening to most of you. If you have been on anti-depressants for several years you probably needed them or your doctor would have stopped them long ago. I have to say I don't believe in all of that holistic medicine stuff, I think that since you think it is helping, it will start to, it is a placebo thing. Anyway, I am on Concerta now to treat my ADHD. Is there anyone out there that is taking Concerta along with an anti-depressant and is not sleepy all the time? Please let me know. I want to get back on an anti-depressant but I can't risk the extreme sleepiness. |
| Effexor Is Over Prescribed |
| posted by joAnn on 09 Feb 2007 at 5:54 am |
|
I am two months shy of quitting Effexor cold turkey. It really, really sucked getting that out of my system and I am still not 100%, but definitely better. I endured the classic withdraw symptoms for about two weeks and all that is left is the occasional severe mood swing and what suspiciously resembles IBS. I started exercising a couple of weeks before going off the meds and continued through the withdrawal stage, as best I could. Trust me, I understand that when you suffer from depression, getting motivated to engage in regular exercise is easier said than done, but if you can, it will really help.
I’ve been dealing with my depression for almost 15 years now and it has waxed and waned over that time. There were times I was doped up on Paxil and Depakote (see also coma) and years when I was taking nothing. When I was put on Effexor 2 years ago, I was also in marriage counseling and private sessions. My point is, there was nothing to point to the fact that I was suffering from skewed serotonin levels. While I may not have always been at the top of my game, I was fortunate enough to be able to function. After a 15 minute conference, I left the pharmacologists office with a month’s supply of Effexor free samples. It’s like going to see your family doctor during a stressful time and seeing that your blood pressure is a bit elevated. Are they just going to give you a script for high blood pressure based on a single occurrence? And suppose they did, what if that script impeded your body’s natural ability to regulate blood pressure thereby rendering you dependent? I’ve read the posts from people who say that Effexor has been a life saver and I agree that it did help me through a rough time in my life, but if drug therapy was supposed to be a temporary thing, why give me such an insidious prescription? Shouldn’t there be a couple of tests run to see if the depression is caused by serotonin levels or something else? I just wish doctors would be a bit more selective and judicious with their prescription pads. |
| Post-Effexor Effects |
| posted by Lynda on 10 Feb 2007 at 2:22 am |
|
I've been off of 112.5mg dose of Effexor for one month now. I was taking Effexor for about 4 years for anxiety/panic attacks.
The first couple of weeks I experienced the brain zaps, tiredness, severe moodiness, but no nausea. I have to say that the Effexor helped me function well without any side effects or serious problems. I was able to do a lot of things I wasn't able to do before the Effexor. It changed my life for the better, until I decided to discontinue taking it. I highly recommend weaning off slowly for a few months if possible. Also, I feel that any type of herbal or pharmaceutical supplements should be avoided (over-the-counter Advil or Claritin are probably ok). Vitamins, exercise, good diet (NO CAFFEINE) and other treatments like acupuncture, massage or non-medicinal treatments are definitely worth trying. After one month of being completely off of Effexor, the physical side effects have diminished, but now I am experiencing strong bouts of depression and mood swings. My doctor made an interesting comment that the medication has been stabilizing my levels of intensity for the past four years, so things have been pretty calm. But now that I no longer have the medication in my system, I will go back to feeling the "normal" highs and lows. Unfortunately, I have been experiencing bouts of depression, anger, lack of energy, insomnia, weight gain, you name it. There are moments when I can't stop laughing, and there are moments when I can't stop crying. I was never like this before. I feel like a flood of emotion is pouring through my head all the time. I'm beginning to realize that my body needs time to adjust to being off of the medication. I haven't had these levels of feelings for the past four years and my body is re-adjusting to controlling it's levels of serotonin instead of being controlled. That in itself is a huge thing to deal with. I agree that Effexor should be only prescribed under serious supervision and other treatments should be offered first. I was given Effexor by my general practioner after discussing my anxiety and panic attacks. I've read through lots of research online that Effexor is one of the hardest meds to go off of. I will definitely will consider going back on a medication if my anxiety/panic attacks return, but not Effexor. Good luck to everyone in the same situation, and have faith in knowing that you have other people who care and understand what you are going through. |
| Ed Are You A Doctor? |
| posted by carole on 10 Feb 2007 at 9:06 am |
|
Ed, obviously you've read these letters and still don't have a clue.
