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How To Stop Taking Effexor
posted by Ross Neher on 02 May 2007 at 9:05 amI'm lucky in that my psychopharmacologist was one of the top doctors at Bellevue and really knows his meds. Quitting Effexor is a very time consuming process but here's how to do it: If you're taking, say, two capsules daily pick out two days (i.e., Tuesday and Friday) and take only one capsule on those days. Do that for a month. Then take two capsules on every third day (i.e., one one two, one one two). Do that for a month. Then take just one capsule a day for a month and repeat the above process until you are off the drug. You should not experience the horrific withdrawal symptoms mentioned in the posts.
| But Effexor XR Is One-a-day |
| posted by Tom Cooper on 19 July 2007 at 5:14 pm |
|
I, like many people trying to get off of Effexor, are taking the extended release (XR), which is one-a-day. I was told to reduce my dosage slowly. As per my psychiatrist's advice, I went from 225mg once/day, to 150 mg/day, for another week, then I reduced it by 37.5 (capsule size) for one week, then to 75/day. Again once a day.
This is my second failed attempt. I have terrible sweats, fatigue, and a host of other symptoms posted elsewhere. Any advice on how an XR user can get off this thing? Thanks, Tom Cooper |
| You Can Do It! |
| posted by ANON on 20 July 2007 at 6:41 am |
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I am on my 7th day. Yes, the withdrawal was horrible but everyday it was better and better.
The first 3 days were the worst - so YOU CAN DO IT - it is only three days. I was on 150 - down to 75 - then to 37.5 and off over 4 weeks - I thought a truck hit me - it was horrible - dizzy, headaches. I had the weekend which was the worst but on Monday - I couldn't even form sentences at work. I know how you are feeling - but be strong and get off it. |
| Need Some Encouragement |
| posted by mary on 06 Aug 2007 at 12:34 am |
| it has been so helpful for me to know that there are people that have been through this...and come out the other side.i know that if others can do it then so can i . |
| 37.5 And Stuck |
| posted by Nicole on 28 Dec 2007 at 7:53 am |
| After losing my job, because of the side effects of Effexor, I've managed to slowly decreased my meds to 37.5 I've been stuck there for a few months. Everytime I try to remove it, even skipping days the side effects are so great, that I fear losing my current job. As a single mom of two, my kids can't handle the moods and effects that happen with the withdrawl.....and I certainly refuse to lose another job....... Can anyone tell me for sure how long the side effects will take if I go cold turkey? Maybe I'll just have to take time off work...... |
| Effexor Withdrawal |
| posted by Bernard on 31 Jan 2008 at 10:21 pm |
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I needed effexor to deal with an horrible workplace and the shitty small town i live in.
I lost my job and had nothing better to do alone in my house, i am moving out soon so I wanted to get rid of this and leave it behind, plus its expensive meds. So I decided to quit it cause it made me less agressive in job search and renovations and stuff. I was too easy going on that, lol. So I quit cold turkey, when i get some adverse effects, I deal with it, knowing the cause. The only thing that really bothers me and i am curious if anyone felt it, but sometimes it feels like something jumps in my brain, and then for a minute or two I have to stop what I am doing to refocus. Everyday its getting better though. One key to keeping out of anxiety and depression is to keep moving and doing things, don't stop long, keep busy. Search on the web for more info there are great tips from psych. Cheers |
| Keep Effexor With You At All Times While Tapering!!! |
| posted by Anne on 10 Apr 2008 at 5:02 pm |
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First, thank you so much for sharing the psychopharmacologist's approach.
While tapering, I missed a dose. While driving, I got the usual vertigo I get when the Effexor has run out. Previously, this always happened at home, so I was able to take the next dose quickly. This time, I was far from home, and the symptoms of vertigo and nausea worsened rapidly over about 20 minutes. I tried getting out of my car, but was walking like a drunken sailor. All I could do was look straight ahead, and pray. If I turned, or closed my eyes, I felt like vomiting. Thank goodness for my cell phone. I was able to call someone to deliver an Effexor. I chewed the granules, and within 5 minutes began to feel better. Within 15 minutes I could drive again. Now I carry some Effexor with me in my purse. I hope this saves someone from a similar experience. |
| Only 3 Weeks |
| posted by Kim on 20 May 2008 at 8:22 am |
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I've been on Effexor only 3 weeks. I want off now and plan on going off cold turkey. I took Zoloft for almost 2 weeks before and it caused me to be severely depressed. I am really taking these meds for anxiety. I wonder if I will get these side effects with only having the drug in my body 3 weeks. I guess I will find out. I totally agree that the doctors need to tell the patients about the withdraw symptoms. I would have never agreed to take this drug if I would have been told. I took Prozac for about 3 months a few years ago and weaned myself off with no problems. If I have to take something else, I will choose to take Prozac, but only when I know that the effexor is out of my system. Thats the plan anyway.
