withdrawl symptons

[ashaa11]

Please does anyone have advice on how to deal with Xr withdrawal symptoms, it's been 5 days since last tab. Bad brain zaps feeling sick no energy hot and cold. I can't afford this time off work. I know I don't need these tabs anymore I'm in a good place in my life and am about to go through the ivf journey. Please any advise to control withdrawal symptoms. My doc says I have to persevere with them. But I need to go back to work.

[Paxiled]

I think I missed something in my answer to you -- I think when Prozac is used for withdrawal purposes it's only used at the very tail end of the taper from the prior drug, this is how it's used for this purpose.  There's a good book about this called The Anti-Depressant Solution.  

[ashaa11]

Thank you all I never got back to u after the docs, he has given Mr valium wich I have been taking 2 after 4 pm to relax abit I found they have helped. Today marks 7 days free of that horrible drug I will never go back on that again. I have noticed this morning I have no brain zaps so far I'm so happy but it's only early morning we will see how the day pans out. I have noticed I have been having broken sleeps the last 3 mornings I have been up at 5am 2 mornings ago I woke up with a blanket and a pillow on the lounge room floor I must have been real restless. Today I feel will be a good day and I'm hoping I can return to work Monday. My tention headaches have also disappeared which feels like a load off my shoulders. I can't express enough to day do not let you doctor prescribe this awful drug. Previously I was on lexapro only 10mgs that was a much better med for me it's only the anxiety I suffer time to time. I'm not depressed I'm very happy in my life

[Paxiled]

Although this method is tried often, switching to Prozac doesn't actually work very often.  I'm glad it worked for you, but keep in mind that Effexor and Prozac don't target the same neurotransmitters nor do they even target the same serotonin receptors.  This might work better if you had been on an ssri, but even then it's just a shot in the dark.  I'm glad it worked for you, but I wouldn't want to oversell it to people and have them be very disappointed as they go through withdrawals because they didn't slowly taper off the Effexor.  It sure didn't do anything for me when I went off Paxil, and made it worse, as it reengages the very serotonin receptors you're trying to get to working naturally again.  And it does nothing for the norepenephrine Effexor also targets.  Whatever works, but this method requires cold turkey off Effexor in the mere hope the Prozac will actually metabolize well in the person and that it will work, which is just guesswork.  

[abcmark]

One good way to come off Effexor is to transfer to Prozac (or generic) first and then taper off that.

But only do this if your doctor thinks it's a good idea.

I have found this worked for me and I had no withdrawal symptoms.

But the transfer and then tapering has to done with professional advice.

[Paxiled]

Let me add, many people have reported that taking a hefty dose of fish oil every day helps with brain zaps.

[Paxiled]

The proper way to quit these meds is a slow taper that suits you and only you, not some generalized schedule.  Effexor is a difficult one to quit, so I agree with Ruby that this doctor doesn't sound like one I'd want to do anything with these kinds of meds with.  Usually, though not always, psychiatrists understand these meds a lot better than regular docs.  The key is to go at the speed that best suits you, as slow as you need to -- this isn't a race.

[RubyWitch]

Good for you!
Please let us know what he says! Stand your ground
RW

[ashaa11]

Thank you I'm waiting at the docs now to say I've had enough and need some help I can't handle these brain zaps

[RubyWitch]

I just reread your post and fear I missed something very important. You stated it had been 5 days since your last tab and that says to me that you have stopped cold turkey. If your doctor knows this and told you that you just have to preserver, then I would strongly urge you to take my advice and talk to another doctor about tapering slowly.

I'm sorry I missed that..........please see someone else for help. You do NOT have to suffer as much as you are.

[RubyWitch]

After long term use of Effexor, you need to taper off slowly. It's possible your doctor has you on a too fast taper.
I would recommend you let them know you are having some very uncomfortable side effects from your withdrawal and are having to miss work.
Withdrawal from psychotropic medication is not easy and there are usually some side effects that, as your doctor said, we just have to push our way through, but a taper should not be debilitating.
Discuss with your doctor the possibility of slowing your taper down.

I do hope your doctor did not just tell you to stop cold turkey. If that is the case, please get a second opinion about the correct way to taper off this medication.

I wish you the best.

[ashaa11]

Have come off taking EFFEX-OR