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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.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I think you are doing the right thing by this extremely gradual tapering off. Everybody reacts differently, and you know your body better than anybody. I would predict that you will be through with this nightmare by the end of labor day weekend. Gooed luck. Stay with the Wellbutrin.
I took 150 mg of Effexor XR for about nine months. When I got off of it, I took 75 mg for a month, and then stopped completely. I was nauseous for about a week and had "zapping" sensations in my head for about two weeks. Then I was OK. But the nausea was very uncomfortable for that week. Nausea is definitely a withdrawal symptom of this medication, at least it was for me. I actually wound up going back on Effexor XR three months later because I got depressed again. When did you stop taking Zoloft? Could there be any complications from that?
I stopped taking the Zoloft prior to starting the Effexor. During the month that I was on the Effexor, I didn't seem to have any type of withdrawal symptoms from the Zoloft.
You know, everything I've read confirms what you and I know for a fact - that nausea IS a withdrawal symptom. I am feeling discouraged with my doctor. First he said that my crying episodes weren't a symptom, and then the nausea. He even insinuated that the withdrawal symptoms I've been experience probably seem more intense due to the fact that I suffer from anxiety. When I mention info. from the Internet, He says one has to consider the source.
Speaking of websites, found some helpful information on this website also - http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/venlafaxine.html.
Thanks!
You know, everything I've read confirms what you and I know for a fact - that nausea IS a withdrawal symptom. I am feeling discouraged with my doctor. First he said that my crying episodes weren't a symptom, and then the nausea. He even insinuated that the withdrawal symptoms I've been experience probably seem more intense due to the fact that I suffer from anxiety. When I mention info. from the Internet, He says one has to consider the source.
Speaking of websites, found some helpful information on this website also - http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/venlafaxine.html.
Thanks!
I have been taking Effexor Xr (75 mgs) for almost a year, and just started weening off of it. I thought it was about time that I went off of it, because my anxiety attacks disappeared completely. I don't like to take medications if I don't have to. Now, however, I am questioning this. I have been severely naseous and "dizzy" for the past couple of days. I was prescribed 37.5 mg for two days, 18.75 mg for two days, and that's all. Is this normal? I realize that I have only been taking 75 mg per day for a year, but the withdrawal symptoms (if that's what they really are) are horrendous. I was planning on going away for Labor Day, but I don't think that is going to happen. I actually thought I was pregnant due to the stomach sickness. When will this really end? I know that each person is different, but is there any "normal" time frame for all of the withdrawal symptoms to just disappear? I don't know if I can hack this. I am having severe problems concentrating at work, and I am extremely tired (even with a decent amount of sleep.) My real question is...."Why don't the doctors tell you about these effects?" My doctor said absolutely nothing about any withdrawal symptoms. I just think it would be better if they told you this stuff, so one doesn't think that they are going "crazy." Thank god for the internet, and it's ability to help me find information like this. Thanks everyone....
I have been on Effexor XR for 14 months. In February of this year, I got laid off so I told my therapist that this seemed like a good opportunity to withdraw meds since I could just stay at home an cope with any "discontinuation syndrome" (what a load of happy horse-hockey THAT euphanism is!).
I was taking 150 mg a day, so I cut back by 37.5 mg. After 1 week I cut down to 75 mg/day in two doses. Everything was ok for about ONE DAY, after which I got the ZAPPING thing so bad I could hardly get out of my chair. Before I started the withdrawal I was doing a daily yoga routine along with weight training and 30 minutes of Nordic Track; this all had to stop. In fact, it got so bad that just MOVING MY EYES was enough to ZAP me. The sensation was like the back of my head, neck, shoulders, and arms were jabbed full of needles that had electricity hooked up to them.
Finally, I gave up and started taking my regular dose; all symptoms disappeared within 24 hours.
Other comments... I didn't get the nausea some of you suffered. Also, the main reason I wanted to quit Effexor was that I didn't believe it was helping me that much. (I have been through the meds like a friggin' guinea pig... Paxil, clonazepam, Wellbutrin, Remeron, Celexa, Nortriptaline, Effexor, Imiparmine, lorazepam, and clomipramine.) Anyway, I went to another MD for an opinion and he said that 150 mg was not a clinically effective dose. He said that if I was his patient, he'd up me to 300 mg/day.
