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Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms
I am a 47 year old female. Earlier this year, my Dr. and I decided that the effectiveness of Zoloft for my anxiety had waned after 3-4 years. He choose Effexor XR as a new med. After taking 150 mg of the Effexor XR for a little over 1 month, I decided it wasn't right for me. My libido became non-existent, I was gained weight, my digestive system seemed out-of-wack, and I'm not sure that it helped my anxiety. I'm not sure it was related to the Effexor XR, but I was bruising very easily, and I was obsessive about spending and "projects" during this time. I should also mention that I am on 30 mg of Adderall XR for ADD.
My Dr. decided to switch me to Wellbutrin XR which would also help me quit smoking. He had me drop down to 75 mg of the Effexor for a few days, then to 37.5 for another 2-3 days. The first day off the Effexor, I experienced increasing nausea, vertigo and a "slushy" head. The next two days, the symptoms increased. There was some confusion as to whether it was the Wellbutrin or the Effexor that was causing the symptoms. I had decided that I was the getting used to the Wellbutrin, and I just had to ride it out with the help of over-the-counter motion sickness meds. My Dr. never mentioned that Effexor is associated with withdrawal symptoms.
The effects of the Wellbutrin seemed to kick in almost immediately. My libido jumped way up, and just like that I quit smoking cold turkey. I couldn't stand the smell or taste of cigarettes all of the sudden. Now without the smoking, I also found that my morning coffee was nearly forgotten. (I'm sure that withdrawal from nicotine and caffeine added to my symptoms.)
Nearly two weeks after I stopped the Effexor, I started having extreme irritability & very negative thoughts, followed the next day by nausea and vertigo. Also, I had crying spells. I phoned my Dr. who said that crying wasn't a withdrawal symptom. Since my symptoms worsened the next day, he wanted me to try taking 37.5 mg of the Effexor to see what would happen. Within one hour, I was nearly symptom free. He said that I seemed to be especially sensitive to the drug. He then put me back on 37.5 mg for one week, and then approx. 18.75 mg for another two weeks. Well, the withdrawal symptoms started all over again. Couldn't have this happening at work. I decided to go back to the 37.5 mg. and taper off very slowly - either that or take time off work to get through the withdrawals. I have literally been counting the granuals (there are about 90 in a 37.5 mg capsule). On July 20, I started at 60 granuals, and decreased by 5 every few days to where now, on August 24, I have been taking 20 granuals a day for the past week. The entire time I have been nauseous. My Dr's phone msg. reply was that vertigo, not nausea, is a withdrawal symptom. Actually, I thought vertigo caused nausea. Over Labor Day weekend, I plan to stop the Effexor I hope that any symptoms will disappear over 3 days. Please help me.
My Dr. decided to switch me to Wellbutrin XR which would also help me quit smoking. He had me drop down to 75 mg of the Effexor for a few days, then to 37.5 for another 2-3 days. The first day off the Effexor, I experienced increasing nausea, vertigo and a "slushy" head. The next two days, the symptoms increased. There was some confusion as to whether it was the Wellbutrin or the Effexor that was causing the symptoms. I had decided that I was the getting used to the Wellbutrin, and I just had to ride it out with the help of over-the-counter motion sickness meds. My Dr. never mentioned that Effexor is associated with withdrawal symptoms.
The effects of the Wellbutrin seemed to kick in almost immediately. My libido jumped way up, and just like that I quit smoking cold turkey. I couldn't stand the smell or taste of cigarettes all of the sudden. Now without the smoking, I also found that my morning coffee was nearly forgotten. (I'm sure that withdrawal from nicotine and caffeine added to my symptoms.)
