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Off Effexor Successfully
posted by Cindy on 31 Mar 2007 at 8:54 amI just wanted to post my experience with Effexor withdrawal. I had to come off my Effexor, oxycodone, meloxicam (anti-inflamatory) and a stomach medication because I have developed Fibromyalgia and my doc felt that the meds I was taking can cause pain syndromes.
Well, let me tell you was I in for a ride. I can say that I am one of the few who successfully have made it. It was NOT easy. I can only say that I am fortunate to have an extremely supportive family and excellent doctors who helped me through it. I was told that the weaning process off the drugs could take up to six months.
With the pain I am in and the hope that ending the meds would end the pain, six months was not an option for me. I took the quick route which in turn caused terrible side effects. (not saying that the long route doesn't either because I experienced exactly what I have read people have gone through). I had the brain zaps, what fun those were. They made me feel like I was losing my mind. I actually could hear my brain misfiring or something. I also developed debilitating vertigo. My doctor gave me a prescription for Meclizine. It is an antihistamine and believe it or not with three days of taking it my vertigo, brain zaps, dizziness, and vomiting went away!
Something for those of you experiencing this should ask you doc about. I just want to say also that I can understand the disbelief of docs and people never experiencing this to nay say the Effexor as a cause. However, I KNOW it was the Effexor because there are just too many of us that have experienced this as a symptom, or withdrawal from discontinuing this medicine. Please everyone, hang in there. It can be done. I am a bit on the crabby side without my Effexor but after that experience I will never go on another antidepressant. I know this is not always an option for everyone, without a supportive family and informed doctors I do not think anyone could make it. I am praying for all of you and feel deeply for you. But it can be done.
I started March 16, 2007 and now it is March 31st and I am done. I do not have anymore side effects. I was on it for six years. I know that is not as long as some. I was on 75mg. Which is a small dose so I was fortunate. But ask about the Meclizine, it helped me. Good Luck!
| Successful Effexor Withdrawal |
| posted by julie on 28 Apr 2007 at 9:07 am |
|
Cindy,
Thanks for the success story! I have been taking Effexor for 4 years and can't seem to stop! I just tried last week to stop taking it, due to the instructions of my new Psych. It didn't work! After a week without the Effexor I was a total "NutCase"!!!!!! My coworkers and my husband told me that if I didn't go back on the stuff, they would send me away, because they couldn't stand to be around me! I will ask my doctor about the Mecilzine, because the buzzing in my head, the restless leg thing, and the psychotic episodes have taken it's toll on me. I am now back on the Effexor and I don't think that my doctor even knows how to successfully take me off of it. Instead, he has put me on Lamictal (an anti-seizure medication). I don't know if he has even considered the possible side effects of this combination. Sometimes, I question whether any of them know what they are doing. :o( Julie |
| Effexor Withdrawl |
| posted by Jeannie on 01 May 2007 at 10:35 am |
|
Thank you everyone for the information on Effexor withdrawl. I was taking 225 mg for about a year for depression and anxiety. About 2 weeks ago I forgot to call in my refill and w/ the busy lives we lead I forgot to pick it up for 3 days. On the 3rd day I was literally a raving maniac, screaming at my husband because I couldn't find my hairbrush, running late for work, ready to run down anyone that got in my way that morning.