I have since done that and it has REALLY helped me a lot.
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING ANTIDEPRESSANTS. <<<PERIOD>>>
Also, if you are taking Effexor, you might want to ask your MD if you are at the proper dose.
Good luck to all, and God bless you... I hope you can find some peace from your depression.
Regards,
H-hoggie
I was taking 150 mg a day, so I cut back by 37.5 mg. After 1 week I cut down to 75 mg/day in two doses. Everything was ok for about ONE DAY, after which I got the ZAPPING thing so bad I could hardly get out of my chair. Before I started the withdrawal I was doing a daily yoga routine along with weight training and 30 minutes of Nordic Track; this all had to stop. In fact, it got so bad that just MOVING MY EYES was enough to ZAP me. The sensation was like the back of my head, neck, shoulders, and arms were jabbed full of needles that had electricity hooked up to them.
Finally, I gave up and started taking my regular dose; all symptoms disappeared within 24 hours.
Other comments... I didn't get the nausea some of you suffered. Also, the main reason I wanted to quit Effexor was that I didn't believe it was helping me that much. (I have been through the meds like a friggin' guinea pig... Paxil, clonazepam, Wellbutrin, Remeron, Celexa, Nortriptaline, Effexor, Imiparmine, lorazepam, and clomipramine.) Anyway, I went to another MD for an opinion and he said that 150 mg was not a clinically effective dose. He said that if I was his patient, he'd up me to 300 mg/day.
I have since done that and it has REALLY helped me a lot.
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING ANTIDEPRESSANTS. <<<PERIOD>>>
Also, if you are taking Effexor, you might want to ask your MD if you are at the proper dose.
Good luck to all, and God bless you... I hope you can find some peace from your depression.
Regards,
H-hoggie
I feel for you, i was taking effexor for my depression and when i came of it as it gave me severe anxiety i still have been getting side affects 1 year later, severe anxiety, vertigo, migranes, jitters, unsteadyness and electric shocks... its really annoyinh.. i really feel for you.. try serc for the vertigo it works wonderfull.
Your irritability could have been caused by the Wellbutrin, not the discontinuation of Effexor. I took WB briefly and it made me incredibly irritable, even rage-prone at times, which I had never been before. I got off it and have had no more problems.
hi...
My husband was killed in an accident at work and because of tremendous anxiety problems my doctor put me on effexor. I have taken different types of anti-depressants one other time in my life when my father was suffering with cancer and I was maxed out. I have never, ever, ever experienced the withdrawl complications that I have gone through with this medicine. I took it for approximately 3 years and decided I wanted to experince life naturally. Face the music alone. I was taking 75mil. and reduced really, really slowly over a period of about one and 1/2 months. 3 weeks on lower levels. Everyone that has taken effexor knows the feeling you get after the second day of not taking it. Horrible nausea. Very dizzy. Well. When I went off the effexor completely I vomited so violently , dry heaves, sweating, you name it. It is horrible. I was in bed with a waste paper basket. So dehydrated but not even an ice cube would stay down. I went to the doctor after the 2nd day, so weak I could hardly stand. He gave me something to stop the nausea. For 2 months I didn't even consider a cup of coffee in the morning and believe me nothing was more important to me than my coffee. I am just now starting to enjoy the taste after, oh I don't know for sure 3 or four months ? of being off the drug. I did experience the strange buzzing in my head when I had forgotten to take the effexore for over a day but didn't feel that when I quit. I am really very concerned now though. About 2 weeks ago, I was sitting in my house and I heard a noise that sounded like a radio was on or some electrical humming noise and I searched my house for something that I may have left on. It is really quite loud. I couldn't find anything. I gave up and just turned on the stero so I didn't have to listen to that aggraviating sound. Later I went outside and oh my god....It was outside too. I have since realized that the noise is a buzzing in my head. Much more intense than what I had experinced when I was late taking the medication.. I have told my doctor so that other patients considering this drug will choose another. I am really afraid this horrible noise will be with me forever.