Nearly two weeks after I stopped the Effexor, I started having extreme irritability & very negative thoughts, followed the next day by nausea and vertigo. Also, I had crying spells. I phoned my Dr. who said that crying wasn't a withdrawal symptom. Since my symptoms worsened the next day, he wanted me to try taking 37.5 mg of the Effexor to see what would happen. Within one hour, I was nearly symptom free. He said that I seemed to be especially sensitive to the drug. He then put me back on 37.5 mg for one week, and then approx. 18.75 mg for another two weeks. Well, the withdrawal symptoms started all over again. Couldn't have this happening at work. I decided to go back to the 37.5 mg. and taper off very slowly - either that or take time off work to get through the withdrawals. I have literally been counting the granuals (there are about 90 in a 37.5 mg capsule). On July 20, I started at 60 granuals, and decreased by 5 every few days to where now, on August 24, I have been taking 20 granuals a day for the past week. The entire time I have been nauseous. My Dr's phone msg. reply was that vertigo, not nausea, is a withdrawal symptom. Actually, I thought vertigo caused nausea. Over Labor Day weekend, I plan to stop the Effexor I hope that any symptoms will disappear over 3 days. Please help me.
It takes a very understanding person to support someone through this process and you seem to fall in that category. During withdrawal, your thoughts and emotions can be extremely overwhelming and can cause emotional outbursts or irrational thinking. Not knowing your girlfriend’s personality type, it may be difficult to say why she’s unable to talk about her symptoms. She may be afraid to tell you what’s going on in her head due to the nature of her thoughts. Also, she could be afraid of losing you if she does talk about it.
Take it one step at a time. Try asking her about a specific symptom first instead of asking about her overall emotional state. Perhaps you can ask her about the ‘brain zaps’ (the feeling of electrical pulses crashing into your brain and down through each appendage). This seems to be a common side effect (I know because I had it a little over 2 months). If you get her to talk about 1 symptom, that’s a good start. By taking that first step to break the silence, she may realize the benefit of getting these issues off her chest. This may also pave the way for her to talk more about her emotions. Just remember, getting to understand her pain can’t happen in 1 day. It will take time and plenty of patience. Give it a shot. It doesn’t hurt to show that you care.
Take it one step at a time. Try asking her about a specific symptom first instead of asking about her overall emotional state. Perhaps you can ask her about the ‘brain zaps’ (the feeling of electrical pulses crashing into your brain and down through each appendage). This seems to be a common side effect (I know because I had it a little over 2 months). If you get her to talk about 1 symptom, that’s a good start. By taking that first step to break the silence, she may realize the benefit of getting these issues off her chest. This may also pave the way for her to talk more about her emotions. Just remember, getting to understand her pain can’t happen in 1 day. It will take time and plenty of patience. Give it a shot. It doesn’t hurt to show that you care.
reading your posts have helped me understand more what my (ex)girlfriend is going through and has been going through for the past few months. Unfortunately, she didn't want to share with me what she was dealing with on her emotional rollercoaster ride, and I didn't pressure her either. I am learning more how I can support her while she's weaning herself off Effexor.
Anyway, all I can do is be there for her if she needs me & be there for her even if she doesn't need me.
Thanks...
Anyway, all I can do is be there for her if she needs me & be there for her even if she doesn't need me.
Thanks...
I feel your pain and have been through the exact same issues; lack of desire, motivation, decreased cognitive ability, emotional numbness, etc. What also got the better of me was that I was tired every single day. I was drinking coffee just to get me by and to heighten my concentration since I too have a job that requires me to be on top of my game.
I stopped taking Effexor half way into May ’07 and it was the best decision that I made, but it was a very difficult journey. Prior to abruptly ending this madness, I weaned myself down from 150mg to 75mg (waited until the withdrawal symptoms disappeared before stopping the 75mg dose). Perhaps I should have weaned myself down to the 37.5mg dose, but, regardless, this is what you should consider doing yourself to endure the withdrawal symptoms. It’s a shame that there isn’t a smaller dose than the 37.5mg. What you’ll learn during this experience is that you have to rise above it all. Tell yourself that you can get through this everyday and resist temptation to take another dose. If you have a significant other or close friend, it helps to talk about what you’re going through surprisingly. I was fortunate enough to communicate my suffering to my significant other who comforted me all the way through this whole ordeal. May, June, and July…. what an interesting experience that was.