I am so glad that I found out about the Effexor before I was on it for too long! |
| Effexor Side Effects |
| posted by Sinead on 27 May 2008 at 4:50 am |
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Honestly was anyone told about the side effects before taking these tablets because I certainly wasn't. My doc told me not to read the leaflet as it would only worry me, bull!! To be honest no matter how shit I felt beforehand these withdrawal symptoms are ruining my life. I made the mistake of telling 2 people in work and now I am looked at as a freak.
I am down to 37.5 now and was trying to skip a day but that is proving disastrous, when I take it I am experiencing nausea and vomiting and when I skip it I get electric shocks all day, I can't even leave my house. I am waiting to see doc again, maybe halving the 37.5 and taking it every day instead of skipping a day!! |
| Oh My God |
| posted by Shannon on 25 Jun 2008 at 1:45 pm |
| I found this web-site because over the weekend my husband and i went out of town and guess what I forgot??? Yes, my effexor. I am on 225 mg. Anyways I did not take it Fri morning, Friday night, or Sat morning. Needless to say that by about 1 pm I started to get stomache cramps, and like a foggy sensation in my head. This only got worse by the hour. Eventually I had the worst anxiety attack that I have ever had. I literally had to just sit and rock my self and try and talk myself out of it. My husband rushed me home just to take a pill, which eventually after a few hours worked. I have tried zoloft, and lexapro and did not care for either of them because of the seual side effects which I have not had with the effexor. Anyone recommend anything? I take it for slight anxiety and my temper. I lose my temper really easy. |
| Addiction |
| posted by Ken Long on 01 July 2008 at 3:12 am |
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It is a good thing that people are out there wanting to stop this drug. It is very dangerous to be dependent on a drug. What are some of the things that would happen if it was not there?
-------------------------------------------- Ken Long |
| Effexor Side Effects |
| posted by al on 03 Aug 2008 at 12:31 pm |
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I like Kim have been on effexor for only 3 weeks and am planning on going off immediately because of the terrible side effects.
I went from 37.5 (1 week) to 75 mgs (2 1/2 weeks). I bought 7 37.5 mg pills and plan to ween off over a 10 day period. Does anyone have any advise ? |
| Worst Feeling Ever |
| posted by Frank on 22 Sept 2008 at 1:53 pm |
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I am making my third attempt to get off this medication, after reducing from 75 mg to 37.5 I am now at the point of skipping days, and i feel like a heroin addict with the lightheadedness, the sweatiness and the nausea, also my teeth feel like theyre shaking (the only symptom no one else seems to mention) and i have horrible moos swings. After my 2nd failed attempt I told my doctor about the trouble I was having coming off, he told me what i was feeling was my anxiety returning, it was only after searching the internet i got some real information.
I sincerely hope more people read up about this drug before taking it, it helped when I needed it to, but getting off of it is torture. |
| How To Avoid Withdrawl Symptoms From Effexor |
| posted by Helena on 18 Dec 2008 at 3:32 pm |
| I had been taking Effxor for 5 years for anxiety, and desparately wanted to stop but couldn't because the withdrawl symptoms were too severe. I slowly went from 75mg per day to 25mg per day. Even stopping the 25mg made me feel horrible, so I just kept taking it. My new doctor said no problem, we will just change your medication from effexor to a low dose of Prozac for two weeks, then simply stop taking the prozac, and you will not need anything. Because Effexor affects 2 different chemicals in the brain, the withdrawl symptoms are much more severe than with prozac or lexapro, etc. I tried this for two weeks, and am now on my fist full week without effexor (or prozac) and feel great. The only symptom I experienced this week was a mild headache that is now completely gone. For those of you wanting to stop taking effexor, you may want to discuss this approach with your doctor. It worked for me. |
| Best Way For Tapering Off Effexor |
| posted by Aubrey B Campbell on 11 Jan 2009 at 2:51 am |
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I have been on Effexor XR for about four years, and have run into the brick wall of the withdrawal symptoms several times (forgetting to take a pill). I've decided I don't need the drug (or the psychiatrist) anymore, and have found something that works. It is a little time consuming, but it is absolutely worth it, to avoid the vertigo, 'brain jumping,' nausea, sweats, chills, and the emotional turmoil of withdrawal:
Ever notice that the Effexor XR pills sound like little maracas? The capsules are a gelatin shell that dissolves quickly, exposing the granules that are the medication. Not all the pills contain the same number of granules, but if you count the number of granules from several pills and calculate the average, then you can taper off the drug in smaller increments. For example, if you start out on 150mg once-daily and a single pill contains 80 granules, cut down the amount you take by 10 granules a day. It will take longer to taper off the drug, but it will be easier on your body and mind. To those whose doctors tell them that it is their symptoms returning: it might be, but it could also be that because your body is going through withdrawal of a toxic and addictive drug, it is stressed. Stress does crazy things with your emotional and mental state. |
