How long is Effexor withdrawal supposed to last? - Depression

DEPRESSION COMMUNITY

How long is Effexor withdrawal supposed to last?

Post a Question

< Back to Forum

591 Comments Post a Comment

Viewing 601-616 comments:

«1 2 3

Most Recent

birdie0907

Mar 21, 2012

OTC meds are not regulated in any way including claims, not even for dosage.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/11/23/frum.supplements.drugs/index.html

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

    * Consumers get constant pitches for herbal supplements as remedies
    * David Frum says a 1994 law exempted supplements from scientific review
    * He says people who try to be their own doctor take on unnecessary risk
    * Frum: Government should regulate supplements as it does drugs

birdie0907

Mar 21, 2012

I meant not even for purity, not dosage.

53177

Mar 22, 2012

To: vinogrl

omg !! i am having the same issues!!!!!!! this drug is the worse drug i have ever been on , i am trying to go cold turkey, and i just found out i am recently pregnet and dont know what to do , this drug causes birth defects and i am in the world of panic, please wish me luck

aggiegirl91

Mar 30, 2012

I was on 150mg of effexor xr for more than 5 years. Last September I dropped to 75mg without much issue (except irritability which I recognize now)... and then in October I went to 37.5mg. Since then I've become more emotional and anxious. It's been SIX months! ...and actually it feels a little worse now. I've also made some major life changes during this time so I assume that could make things worse... but is it possible to still feel withdrawal symptoms 6 months later?

sglgirl

Apr 02, 2012

To: birdie0907

Thanks for that Birdie, but I have not gotten "lazier" I am still very quite active at the gym and do watch my calories and types of food I eat rigorously. My diet has not changed much since starting the pills last summer, in fact it is cleaner than it has been in a while.

sglgirl

Apr 02, 2012

To: 4Maddie44

Well I am sorry that alternate options did not work out for you. I am like you though and do not like to mix up medications either.

chookie_troy

Apr 06, 2012

To: sharonkitty

I was on 75 mg for 3 years and over the xmas period due to sooo many things, had my dr increase me to 150mg - stayed on that for approx 6 weeks then back down to 75mg.  Decided enough is enough and began cutting the tabs in half.  After 2 weeks, stopped completely and spent 2 days unable to get my brain to stay at same speed as my motions: as in dropping things and reaching out to get something and finding i was at least 5 inches away from desired coffee cup or aplle or whatev er i was reaching for.  Of course the electrical sensations were awful and lets not talk about the crying and then intense anger.
I am now day 6 and have been taking fish oil and a couple of valiums here and there.  No 1 for me was exercise-outdoors walking and running amongst as much nature as possible helped alot.
I will never take anti depressants again!!!! I origianlly took for anti anxiety as i had been de frauded and court cases etc took 22 months.  So in short.....fish oil, valium for sleep when REALLY needed, exercise and lots of green veges and steamed fish.  Positive attitude that u are stronger than a measely little pill and support from your loved ones.  Good luck to everyone stuck on this ****.

michelabella

Apr 08, 2012

To: Tasha224

I am 46 years old and have been on almost every pill out there for anxiety/panic disorder since I was 22 years old. I went through these WD symptoms before, But none as bad as this evil drug called Effexor.I have only been on this drug for about a month.75mg and the side effects were unimaginable that its the first time I wanted off a drug so fast. I thought that after only 30 days I wouldnt WD so bad. So wrong.I opened the capsules for about a week then stopped. The next morning, Brain zaps,dizziness,Severe depression and crying spells,nausea.Day 2 same symptoms but worse with severe anger,restlessness and fatigue.cant function.Day 3 feeling the same except less angry just irritable.cant eat from severe nauses,zaps and dizziness. I had to work days 2-3.Only made through it by the grace of God.Tomorrow is day 4 and I think I will call the Dr.I saw your post and needed to share. Be very careful.I thought I would be fine while tapering because I had no WD symptoms but It hit like lightning the next day. I suggest only going through an expert if you want off this drug or else expect to take a week -10 days off work because it is imbearable. You feel like you have a severe Flu virus is the best way to describe it along with crying then anger. and yes,horrible dreams,and being hot and cold. God bless us all and keep a hand on us as we rid this evil drug from our body. :)