My husband was killed in an accident at work and because of tremendous anxiety problems my doctor put me on effexor. I have taken different types of anti-depressants one other time in my life when my father was suffering with cancer and I was maxed out. I have never, ever, ever experienced the withdrawl complications that I have gone through with this medicine. I took it for approximately 3 years and decided I wanted to experince life naturally. Face the music alone. I was taking 75mil. and reduced really, really slowly over a period of about one and 1/2 months. 3 weeks on lower levels. Everyone that has taken effexor knows the feeling you get after the second day of not taking it. Horrible nausea. Very dizzy. Well. When I went off the effexor completely I vomited so violently , dry heaves, sweating, you name it. It is horrible. I was in bed with a waste paper basket. So dehydrated but not even an ice cube would stay down. I went to the doctor after the 2nd day, so weak I could hardly stand. He gave me something to stop the nausea. For 2 months I didn't even consider a cup of coffee in the morning and believe me nothing was more important to me than my coffee. I am just now starting to enjoy the taste after, oh I don't know for sure 3 or four months ? of being off the drug. I did experience the strange buzzing in my head when I had forgotten to take the effexore for over a day but didn't feel that when I quit. I am really very concerned now though. About 2 weeks ago, I was sitting in my house and I heard a noise that sounded like a radio was on or some electrical humming noise and I searched my house for something that I may have left on. It is really quite loud. I couldn't find anything. I gave up and just turned on the stero so I didn't have to listen to that aggraviating sound. Later I went outside and oh my god....It was outside too. I have since realized that the noise is a buzzing in my head. Much more intense than what I had experinced when I was late taking the medication.. I have told my doctor so that other patients considering this drug will choose another. I am really afraid this horrible noise will be with me forever.
hi there, i have some comments on withdrawal from effexor. my withdrawal has been pure hell for about2 weeks now and i am beginning to wonder will i ever make it thru this. i had been taking 300mg a day for the past 2 years but was beginning to feel it was time for me to be off this medication and live my life you know. anyhow with my dr's advice we gradually tapered off the meds but i am still having severe withdrawal and wondering will it ever stop. i have sweating, chills, amcompletely out of it most of the time. i have such a buzz in my head that is is quite scary and i am hoping this tremors in mu head will stop. all i have been able to do to get somerelief is tostay in bed, i have been unable toeat, have had diaharrhea, chills and then sweating, and am just completely feeling out of it. does this feelig ever go away. went back to my doc to see if he could give meanythingto ease my withdrawal only to find out hat he thought i had been on a too hig dosage of effexor and that is why i am having such bad withdrawal fromit. anyhow he has now suggested putting meon klonipin for a couple days and then taking one 75mg of effexor daily and eventually he plans on tapering me off the klonipin and keeping me on just one 75mg of effexor a day. i am quite nervous about this andwondering will it help and is is the right thing to be doing right now. all i know is i want to be on a low does of effexor and maybe that will be enough for me but definitely do not want to take a 300 mg daily dose of that again as the withdrawal is pure hell. he also suggested taking nexium for my nauseous and no appetite and assured mei would feel better soon. i just hope this new regime will work for me and i just wished my psychiatrist had explained the withdrawals from stopping the effexor, and gosh i hope thoe brain shivers or buzzes go away. i am very worried that i am not doing the right thing and concerned that this will not work for me either. i really wanted to be off all the meds but i have a feeling i will probably need to be taking 75mg of effexor for a while and then gradually taper off the knonipin. does that make sense and does anyone know is this possible to do. i seem to be doing just fine with my anxiety right now and feel i would be better off totally drug free and i plan on working towards that by tapering off both meds really slowly. anyhow i just wish my dr had have informed me in the beginning what the withdrawals from effexor would be and i just hope they are not permanent.
if anyone has any comments on this or any suggestions as to what to do of if this new approach will work for me please send a reply. i would gratefully appreciate any help i can get on this right now. i am at my wits end over this.
thanks gerbildine
if anyone has any comments on this or any suggestions as to what to do of if this new approach will work for me please send a reply. i would gratefully appreciate any help i can get on this right now. i am at my wits end over this.