I can’t emphasize how good it felt when the withdrawal symptoms finally ceased, and to finally feel some sense of stability. I stopped drinking coffee and I wasn’t lethargic anymore.
Don’t let everyone’s withdrawal experience discourage you from stopping. Everyone is going to experience the withdrawal process differently. How well you tolerate the symptoms seems to be relative to your own mental threshold for pain and suffering. I kept a positive outlook as much as possible during times when my symptoms were intolerable. But, I also had support as well to get me through…. this is key. What I’m trying to get at is if 2 people experience a withdrawal symptom of the same degree of severity, what makes 1 person breakdown and take a dose of Effexor, and the other to fight through it, is your mental state. Hang out with friends, watch a movie, talk it out, exercise, engage yourself in some activity to keep your mind off of it. Don’t go at this alone.
I stopped taking Effexor half way into May ’07 and it was the best decision that I made, but it was a very difficult journey. Prior to abruptly ending this madness, I weaned myself down from 150mg to 75mg (waited until the withdrawal symptoms disappeared before stopping the 75mg dose). Perhaps I should have weaned myself down to the 37.5mg dose, but, regardless, this is what you should consider doing yourself to endure the withdrawal symptoms. It’s a shame that there isn’t a smaller dose than the 37.5mg. What you’ll learn during this experience is that you have to rise above it all. Tell yourself that you can get through this everyday and resist temptation to take another dose. If you have a significant other or close friend, it helps to talk about what you’re going through surprisingly. I was fortunate enough to communicate my suffering to my significant other who comforted me all the way through this whole ordeal. May, June, and July…. what an interesting experience that was.
I can’t emphasize how good it felt when the withdrawal symptoms finally ceased, and to finally feel some sense of stability. I stopped drinking coffee and I wasn’t lethargic anymore.
Don’t let everyone’s withdrawal experience discourage you from stopping. Everyone is going to experience the withdrawal process differently. How well you tolerate the symptoms seems to be relative to your own mental threshold for pain and suffering. I kept a positive outlook as much as possible during times when my symptoms were intolerable. But, I also had support as well to get me through…. this is key. What I’m trying to get at is if 2 people experience a withdrawal symptom of the same degree of severity, what makes 1 person breakdown and take a dose of Effexor, and the other to fight through it, is your mental state. Hang out with friends, watch a movie, talk it out, exercise, engage yourself in some activity to keep your mind off of it. Don’t go at this alone.
I have been on 75 Effexor for a couple of years and lately have felt numb to any emotional feelings, have no desire for romance, sometimes I feel like I'm in a trance or I'm so tired I have to take a nap. Mainly, I feel disorganized in my mind and can't logically function in my work unless I really concentrate. It's hard to focus or concentrate and I have to really force my self to pay attention and go through details. I'm a project manager and can't organize or direct a team, much less be technically savy. I'm sick of feeling this way, so I've decided to stop taking this drug!
I started 2 weeks ago just skipping 1 dose every 2 days, next week I plan to skip 1 every 3 days. From the sounds of the withdrawl symptoms you all are having, I'm not too anxious to hurry through this.
Can't say I feel better yet, although the need for the naps has happened only once this week, when it used to be daily. I have felt some vertigo and nausea, but it's been managable so far. I hope by taking this very slowly I will not experience the terrible symptoms. I don't think I could handle the stress of that and carry on with my day to day activities.
One thing that I've found does help in depression and anxiety is visualization. Sometimes when I don't think I can do something I close my eyes and just try and visualize myself going through it. It helps, when you do it for real you can remember your visualization and it seems like you've done it before, which gives you confidence.
