effexor withdrawal

[andiamo]

anyone have experience stopping effexor?  I hear it's difficult.

I think it is starting to have a negative effect on me, so I am going to stop.  I will ask the research coordinator, but woul dlike personal experience if anyone has it.

Thanks

[AWorriedMom]

I weaned off Effexor and it was not fun. But it is doable. They actually make the pills in 37.5 mgs to make it easier. Follow your doctor's directions explicitly. I found that the first few weeks were easy but when I got down to every other day, it became hard. My doc worked with me to take some extra time at the end. My symptoms towards the end were agitation, anxiety and sleeplessness. By taking the lowest dose every third day for three weeks, I was able to get off with no more symptoms.

[McGirl555]

Hi Andiamo,

I took Effexor for 1 yr, 3 months. The first year, great results. The second year (well, 3 months of the second year) exactly the opposite and even more depressed than before I started Effexor. I really don't like this drug. I can't speak to weaning off of it because I stopped, full stop. I didn't even try to wean off of it. I threw myself down the marble steps of a subway stop and don't remember doing it. I just remember people crowding around me and then waking up in the hospital. After I stopped, I had nightmares, sleep paralysis, night sweats, you name it. It was everything but easy.

Again, I really, really do not like Effexor. I don't think it should be prescribed for anyone, ever. Possibly, you could get something for anxiety while you are weaning off. If you are prescribed a benzodiazepine, Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, any diazepam or clonazepam product, please don't take it more than a couple of weeks. Highly, highly addictive. If you have an addictive component to your personality, don't take benzos at all.

My heart goes out to you. It's difficult. You'll make it!

[AWorriedMom]

I had a hard time getting off. My main symptom was severe anxiety. I found that if I reduced my dosage by 37.5 mgs for 2 weeks, and kept doing that, going down to the next lowest dosage for 2 weeks,  I could then go to every other day with a very low dose (sorry can't remember the dosage) for two weeks and then every third day for two weeks, then I was able to stop.Good luck.

[jayraycee]

I was crying when I read your post. I am very afraid and on day 13. 5 days ago, to add to my torture, the night mares started. I was afraid it was just my own anxiety. Your post helped me! It's hard to see any dang light at the end this tunnel! I hope you are doing well! Thanks! :)

[Eeka421]

Approximately one-year ago my psychiatrist and insurance company had a falling out and I had to begin getting my meds from my primary doctor.  I was on 20mg Lexapro and 2mg Abilify.  At some point I was staying in bed too much and felt an adjustment was needed.  About 8 months ago he placed me on 150mg Effexor XR.  My husband and I decided we are ready to have children so my doctor and I set up a titration schedule, one week of 75mg then one week of 37.5...way too fast!  Within the first week I had the "brain zaps" - which at first were just annoying then I thought they would never end.  I had almost uncontrollable periods where I was about to burst into tears for no reason - and did sometimes.  I was absent-minded.  I started having nightmares - which I have never had in my life.  Day four without the medication I went to my primary and talked about this insanity.  He suggested I go back on and titrate more slowly and I said no way was I putting that toxin back in my body - I am in this for the long haul.  He prescribed me a high blood pressure med, which I have naturally low blood pressure - needless to say I only took this two times and the third day my BP was 79/49 without one.  Fortunately or unfortunately I came down with the flu, strep throat and an upper respiratroy infection on day 14 - that week my physical health symptoms trumped the WD symptoms.  However, Sunday was day 21 without the Effexor and my second day feeling human after my sickness.  The "brain zaps" appear to be gone, but I had a nightmare.  I think I am coming out of the woods.  During the first week I found your posts about this same issue and they helped me out so much - as I realized I wasn't alone and there were encouraging statements to hang on.  I cried every time I read them, but I kept reading for hope and understanding.  It's day 23 and I am finally hopeful I am coming out of the woods.  I also know that everyone is different and will go through the WD at their pace.  For anyone else who is scared...it will pass.  I think this drug is kind of evil and I will never put it back in my body.  Thanks for your experiences and don't give up!