thanks gerbildine
hi there, this is my second message and i am hopefulsomone out there can give me advice on reducing from 300mg effexor daily to just 75mg plus 2 mg of klonipin three times daily. has anyone ever done this before, under dr;s supervision. i feel like myself again and and wondering if i have caused myself some internal damage from taking such a high dosage, and if anyone has been thru this like me. i think i willn probably need to be on 75mng of effexor for the rest of my life just to cope with my anxiety and i plan on talking with a therapist and trying some self help books too,
anyhow anyone out there who has been in a similar situation as me please let me know how you are doing. good look to you all and keep smiling!!! and don't give up.
geraldine
anyhow anyone out there who has been in a similar situation as me please let me know how you are doing. good look to you all and keep smiling!!! and don't give up.
geraldine
Been on Effexor for over a year now, after having been on Zoloft for the past 3 years.
I asked for more counseling because i feel 1 hour of counseling every 2 weeks does not help me a great deal. My doc said yes, good idea but...he
recently added a new medication to my current ones. This is Seroquel, 50 to 75mg per day. Dr. says this will help optimize the Effexor. What the heck is going on?????...How many more meds will be added???? Yes, i take these meds for depression...but i was not getting worse.
Quit 187.5mg of Effexor...COLD TURKEY...5 days ago.
Day 1 to 3...brain shocks and mildy depressed...but not so bad.
Day 4 and 5. Arrrrg!!!...Yesterday felt so sad...i usually don't cry...but i cried like a baby all evening. Brain shocks every few seconds and worse if i move my eyeballs. Stomach cramps. Dizzy. Feeling as if my brain is clouded. Return of panic attacks...but just slightly. Really weird nightmares, waking up constantly from these vivid bad dreams with pulse racing...i've never experienced these before.
Today, Day 5, was even afraid of getting out of bed...this is so scary!
(As you can see, i eventually willed myself out of bed and i will keep on going on will power to get through this!)
Thank God i found this site. Knowing i'im not alone helps a great deal.
I've got to get through this detox. I'm a 40yr old mother of 3 boys from 3yrs of age to 16yrs. Also raising them on my own. I'm going back to work in january and i really hope these frightening symptoms will be gone by then cause i just can't imagine being productive feeling the way i do today!
I've been reading about people who tapered thier doses of Effexor and it seems to help them a little.
I would of considered tapering the medication myself but the reason i went Cold Turkey is the high price of Effexor. Each capsule costs me 3$... here in Canada. My small budget just can't afford this anymore, even if i have a medical insurance plan. I have to dish out the cost before they pay me back and unfortunalely, at that price, i have to cut back on basic food for my kids and i....and thats out of the question!!!
For those who do not know about this kind of withdrawl...let me tell you this. I've been through broken bones, back surgery, pneumonias, gave birth 4 times...all painfull short term or long term...but this Effexor withdrawl is really something!!!
I guess all i can do is pray i get through these debilitating symptoms and never again feel this crappy....Ugh!
I'll be back and keep you posted on my progression. And thanks for this site!
I asked for more counseling because i feel 1 hour of counseling every 2 weeks does not help me a great deal. My doc said yes, good idea but...he
recently added a new medication to my current ones. This is Seroquel, 50 to 75mg per day. Dr. says this will help optimize the Effexor. What the heck is going on?????...How many more meds will be added???? Yes, i take these meds for depression...but i was not getting worse.
Quit 187.5mg of Effexor...COLD TURKEY...5 days ago.
Day 1 to 3...brain shocks and mildy depressed...but not so bad.
Day 4 and 5. Arrrrg!!!...Yesterday felt so sad...i usually don't cry...but i cried like a baby all evening. Brain shocks every few seconds and worse if i move my eyeballs. Stomach cramps. Dizzy. Feeling as if my brain is clouded. Return of panic attacks...but just slightly. Really weird nightmares, waking up constantly from these vivid bad dreams with pulse racing...i've never experienced these before.
Today, Day 5, was even afraid of getting out of bed...this is so scary!
(As you can see, i eventually willed myself out of bed and i will keep on going on will power to get through this!)