I am on day 6, and last night I had a 5 hour spell of intense vomiting and diarrea, after feeling like I had morning sickness all week. This is the second time I'm trying to get off. This column is really giving me hope. I just found it after fruitless attempts of looking for withdrawal effects of EFFEXOR from medical sources. I have been on 300 mg a day since 2000 and I stepped down to 150 mg 2 years ago. Strangely, I had few side effects and was on that amount for 6 months, then went to 75 mg a day for about 3 months, then 37.5 every other day for a year. Now I am on my 6th day of no Effexor, and having all kinds of side effects: sharp pains in strange places (like my eyeball, or the last joint of my lttle finger), and paranoia; imagining all kinds of bad things happening to me or my family. When I find myself doing this I stop and try to occupy my mind in some other way. I pray at night untill I can go to sleep and I listen to Worship radio during the day. These little things have all helped, I am glad that I don't have to juggle an outside-the-home job. I am so grateful for this website, as it is easier (somehow) when you know what to expect. I WISH EVERYONE SUCCESS. |
| There Is No Serotonin Test |
| posted by Seeker on 11 Feb 2007 at 12:10 am |
|
In response to those who wonder why there is no serotonin test, it's because the amount needed in the body is not known. All that can be tested is cerebral fluid to check for serotonin metabolites, but that's pointless because no one knows what amount a person needs. A serotonin imbalance is A THEORY and it is NOT supported by any scientic evidence to be accurate. The whole chemical imbalance theory is a MARKETING PLOY to sell these SSRIs. Why Congress permits direct to consumer advertising for prescription medication is beyond me. Why aren't these companies try to sell me surgical instruments and stuff, geeze!
I am just one of the millions of consumers who has been duped. And I am paying for my naivety with HEINOUS Effexor withdrawal. Who does the FDA protect anyway? |
| Effexor Withdraw Help |
| posted by patricia on 11 Feb 2007 at 11:34 am |
|
I read side effects from people coming off effexor and was terrified. I have been on for 6 yrs starting my 7th, the doctor wanted me off in 1-2 weeks , i chose a different way and had virtually side effect free.
I wanted to share my method in hopes to help someone else from the pain they have suffered. iIhad been on 150 mg. What I chose to do was drop 37.5 mg at a time for a 3 week interval. at the begging of the 4th week start at a lower dose (exmple ) 150,112.50,75,37.5 ) each consisting of 3 weeks on each level until the last level. then once at 37.5 i alternated every other day until that week was up. boom i was done. It took a lot longer than the doctor wanted but with fewer side effects. i only had 1 week of virtigo and that is it. ( now i have been drug free for 3 1/2 weeks and no side effects. Take into account i had been on this jan would have been 7yrs. i just hope that by sharing this information. i can help someone else so they might not have to suffer . take care and god bless and i pray you have as much success as I have . patricia |
| 8th Day Off Effexor 3 Days Off Cigarettes |
| posted by carole on 11 Feb 2007 at 1:58 pm |
|
I am doing so much better the last 2 days, feel better and not as worried. I'm sure partly because I found this website.
I am still having symtoms, nausea (not as bad though) sweats, confusion. But I just keep sorting things out. Is anyone out there FORGETFUL? I was worried about that, then figured as long as i remember more than I forget. So developing coping strategies has helped a lot, On the + side, I have more energy. I feel more interested in things, I am much happier because I feel I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have found I had no desire for a cigarette while nauseous, after 3 days it's too good a start to pick up a cigarette again. I think that the slow tapering off ( 2 years tapering down the dosage) 300 mg to 37.5 every other day. |
| Withdrawal Complete |
| posted by Susan on 11 Feb 2007 at 5:54 pm |
|
As there are two "Susans" posting to this page, I want to be clear that I am the one who posted on Dec 22 and again on Jan 18. December 16, 2005 was ground zero after months of gradually tapering off of Wellbutrin (450 mg had been on it for 5 years) and Effexor (112.5 mg for 1.5 years). Just wanted to report that all of the withdrawal effects have abated now, including the nausea. Withdrawal took me 6 weeks.