cathyt488

Apr 10, 2012

To: all

I have been on Eflexor for many years and recently came off it gradually with help from my GP. I really thought I was alone in my symptoms until I read all of your posts. Thank you for sharing them. I have been prescribed Duloxitine 20mgs. now for the past 2 weeks but don't really seem to be making much of a difference. I'm wondering if I should stop taking it? My GP gave me Zopiclone after 5 nights of no sleep and having hallucinations. I really screamed at her to give me saomething to help me sleep. She told me to only take them occasionally but I find I can't sleep at all without them. My main problem seems to be a constant humming in my brain that won't let me concentrate on anything. I watch the clock and look forward to night-time when I can take a Zopiclone and get some sleep. When I wake in the morning I just want to the day to go by quickly. If it weren't for my 2 Labradors I wouldn't get out of the house at all. I am trying the breathing exercises when my nose isn't blocked as I have a horrid cold right now. It feels more like the flu with the WD. God bless all of you and I hope we manage to feel better at some point in the near future.

angel21888

Apr 10, 2012

To: Lyssiemarie

This is exactly what happened to me. Went from a high dose then decreased to lower dose. There is a 25mg pill that I cut in half and take every 3 days. I have been on many different anxiety/depression drugs and have never experienced w/d like I have with this horrible drug. I can not get past 3 days. My head spins like I just got off a rollercoaster. I never ever want to take this crap again. It's 3mths and still trying to stop completely. It's the worse feeling ever. I don't know what to do to get myself past 3 days. It's crazy. ugh so annoyed....any suggestions?? I feel like I'm never going to be able to stop taking it.

Carriec13

Apr 11, 2012

To: All

I was on Effexor for 9 days and stopped cold turkey. I'ts been 5 days. How long do you think the symptoms will last?

cathyt488

Apr 11, 2012

To: Carriec13

I can't believe you stopped cold turkey! That is very brave. I have stopped for 2 weeks and still have major symptoms from WD. What symptoms are you having? However you weren't on it for very long so I don't expect it should be too bad for you. Good luck anyway. Lyssiemarie....there is no way to get round stopping altogether but it takes bravery. Can't you see your GP to get something to alleviate your symptoms?

hava

Apr 12, 2012

To: Cope with withdrawal

Some techniques to help you cope with withdrawal symptoms.
Follow the alternate nostril breathing technique daily(with eyes closed),described in my Jan 25 ,2012 post - this will calm the brain and you will notice the difference in days.The extra oxygen going into the left and right brain will help you cope.
Also do the bhramri pranayam, to tone down the vibrations from the brain.

If you have blocked nose, keep 3 whole black pepper and 2 almonds in your mouth, and chew very slowly.
Keep a note of what you experience, and share with the forum.

Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close little flap of ears with thumb,place index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.
Repeat this 5 to 21 times.
April 12 ,2012

patty2159

Apr 16, 2012

Hello! I have been following your comments for a few weeks now. I have been on Effexor for 5 years. I was put on this drug for depression and anxiety afer losing both my parents. I recently have been going to therapy to help me through some difficult times and the pychiatrist decided that weaning off the effexor was the best thing to do. I was taking 150mg 1x daily. Reduced to 112.5mg for a week, 75mg for the next week, and am now taking 37.5mg for a week which ends in 2 days. I have never felt worse in my life. I have the symptoms that most of you are experiencing, but I am unable to eat very much due to severe nausea. I am actually losing weight. I am so angry for the Dr's that have put anyone of us on this demon drug.I need to do something about it, so no one else needs to go through this hell when maybe there is other options.I read this everyday, and enjoy knowing that I am not the only one going CRAZY!!!!!

patty2159

Apr 16, 2012

ktmk

Apr 17, 2012

Make the brain zaps stop!!!!!!! How can I help it decrease or go away all together? Its been 4 days of 24/7 brain zaps. I have had nausea and diarrhea but those symptoms seem wonderful compared to this zapping feeling. Any suggestions?

browardk9

Apr 18, 2012

To: mles

Thanks for this post . I have been off Effexor since 3/15 and was wondering when I will ever feel better. Any doctor who says I am only suffering from the flu is trying to cover up for their dispensing a dangerous drug. I am keeping my left over prescription because I firmly believe there will be a law suit filed in the near future over this drug .

jamers33

Apr 19, 2012

To: vinogrl

I am currently coming off of Effexor XR and amongst the many other horrid withdrawal symptoms, yes, I have also experienced extreme bloating. I had been thinking that maybe it was something else, but when I saw your post I realized that it must be from that, thought it was just me!

jamers33

Apr 19, 2012

To: vinogrl

chrisss327

Apr 21, 2012

To: Everyone

I was on Effexor ER 75mg for about 4 months. After reading how long some people have been on this drug I feel lucky that I found out how bad it can be to come off, especially after long periods.