Thank God i found this site. Knowing i'im not alone helps a great deal.
I've got to get through this detox. I'm a 40yr old mother of 3 boys from 3yrs of age to 16yrs. Also raising them on my own. I'm going back to work in january and i really hope these frightening symptoms will be gone by then cause i just can't imagine being productive feeling the way i do today!
I've been reading about people who tapered thier doses of Effexor and it seems to help them a little.
I would of considered tapering the medication myself but the reason i went Cold Turkey is the high price of Effexor. Each capsule costs me 3$... here in Canada. My small budget just can't afford this anymore, even if i have a medical insurance plan. I have to dish out the cost before they pay me back and unfortunalely, at that price, i have to cut back on basic food for my kids and i....and thats out of the question!!!
For those who do not know about this kind of withdrawl...let me tell you this. I've been through broken bones, back surgery, pneumonias, gave birth 4 times...all painfull short term or long term...but this Effexor withdrawl is really something!!!
I guess all i can do is pray i get through these debilitating symptoms and never again feel this crappy....Ugh!
I'll be back and keep you posted on my progression. And thanks for this site!
Greetings everyone, thanks for this great site. I was searching the Internet for withdrawal symptoms associated with Effexor-XR, and came across this great site.
For several days I couldn't identify the sensation I've been feeling, until I read the term "zapped" and the symptoms which followed. I immediately called my wife over and told her this is exactly what I'm experiencing. I've been off Effexor-XR for almost a week, and have been feeling these odd sensations throughout my body ... particularly when I stand up, or turn my head. Now I have a better understanding of what this is.
I will write more on my situation, and what lead to Effexor-XR (from Serzone), once I know this post went through. I believe the information on this site is great, and most helpful.
Thanks so much for being here.
Warm regards,
Dave
For several days I couldn't identify the sensation I've been feeling, until I read the term "zapped" and the symptoms which followed. I immediately called my wife over and told her this is exactly what I'm experiencing. I've been off Effexor-XR for almost a week, and have been feeling these odd sensations throughout my body ... particularly when I stand up, or turn my head. Now I have a better understanding of what this is.
I will write more on my situation, and what lead to Effexor-XR (from Serzone), once I know this post went through. I believe the information on this site is great, and most helpful.
Thanks so much for being here.
Warm regards,
Dave
Greetings everyone, thanks for this great site. I was searching the Internet for withdrawal symptoms associated with Effexor-XR, and came across this great site.
For several days I couldn't identify the sensation I've been feeling, until I read the term "zapped" and the symptoms which followed. I immediately called my wife over and told her this is exactly what I'm experiencing. I've been off Effexor-XR for almost a week, and have been feeling these odd sensations throughout my body ... particularly when I stand up, or turn my head. Now I have a better understanding of what this is.
I will write more on my situation, and what lead to Effexor-XR (from Serzone), once I know this post went through. I believe the information on this site is great, and most helpful.
Thanks so much for being here.
Warm regards,
Dave
For several days I couldn't identify the sensation I've been feeling, until I read the term "zapped" and the symptoms which followed. I immediately called my wife over and told her this is exactly what I'm experiencing. I've been off Effexor-XR for almost a week, and have been feeling these odd sensations throughout my body ... particularly when I stand up, or turn my head. Now I have a better understanding of what this is.
I will write more on my situation, and what lead to Effexor-XR (from Serzone), once I know this post went through. I believe the information on this site is great, and most helpful.
Thanks so much for being here.
Warm regards,
Dave
I need help understanding the effects of effexor. My mother is 55 years old and her symptoms are about ready to drive her up a wall and me too. Her Dr. didn't even know that there was withdrawals with the medication that tells me right there that her Dr. is not very smart. I mom has been battling with this now for over a month now and not one Dr. seems to know what to do. Please I need help.
