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MedHelp Member's Question

effexor

by hepc_avenger, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
Has anyone tried to get off of Effexor XR?  Is it possible?

At this point, I am wondering if it is something I will have to take for life.  I've tapered off slowly and done everything right, but it's gotten to the point where I can't drive because of "jello brain" and I am having some fierce migraine headaches with nausea, vomiting and tunnel vision.  I don't want to be addicted to the stuff.  Should I keep on trying to feel better or just give in and start taking it again?

Just wondering if this is true for anyone else, or am I only one that can't get out of it's grip....

Member Comments (12)

by derail, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
To: Avenger
I was on Effexor for about 7 months back in 96 after  my cancer date  I stopped taking it one day and never used again .had no withdrawal probs at all but you shoud be discussing this with your medical advisor  the sx may be something else

Remember this forum has no medical people here just others like yourself, so see the doc.

by hepc_avenger, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
To: derail
Thanks derail. I've been on this forum for two plus years since I was first diagnosed with Hep C, so I know the routine.  The Dr. is aware, to be sure! I was just asking for other's experiences.....

hC_a

by Sam Hall, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
To: Avenger
I tis something that you should discuss with a medical advisor, it also well documented that tere can be very distressing withdrawl symptoms related to Effexor. there are a number of sites commited to prblems related the subject. The discription that you have given sounds like many of those described for this drug. You may also experience "electric shock" like feeling, dizziness, vertigo, panic attacks, sweating and others. It appears that as derail has described hat some people are not affected but many are and the lenght of use and dosage have to be taken into account. I have had serious adverse affects from Prozac Seroxat and Effexor. I am now in the third attempt to get off Effexor. doing O.K.

S.Hall

by hepc_avenger, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
To: Sam
Thanks for your input.  I don't like being a slave to a drug that was originally supposed to be helpful.  S'cuse my paranoia, but seems like a drug company plot to  me...wouldn't they inform you that there could be problems before they hook you and reel you in?

hC_a

by Sam Hall, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
To: Avenger
yeah thats true but the full impact of a number of these drugs has been a source of controversy and various companys have made it very difficult for people to get at the full results of trials. One investigation into Seroxat in the Uk had to fight tooth and nail to get Glaxo to allow them to have a look and it became clear that "self harm" had been recorded and i think the FDA has forced them to now put this info in the blurb within the packet. One of the problems is that withdrawl/addiction in the medical sense is often meant to describe "craving" on the withdrawl of the drug and not the kind of disturbing effects that many people experience with ssri drugs.

If you look back at the history of benzodiazipines and the damage they caused (and still do)it seems to me to be wise to be cautious with all theses drugs. Put the name Peter R Breggin into your search engine and take a look at the current class actions being taken out with regard to varioss ADs. No i dont think you are being paranoid. The careless prescibing of drugs has done untold damage and we cannot trust major drug companys to always show the kind of responsability we might expect.

Here's wishing you well with coming off efeexor.

S Hall

by Tony-z, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
To: hepC_avenger




I went through several SSRI's before starting my TX. I was first on Zoloft one of the more commonly prescribed SSRI's used in conjunction with TX.

  I was on a low dose but my liver was not processing it fast enoung and my body finally built up a very large blood level of the Zoloft. This caused some severe side effects, I called my DR and he told me to stop taking them immediately. I tell you I went through 2-3 week of pure *ell.

When he switched me to a different SSRI we had the same problem as with the Zoloft, he put me on Effexor to counter any withdrawal effects and to see if it would worked, and it did to a degree.



I am taking 12.5mg of Effexor that’s half of the lowest dose that they make. I expect I will go through some withdrawal effects when I come off but right now I need it to KICK dragons butt.



I would suggest that you talk to your DR about giving you a longer acting SSRI like Prozac for a few doses to help you get through the withdrawal effects.

Effexor goes through your system very fast this is why it can cause the withdrawal effect. Prozac stays in the system a long time giving your body time to adjust to no meds.





                  Good Luck and God Bless,





                           TonyZ

by britgirl, Sep 21, 2004 12:00AM
This is precisely why I believe people should not be put on thses drugs without very good reasons. Certainly, not just "in case" they feel depressed while on treatment for Hep C. The cure could be worse than the disease! Of course it's not much fun being on tx, of course we're going to feel low and anti-social, but i believe it's better to do what i did (get into bed every night when I came home from work, give up all ideas of a social life) than to start ADs.

by layla, Sep 21, 2004 12:00AM
There have recently been several articles in the papers about AD's causing suicidal tendencies in teen. The scrip bottles will now be marked with an extra labeling, black labels that indicate their extreme dangers. This surely indicates these should only be looked at when absolutely neccessary. I would have to believe this is also a problem for adults. I am with Britgirl on this one though I know there are certainly people who need AD's, I also think they are handed out way to liberaly. Anytime you add another drug to your tx you also have to deal with sx from that. LL

by Amerabrit, Sep 21, 2004 12:00AM
To: britgirl
I am with you on taking Ads "only" if there's a real need. My first Dr. gave me a prescription for an AD before I had started tx, he wanted me to take it to "prepare" myself; I declined and still do not feel any need for Ads. (34/48).  My second and current Dr. told me he would describe Ads if I needed them as his office's own research concluded that there was just no way to determine who might need help and who wouldn't!

by cuteus, Sep 21, 2004 12:00AM
ditto amerabrit, britgirl and Layla. some that don't need to, are taking in extra toxins.

by snook_man, Sep 21, 2004 12:00AM
Man, I am taking effexor xr right now, and have been for about three months.. Work great, but seem to get hot flashes, and sweat heavily.. Also seem to get tired about the same time everyday.. I wish you the best man, and definately think you should talk to your Dr.. I for one, don't want to trade one problem for another.. I will worry about that after tx.

by btbrownie, Nov 23, 2004 12:00AM
hello i am new to this and i was wondering if any one has expierenced any type of paranoia while on the medication

Effexor Xr 75mg



thank you for your time,

btbrownie
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