Thankfully, I'm married to the GREATEST guy in the world who on his lunch hour picked my script up and drove it to work for me. While at the pharmacy the pharmacist was telling him the horrible withdrawal symptoms this medicine causes and that it will probably take about a year to wean off, he was also appalled that this drug is not classified a narcotic. Well, I hope I've made the right decision and stopped cold turkey 3 days ago. I slept from 9pm Saturday night until 6am Monday to get up for work. When I woke up Monday morn I was so dizzy I was bouncing off the walls, vomiting, severe stomach cramps, sweats, felt like the flu but w/out the fever. Needless to say I wasn't headed to work. Thinking this was a bout of Diverticulitus I called my pcp who ordered a CT scan of the abdomen which was done this morning. It's Tuesday at 1:15pm and my daughter called from work to see how things went today. While on the phone w/her I asked her to look up Effexor withdrawl and it landed her here. OMG when she started reading about the brain zaps I just started crying. I really thought I was loosing my mind. I kept thinking I was hearing a fly buzzing when I would turn my head but didn't want to worry my husband or anyone else so I didn't say anything. It all makes sense thanks to you! I'm w/ Cindy, before even reading her opinion I took 2 meclazine for the dizziness (I had them on hand for sea sickness). I just took them about an hour ago. I'm gonna try the cold turkey thing (wish me luck). I just can't see prolonging the inevitable if at all possible. I am feeling very weepy but not angry like 2 weeks ago. I feel horrible and have no plans of returning to work until this passes or until my job is on the line. All of you who are working like this my heart goes out to you. Any other cold turkey stories would be greatly appreciated. |
| Effexor Withdrawls |
| posted by Linda on 07 May 2007 at 9:58 pm |
|
May 7,2007
I'm so glad I found other people going through the same experience I have been going through. I was on 75mg Effexor 1 daily, my doctor told me to begin taking 37.5mg for 1 week and then stop. OMG the last day I took my last pill was when all hell broke loose. I began with the vomitiing, dizziness, and last but not least those awful brain zaps that until I went on line and read about I thought I was going crazy. I missed two days of work because I could not move or walk without feeling so...dizzy and faint. The only relief was when I would lay down and not move. It has been 7 days since I quite and I still have all the symptoms. My doctor doesn't feel the effexor caused all of this since I was on such a low dose. I wish he would take Effexor for a while then stop cold turkey. I just pray that the symptoms stop soon. I also have a very understanding husband, even if he doesn't really know what I am going through. Anyone know how long this could last? Thanks for the support, Linda |
| Me Too |
| posted by Kim on 08 May 2007 at 12:58 pm |
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Hi Linda,
I am going through the same thing. After 2 years on Effexor (75 mg), I have spent the past 3 weeks, taking the 37.5 dose, every other day. Today is the 4th day that I have taken no pills. I am really tired and get dizzy spells. Last night, I felt like my brain was crunching. Did your doctor say how long the these side effects would last? Kim |
| Effexor Withdrawls Are Horrible |
| posted by Michelle Walters on 11 May 2007 at 6:58 am |
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I am so happy that I could just cry...yes cry. I decided to stop Effexor cold turkey. Let me tell you, this is no picnic. it has been three days and I had a better time when I quit smoking. That is the only thing I could say good about all these crazy side effects, it made me forget that I am going thru nicotine withdrawals too. I have the 'brain zaps" the dizziness, my head feels like it will explode.
I was so scared to go to sleep at night for fear of dying in my sleep. I keep jumping and my feet itch, my eyes hurt, I feel like I have the flu, and these heart palpitations feel close to a heart attack...I am going to try the dramamine as suggested on an earlier post. I wish you guys the best of luck and hope we can find a solution to these withdrawals. |
| This Is Terrible |
| posted by Anon on 13 May 2007 at 4:07 pm |
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I have been trying to get off effexor as well. This is day 11 and I wish I could say it is getting better. I am just so angry!! I don't know why. I have been taking effexor for six years. I went through an ugly divorce and my doctor prescribed this awful stuff. I still have the upset stomach, dizziness, brain fog, no energy, and very short with everyone. I tried the weaning thing but by day 5 it was getting worse. I am not sleeping but yet, I feel like I want to sleep. It does make you feel as though you are loosing your mind. I really feel for anyone trying to get off this stuff.
After reading some of the other posts, I think I am going to try the dramamine. It couldn't be any worse than this. I have read many posts and I was hoping by day nine that this would cease. It has not. Does anyone know how long this will last or can last? |
| Effexor And Dizzy |
| posted by Cheron on 18 May 2007 at 7:30 am |
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Hello All-
I am happy I found this site- I have been taking effexor for 5years after I had my last baby and in an abusive relationship. I was taking 375mg and have been trying to come off-now down to 112mg- I however feel dizzy when I forget to take the pills- usually a Monday as I forget over the weekend, but sometimes I get really dizzy while taking them and not forgetting. Does anyone know why?? I hate the dizzy. I am also afraid of the withdrawal when I do go to the lowest dose. Does it have anything with my size?? I am 5'2 130 pounds. Thanks in advance- |
| Successfully Weaned |
| posted by Julia on 07 Jun 2007 at 12:53 pm |
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I was taking 300 mgs of Effexor per day. With support, it took me three months to wean off and even at that slow rate it was hell.