[merryBe]

I would eith get a pill cutter for a buck, and quarter your pills...then go 3/4 dose 1/2 dose and 1/4 dose for at least 2 or 3 weeks each dosage....

or I'd get the docs to write you a script to pare back in similar manner. to not ease off can have you messed up and in tears for weeks....the brain builds up the drug...and then abruptly stopping really messes with it.

If you do a slow withdrawing you should be fine.
When my doctor took me off trazedone abruptly it really messed me up...I was crying over everything for 3 weeks straight and with no idea why (until it finally dawned on me...thank you brain fog)....they are not supposed to do this to patients, as even the milder antidepressants really do alter brain chemistry, but she was not thinking either.

[Andiamo1]

My original post was a year ago.  It took me a few months to finally get over the withdrawal.   I have talked to a number of people since then and most have a hard time stopping.  Even on treatment, I felt much better when I stopped.

[mar148]

Oh, I did half dose for a week and then quit, maybe you should rachet down slower.  It was not hell at all.

[mar148]

I recently quit effexor, I was on 100mg per day.  I really felt less tired, since it has made me a bit tired.  I did have a little dizziness which went away after a couple of weeks.  I feel much better off.

[mremeet]

Until recently I had never used any A/D's in my life, but I decided to try them during my tx. I took lexapro and it didn't do anything so I tried effexor instead. Effexor didn't seem to do a whole lot either. But when I came off of it after I stopped tx, it was hellish. And I tapered and tapered and tapered my dose down to almost nothing over a long period of time, and I still had a bad time of it. I even took the 37.5's and broke them in half and then started taking a half of one pill every other day for a week or two and then one every two days for a week and then every three days and so on. I mean a LONG slow taper, and even then I had to pay a penance when I finally quit the f*ckers cold turkey. Those things were more trouble than they were worth by a long shot.

Anyway, watch yourself coming off them. Even with the post tx "Yay, I'm on my way to SVR!" euphoria, effexor withdrawal can make for a bummer scene with a capital B. So keep the firearms locked up and make sure your wife knows what's going on so she can keep an eye on you. Probably wont be THAT bad, but you never know, everyone's different. You came this far, don't want to blow it now on a stupid A/D withdrawal if you know what I mean.

[Fatnugly]

My partner has taken Effexor for the last 2-3 as treatment for mild OCD and overall it's been very effective. We recently discovered though that her blood pressure was seriously elevated. She was convinced that Effexor SR was the culprit so she immediately sought help to ween herself off. She went through a month or so of gradual reduction, which was awful for her, and it's been a further 5 weeks since she took her last dose and the withdrawal symptoms are still absolutley horendous. Severe and constant nausea being the biggest issue. I had originaly hoped that she'd go back onto it once the blood pressure leveled out but not now - having witnessed the suffering she's gone through over the last two months - there's just no way!! Her blood pressure is back to normal now but I don't understand how a drug that causes such crippling withdrawal symptoms can be legal?! The fact that it "works", in my opinion, simply isn't enough. She's fortunate to have such strength of character to stay the course and get through this nightmare but I wonder how many try to quit and fail?  For anyone reading this who's thinking of taking Effexor - think again.  

[ladybug52]

After looking at sides of Effexor I decided to look up Serzone.
Read this:
On 10/02/2003 Bristol-Myers Squibb announced: "It has come to the attention of Health Canada that nefazodone (Serzone) has been associated with adverse hepatic events including liver failure requiring transplantation in Canada. Following discussions with Health Canada, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada has decided to discontinue sales of nefazodone, effective November 27, 2003.".

Why didn't I know about this sooner?? Why doesn't anybody ever tell me anything? :) I think I took it in 2002 for about 4weeks.
It's two predominant side efeects, nausea and dizziness were awful for me, but I kept plugging away trying to take it to feel better. I had a little taste of feeling better with effexor, but it caused those premature you-know what's, (obviously JK as I am ladybug, not manlybug)
Actually Effexor gave me muscle twitches while I was trying to fall asleep and it was driving me crazier. To me, it was like taking a mild stimulant, not a feeling I need any more of than nature already gave me.
Hugs,
bug

[stangshelly]

I have been on effexor 75 mg for a least a year or more. My brother was on this also and decided to come off it and had a really hard time. I know that lexapro is in the same family as effexor and my hubby went off of the lexapro and he was miserable! You just need to find the right one that will help you come off the effexor,frankly I am not planning on going off any meds for some time after tx.