The first two weeks were brutal with flu like symptoms and dizziness that caused me to take time off of work. During the 6 week period of withdrawal, I had strange cravings for food - greasy and salty - and needed to take gravol accompanied by a lot of minty hard candy to manage the nausea so that I could function at my job. In the process, I gained about 8 lbs. While I have never been pregnant or a smoker, a lot of what I went through seemed akin to the cravings stories I hear about pregnancy and the overeating what I hear about quitting smoking. During my withdrawal period, I couldn't stand the smell of my dog (who is my closest companion), didn't like the taste of water (which I typically drink a lot of), and craved Wendy's hamburgers (driving great lengths to get one!) and popcorn. When I walked by greasy smells fast food places in malls I was overwhelmed by cravings. Very strange for me, normally driven by a sweet tooth! Anyway, I am back to a regular diet now without nausea and am able to cuddle with my dog again. The withdrawal period was clearly stressful on my body. In addition to the weight gain due, in part, to weird cravings, I also got a bad cold that knocked me out for about 10 days with greater force than usual. I hear the concerns of the other Susan and Michael above and am worried that uncontrollable symptoms of depression may return. I still live with depression and manage it through a variety of means every day, including cognitive therapy, light therapy, good nutrition and sleep patterns and other coping mechanisms. That seems to be doing the trick for now but I am aware of how precarious my situation is. I recognize that I may need to go back on Effexor and/or Wellbutrin or other antidepressants again in the future if I cannot manage my illness. As I mentioned before, there is no question that both Wellbutrin and Effexor helped me. I hope that people reading my three posts, including this one, will not interpret my posts as advice to stop taking Effexor or Wellbutrin. As those of us who have lived with mental illness for a while know, sometimes things work for a while, sometimes they stop working and change is needed. Mood management doesn't appear to be an exact science. What I hoped to accomplish with my posts is to thank people who described their withdrawal symptoms on line because it helped me understand what I was going through. I also wanted to share my experience in hopes that it may help someone else get through the withdrawal period which was surprisingly long and difficult. I find it hard sometimes to understand what is actually happening to me really and what is distorted by my depression. During this withdrawal period I was really physically sick and it took a lot of strength for me to keep going, particularly at work. But I made it. Susan. |
| Now I Know Depression |
| posted by Charles on 12 Feb 2007 at 9:51 am |
|
I'm on week 5 of going cold turkey. For 7 years I had taken 150 mg of Effexor a day. I was prescribed Effexor for panic disorder and generalized anxiety. The Effexor worked but didn't completely alleviate the symptoms and generally just made me feel blah for 7 years, panic attacks were less frequent but still occurred. I had tried to come off this stuff before but was unsuccessful. So with my mind made up and after reading others withdrawal stories, I decided to go cold turkey instead of prolonging the withdrawals through gradual dosage decreases.
Since stopping this poison, I think I've finally come to realize what depression is. I feel hopeless, like I don't have much longer to live, and just general "darkness." Almost like death would be welcome which is in complete contridiction from panic disorder where I feel like I have to fight dying. Never felt this way in the past. In addition, I have felt shortness of breath with back aches and chest pressure. This part started 2 weeks after stopping the Effexor. I don't know if it's some kind of damage my body suffered after going through the intial withdrawal. At least I don't feel like I am going to feignt every time I breath now. I guess I'll give it another 3 weeks before I bother the doctor with any psychophysiologic illness. |
| Very Gradual Withdrawal May Help |
| posted by Jen on 12 Feb 2007 at 1:11 pm |
|
Hi, I am also opening the capsules and counting granules and removing a specific amount. I have recently reduced my dosage by 5%. I will do the same thing in 4 weeks, reducing by 10%. This takes time, to remove the granules from the capsules, but it may be worth it to you. So far so good, I have not had the terrible side effects you are discussing - only slightly feeling out of it, and slight blurry vision and thinking more slowly. I am able to function at work. My husband and I have set aside time on Sundays to remove the granules. It has not taken more than one hour, we remove them for a one week period only.