I need help understanding about the withdraws of effexor
Did your Mom go off the medicine....that is impo0rtant to know. i am the same age as she is and took it for 7 years. I gained a bunch of weight and my pharmecist said it was the Effexor...which other docs say wont do that I wen toff exactly a week ago an dbelieve me it was pure Hell.....BUT I feel so much better, lost a lot of water weight, and no more anxiety FROM th eproduct
if she goes off she should taper very slowly...Some people find that going onto Prozac when you quit effexor a while helps because there arent symptoms from going off of Prozac
The new information about the side affects of Effexor seems to come mostly from the users and the drs seems clueless which is so sad, plus everyone is different
My doc at stanford said i wont gain any weight but gained about 40 pounds....My appetite is gone plus craving for sweets so I know they were wrong
If she is suffering from withdrawals she needs to take a half dose and stay on that for awhile till she feels OK and slowly decrease
if she is on the extended release, she can guage by the granules
I was so pissed off about the whole thing I went off cold turkey and whoo hoo I wouldnt want my worst enemy to have to go thru that...you can wwrite to me at
lindamaupin @ webtv.net and i can write more if you want. You are a good daughter to search help for your Mom...bless you and your mom Linda
if she goes off she should taper very slowly...Some people find that going onto Prozac when you quit effexor a while helps because there arent symptoms from going off of Prozac
The new information about the side affects of Effexor seems to come mostly from the users and the drs seems clueless which is so sad, plus everyone is different
My doc at stanford said i wont gain any weight but gained about 40 pounds....My appetite is gone plus craving for sweets so I know they were wrong
If she is suffering from withdrawals she needs to take a half dose and stay on that for awhile till she feels OK and slowly decrease
if she is on the extended release, she can guage by the granules
I was so pissed off about the whole thing I went off cold turkey and whoo hoo I wouldnt want my worst enemy to have to go thru that...you can wwrite to me at
lindamaupin @ webtv.net and i can write more if you want. You are a good daughter to search help for your Mom...bless you and your mom Linda
My Dr. put me on Effexor XL to help with hot flashes. I was on Doxepin for 15 years before that. I stopped Doxepin one day and started Effexor the next. I went through two-3 months of hell. I know now it was withdrawal from Doxepin. The biggest issue I had was not being able to sleep. Life was miserible.
I've been having horrible Sweats for years and I thought it had to do with menopause. Little did I know it was a side effect of Doxepin and Effexor. I decided about 6 weeks ago to wean myself off. I was on 150 ml a day. I read about withdrawl symptoms and how to withdraw. I feel I've had great luck coming off. I found a small perfume vile and washed it thoroughly. I poured the granuals from the capsules in the vile. Used a ruler and marked every 8th of an inch. I've gone down 1/8th of an inch each week. I have two weeks to go. The first day I feel a little different but on the whole I feel so much better.
The biggest miracle is that I haven't had a "sweat" in over a week. This is when I felt like someone poured a bucket over my head as the sweat rolled and rolled. I get hot like other people but no more sweats.
I take a Benedryl to help sleep at night, maybe that's helped. I've not rushed the process and so far so good.
I've only been on since last December. I will never go on anything like this again, I'll find another way to feel better, I don't want anything controlling me like these drugs have for so long. I've had many health issues over the years and now I realize they were the results of Doxepin and now Effexor. Indigestion that suddenly started one day, out of character behavior, so many things. I've gained weight over the years as well. I hope in the next month to be free of these drugs forever.
I've been having horrible Sweats for years and I thought it had to do with menopause. Little did I know it was a side effect of Doxepin and Effexor. I decided about 6 weeks ago to wean myself off. I was on 150 ml a day. I read about withdrawl symptoms and how to withdraw. I feel I've had great luck coming off. I found a small perfume vile and washed it thoroughly. I poured the granuals from the capsules in the vile. Used a ruler and marked every 8th of an inch. I've gone down 1/8th of an inch each week. I have two weeks to go. The first day I feel a little different but on the whole I feel so much better.
The biggest miracle is that I haven't had a "sweat" in over a week. This is when I felt like someone poured a bucket over my head as the sweat rolled and rolled. I get hot like other people but no more sweats.
I take a Benedryl to help sleep at night, maybe that's helped. I've not rushed the process and so far so good.
I've only been on since last December. I will never go on anything like this again, I'll find another way to feel better, I don't want anything controlling me like these drugs have for so long. I've had many health issues over the years and now I realize they were the results of Doxepin and now Effexor. Indigestion that suddenly started one day, out of character behavior, so many things. I've gained weight over the years as well. I hope in the next month to be free of these drugs forever.