I eventually switched to IR Effexor as I did not want to worry about the extended release getting in the way of my tapering schedule.I went down to 37.5 IR eventually, and then slowly dosed down from there...and I have been off of it for about 4 nights now, and I didn't really experience many w.d., only when I tried to lower too fast, but luckly with the IR it is easier to take a small dose as they can be split up and it quickly gets in your system compared to ER or XR.

I have noticed some possible w.d. that I had not associated with the effexor until I read these comments..namely the nausea, although like someone else said, if you are OK with doing it, marijuana can defintiely help, although I am not as hungry during the day or get the "munchies" even much after I smoke. But it is a proven medicine for pain and nausea among other things

After reading about Effexor I decided to switch to IR because of how short the drug lasts in your system. The ER version takes longer for the effexor to get into your blood, however once there your body still eliminates it just as quickly, which in my opinion makes the IR easier to taper and then get off of, but I am not a doctor, I just like to do my own research into these things because most providers dont know as much as they act like they do about what script they are writing for you...ask them a question or two about it and then look it up and see if they were really correct..more often than not youll see what I mean.

But after reading about effexor, I learned that this is one of the main problems, its half life (aka how much of the drug gets removed from your system at a time, the half life is how long it takes for half of it to be removed). Effexor has a half life of only 5 hours, which is very short and why we experience such quick and harsh w.d. symptoms. It is actually the shortest acting SSNRI (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibtior, with dopamine reuptake inhibition at higher doses like 150mg or more I believe). That is not good, it is like Xanax (for panic attacks), horrible w.d. because of how short it lasts...Valium is like xanax but lasts much longer...comparable to effexor vs say prozac... which has an active metabolite with a half life much longer. In fact I have read that it is sometimes helpful to take a dose of prozac when you are lowering your dose or decide to go cold turkey from effexor. Unfortunately many doctors dont know everything about the drugs they are giving out because they have to know about everything...so sometimes we have to do our own research and then ask our doctors if they would try it or at least look it up for you right there on the spot.

I am finally done with effexor...and the damn side effects especially the sexual ones...no fun! I wish everyone all the best in trying to get off this drug and sorry for the long post...I know what is it like and I hope people will take some of the things I said into consideration, because they do play a huge impact on getting off this crap. Effexor is extremely EFFective (lol), but it also has the shortest half life of any anti depressant and is therefore very tough to get off of!

babawa

Apr 26, 2012

To: sharonkitty

I tapered my effexor from75 to 0 in 1 month. I did feel like crap for a good 3 weeks , now all I have are the brain zaps,didnt know so many people had them, or what they were.they get less every day.good luck to all.

sheeba188

Apr 27, 2012

To: Everyone

Hi oh my god i feel like i am in hell. i have been on Effexor xr for 6mnths.
After finding a new Phyc, he suggested that this proberly wasnt the right medication for me, he put me on Lamictal for mood stabilization, and then once i had reached 35mg i was off the effexor, well i feel like i am in the worst place on earth, straight away i started getting severe nausa, brain zaps, foggy head so bad i couldnt see properly and fatigue.
I am a super active person and the best i have done for 5 days now is walk to the toilet and back.
I did take suggestion from one of the other people on this blog and got someone to get me Vitamin B and at the health shop they also suggested Brahm, this is to help the brain zaps and the foggy health, well i am happy to say this morning i woke feeling better than i have in days thank god, as quite honestly i was ready to join my beautiful husband who i lost 16mnths ago. I too believe this drug is the drug from hell, please please anyone who knows anyone who wants to start this drug DONT. I agree with others this drug needs to be stopped and now.
Good luck to all and thankyou for your advice.

Laurie81958

Apr 28, 2012

To: sheeba188

I hope that things get better for you. I was on Effexor for 2 years and it took me 2 years to get off of it. The depression that returned when I was finally off was terrible, almost worse than the original situational depression that got me on the stuff. I credit it with saving my life at the time of my divorce but it is a very powerful drug and hard to get out of your system. I didn't have the nausea or headaches, mine was more of the severe returning depression and anxiety.
I definitely recommend adding the vitamins to your regimen but would also recommend marijuana for the nausea and general wonkiness. I know that's risky to say, but it is what it is.

