Withdrawals from Effexor XR help!

[zachsmom413]

I have been on Effexor XR 75 mg for 3 years. I also was taking 25 mg of Buspar, and Librax for IBS. I wanted off the Effexor as I was put on this drug without my knowledge 3 years ago when I was hospitalized. I never knew Effexor was so dangerous to come off.

I finally had the courage to get off of this, and switch to Wellbutrin. By Psych Dr. agreed, and we started the tapering process. Down to 37.5 of Effexor XR while starting 200 mg of Wellbutrin. Well, no problems at the 37.5. I was on that for a week. Then, I stopped the Effexor altogether last Thursday. So it has been 4 days. Still on Wellbutrin 200 mg.

OMG, when the heck are these w/d symptoms going to subside?? I am so dizzy, nauseaus, and I keep getting this "click click" in my ears all the time, lips tingling.. It is driving me CRAZY(No pun intended)

My Psych Dr. is on vacation(figures), so I called the nurse who checked with another Dr, who said my symptoms are "normal" and I should start to feel better in a few more days.

I even asked about taking Bonine(like dramamine for motion sickness) and he could not recommend it.

I refuse to back on this at ALL. I will suffer this out, but for how long? How long will it take for the Wellbutrin to kick in???

Any help??  

[zachsmom413]

Fish oil? Okay, I do have some. I will try it and thank you.

I still have my brain zapping going on today. Not fun.

[Paxiled]

My own opinion is that at least a six week taper down is best, and longer if you need it, but again, if it's going okay, then you'll be fine.  Try the fish oil, Nordic Naturals makes a good clean one, and good luck to you.

[zachsmom413]

My Psych Dr told me to stop the 37.5 after 1 week. And start the Wellbutrin 200 mg at the same time.

She is on vacation and will not be back until Monday. So I didn't stop cold turkey, I would never, ever do that :-(

I was just wondering how long the w/d symtoms usually last. On the "average". The brain zaps, and dizziness seem to be worse in the morning, and seem to get better as the day goes on.

I can handle these symtoms, it is annoying. And I certainly would not want to have them for weeks on end. But if I know relief is coming, then I will stick it out.

Thank you

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

If it is a very difficult drug when it comes to withdrawal and the ideal way it would have been for you to take the lowest dose for two weeks every other day before stopping.  You can stop your withdrawals symptoms almost immediately by doing that if you don't get relief very soon.  Wellbutrin usually takes two to three weeks again but that does not mean that it will stop the withdrawal effects.

[Paxiled]

Not the doctor, but never do this cold turkey!  Especially not Effexor.  But it probably will go away.  I also wouldn't have started wellbutrin until I'd finished withdrawing from Effexor.  Wellbutrin is a stimulating antidepressant and can cause anxiety all on its own if anxiety is a problem, not just depression -- not what I'd take when withdrawing from Effexor!  Try taking a healthy amount of fish oil, it's said to help with some of the head stuff that's driving you nuts.  And when a psychiatrist goes on vacation, he or she usually has another one on call to handle emergencies, which I'd say you qualify for.  Dr. Gould should have some helpful advice for you.  As for refusing to go back on Effexor, don't be dogmatic about this.  If the withdrawal continues for any length of time, or if it turns emotional, the best cure is to go back on the Effexor and taper more slowly (and I'd say cut out the wellbutrin until that happens).  Good luck.