I stopped taking Effexor last Thursday...........Whew it has been an awful 6 days. Thank God I am feeling alittle better today, yesterday was hell day. My major symptoms were brain zaps, nightmares, agitation, dizziness, nausea, crying spells, confusion and ALL FLU LIKE symptons. I'm am ready to be my self again. Please can anyone tell me how long this stuff lasts. Thanks!
what is all of the side effects if you stop cold turkey?
Don't stop it cold turkey, whatever you do! The brain zaps feel like lightning racing through your brain and then your whole body. These are the worst side effects...others are irritability and vertigo (that I have experienced).
Even stepping down slowly has given me severe brain shocks (or zaps). They are so bad that I lose my balance, and experience them with every move that I make. They really hurt. I called Wyeth today to find out what I can do to help this symptom. I didn't get a straight answer...only "withdrawal symptoms" and "sensory disturbances." I want to know what is REALLY going on. I only got bandaid answers. I was also told that this is rare. From what I have seen online, it is not.
Does any one know exactly what is causing this feeling? Is it neurons misfiring or something else? I want the biological answer so I can find a way to make this stepping down process NOT interfere with my ability to function.
If you have experience these sensory perceptions, please call Wyeth and have them take a report. This needs to be added specifically as a symptom to the prescribing information. If I had known it would be so bad, I would have asked for something else. (I experienced NO side effects from stopping Zoloft, Xanax, and Cymbalta.)
Best wishes.
Even stepping down slowly has given me severe brain shocks (or zaps). They are so bad that I lose my balance, and experience them with every move that I make. They really hurt. I called Wyeth today to find out what I can do to help this symptom. I didn't get a straight answer...only "withdrawal symptoms" and "sensory disturbances." I want to know what is REALLY going on. I only got bandaid answers. I was also told that this is rare. From what I have seen online, it is not.
Does any one know exactly what is causing this feeling? Is it neurons misfiring or something else? I want the biological answer so I can find a way to make this stepping down process NOT interfere with my ability to function.
If you have experience these sensory perceptions, please call Wyeth and have them take a report. This needs to be added specifically as a symptom to the prescribing information. If I had known it would be so bad, I would have asked for something else. (I experienced NO side effects from stopping Zoloft, Xanax, and Cymbalta.)
Best wishes.
Look up "Gwen Olsen" on youtube or google video.
I ran out of my effexor xr three days ago and have been at EVERYONE'S throat! I've gone so far as to yelling at people at work, accusing my boyfriend of cheating, blacking out from anger, and bursting into tears! I was on prozac for four years and didn't feel that it wasn't controling my depression anymore so i asked for something new to see if that worked. Well...i don't feel any different. Other than, of course, THE WITHDRAWALS!!! Dizziness, nausea, sweats, feeling like glass is coming out of my forehead (?!?!?), EXTREME anger, and did i mention the DIZZINESS?!?!?! My heart also feels like it's going to jump out of my throat, sharp pains go down both left and right arms, and I feel like I'm more "crazy" than I was before I even started it! I'm extremely disappointed in my doctor for not informing me of the symptoms. Good luck everyone! I'm done with this medication. Nothing is worth this hassle.
OMG these withdrawals, even gradually, SUCK! Patients should be warned about them BEFORE every starting this RX!
Doctors, get a clue! This is not a casual drug! In fact, I think it should be a controlled substance!
Doctors, get a clue! This is not a casual drug! In fact, I think it should be a controlled substance!
thank you!! i thought i was crazy, because i have been OFF Effexor XR for 8 days (yes i tapered but not to the effect of titrating granules). anyway, i figured it was out of my system (the half life is 24 hours, meaning my body has long metabolized any residule components of the medicine right?) anyway, i just ran into an isle in Walmart today as i was experiencing the "walking zaps"... and was ready to call and ask for a friggin MRI to look for a brain tumor or inner ear nodule or something...i guess i'm just another nauseated passenger on this SSRI cruiseship!!??!
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