Good Luck you all - I'll post again and let you know how this works - I'm not feeling warm fuzzies about it since reading some of your posts :(
I started 2 weeks ago just skipping 1 dose every 2 days, next week I plan to skip 1 every 3 days. From the sounds of the withdrawl symptoms you all are having, I'm not too anxious to hurry through this.
Can't say I feel better yet, although the need for the naps has happened only once this week, when it used to be daily. I have felt some vertigo and nausea, but it's been managable so far. I hope by taking this very slowly I will not experience the terrible symptoms. I don't think I could handle the stress of that and carry on with my day to day activities.
One thing that I've found does help in depression and anxiety is visualization. Sometimes when I don't think I can do something I close my eyes and just try and visualize myself going through it. It helps, when you do it for real you can remember your visualization and it seems like you've done it before, which gives you confidence.
Good Luck you all - I'll post again and let you know how this works - I'm not feeling warm fuzzies about it since reading some of your posts :(
Wondering how you are doing. I am on my 5 day now and not doing so good. Took med for 10 years up to 225 max. Fourth time trying to get off of it! This is the longest I've been able to go. Are you feeling any better at this point as you are a little a head of me. Has the 5-HTP helped?
One thing everyone has to remember is that withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone. I was on Effexor for a little over a year when I decided that I had enough of this drug and was willing to deal with the unbearable withdrawal effects. I can assure you that the withdrawal symptoms do go away... but it takes time. The biggest symptom of all was the brain zaps. Those lasted about 2.5 months (the severity decreased during that time). Also during this timeframe, I had tingling sensations, headaches, unusual hunger, excessive saliva (this symptom came after a month of being off of it), moodiness, anxiety, crying episodes, dizziness, irritability, difficulty concentrating/talking, & insomnia. Rest assured, all of these symptoms go away.
I have battled with anxiety & depression for almost 10 years, and I finally realized that depression was "really" all in my head. There was never any reason for it to begin with. See a therapist. Don't talk to psychiatrists or doctors because they are simply pill pushers for the problem. You need to find the root cause of the issue and address it... which is what I did and I've never felt better and I can't see why I will ever be depressed again. I should have seen a therapist years ago.
For everyone who is fighting withdrawal, don't give up!!! It all goes away. Your body has the ability to heal no matter what your doctors tell you. Medical research studies are based off of statistics. Don't let statistics tell you that you have a problem. The human brain is capable of anything. Like I said, withdrawal is different for everyone. I am living proof that you can get through it.
I have battled with anxiety & depression for almost 10 years, and I finally realized that depression was "really" all in my head. There was never any reason for it to begin with. See a therapist. Don't talk to psychiatrists or doctors because they are simply pill pushers for the problem. You need to find the root cause of the issue and address it... which is what I did and I've never felt better and I can't see why I will ever be depressed again. I should have seen a therapist years ago.
For everyone who is fighting withdrawal, don't give up!!! It all goes away. Your body has the ability to heal no matter what your doctors tell you. Medical research studies are based off of statistics. Don't let statistics tell you that you have a problem. The human brain is capable of anything. Like I said, withdrawal is different for everyone. I am living proof that you can get through it.
5th day off of Effexor... vertigo, brain shocks, nausea, difficulty concentrating, over-reacting, fever..... I'm going to get through this though!!!
I'm keeping a tally of days I'm off of it on a board and plan to update my symptoms on here (hope ya'll don't mind) to hold myself accountable.
I also got some 5-HTP at the advice of a friend... hopefully that will help.. I'll let you all know if it lessens the pain.
I'm keeping a tally of days I'm off of it on a board and plan to update my symptoms on here (hope ya'll don't mind) to hold myself accountable.
I also got some 5-HTP at the advice of a friend... hopefully that will help.. I'll let you all know if it lessens the pain.
