Effexor withdrawl and symptoms, please help _{Page 11 of 140}

I think I'm ready to not be dependant on anti-depressant and trust that I have the skills know to recognize and work my way lows times with best self talk. I don't know that I'd try shock therapy. All seems to be short term fixes. I could always stick my finger in a light socket ;)

Jami, thanks for the nod on the sea bands...I think I will try them first b4 I use dramamine. The thought of putting another drug into my system right now just doesnt appeal!

Melissa, I agree with you about being ready to use coping skills to deal. No more happy pills - ever! Congrats on being effexor free...I'm almost there, another few days and I'm down to zero. Thank God for this forum and all of the ideas to help with w/d.

Hi guys.
I have a question, anyone can feel free to answer.
I am set to have a minor surgery on my stomach in mid July. I'm wondering if since I should be on such a low dose by that time, I should just stop then. I mean I will be drugged up with Painkillers for a week and a half so I shouldn't feel the W/D right? And especially if I am on less than half a 37.5 cap. Is this a good idea?
Any thoughts?

I have been reading and rereading some of your posts to try to get a feel for what each of you is like. I would like to make the following comments to some of you individually.

Regent - Thank you for thinking I have it all together, but I wouldn't have been on this pill in the first place if I did. However, I do love to give advice so maybe I will counsel you all. I sure have lived an interesting life, been many places and have done and tried many things, so maybe I'll share some of that stuff with you. I'm glad you are starting to have feelings again, I can't wait. I told my husband I needed to have a good cry. He was very perplexed.

Jami - It's okay to be negative once in a while - at least it's a feeling. Don't use the word unstable. Kooky, a bit crazy, ditzy, those are okay. One of my dearest friends has always called me her pal with all brains and no common sense. I'm the one who can walk in a room, look around and say, Gee, I'm in a room. I have some advice (ha, ha) for you about your bruising. I have bruised easily all my life and years ago a friend who sold Shaklee products got me on natural Vitamin C with rose hips. It really helped the bruising. It takes a while for the vitamin to rebuild the walls of your blood transporation system but it does work. Take 1000 mg a day. Don't worry about overdosing, C is water soluble and what your body doesn't use it will expell in your urine. The natural stuff is best to start with because it will work faster. After the walls of your circulatory system has built up a while, you can use the cheaper C to maintain. C is one of the antistress vitamins and it really works. B complex along with it also helps. This detox time is very stressful on the body, so antistress vitamins are a good idea and you cannot get enough of them through your diet. I can tell when I have not been taking those two vitamins because I do bruise. Also, I have been taking the combination for over 30 years off and on and I have not had flu in all that time. Nor have I gotten anything other than sinus problems and allergies. I truly believe Dr. Linus Pauling was correct in saying C was the cure for the common cold. I am taking 500 mg now but during flu season and when I am bruising up it to 1000. I should up it now since I have started this detox. It can't hurt. All of you on this site started on it looking for natural help, I have a lot of great ideas of things I have done in my life (that's why I have never needed to go on meds for my depression). I will share those ideas with you over the period I am detoxing with you.

Elena - Maybe your coworkers knew what they were doing. Keeping you busy while you were detoxing so that your mind was occupied.

Laurel - I love your idea of a retreat center (on Wyeth, of course). One of my fondest dreams is to go to one of those spas where they pamper you and make you work hard. My kids have discovered that one of the best gifts they can give me are massages, pedicures, all the stuff you throw in the tub to relax. My husband gave me one of those foot baths for Christmas that has the massagers on it. It is sooo great. My daughter is giving me an oxygen facial for mothers day the next time we go to visit her. My son sent green tea bath products. They are so on the ball. So all of you, treat your body while your mind gets back in order.

Melissa - Have you ever stuck your finger in a light bulb? I have accidently and it was not a pleasant experience. Doesn't sound like that shock stuff would be nice.

Bonnie - Did you say you heard the s word around your house. I hear it all the time, just not from me. I can't wait to get to that point again (my husband will be happy too) Even us old folks still do it.

I am up to 44 hours on my 75 mg. I have made a decision. We are going away next week and I plan to be up to 48 hours by then and stay on that all week. When I get back, I will start splitting my capsules. I see the doc the end of June to get my 37.5 dosage, hopefully I'll be ahead of the game. Today's new sensations are feelings being stung by a small bug all over my body and on the way to work this morning I felt all the cars were trying to sidle over and hit me. I kept jerking the car to avoid an imaginary collision. Thank goodness the girl I am covering for is back tomorrow and I can go home and suffer these in quiet without hurting anyone.

Got to work. Bye for now.