I have been on 225mg for 6 years, and would like to get pregnant once I'm off this drug for GOOD. I wish you the very best with this struggle and thank you so much for sharing your experiences. |
| Success And A Plan |
| posted by Catherine on 13 Feb 2007 at 1:08 pm |
|
To everyone that is struggling, I just want you all to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. One month ago, I was beginning my own journey with Effexor, and found this site to be a lifesaver. It is so imperative to be able to know that you aren’t alone in this struggle, and that there are those who have survived, in tact. I just want to thank those of you willing to share your experiences to make this journey a little easier.
Long story short: I was on Effexor for three years, and spent the last 6 months withdrawing. I struggled with almost every symptom listed, nausea, dizziness, brain zaps, and headaches. I’ve missed work, spent hours crying, felt like I would never succeed, and got to where I dreaded each dose decrease. But I’m off of it. For those of you still looking for a plan, here’s how: My doctor put me on regular Effexor (not extended release…….which I think is the key), and I decreased my dose gradually that way. The side effects were present and severe, but I was able to work. I stocked up on Ginger Root to aid the nausea (and it helped with the stomach aches as well), warned my husband of what was to come, and decreased my dose from 75mg to 25 in three weeks. At that point, I stopped taking them. I took three days off of work (Thursday, Friday, and Monday), and did my best to sleep through it. But I’m off. I’m on day 8. I won’t lie and say that I don’t still get dizzy, or feel as if I could sleep for weeks, or that I’m never nauseas, or that there aren’t times that I want to use my car as a ramming rod in traffic; but the worst is over. From here on out, its uphill and that is worth the pain. For those still trying to gradually get off of this drug, keep going. You are most certainly not alone. Someday the company will have to be accountable for not informing the public of the truth of these withdrawal symptoms. This next statement is solely of my personal opinion, but I feel it needs to be said. If you are suffering from withdrawal, tell your doctor. There is virtually nothing they can do, and most won’t believe you. That said, if we suffer in silence, doctors will continue to trust the company claim that the side effects are minor. Doctors will continue to prescribe it, and people will continue to withdraw with no medical support. I was blessed to find a fantastic doctor who didn’t attribute my pain to my anxiety disorder……….doctors like that are rare. I have run into attitudes that range from mild skepticism to blatant denial, but the only way to get the truth out there is to inform the doctors. You don’t need to convince them, just tell them. If they hear it enough, they’ll come to believe there is truth to the idea that Effexor is a much more dangerous drug than it may seem. Many who have written have expressed their experiences as being symptom free. For those people, congratulations……..you have dodged the bullet. I find peace in the fact that not everyone has to suffer as I have. For those who find this occurrence as proof that the rest of us are experiencing psychosomatic symptoms, think again. This forum is for people who are looking for support during a very difficult time, criticism and skepticism is counter-productive at this point. Good luck to those still struggling…….know that it is worth it, you are not alone. To those that have succeeded, Congratulations! To those that claim we are crazy: as my grandmother used to say “stick a sock in it!” ;) |
| Effexor Withdrawal |
| posted by janine on 13 Feb 2007 at 10:45 pm |
|
Thanks all for sharing your posts. You are very brave and generous! I remember getting very painful, frightening brain zaps a couple months back when I missed a couple doses. Having no knowledge of this withdrawal symptom I went bananas with fear........thought I had a brain tumor or g-d knows what.
Luckily I got online and found this site. Learning about the "brain shivers" and dizziness was such a relief!! I am now in process of trying to wean myself off this drug which I choose not to demonize because I tolerated it well and it served me well (I think). However, clearly the manufacturer has a responsibility to be up front about withdrawal symptoms. I am splitting up the granules (no exact figures as I ran low on my prescription and am doing best with what little I have left) and trying to supplement the detox process with Vit. C, turmeric, Vit. B/Folic Acid- anything that's supposed to be good for immune system. I have also started 200 mg. of SAM-E to see if that will help through this and possibly on an ongoing basis as I've heard good things about it. I've been on my treadmill almost daily, got a massage today and will take yoga class in a few days. So far so good but I probably am not off the drug long enough to know for sure. Wish me luck and know I'm wishing you same and hope what I've shared might help! |
| Going To Give It A Try |
| posted by Paul on 14 Feb 2007 at 6:10 pm |
|
I've been taking Effexor for 10 years 75mg/day to treat depression. It saved me and my marriage at the time but I think you pay a price as well, with me my short term memory went into the crapper right away and I feel it's taken away from who I am, dulled my senses.