You can drop down by 37.5 mgs every two weeks or so, but when you get down to the last 75 mgs you want to slow it right down. At that point you will likely have to open up the capsules and start counting out the beads. When you first open a capsule you're going to think I'm joking. PLEASE BELIEVE ME - do NOT guess at this point or you will get into big trouble. There are roughly 400 beads in one 150 mgs capsule. So that means that 100 beads is roughly equal to 37.5 mgs. When you get down to the last 37.5 mgs, SLOW IT RIGHT DOWN. Reduce the amount you are taking by a mere 4 beads a day. Or even slower - like 2 beads a day. Otherwise, you could go into prolonged withdrawal. If you want some natural substances to help you, try Inositol (a B vitamin) for anxiety. You can take 8 or more 250 mg tablets every 2 hours. Load up if you are experiencing anxiety. To help your body flush the Effexor out of your system you need either Protein Isolate OR an Amino Acid Mix. Take these several times a day with PLENTY (12 glasses) of water. Choleine is also helpful with anxiety. L-Glutamate is helpful with withdrawal as well. I hope this is helpful! |
| No Meds, No Insurance, No Hope. |
| posted by victoria on 07 Jun 2007 at 2:57 pm |
|
I recently stopped taking effexor [once a day @ 150mg for a year] because my insurance was canceled.
I didn't slowly stop taking it, just 'cold turkey' about 3 days ago. I'm still on lithium, about 50mg twice a day. It's been horrible, I've had nightmares that I can't even describe.. The 'zaps'.. I just feel weak and all confused. I don't even know what to do! How long is this crap supposed to last? I have no medicine left, no insurance, no job currently to afford anything even if I could get it. I'm running out of time, and I need to start looking for a job which will be harder with out the meds, but with the whole withdrawling thing.... It's kind of impossible right now. And I don't even know why I wrote this. :) |
| Weaning Off Effexor |
| posted by Marilyn on 10 Jun 2007 at 10:29 pm |
|
I have been on Effexor for many years, almost a year ago I decided to wean myself off, as I no longer feel the need for it. I instinctively knew I had to wean myself off the drug, due to the several times I missed doses and got so dizzy. My highest dosage was only 75mg, so I went down to 37.5mg per day with minimum side effects, a little dizziness but I could deal with it. When I tried to lower the dose from there I started having more problems so I went to my doctor for help. She looked blankly at me, shrugged her shoulders and said "no idea what to tell you"........ so I stayed at a half dose for a long time.
Once again I have tried to lower the dose over the past few months, dividing the 75mg capsules up over about 5 days, but the hot flashes, night sweats, dizziness, lack of concentration, confusion, anger, burning eyes, exhaustion, and probably other side effects which I can't think of are almost unbearable! Last week I went to an endocrinologist thinking my thyroid was messed up, but it seems to be okay, I asked this doctor for help getting off the Effexor, and she said " I don't know anything about it". I thought I was going crazy! My cousin suggested looking on the internet for help. So I got on line and that is when I found this site, All I can say is knowledge is power!! Just knowing I am not alone is a big help. Now, I am counting out 10 beads a day for a week and will step down from there, one post suggested taking a B stress complex and omega 3's, that helps, the mecilzine sounds like a good option also. I am still experiencing the side effects, but knowing I'm not crazy is a great help, and on the bright side I have an excuse not to wear makeup, since I just sweat it off!! I think doctors should be better educated about this problem, this is a dangerous situation for folks trying to kick this drug! |
| Weaning Off Effexor |
| posted by Sue on 20 July 2007 at 7:13 pm |
|
I have been on Effexor for about 5 years for anxiety attacks (mostly social anxiety). It has worked beautifully, but my doctor had asked me to come off of it to see if I am over the anxiety attacks and I did agree with her. I wouldn't know not unless I did come off of it.