| Effexor |
| posted by Anon on 08 Mar 2009 at 10:23 am |
| I have been on Effexor for a couple of years!!! Yes, I know, but didn't at the time. My doctor told me not to read the pamphlet, I finally did and now I am wanting to get off. I am really concerned. I am on 75mg capsules so they can't be halved. I was thinking about taking one every other day. Any ideas or worries other than what is above? I've been through a divorce and want to be "normal" again..LOL. My biggest problem was delayed ejaculation!!!!My girlfriend loved the ride, but was a little disappointed about no "conclusion". I give her AAA+++ for trying though! |
| I Want To Stop Taking Effexor 75mg |
| posted by wanda giles on 26 Mar 2009 at 11:08 am |
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I have been taking 75mg for 3 yrs now & want to get off so badly! I need help I know nothing about getting off & now reading these stories I am afraid!!LOL
I am taking it for anxiety attacks & it has worked very well I haven't had one in 3 yrs, I am afraid if I get off they will return! HELP!!!! |
| EFFEXOR |
| posted by STELLA on 01 Apr 2009 at 4:32 am |
| It is 4:10 am and i feel like i am going crazy,i asked my doctor to take me off of effexor, because of the side affect it was causing if i miss a dose and she stared tapering the doses over a month period. I have been off for six days and the sounds and feeling inside my head, sound like the ocean waves and i feel dizzy, how long it takes for this feeling to leave. I am also fighting with my husband for no reason. All i do is cry and feel sorry for myself |
| Effexor |
| posted by Bobbie on 16 Apr 2009 at 5:47 pm |
| I am shocked, I take 75 mg of effexor xr, now I am scared to try and stop. I am still depressed. I don't know what to do. |
| I Wish I Could Get In The Mood |
| posted by Stacey on 21 Apr 2009 at 7:25 pm |
| Well you're lucky...try being a female and not reaching that point...or not even in the mood for that matter of fact. Causing huge problem in that department with my boyfriend...he feels I'm not attracted to him! I feel as if he is drifting away because we are missing a major part of a relationship...I want of this stuff so bad... |
| Going To Try To Taper Off.. |
| posted by Jennifer Trombly on 13 May 2009 at 2:22 pm |
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I am going to try Aubrey's method and slowly taper off the Effexor. I am on 75mg of Effexor XR and have been on it a little over a year. I feel like I am at a point in my life where I can handle myself better and the side effects just aren't worth it.
The worse is the lack of desire for sex. I have to force myself to do it about once a month, no kidding. My poor husband.. I am ready to stop this medication! |
| I Did It!!! |
| posted by Robin on 15 May 2009 at 1:00 pm |
| I had to come off of Effexor and go on to Cymbalta due to my Fibromyalgia. It take 3 days cold turkey - and if you do it any other way, you are just delaying the inevitable. You will be dizzy, disassociated from your body and all of the other things described, but it was the best way to do it. You will see the end of the tunnel about 1/2 way through the 3rd day. So stick to it if you need to change your meds!!! |
| Effexor |
| posted by SUE on 17 May 2009 at 2:04 pm |
| My daughter is on Effexor XL and it has been a life saver. I also read a new memoir book about Bipolar Disorder called I just want my daughter back and the author raves about how it has helped her. I found it helpful and inspiring. I hope others also find this new drug to be helpful in their lives.. |
| Changing From Effexor To Cymbalta Due To Fibromyalgia |
| posted by Sharan on 14 Jun 2009 at 5:32 am |
| Hi!! I too am on effexor and have fibromyalgia, Can i ask why you had to change to cymbalta due to the effexor please. |
| Effexor D: |
| posted by Sara on 30 Jun 2009 at 6:04 pm |
|
D:
Effexor is the worst. I don't even need it anymore. But I can only go 4 days without taking it. It helped for a while with my typical teenage anxiety. I'm done with that, but I cant stop taking effexor cause I get dizzy and cant talk and I'm so disoriented that I cant walk D: I'm doing my best to get off it now. God withdrawal sucks. Good luck to everyone else trying. |
| The Worst - Effexor |
| posted by Jessica on 20 July 2009 at 11:30 am |
| My doc would not refill my prescription for Effexor until I came in for an appointment, which was 2 weeks away. I am now on my 5th day without Effexor and I feel like I am literally dying. The vomiting is second only to the constant dizziness. I can't go to work because I can't drive. I can't stand up straight. I can't eat, I can't lay with my head to the side. Every time I try to take a bite of food I feel like my head is going to roll off my shoulders. I thought it was great while I was taking it and now all I want to do it get off of it for good. I can't even believe that my doctor would ever put my on it. |