I've read through this forum prior to developing a plan. Scarey stuff! Today I cut the dosage in half and plan on doing that for 4 weeks then half again for another 4 weeks. Wish me luck and my heart goes out to all of you struggling to get off of this drug. |
| Tapering Off Effexor |
| posted by Reneeroo on 14 Feb 2007 at 8:23 pm |
|
Like most of you, I was tapered onto Effexor and until last Friday, was being tapered off of it. Friday was my last dose of 37.5mg. I started taking it about a year ago after the death of my mother caught us all by surprise over Christmas.
At first, it seemed like a miracle drug. But over time, my husband noticed things about my behavior that hadn't been there before. I don't have a history of depression so I talked to my MD about going off of Effexor and using exercise as a means of controlling any lingering depression. He gave me the thumbs up and I began this nightmare. My side effects aren't as bad as some I've read here. I have the "zaps" (repeated brain "flashes" back to back), ringing ears, dizziness and nausea, headache, really bad and memorable dreams (not the norm for me at all), uncontrollable shaking (fun day at work that was!), and crying bouts that I've tried to keep to myself. For the first 4 weeks of tapering down, I had achy joints and flu symptoms. After my last dose, the "zaps" got worse, my brain felt like jello on a moving plate, and I wanted to cry all the time. I've worked during the entire process and managed not to miss a day, but it's only been by the grace of God. The MD who prescribed this for me never mentioned anything about what I'm going through now, but I've since learned that the half-life of Effexor is only 5 hours... which is why missing a dose is so hard on someone. I DON"T recommend going cold turkey if you can help it. Benadryl during some of the more difficult nights really helps but daytime is really hard. It was great to find this place because I feel like I'm not alone and I also feel grateful that I'm not going through as severe a withdrawal as some of you. And for those of you who may not believe these symptoms are due to coming off of Effexor, let me just say that until you've done it, don't go there. This is the first time I've ever experienced anything like this and the ONLY thing that explains it is coming off of the Effexor. Period. God bless those of you who are having a harder time than I am. Make sure you do this under a doctor's supervision, if you come off, and try not to go cold turkey if you can help it. It's dangerous. |
| Wondering If You Might Return To The Living? |
| posted by Seeker on 15 Feb 2007 at 10:32 am |
|
I took Effexor for 11.5 yrs. I posted here earlier. Anyhow, I just wanted folks who have been taking it a long time to know whether complete cessation was possible. I am particularly freaked about it since my new doctor is quite concerned and withdrawal has been rough. Okay-Horriffic HELL.
I titrated doses from the high of over 400mg to 37.5 over about 4 mos. I forgot to take a pill 12 days ago, so I just quit and felt OKAY for the first 48hrs. Then my physical symptoms returned, but at a more tolerable level and fleeting. I have had a couple of crazy days where I was wanting to die for no reason. I felt mentally great yesterday, but got a bout of the barfs. Today, I feel pretty well in the head, but I have some stomach cramps. I had a really serious talk with a friend about letting God help me out here, since NO HUMANS seem to know what the heck to expect. I am NOT religious at all. Well, I am keeping a journal and writing my notes to God and asking for help and I feel better. Hey, it seems to help, it's free (unlike Effexor) and there are no side effects. I am going to keep posting for a while in case someone out there wonders like I did if I would ever return from Hell to the land of the living. My personal experience was that if you feel like you want to die getting of Effexor, take tapering REALLY slow. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. Put you seat belt on; you may be in for a hellava ride. |
| Thank You |
| posted by Patty on 15 Feb 2007 at 7:00 pm |
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I am trying to get off of Effexor and I am so thankful that I have found this site. As long as I know that the night sweats, nausea and ringing ears are 'normal', I am OK with it.
I am planning on taking this slow and I am so happy that I am not alone in this struggle. I have also picked up a number of suggestions to making this a little easier. Thank you |
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