I have read many horror stories in the Internet and was not looking forward to the withdrawal symptoms. I took two weeks off of work. I have been on the 37.5 capsules for quite awhile. I took the capsule apart and halved it for 4 days (just eyeballed the dose) and felt fine. I then went down to a 1/4 dose and everything seemed ok. I am now into my 3rd week and back to work but I am still sticking my finger in the grains and taking about 5 or 6 grains every morning. Today will be my last day at taking anything. I have been experiencing tiredness, a few headaches, a lot of sweats and dizzyness. I am taking the Gravol Ginger tablets when I get dizzy as they don't make you sleepy. Hey - all of this wasn't so bad. It was better than I ever imagined it would be. I guess we are all different in tolerance. |
| Comming Off Effexor |
| posted by michael Raphael on 26 July 2007 at 1:14 am |
|
Cindy,
Thank you for your kind words and help for those of us trying to relegate these drugs to the past! On 37.5 and when I stop I get quite sick, but just physically like you described. Vertigo brain zaps and dizziness thank you so much for your tip on meclizine i will try it out Michael x |
| Julia |
| posted by michael raphael on 26 July 2007 at 1:20 am |
|
Julia,
Your advice is the best i have seen thank you so much i will start your bead therapy tonight it makes so much sence my best Michael |
| How Do I Get The Balls Out Of The Capsule? |
| posted by Anon on 29 July 2007 at 8:28 am |
| Help! I am also trying to get off after 6 years of being on 150 mg. My doctor added Lexapro and I was able to get down to 75 mg effexor no problem, but the Lexapro gave me migraines so I had to stop that. So I tried taking 37.5 plus dumping out half of a 37.5. That didn't work. Really ice cold sweats. Tried dumping out 1/4. Still ice cold sweats. So I switched to the 75 and am now taking out 2 balls a day. But how am I going to accuratley do this and what can I use to get those balls out? Thanks for your help. |
| Meclizine Helps - Thanks! |
| posted by Anon on 31 Oct 2007 at 3:41 am |
| Tried meclizine (as non-prescription Bonine tablets) as recommended on this site for nausea from Effexor XR withdrawal and it's actually working! I have gradually reduced from 225 mg a day to 37.5 mg every other day. I have all the typical withdrawal symptoms, but the worst for me was the nausea. Now that I have help for that, I know I can tough out the rest of the symptoms until I am finally Effexor-free! |
| Coming Off Effexor |
| posted by Jess on 21 Nov 2007 at 7:35 pm |
|
I have been on Effexor XR for just over two years (since November 2005), and I am finally ready to come off of it, based on the agreement between myself and my psychiatrist. My highest dose was 150 mg in late winter - early spring 2006, and I am now taking 37.5 mgs a day.
I know there are lots of stories about how terrible the withdrawal symptoms can be, but I know there's plenty of people who have come it with minimal symptoms. So thank you Julia and Cindy for your strategies, and everyone who has provided positive support. I am worried about the withdrawal symptoms, especially because when I know what it's like when I forget to take a pill one day and then the brain zaps start. I'll let you know how it works out. |
| Palpitation City |
| posted by Effexor free on 12 Jan 2008 at 5:34 pm |
| I took Effexor for a year and decided I wanted to get off of it, so with my doc's advice I weaned off 150 mgs by 37.5 mg intervals (approx 2 weeks on 112, 2 weeks on 75...). I had been taking 37.5 once a day for about a month then stopped. I couldn't be bothered opening up the capsules. My last pill was on a Thursday afternoon. The following Saturday I woke up feeling like absolute garbage - and had horrible vivid nightmares all night. I was certain I had the flu... chills, vomiting, intense headache, very disturbing obsessive thoughts, hallucinations. I spent the day in bed in that bizarre state where you don't know if you're awake or asleep and dreaming that you're awake. It sucked. I DID end up going to the doc on Sunday for a sore throat... she did some tests and I had a strep infection, so for me, it's hard to tell what was withdrawal and what was due to the strep. Then on Monday I broke out in impetigo - very gross. I haven't had that since I was a kid. I don't know if it was my body's way of handling the absense of the Effexor, but it is odd that all this happened within a few days of stopping cold turkey from the 37.5 mg. But hey - stranger things have happened! It has been one week since then and I've run the gamut of the classic withdrawal symptoms. I've been having heart palpitations for a few days and it's driving me nuts. Still having the weird head buzzing and the statacco zz-zz-zz-zz noises too, but for the most part I'm feeling alright. Time heals all. |
| Kicking Effexor |
| posted by Sandy on 25 Jan 2008 at 4:33 pm |
|
I've been taking Effexor since 2002. Tried Prozac and Paxil first and they weren't for me. I also never felt Effexor was, so I tried to wean off - with my psychiatrists assistance. In Dec. 2002 - down to 225, Feb. 2003 - 150, December -112.5, Feb 2004 - 75, March - 37.5, and then the bottom dropped out. I was worse than I had ever been in my depression. I had been doing great and then like a ton of bricks it hit me! By middle of May 2004 I was in the hospital. My Dr. started me back up, jumping dosage every week - slowly.