Hi , Ive been on Efexor for 10 Years, 2 months ago i went off them cold turkey, my depression was was never no better my weight was going up and up.depressing me more.
i went to doctors yesterday, i weighed 20st, im now 17,10 lbs, i feel better , phsyicaly, mentally its hell , hard work , with drawl is hard , im getting nightmares , teary eyed, moody, but i was angery more when i took efexor im more relaxed, strange that, i also slow ar reacting to things as if my brain not the same speed as my eyes. The fight continues.....
i went to doctors yesterday, i weighed 20st, im now 17,10 lbs, i feel better , phsyicaly, mentally its hell , hard work , with drawl is hard , im getting nightmares , teary eyed, moody, but i was angery more when i took efexor im more relaxed, strange that, i also slow ar reacting to things as if my brain not the same speed as my eyes. The fight continues.....
Hey all I've been trying to get off this **** for ages now (about 2 years) with no sucsess as of yet.
Each time I try I experience the usual symptoms, brain shocks, vertigo, etc and I always end up giving in. I have quit smoking and drinking which was a walk in the park compared to this.
I cant understand why this drug is still allowed to be sold? we should all contact wyeth and demand it's discontinuation.!!!
Sorry, but it gets me so angry, they dont even admit to any withdrawwl effects!!. If I was only aware of this before I started taking it......
If anyone is out there reading this and is about to start effexor then, DONT.
Each time I try I experience the usual symptoms, brain shocks, vertigo, etc and I always end up giving in. I have quit smoking and drinking which was a walk in the park compared to this.
I cant understand why this drug is still allowed to be sold? we should all contact wyeth and demand it's discontinuation.!!!
Sorry, but it gets me so angry, they dont even admit to any withdrawwl effects!!. If I was only aware of this before I started taking it......
If anyone is out there reading this and is about to start effexor then, DONT.
I have been on Effexor XR for 10 years now (wow...) I started when I was 12 and just turned 22... it's been much too long to be on this. Anytime I missed a dose over the years I would experience the brain zaps and nausea. I have tried going off of it a few times but after a couple weeks of horrible withdraw symptoms and returning depression/suicidal thoughts I give in and take a pill. I was on 300 mg a day for several years and in the past year after trying to quit once was at least able to get it down to 150 a day and then to 75 and then skipping a day or two in between. I went for about 5 days without taking any, but then on my birthday felt so horrible that I gave in and took one again. That was Wednesday (the 19th) so it has been 4 days now and the symptoms are intense - which prompted me to seek out this site again.
I haven't seen a psychiatrist in years - my doctor just continues to write my refills.
I need to do this for myself though because besides not wanting to be on medication for the rest of my life due to major childhood depression and the choices doctors made for me when I couldn't understand the side-effects, I simply can not afford the medication anymore - nor can I afford to see a doctor to help me ease off of this.
At this moment I'm pretty scared - but it is good to know others have gone through the same thing. I'm disgusted that neither I nor my parents were ever informed of the withdrawal symptoms - nor were they ever discussed with me throughout my therapy even as the doctor continued to increase the dosage. When he mentioned cutting back once, the withdrawal symptoms were never brought up.
I doubt that anyone looking to start effexor is looking at this site now, but I wish people knew how hard and painful it is to stop before they literally get hooked on it.
If anyone is in the Washinton, DC area, I would love to meet up and form a bit of support network for this. I have told a couple close friends about what I am going through, but not having experienced it themselves it is difficult for them to understand.
Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who has shared on here and to the site managers, it is truly a relief to find others going through this.
I haven't seen a psychiatrist in years - my doctor just continues to write my refills.
I need to do this for myself though because besides not wanting to be on medication for the rest of my life due to major childhood depression and the choices doctors made for me when I couldn't understand the side-effects, I simply can not afford the medication anymore - nor can I afford to see a doctor to help me ease off of this.
At this moment I'm pretty scared - but it is good to know others have gone through the same thing. I'm disgusted that neither I nor my parents were ever informed of the withdrawal symptoms - nor were they ever discussed with me throughout my therapy even as the doctor continued to increase the dosage. When he mentioned cutting back once, the withdrawal symptoms were never brought up.