Laurie

lancelot89

Apr 30, 2012

To: Laurie81958

After reading everyone's comments about the withdrawal symptoms they've experienced whilst trying to get off of effexor xr, I was right there with everyone. i was on 400 mg of effexor xr, I started to reduce my dosage in the beginning of march of 2012. When I went from 400mg to 150mg all I experienced were the brain zaps ( head zingers as I call them ), which in the grand scheme of side effects, really weren't that bad compared to what came later on. After about 2 weeks I dropped down to 37.5mg of effexor xr a day from 150mg, the first couple of days weren't any different than usual. On the 3rd day I started feeling like I wanted to make a toilet my new best friend. Dizziness set in as well, but I'm used to being dizzy since i take Neurontin ( it dulls neuropathic pain ); for fibromyalgia and it happens to make me dizzy 24/7. As I progressed to day 4 of just taking 37.5mg I started getting the chills and then what seemed to me (at the time), hot flashes a.k.a fever. Insomnia followed shortly there after. I weighed 120 pounds when I started to ween off of Effexor... by the time I was done I dropped down to 102 and I'm 5'7" by the way. the nausea completely extinguished my appetite, but I never ended up vomiting... ( though there were times I wish I would have ). I tried many things to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms and arrived at a cocktail of various vitamin supplements and other pharmaceuticals. Xanax ( to help me sleep ), liquor to get rid of my nausea ( which worked rather well, weird I know ). I also drank a lot of vitamin water which contains high amounts of essential B-vitamins, among other healthy nutrients. I bought tyrosine (L-tyrosine not d) and phenylalanine (DLPA) to help with my abysmal mental state. ( I would air on the side of caution when taking DLPA (( D/L Phenylalanine acid)) as some people don't produce the necessary enzyme to process it, which can cause an allergic reaction and possibly a coma if not caught early on ) which are then converted to dopamine and then nor-epinephrine which are two key neurotransmitters in how high or low a persons' mood is. Now i know most people probably can't handle drinking vodka everyday, as it took me almost two months to finally feel normal again ( and believe me, after two months of drinking straight ethanol, I still never go used the taste, and never wanted to touch the stuff again. ) Effexor Xr is the worst medication, by far, to come off of. It's worse then nicotine withdrawal, opiate withdrawal, and benzodiazepine withdrawal ( valium and xanax are considered the most potent benzos; and I've experienced all of them, ), combined. I also did some research on antidepressants and their effectiveness in treating depression, after the nuclear fallout settled; Mostly SSRI's and SSNRI's. Numerous new case studies and medical journals on depression, have come forward that provide substantial evidence pointing towards taking medications such as Effexor and others like it, actually cause a person to become even more depressed over time; ( the drug seems to inhibit the adequate production and utilization of dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter that actually works the best for treating depression, and the longer an individual takes it , the worse off, then before starting the drug, one becomes. ) an antidepressant that makes you more depressed, ironic huh.
I hope my many hours of research can help at least one person ease their way off of effexor. It may take a long time to get off of it, but it's well worth going through Armageddon for a week then to be stuck taking it for life.

Bashes

May 01, 2012

I am quitting cold turkey. After my horrible weight gain and no energy I would rather go thru the withdrawals. After reading many forums I feel relieved that I finally have an answer for my weight gain after my doctor kept saying it wouldn't do that. Good luck to all of you.

nitanz

May 04, 2012

I have just come out of hospital from needing treatment for effexor withdrawal syndrome. I had what you have all described times 10 my dr has put me on half a tab(10mg I think )daily prozac for a week then one every two days for a week. . Then off it completely I am finally feeling human again. The prozac has a long half life and this removes the effexor side effects completely. . Im pleased to say there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hugs to all fellow sufferers Xxx

annettetphotog

May 05, 2012

I started tapering off of this drug about two months ago and had successfully backed myself down to 37.5 mg and just went off of it cold turkey now on day four and I have to say that I have had tremendous success using essential oils (namely doTERRA as their quality far surpasses others I've tried). Frankincense is a HUGE help and has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier which immediately offers comfort from the brain fogs/zaps many experience. I use several other oils as well to help control mood swings, nausea and fatigue. If you haven't tried essential oils I highly suggest them. I honestly hope this helps others!