How can that be slowly when I tried for 1 1/2 years to get off this stupid drug? By Aug. they had me up to 300, tried me on Lithium (which had me so whacked out, not being able to walk without someone holding me up, so I called that off), and added Wellbutrin. The Wellbutrin actually helped me quit smoking - I hadn't even planned to, but I found out later this is a good drug for that. DID I JUST SAY GOOD DRUG???!!!** I was taking 300mg Effexor and 150mg Wellbutrin until last Saturday (19th) when I forgot my dose. Sunday morning I could not wake up, but I dragged my ass through the day. Monday morning I realized I had been 2 days without and thought "why not?” I’ve wanted to go off Effexor ever since I tried last time. (I don’t work, so I can give this a run without upsetting too many baskets). I would love to know what I feel like drug free; my life is different, I am settled, I did my psych talk time and I know how to deal with life - so here I go. I made it to Tuesday without panicking and then I called my Dr. and had to call my husband to drive me to the appt. I was having typical withdrawal symptoms: dizzy, nightmares, itching, diarrhea, BLIPS, wacky feeling, uncontrollable crying, sleeping...and so on. I thought maybe my Dr. could help me get through it, not try to talk me out of it. They have no idea what they are dealing with - do they? Anyway I agreed to stay on Wellbutrin but said I will never take another Effexor and I'm doing it cold turkey, I tried it their way once already. Okay, come back in a month. So besides sleeping, switching from hilarious laughter when my hubby gets me going, to bawling my eyes out, screaming out at night because of freaky nightmares, stomach cramps, woozies and the all, I am getting by. I sleep when my body says to, or when I can’t stand up anymore. I have been drinking tons of water, and eating little bits all the time. Celery with P.B seems to be my savior - not too heavy, but protein and healthy. My husband thinks I’m way off the deep end because if I think of something I say it – not always a good thing. I don’t want to talk to people until I am through this – because no one understands, but not talking to people just makes them think I’m crazy. I have no idea how long this is going to take, but I’m in for the long haul. I feel naked, open, vulnerable, but I will suffer through and finally be me again. Today I puttered cleaning up the garage and I actually felt better. Really good ‘fireworks, drive me wild’ sex also gets the chemical levels to where they should be, but I do have to let my husband go to work during the day – bummer. I realize I have to do things I may not feel like doing, just to make myself feel better. This is day 7 without, and I am still alive. To anyone else who’s going to try this, I would point out that having someone very understanding, and supportive beside you is the most important issue. To everyone, be well. |
| Successful Effexor Withdrawl |
| posted by anna lacy on 23 May 2008 at 12:00 pm |
|
I have SUCCESSFULLY come off of effexor. I was taking 75 mg per day once a day, and on it for about 6 months. The drug really does help with depression, but I just got to the point where i didn't want to (and couldn't) pay the monthly price.... being a college student with no money.
I asked my doctor to write me a prescription for venlafaxie tablets.. so I could cut them in half using a pill splitter. I dropped down to half my daily dose 37.5 mg per day... with only slight withdrawl effects. I had headaches from time to time, but the nausea wasn't really that bad... and I was able to get on with my daily functions. I would often get headaches right before (or a few hours before) my next dose was due... and when I took it they would diminish or disappear. I was on 37.5 mg of Effexor for a week, when I stopped taking Effexor all together and replaced my dose with Prozac 40 mg. I honestly didn't think it would work out... and had full intentions of going back of Effexor... but Prozac 40 mg is the perfect substitute for Effexor 37.5 mg. I had no effects whatsoever of switching the meds... they both do exaclty the same for me. For those who have taken Prozac before, you all know it remains in your system for up to 2 weeks... therefore there are no harsh withdrawl effects like Effexor. I took Prozac 40 mg for a week, then stopped. I am now med-free and have no side effects at all. For all of you out there on this drug... please know that there is a way to stop... and it probably involves slowly weaning off... I can't imagine just stopping cold turkey... it would be horrible!! Hope this helps!! Regards, Anna |
| Pregnant And Weaning From Effexor? |
| posted by Lisa on 27 May 2008 at 9:14 am |
|
I am 7 months pregnant, and have been on Effexor (not XR) for many years now. I did all the research with the Genesis Foundation about birth defects and Effexor and they found studies out there that showed that Effexor didn't increase the risk of birth defects, however I know myself, after having missed a few doses (I take 50 mg twice a day, which works well for me), that all the buzzing/brain zaps, dizziness isn't going to be pleasant for a newborn to deal with "going cold turkey" upon birth!