Hi Cat thanks for thinking of me. Just want to say that I am 57 soon to be 58 in June. Hearing the word sex is just about all I do anymore. Still think about it, but no desire, so I am looking forward to doing it rather than just thinking about it. I do not work, so I spend a lot of time thinking, which sometimes is not a goo thing.
I am going to buy natural vitamin C with rose hips. Any special brand that you use?
Thanks for the advice. You are a inspiration to us all.
God Bless
Bonnie

I meant to say that thinking is not a (good) thing. Also, I too have the feelings of seeing things out of the corner of my eye and I will jump back, but there is nothing there. This has been going on while on the effexor too.
Bonnie

Cat,
I get so much comfort from your words! I know all of us here admire you for your strength and courage. Good for you that you are on your way back to the you that you remember. I love your advice, anytime you need advice tho, don't hesitate to ask! :)
Maybe it is a good idea that I am so busy at work. It does keep my mind off things for a bit, if it doesnt overwhelm me completely! LOL
And I am so all for that resort Laurel mentioned. That would be a dream come true. We could all meet and relax and chat maybe sit by the pool (because of course they would have to have one!) What a nice thought. :)

Hi guys today is a much better day so far for me. Yesterday as you could tell I was a lil under the weather. I had this horrible headache and was so sluggish. I swear I finally laid my 3 year old down with me in my room at around 330 and we slept for an hour and I felt much better. I was finally awake at 530 pm lol. I didnt fall asleep until 12:30 last night though..what a bummer.

Today I got up at 6:00 and walked over to my grandparents house to have coffee. That always helps me focus and appreciate my life. I passed my grandfather on the way to his house, he was out feeding cows (now im gettin teary....) It just hits me sometimes that these people that I adore are getting on in age and their bodies are slowing down though their will hasn't. I sat with his wife for coffee (my grandmother died in a car accident when I was 13 my dads younger brother was also killed in the accident he was 24) but my grandpa married my old Sunday school teacher about 12 years ago so I knew her well and we all got very lucky. Well so did she my grandpa is in his 70's still has jet black hair and is the handsomest man I have ever seen at his age lol. Anyways I am rambling again today is great.

Cat thanks for the tips on the Vitamin C. I aggree totally on its value though I stopped taking it a few years ago out of laziness? Also echinacea is great. My older son has had allergy problems since he was born practically and his homeopath suggested that along with his remedy.

Elena I don't know if going off the drug during your recovery is such a great idea just because your body will be going through so much to heal. But if you ask me is it what I would do ...yes I probably would cause I am so impatient I probably would stop em and have the surgery. But do I think its a great idea..I dont really think so anyone else have an opinion?

Hullo to the rest of yas!!!!!

Jami

Shock therapy still exists. ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) has renewed use as a treatment for extreme depressions that do not respond well to other modalities. It's not administered as in the "old days." (Well, maybe it is in some places, and that's clearly abuse.) It does still use electricity to induce seizures in the brain, but the patient is asleep and well-attended.

I looked at the pamphlet for it put out by my health care organization. (Just for information purposes, mind you.) A woman in my depression/anxiety support group has had it suggested to her by her psychiatrist. It is quite effective for some people.

There are also risks, of course, and side effects, one of which is memory loss.

My ex-husband is a psychiatrist and although we do not have contact, I hear and read about him. He is an advocate of this treatment BUT recommends cautious use and spaces treatments out over extended periods of time.

Suffice it to say, it's not something _I_ would want to have. If you search "etc" on Google, you can read some stories of patients who have had this treatment. It has a horrible history. Whether it is a good alternative for someone severely depressed, I can't really say. I do know that everyone in my support group and the psychologist who facilitates it all are encouraging of J in her desire not to move in that direction. Also, I did work for a woman during college who had had the treatment and swore it made all the difference in the world. She was a very intelligent, educated person (Ph.D. in anthropology), so she must have been in a very, very bad way when she underwent ECT.

Having a dizzy day,
Laurel

Hey Guys, I am using the Sea Bands right now and it is making a HUGE difference! The dizzyness is gone, also gone is the sensation that my eyes cant keep up with my head when I move. Have a killer headache right now though.

Hi everyone. I just got back from lunch and realized something. I was supposed to have taken that 44th hour pill at noon but forgot to take it with me. Except for being a little hyper I was fine. I finally took it at 1:00 (so I am really now up to 45 hrs between doses - 3 hours away from my goal for the month!) but I have only had 2 brain zaps today and except for those tingles this morning and the problem in traffic, I have been okay. I tried to think what I did differently today. The only thing I can think of is that I took my cholesterol tonic this morning just before leaving the house instead of at night before dinner. I forgot it last night. It is a natural remedy recipe with normal household products a friend told me about that I am trying out. My cholesterol rose unexplainedly in the past 6 months and my doctor is threatening to put me on meds. Said my family history was probably to blame. But I''m trying to prove him wrong. That's one of the reasons I haven't been back to get a script for 37.5 effexor. I have been careful with my cholesterol intake for two years and it was going down good. I want to give this tonic some time to work. Anyway, I wonder if the timing of taking the tonic had anything to do with how good I feel right now.

I get my natural vitamin C at the health food store. Just make sure it is made with natural products and not with synthetics. Ask for help if you cannot find it.