rkcrpntr

May 06, 2012

To: sheeba188

I am with you all. I am on day 5 of cold turkey. Had no choice my prescription was lost in the mail. Have taken 150 mg of Effexor XR for 15 years. Have tried many, many times to stop taking but my physician insisted I must need it if my withdraw was that bad. So like a good patient I continued to take it.
I too have not been out of the house since last Wednesday when the first dizzy spells started. Now it is hot flashes, crying, can't focus eyes, nausea, palpitations, panic-like feeling, headache.....I know I am just getting started on this withdraw. Thank God for finding this information. I thought I was dying or going crazy.

rkcrpntr

May 06, 2012

To: vinogrl

I agree with you completely. I am not the same person I used to be. I have gained a huge amount of weight and don't take care of myself like I used to. It has so many side effects! How do these drugs get into our pharmacies. It is as bad as heroine or cocaine addiction!

rkcrpntr

May 06, 2012

To: switchblademaid

I am on my 4th day. I too am experiencing the things you are. It is hell but I have gotten this far and don't want to ever do this again. I will deal with depression by exercise and holistic approach.
I am very angry at the medical profession for allowing these drugs into our mainstream treatment. This is no medication for mild depression or stress!

molly583

May 06, 2012

To: hava

wow i am off the meds for just 4 weeks i am going throw everting u just said i need help plz i been on it for 4 weeks how long will this take i have cider point coming on this friday i need better

hava

May 07, 2012

To: molly583

You have to follow the pranayam I have described, for 4 to 8 months, to feel the benefit. No phone communication.

rkcrpntr

May 07, 2012

To: vinogrl

I am on day five of cold turkey. It has been awful! Just started taking the vitamins and supplements and think I am starting to feel a little better today. I couldn't begin to drive a car or do anything physical yet. All I can do is walk slowly around the house. I have these episodes of panic-like feelings. Hoping they go away soon.
I wish you much luck with this journey. I know what you are going through. I have had moments when I think it would be easier to just take the pills but I have come this far and don't want to go back on that awful med.
Keep in touch, it helps to chat with others.

rkcrpntr

May 07, 2012

To: kdavey

Yes, I too am having panic-like attacks. I don't know what to use to eliminate them and would very much like some help with this too.
I agree with you that a physician will just want you to take Buspar or another anti-anxiety drug.

aprildenise

May 11, 2012

To: mles

My story is the same as yours except I think I might be actually depressed and need to go back on it. My timeline is the same as yours and I am wondering how you are feeling now? I hate the thoughts of going back on the drug and facing the withdrawal again down the road but I hate being miserable and unhappy too. The other thing is I cannot sleep at night and I hate lying awake for hours on end every night, which just makes me more depressed.

jtrotts

May 14, 2012

To: Bashes

I had the EXACT reaction as you. After being tested for celiac disease, etc because of extreme bloating, weight gain and loss of energy... I came to realize through these boards that it's the damn Effexor! I tapered for two weeks from 75 mg to 37.5 mg... I took my last 37.5 pill 4 days ago and am in the midst of the withdrawal symptoms. I couldn't fathom the idea of tapering from 37.5 as I just wanted this poison out of my system. So far I am experiencing dizziness, light-headedness and just today some nausea and stomach troubles. Wondering how long this will last.... How are you feeling?

redapple707

May 14, 2012

To: darkhorse11

I used the same method to taper off of Effexor (very slowly, granules at a time) and have been completely off of the medication since 5/7/12, I too have noticed I am more emotional and quick to anger. I want to learn to deal with the mood swings by myself but this is horrible. I'm not a pleasant person to be around, especially when my 4 year old decides he wants to throw a fit or not cooperate. It's taking a toll on my marriage as well. This anger overwhelms me and is not "me". Any advice? How have you been coping with the anger and mood swings??

wwwsafescentsbabycom

May 14, 2012

To: rkcrpntr

I am in that very same place. I had to quit my job... can't drive.... just pretty much taking up space. Have small periods when I can function and try to do housework etc but have to be where I can lay back down immediately without notice. What supplements are you taking? Please email it to me incase I don't see it here.... ***@**** Thanks!

redapple707

May 14, 2012

I've been off of Effexor since 5/7/12. I spend months tapering off slowly, by opening my 37.5mg capsule and removing 3-5 granules every few days. I really really want to deal with my anxiety and depression in a healthy, non medicated way. I had tried quitting cold turkey from 150mg and that did not work. Since a week ago I have experienced mild brain zaps and I am VERY easily angered. I have no idea where this anger is coming from.
My husband makes me mad just by opening his mouth, my son, who is 4, makes me mad...I am just not myself. How do I live with this? I'm scared I am going to ruin my marriage and my relationship with my son because I can't think properly when I get mad and I say mean things. I had to leave the house last night. Please help.