I doubt that anyone looking to start effexor is looking at this site now, but I wish people knew how hard and painful it is to stop before they literally get hooked on it.
If anyone is in the Washinton, DC area, I would love to meet up and form a bit of support network for this. I have told a couple close friends about what I am going through, but not having experienced it themselves it is difficult for them to understand.
Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who has shared on here and to the site managers, it is truly a relief to find others going through this.
My doctor put me on a three week weaning schedule to go off my 150 mg of Effexor XR. The first week was ok, but this second week has been awfull. I have been constantly vomiting, extreme aggitation, vertigo, brain shocks you name it. I called my doctor the other day, she said it was not normal to have all of these symptoms going off this medication. Now reading all of your comments I am mad. I heard the withdrawal symptoms could last up to a year, once you quit. I hope not, as I have two babies at home and I was put on this medication for post pardom depression. What can everyone do? I hope it gets better.
I had to go back to the last comfortable dose ( when I wasn't experiencing withdrawal). I couldn't put my family through any more torture. I have ordered a book called "The Antidepressant Solution" that is supposed to help me get of this poison the right way, if there is such a thing as the right way! I just want a dependant free life. To be the person I was before this nightmare began.
I accidently missed two doses of Effexor (not sure the dose but low) and got so terribly sick with flu like symptoms so I didn't take any all week because I thought I had the flu and couldn't keep anything down anyway. I finally put two and two together and realize now what I have been experiencing the last 7 days. I've gone cold turkey this long I'm not going to take any to alleviate the hell I feel. I almost feel a little better today (day 7) so I'm going to stick it out. This drug should be illegal.
I was experiencing severe side effects from Effexor XR after being on 150 mg for 8 months so I weaned myself off the same way I went on ...gradually. It's been almost 2 weeks with no drug at all and I'm affraid I will lose my family and friends before I ever see the end of the withdrawals! I have been experiencing all the symptoms you people have described but the anger and crying are the hardest for me to accept. I have reduced my 12 year old son to tears more than once this week with my tirades. I have thought of leaving my husband because there are times when I feel I hate him. We have always had a deeply loving relationship and I know it's the withdrawal causing my emotions to misfire. How much can I expect my family to endure at my expense when they can't possibly understand where this is coming from? I'm so greatful I found this site and people who can understand and perhaps offer the support we all need to get through this. Wishing you all strength and courage.
Thank goodness I found your site! It has been almost a week since I have been off Effexor 300mg XR - My doctor prescribe Wellbutrin - I was suppose to take Wellbutrin and Effexor for about a week and then drop the Effexox. I have never felt so bad! Tuesday, I stayed home because I thought I had the flu. I get migraines and thought I was getting a lot of them. I am a teacher and I went to school today. 1st Period I was confused, not clear with my instructions to the students - very frustrating for them I have no patience - which is so unusual. I ended up very grouchy. I apologized to the class at the end of the period. 2nd period I started to cry & knew I needed a sub. The office arranged for a sub. I went out to my car and cried. I called my doctor's office and they made room for me. I went and she explained these symptoms were from Effexor withdrawal. She wants me take the rest of the week off. I am in no shape to leave lesson plans which makes me feel even worse. I called the person on call tonight and explained to her what happened. She said to open up a capsule (150 mg) and divide the pill in half -put half in the capsule and take it. I did and feel a tiny bit better. I do not want to go back on Effexor!!! I wish I could go to a hospital - get the stuff out of my body while they manage how sick I feel - return to teaching feeling like I used to! Help!
I am so "sick" of taking pills! Comments????? I am glad I am not alone! It is 3 in the morning and I don't want to go to sleep because of the dreams - they are not horrible, but I feel I don't sleep because they are so vivid and strange.
Thanks - more later . . .