[andiamo]

Thank you so much for all the input.  I have reduced the dose and I feel better already.  This is one of the worst ADs I have ever tried.  If I need to go back on one, I will use Lexapro.  It has nasty side effects, but reduced my irratibility.  I actually went a week without giving anyone the finger:).

My stomach is more settled now and I am sleeping better; the more I reduce the dose, the better I am feeling.  I worry about my wife; I love her more than anything in the world, but that doesn't stop me from picking on her when I take my shot.  She is wonderful about it, since she knows how much I love her and that only makes me feel worse with all the guilt.

In the computer industry there is a joke about an onosecond!  That is the moment when you realize you hit the delete key, but did not mean it, but too late!  That is what I feel when I say something mean to my wife.  I can't take it back no matter what I do and I can't stop myself from doing it again unless I take an AD.

When I am not on treatment, I never behave like this.

[orphanedhawk]

My doc recommended the effexor because it wouldn't put me to sleep like the paxil did. They are quick to prescribe all kinds of drugs to deal with the sideeffects of tx but I would feel like a time bomb if I took everything they've given me !  And I certianly don't want any more twitchy mucsle pains.
   I don't know, I quess I'd rather be difficult and mouthy than comatose.  I'm trying to stay mindful of my actions and not explode on anyone else.( Though my sister deserved it)    hugs,  oh

[orphanedhawk]

Hi bug,
   I think my favorite liverhead suggested the effexor just to cover all bases. The reason he mentioned that one is it doesn't cause fatigue.  I am hoping by lowering the neup and interferon, I'll be a nicer person to be around. I really don't want to use AD's. I just keep puffing and I'm usually okay;)

[FullOfHope77]

I went through 48 weeks std tx and used 1/2 (5mg) of Lexipro and seemed to do the trick... Effexor seems to scare me as I watch my girl friend coming off of it and seems to zap her energy. I'm sure she will energize in a few more weeks... seems you only need enough SSRI to keep you from 'going to the dark side'... JMHO

[ladybug52]

For me I think taking the Effexor was worse than getting off of it. It had sides that were not listed but I know was caused by the Effexor.
It's website is scary to read and it says do not take if you have cirrohosis.
I take an a/d, but it's surprising that I tried again after Effexor (and Serzone a really bad A/D I think they took it off the market.)
OH, everyone's different, and it works for several people, but not for me. Why did he think it was a good choice? Most of the sides sound like the same sides you already have:
Nausea                              Loss of appetite  
Nervousness                       Dizziness  
Sleepiness                         Insomnia  
Abnormal ejaculation           Abnormal vision                  
Constipation                        Gas
Sweating                            Dry mouth
Confusion/agitation               Tremor
Yawning

Well, maybe not the 4th one down on the left!
Hugs, Bug

[orphanedhawk]

THANK YOU.
     I saw my doc last week and told him I was losing it. He gave me a script for effexor. I really have resisted taking ADs. You just gave me more impetus to keep away from them.  For me, the timing of this post, couldn't be better. Thanks.

[andiamo]

I was told the same thing about effexor.

[Terrylee8]

I told that effexor is by far and away the worst of the worst to come off

[zoomom]

one more thing, they put me on effexor because the "other" ad was too hard to quit...

[andiamo]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to reduce the dose today.  

[zoomom]

I'm not up to a lot of detail, mostly because I spent the last two days in mental agony, in my room with darkness...It has been 1.5 yrs since tx stopped, and I have tried to stop the AD's several times, finally had to see a psychiatrist to figure out a plan...it hasn't worked.  I give up on the medical profession and meds...tried their way, no luck.  They say I must have had problems (mental, inherited, etc) that were not a "problem' to me, until the tx and AD's...  I have been completely off effexor now for a couple weeks (not really sure), I did the reducing, etc, etc, etc, I still have the "neurological withdrawal symptoms" that the shrink said would be "minor"...yea right...

anyway, I would rather die of liver disease than be in this hell...but I have made my choices...but I will NEVER undergo any "medical" txs again, for any reason.  My very honest opinion, about myself only..