I'd rather suffer myself now, until my baby is born, so he/she has some peacefulness when born. Has anyone gone through this during pregnancy? I see that many of you took something for the dizziness - can a pregnant woman take that? Any help is appreciated. |
| Effexor XR Sucks |
| posted by Laru on 27 May 2008 at 6:22 pm |
|
This medication is awful. I went to the doctor for an antidepressant when I was so depressed I could not get out of bed. Then, several months later, it occurs to me that not only can I not get out of bed, all I want to do is sleep. I could sleep all day every day if I didn't have to get up for work. So...I decide that enough is enough, I am stopping this ridiculous medication.
Thus the dizziness, stomach sickness, and unclear mind. The itchy feet that I read above was a shock because I did not attribute my itchy feet to this withdrawal. Lucky me, my feet will all of a sudden get a crazy itchy feeling that comes and goes. The bad dreams are awesome in the fact that they are so realistic and disturbing that I wake up in the night, tossing and turning and full of fear. It has been just under a week since I took this awful medication, but I am committed to getting free of it. I can only hope that this will pass and that it does not affect my employment. I hope that the rest of you going through this withdrawal will succeed with as little awfulness as possible. I am going to try the dramamine idea, as that seems like a plausible response to this dizzy sea sick feeling that I walk around with every day. On a positive note, since I stopped taking this medication, I feel more awake than I have in a long time. Even though I get emotional from commercials, I know that it will pass. Hang in there people! |
| Weaned Off Effexor With No Problem At All! |
| posted by Heather on 01 July 2008 at 4:43 pm |
| I really felt I should share my experience on weaning off effexor. I have read so many negative posts on it from so many sites that I wanted to share a postive. I was on 150 mg of effexor XR for over a year. I had gained 30 lbs and was always tired and out of it on the drug so I decided it was time to wean off, with my docs approval. I went down to 75 mg for two weeks and then 37.5 for two weeks. During this time I had no withdrawal symptoms at all....and let me tell you I am VERY sensitive to meds. I think there was one day I feel a little dizzy and queasy but that was it. Then after being on 37.5 for two weeks I took the third and final week and opened up the capsule and dumped out half of the beads each day. I didn't obsess and count them. I had no problems at all. After that I was just done. I had headaches and that was it. Honestly, it wasn't near as bad as I thought it would be after reading so many horrible posts. Now that I have been off of it for a few weeks I am realizing how much it really helped me! |
| Wean Off SLOWLY |
| posted by Nyria on 06 July 2008 at 5:56 pm |
|
OMG do NOT go off of it while you are pregnant! YOU will not suffer alone - your baby inside you suffers everything you do. If you breast feed then your baby will not be cold turkey he/she will be weaned off when he/she is weaned off the milk.
********************************************************* Something else I wanted to say is I am p***d off at the Dr.'s of some of the people who posted here - like one cut the patient down to half for a week and then cold turkey -- are you kidding me? Do some research before you tell things to patients. (Can you tell I am coming off of it right now?) I have been weaning for MONTHS. I was on 75. Then my Dr. said to take 75 one day then 37.5 the next - on and off like that for 3 weeks, then 37.5 everyday for 3 weeks, then 37.5 every 2nd day for 3 weeks, then 37.5 every 3rd day for 3 weeks -- I am on the every 3rd day thing right now and I tried to just jump to every 4 days - AAAAHHHH. I think I'm going to take one right now and then I will do every 3 days for 3 weeks like I am supposed to. THIS SUCKS!!! |
| Effexor Withdrawal |
| posted by Amanda on 06 July 2008 at 7:54 pm |
| I've been off of Effexor for six months now, but am still having withdrawal symptoms. The brain zaps and all that other stuff has gone away. But I still can't think, have trouble forming coherent sentences, conversing normally, writing novels like I use to, understanding things I'd usually have no problem comprehending, my memory is shot, it's still really hard to concentrate... I can't find a doctor that is the least bit helpful with figuring out what is wrong with me. I just suddenly became an idiot after going off Effexor. Do I have permanent brain damage? |
| Try Sedatives |
| posted by Bunches 1987 on 07 July 2008 at 9:54 am |
| Hi, sorry for your struggle, but try to convince your PCP or psychiatrist to give you valiuum, it worked wonders for me, the zaps, brain swishing, nausea are GONE when I take it every 6 hours...also benadryl works wonders. together they helped me kick effexor in a week! take a couple of days off or quit on friday and plan on staying in on the weekend. You should be feeling better by monday. If you feel the symptoms by Monday just take a benadryl when you first get up, that should do it... good luck ! |
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