I am so "sick" of taking pills! Comments????? I am glad I am not alone! It is 3 in the morning and I don't want to go to sleep because of the dreams - they are not horrible, but I feel I don't sleep because they are so vivid and strange.
Thanks - more later . . .
i urge you all to check out this site..theeffexoractivist.org
I will add this to the above comment. I am 54 years old, have gained aprox. 18lbs & have been on Effx xr. 150 mg for about 10 months.
hang in.
hang in.
I am only just begining my withdrawals as of today. I have missed doses several times and ended up with such severe symptoms of head and body aches & crashes, that I immediately took a pill and said I will do this another time. I have now begun to have so much anxiety and depression and abnormal behaviors ie: gambling away our life savings without a thought to consequences..This has nothing to do with a bad marriage at all, more like It was someone else doing these "things". When I awoke this morning and realized how much I had lost again lastnight, I started looking for some answers as
to why I have been feeling so bad and so strange. I found this site after much searching and it has helped me realize something is more wrong than just getting older as this was originally prescribed for my menopausal night sweats. I hope we all stay supporting one another and will speak of my withdrawal experiences in a few days. Good luck to all.
to why I have been feeling so bad and so strange. I found this site after much searching and it has helped me realize something is more wrong than just getting older as this was originally prescribed for my menopausal night sweats. I hope we all stay supporting one another and will speak of my withdrawal experiences in a few days. Good luck to all.
DOES ANYONE IN HERE HAVE ANY SECRETS OR EXPERIENCE ON WHAT TO DO ABOUT THESE EFFEXOR XR WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS?? I'M DESPERATE!
I'm on day 2 from trying to slowly withdrawal off this drug for the second time. I feel so very sick. I need advice for these side effects. I'm about to open a capsule and take a few little white balls to feel better, just like you Connie wanting to take some to feel better. This is so gnarly, I feel like I'm trying to W/D off of heroin or something...feels like something pinching on my brain everywhere, I'm extremely dizzy, nauseated, if I turn my head too fast, It feels like a strobe light, my heart offbeats at times, I'm itchy...now I want to cry, This is complete misery!! Last time after day 5 of trying to withdrawal I couldn't handle the symptoms any more and started to take my 75mg. dose again. This time I really want to completely withdrawal so I am determined but as every day goes by the symptoms get stronger and I feel sicker. Nothing is helping.
I tapered off my Effexor very slowly and have now been off of it totally for 5 days, I have never felt this horrible. I do remember feeling this way if I missed a dose by only a few hours but it would last only a day and then I would be fine. Now here I am on day 5 and I feel just as bad, if not worse, than on day 1, the whooshing feeling in my head and ears as if I am constantly underwater is driving my nuts but to add to my misery is the nausea, dizziness, clumsiness, weakness, sleepiness, bloating/weight gain, the feeling of hundreds or thousands of ants running all over me, and the feeling of being totally disconnected.
How can this DRUG be on the market? If your condition doesn't do you in then the withdrawal symptoms will for darn sure.
How can I find relief from these symptoms other than sleep my way through it?
How long will this last?
I hope someone has the answer because I sure as heck can't find it. I'm just about ready to throw in the towel and go back to taking a small dose just to be able to feel normal.
Desperate and seeking advice
Connie
How can this DRUG be on the market? If your condition doesn't do you in then the withdrawal symptoms will for darn sure.
How can I find relief from these symptoms other than sleep my way through it?
How long will this last?
I hope someone has the answer because I sure as heck can't find it. I'm just about ready to throw in the towel and go back to taking a small dose just to be able to feel normal.