CarolAnn2764

May 14, 2012

Hi all, I wanted to chime in on my Effexor experience. After having been on it for 7 years at 150mg, I switched to Wellbutrin (actually the generic by Watson). I had tried to stop it cold turkey before with no success like most of you. Taking the Wellbutrin has lessened the withdrawal by about 90% I think. I'm on day 4 now and aside from those awful brain zaps I am doing really well. I tried the Omega 3 for the zaps and didn't notice a difference. I am also taking benadryl periodically. What I really want to share is how different my general outlook is now that I've switched meds. I no longer feel like I am slogging thru mud up to my shoulders just to accomplish the smallest tasks! And the sugar cravings are completely gone! In fact, I took a bite of a cherry pie yesterday and was so grossed out by the sweetness of it that I nearly spit it out! The farther away I get from the awful Effexor the more I realize how damaging it was. It is the worst kind of vicious cycle that the illness/medication prevents you from realizing how ill you are...So I want to send encouragement out there to all of you and impress upon you that the appropriate medication can make all the difference in your life! If you can just get yourself to that point, the rest will take care of itself. :)

Hasan2012

May 15, 2012

To: Laurie81958

Hi Laurie,

can you please elaborate more on the two years continues symptoms, I have been off this drug for almost 5 months and actually getting worse, started with noghting fot two weeks and then fatigue and then joints pain, sometimes feverish sensation last month I had sore throat and till now I still feel like a ball on my throat senstation. I did all blood tests, vitamin D was foind low but now normal THS is normal I m now thinking about having MS though, that so scary.. I dont know what is going on with me.

any suggestions?

rkcrpntr

May 16, 2012

To: Hasan2012

I am on day 12 of cold turkey withdrawl (withdrawal).  I have had a few pretty good days but still having terrible hot flashes and my head and eyes feel like they are burning.  After that I get lightheaded.
I also am feeling less panic but agitated.  Hoping this will go away soon too.  I have lost 10 pounds already.  So I too think my huge weight gain has a lot to do with the Effexor.  I have not started exercising again-have been so lightheaded.  I am thinking maybe it will help when I do.  Still taking the B vitamins Omegas and drinking lots of water and green tea.
It sounds like all of us are similar but experience different degrees of symptoms and the length of time the withdrawl (withdrawal) lasts is all over the place.
One more thing....I went to a website The Road Back.  They have lots of tips and encouragement.  I was so sick the first week I decided to order their vitamins.  It was about $125 then I asked for express shipping.  Another $33.  I have not received the vitamins yet!  I am really PO'ed.  My husband went to the Vitamin Shop and picked up some things for me.  Don't waste your money ordering from TRB.

jtrotts

May 16, 2012

A POSITIVE NOTE :  You can do this!!   :-)

Update on my own progress... went cold turkey 6 nights ago (off 37.5 mg), day 4 was the WORST for me, I contemplated adding back a 1/2 dose I felt so sick... after lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea and even vomiting/diarrhea, day 5 was better - just mild dizziness, and today - day 6 - I feel amazing (very very mild dizziness remains)!  Definitely notice my mood is a bit "harsher" and my patience is quite short with my 2 small kids, but I know I am over the hump of the physical withdrawal.  Feeling better gives me hope and promise that this nasty drug is out of my system... and I am looking no where but up from here.

