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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Currently experiencing withdrawal side effects of Effexor XR
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Currently experiencing withdrawal side effects of Effexor XR
by mack97, Oct 20, 2003 12:00AM
I have been on 75-150 mg of Effexor XR for a little over a year now. About 4 months ago my hair started falling out in clumps, so my doctor wanted me to stop taking the Effexor cold turkey (I am not taking any other meds). I asked if I could be weaned because I heard of the nasty withdrawal side effects, but he said that it would make no difference. This is my 4th night off the drug, and I am losing my mind. I am constantly seeing things moving out of the corner of my eyes (although nothing is there), and hearing the most horrible noises, especially when I move my eyes or head, and I have never screamed so much in my life as I have the past 3 days, (literally - it stops the noises for a while). I am hot, then I'm cold; I can't stop crying; I am shivering like I have the flu; I can't seem to remember how to breathe. I called my doctor today to see what I can do to relieve myself of the symptoms until the withdrawal passes, and he said to go back on the Effexor. I am terrified of going back on. Please tell me there is something I can do. My doctor is not helping me. How long will this last? I'm very scared. Once it is over, what can I go on that does not have withdrawal side effects? I can't go through this again.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Oct 21, 2003 12:00AM
, Oct 21, 2003 12:00AM
The best thing to do is to go back on and get rid of your acute symptoms, then gradually wean yourself of it over a 3-4 week period, at the end of which you will not have any withdrawal.
My name is Lori, I am 26, and a healthcare provider. I was placed on Effexor XL 225 (slow, gradual increases) and Wellbutrin 300 about 4 months ago for "agitated depression." (I was really having BAD anxiety attacks...felt the need/urge/compulsion to touch my neck 24/7...it was driving me insane) The Effexor was like a Godsend at first. Gradually reduced the anxiety, to where I wasn't touching my neck at all!! Here's the problem. I've been on the 225mg dose for about 1 1/2months. No problems with it at first...but for the last week...I have had ALL of the side effects. Nausea, constipation, tremor (very bad for my line of work...I have to have a steady hand), sweats, hot flashes, increased nervousness, and the worst of all...insomnia. The insomnia has gradually become worse over the last week. Started with 6 hours of sleep at night...then to 5...then 4...and so on...until last night I didn't sleep at all. This is very distressing to me...and has actually made the compulsion/anxiety come back! I also feel jittery...almost like a manic episode!! I have decided to taper off of this drug. But I am worried about the anxiety returning worse than before. I just cannot stand these side effects anymore!!! However...if the anxiety returns and I have that urge to grab at my neck 24/7...I will go crazy!
Does anyone have suggestions/advice? I am desperate and distraught.
Thanks,
~Lori~
Since it is 2:45 am and I am unable to sleep, I thought I would check the side effects of going off effexor and I am delighted to see that these are all normal side effects. I have felt "pregnant" and like my head is going in slow motion when I move from side to side. I was on 37.5mg for the last 6 months and I actually felt great but my life was calming down and I decided to see how I felt when I was off my drugs....and I did not realize until I read your stories that I probably should have gone off the drugs slowly not cold turkey.
To the person before me...my Dr. gave me sleeping pills for those difficult nights. When I was on the effexor..I did not need them. You might want to ask your Dr. about taking something while you are going through this difficult time. I use ambien and like it very much. We all need sleep to function.
I am very grateful to this site because I was sure I must have some horrible illness to feel this rotten after 2 weeks of coming off this drug.
I may actually try to take one tomorrow and every other day to see if it makes the withdrawal easier.
Good Luck to everyone. Sleep well.
What causes this? Everything I've read says it has to do w/ the short half life. It seems to me that the withdrawal symptoms should go away quickly with a short half life. But none of this is logical anyway.
It's the weekend and I have a call into my MD for help. I'm a professional and I have to be on the top of my game tomorrow (Monday), but I don't see how that's going to happen.
I'm angry at someone for not telling me about these withdrawal symptoms, but I don't know who! I had zero problems switching from Prozac to Effexor.
Has anyone lost weight on Wellbutrin SR? Hope this is worth it.
Anyway, I am going to stick with it, I am on holiday next week so I don't need to be at work and I can just cry to my hearts content and hopefully the side effects will wear off by then
Good luck to you all in getting better x
Rose