Desperate and seeking advice
Connie
wow.... ive been taking Effexor XR at 150 mgs for about a year now, and i havent taken one since last thursday.... today is monday and the mere thought of these withdrawal effects continuing makes me ill. ive been crying the entire time ive been reading your stories im so scared. its only been 4 days.... but can anyone tell me how much longer this is going to last????
ive done nothing but lay in bed and eat for the past 4 days! i quit my job this weekend bcus i wouldnt handle the nausea, dizziness, sweats, crying spells and vertigo. im freaking out right now!! i feel out of control. ive tried stopping cold turkey with these pills before but i always cave and reorder them so i can go back to just living my normal life. i feel they no longer serve any purpose in my life except avoiding the inevitable withdrawal symptoms!!!!!
im terrified and need advice.... should i go down to 75mg??? should i switch to Zoloft so that i wont have withdrawal syptoms??? my doctor suggested switching to generic to accomidate the price issue (such an expensive pill!!!!), and go down to 75mg of it to help whine me off. after reading this im even more confused and nervous though.
im seriously desperate for any advice that anyone has concerning this....
please email me at ***@**** if you have any suggestions. i feel like these symptoms are taking over my life but i cant afford to take a $3 pill everyday just to be able to function normally. it doesnt even help with my depression.
some one help please.
ive done nothing but lay in bed and eat for the past 4 days! i quit my job this weekend bcus i wouldnt handle the nausea, dizziness, sweats, crying spells and vertigo. im freaking out right now!! i feel out of control. ive tried stopping cold turkey with these pills before but i always cave and reorder them so i can go back to just living my normal life. i feel they no longer serve any purpose in my life except avoiding the inevitable withdrawal symptoms!!!!!
im terrified and need advice.... should i go down to 75mg??? should i switch to Zoloft so that i wont have withdrawal syptoms??? my doctor suggested switching to generic to accomidate the price issue (such an expensive pill!!!!), and go down to 75mg of it to help whine me off. after reading this im even more confused and nervous though.
im seriously desperate for any advice that anyone has concerning this....
please email me at ***@**** if you have any suggestions. i feel like these symptoms are taking over my life but i cant afford to take a $3 pill everyday just to be able to function normally. it doesnt even help with my depression.
some one help please.
Hi
I'm a newbie to this forum & I don't take effexor, but my girlfriend does. She has recently reduced her dose to 37.5 (about 4 weeks ago) and it's been a rough ride. My reason for being here is that she just ended our relationship & says it's the stress of being together coupled with her mom's illness. What I want to know is can anyone recommend a support group for supporters of loved ones & family who are having withdrawl/difficulties with the side effects of effexor? I do understand that she's not feeling well at all, both mentally & physically, so I'm not turning my back completely. My issue isn't to discuss our relationship, but I recognize that she is experiencing many of the symptoms that you folks are courageous enough to share with everybody. Reading your entries helps me better understand what's going on, even though I could never imagine what she's going through. Please help.
Thank you,
Gizzy514
I'm a newbie to this forum & I don't take effexor, but my girlfriend does. She has recently reduced her dose to 37.5 (about 4 weeks ago) and it's been a rough ride. My reason for being here is that she just ended our relationship & says it's the stress of being together coupled with her mom's illness. What I want to know is can anyone recommend a support group for supporters of loved ones & family who are having withdrawl/difficulties with the side effects of effexor? I do understand that she's not feeling well at all, both mentally & physically, so I'm not turning my back completely. My issue isn't to discuss our relationship, but I recognize that she is experiencing many of the symptoms that you folks are courageous enough to share with everybody. Reading your entries helps me better understand what's going on, even though I could never imagine what she's going through. Please help.
Thank you,
Gizzy514
I was put on 75mg of effexor xr 1-1/2 yrs ago..I weaned down to 37.5mg since I thought if wasnt such a great idea to be on any of that stuff....When i tried to go off I kept getting brain zaps..The cancer doctor told me to wean down to one a day for two weeks then one every other day for two weeks..anyway...I am off completely for about three weeks now..The brain zaps are definetly getting lesser but still there but I noticed my heart rate has climbed at least 20 beats..I have to monitor my blood pressure...My primary doctor and the pharmacist both think it is from the effexor...so for now that is my only complaint...no nausea or other symptoms that i know of....guess i am lucky
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