Do what's right for you, as we are all different, but I did want to share my positive experience.... the last 5 days of quasi-hell are worth the payoff.   Hugs to everyone going through this.  <3

Hasan2012

May 17, 2012

To: jtrotts

Thats great thing to hear though,

I dont really wanna let your excitements down or create a wrong idea on your mind, but be careful as I had exact feelings when I went off this drug 5 months ago and the first two weeks were great for me but things bounce back to the point that it affected me physically.

one thing positive, we all are different and what goes with me not necessary goes with you..

take care and wish you the best of luck

leroy1969

May 21, 2012

To: cathyt488

I have been on this drug Effexor 75 SR for 8 years and Ive been cold Turkey now for week and what a nightmare literally,dizziness,nausea,restlessness,bad dreams,angry,crying if i knew this before i would have never taked this medication hopefully it wont last to much longer will keep a strong will I feel sorry for my poor wife who has to put up me while i go through this.

gmmw

May 21, 2012

To: leroy1969

Please do not go cold turkey, you need to taper off this drug slowly. It has been three weeks for me since my last pill and I am still getting the brainzapps and moodswings. I went to a doctor for supervision of my withdrawal 150mg to 75mg to 37.5mg I insisted that the 37.5 be in tablet so I could cut them in half (they make them in the generic) it took me approximately 2 months. It has been a very long hard road. What did help was Aleve, Omega-3, Vitamin B-complete and when things got very bad Lorazapan. This drug may work well for what it was prescribed for, however, the FDA should be criticized for allowing this on the market knowing what the effects were for withdrawal. Good luck, things will get better.

Cherryfae

May 21, 2012

I am 25 years old and have been on Effexor since I was 16. It was originally perscribed for depression after I had a bad breakup. I tried to wean off once in 2010 without any warning withdrawls I would have (Dr. never warned me). I weaned off very slowly with no problems over 4 months and my 5th day completely off is when the withdrawl (withdrawal) hit me. Had horrible anxiety and even fainted. I decided to go back on meds and just live with taking them the rest of my life. So I went back to evil effexor, tried different dosages, and even tried lexapro and zoloft to no avail. Now 2 years later I made the step to finally get off effexor for good because I would like to start a family in the near future and do not want to put my baby at risk. I still had bad anxiety that the effexor wasnt helping, so I figured it wouldnt be any worse off it. Been completely off now for almost 6 weeks! I was actually not too bad for the first few weeks, but over the last 2 weeks my anxiety has been pretty severe. Can't drive and cant exercise like I was before. And the dizziness is driving me nuts! I just want a normal med free life. Will I ever get back to normal and does the dizziness ever go away? I'm starting to feel a little hopeless and a prisoner to meds :-(

atennant

May 27, 2012

To: CarolAnn2764

I've been on Effexor XR 150mg for about ten years. Have tried to quit but the withdrawls were just too hard. I'm once again trying to quit and my Dr has me on 75mg right now. We are switching from Effexor to Wellbutrin and I agree completely that the generic Wellbutrin has helped SO much with the withdrawls. I still have a small headache and feel lightheaded but nothing compared to what I've experienced in the past. What you said about craving sugar really hit me. I had never thought it was the Effexor that could be causing my NEED for sugar all the time!

lola7676

May 30, 2012

To: jtrotts

Okay...i am on day four...now just dizzy....not as foggy and headachy...tell me please that you are still feeling better. No where in anything I read will give me a time frame. i just want to know that this will be over soon. Thanks for your post.

Viewing 601-616 comments:

«1 2 3

Most Recent

Related Discussions

Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms (62 replies):
I am a 47 year old female. Earlier this year, my Dr. an...[more]
Getting off Effexor xr symptoms (47 replies):
I have been on Effexor xr for 4 1/2 wks. It has done no...[more]
Effexor (35 replies):
Allmost Three weeks ago, I had elective cosmetic su...[more]
Stopping Effexor XR (44 replies):
I have been taking Effexor XR since March, 2005. I start...[more]
Effexor XR and Serotonin Syndrome (42 replies):
This is the first time I
Side effects of stopping Effexor XR (14 replies):
I,ve been taking Effexor XR now for about 4 years. I've...[more]
Effexor XR: Life without it... (42 replies):
Today, I decided to do a search on the side effects when...[more]
Effexor withdrawl (105 replies):
Anyone made it through the withdrawl symptoms yet? Been...[more]
WEANING OFF EFFEXOR XR 150MG DID ANYONE ELSE GET EXTREME... (37 replies):
I ALMOST FELT SEDATED IT IS DAY 5 OR 6 GOING OFF THE EFF...[more]
Effexor (40 replies):
I have been on Effexor for about 5 years now. Over this...[more]

« Previous Next »

Back to Forum