All day long I have been humming a Beatles (I think) song that feels so pertinent to the joy I am getting from all your help. I can't remember the name of the song but the words sort of go like "I get by with a little help from my friends, I get high with a little help from my friends, do you need anybody, I need somebody to love...." I listen to an oldies station in the car and they played it yesterday on my way home.

Another thing. I told you yesterday about telling my husband about what I am doing. He did not sleep well and I suspect he was worried about me. I gave him some printouts that I had taken off the internet several weeks ago and told him to read them when he got to work. He called me about 10:30 and said "This is bad stuff, you need to get off it." I told him that is what I am trying to do but be patient. I think he finally realizes what is happening. He hates to take any kind of medicine, even painkillers and antibiotics and he had a problem with me to begin with when I started taking an antidepressant. He also asked me who made it because we own some drug company stock that we inherited. Wyeth is not one of them thank God, I would hate to think I was making money on my own misery.

Work is calling.

CAT...it took my hubby reading this website and several others especially when I showed him the petition I had signed and the comments on that site before he really got it. I think his words were "Holy Sh*t this is some crazy stuff I had no idea" or something to that effect lol. But just those you love knowing and hearing it explained several ways helps to not only validate what your saying but everyones way of stating it kinda gives a clearer picture of what you may be trying to say.

jami

Also those of you that may be having issues with not seeing your posts right away try hitting the refresh key next to your web browser to pull up the newest version of the page sometimes they arent set to auto refresh. Not that I mind if seeing it post twice, but incase your frustrated lol.

Jami

I'm happy to hear that people here have supportive spouses/significant others. I think it was Jami who wrote about having the hand to hold in the middle of the night. That made me feel warm and cuddly. I live alone, but I do have a sweetie on the other side of the country from me. He has been quite the rock for me during this upheaval.

When I told a friend what I had learned from the urgent care doc and then from going online, he told me I was over-reacting and to just relax and be glad I was alive. He couldn't believe I was giving any credence to Internet rant sites. He also did not believe that what I was experiencing was that bad; rather he thought I was making it bad by focusing on it.

We used to eat lunch together frequently. I realized that I could not be in his presence anymore while going through this process with Effexor. I have exchanged e-mails with him, but I know that I will not see him again in person until I am off the drug and feeling better. And, perhaps I will decide I'm feeling better not having such a non-supportive friend.

Laurel

Ohh Laurel I feel horrible you had to make that decision about being around your friend right now though I would have made same decision. It is hard when someone you care for and would support no matter what can not offer that support.

Too bad he doesnt go online and just type in Effexor brain zap or Effexor withdraw and see the hundreds of thousands of sites of people ranting. I am glad you have us and your rock of a boyfriend. I mean this medicine is so hard to go off of because the withdraw symptoms and side effects are like a double edged sword they are so much like the reasons we took the meds in the first place in some cases along with a few other nasty other ones that just make you wana grab the pill and feel even. I guess since we dont get a high off of it they assume it can't be abusive to use? Anyways youll be through with the nasty stuff soon enough yet I bet it will be hard to listen sympathetically the next time your friend has a crisis. HUGS!!

Jami

Hi there, it's Ronda and I am on another 2nd day with out any of this poison in my system and I feel like I have jumped out of the frying pan into the fire, meaning this drug was supposed to help me with my alcoholism and axiety but I'm in worse shape now than ever before, shaking all over, heart racing, blurred vision, numbness and now I finally know what a brain zap is. LOL I seem to be able to cope as long as I'm home but the only way to relieve these syptoms somewhat is a drink, although very limited. I am going to call my doctor tomorrow and see if I can't get something for the shaking and the heart racing. May God bless you all as you share your stories and advice to all of us who desperatly need it. Thanks so much!!!! Ronda

Laurel, I am so sorry that your friend is not being supportive. I guess some people just can't understand how serious a situation is unless they are experiencing it. Don't worry about him, just know that we all support you and so does your boyfriend.
Hey Ronda, you are doing great! I am so glad for you that you have started your detox! I know it is ridiculously hard isnt it!?!
LOL, but you can do it. We all can. As for the shakes and brain zaps, I found that an anti nauseant helped me, maybe Sea Bands would help?
We're here for you!
Michele I hope that your headache has dulled somewhat, thank goodness your dizziness has stopped though! I don't know about you but I hate feeling like my equalibrium is off! I feel like I can't even function! I won't dare drive, or even try to read! Thank goodness for anti nauseants!
Jami I really don't know if going off when I get the procedure is the best thing, but I'm really getting impatient! I just wanna throw this crutch Effexor out the window! I don't want to be on this even if they are low dose's. I'm sure you can understand my frustration, as you have already kicked the capsles to the curb! It may not be the best idea, but maybe I will be off it before then, who knows. This process is going slow for me, but in order to function at work and in my life that is so busy I need to do it slow. I can't afford to take time to just stop.
Frustrating as hell. But at least I've started! I'm proud of that.
Today seems like a better day. The sun is out, and the weekend is approaching, and I am so greatful for the support of my family friends and boyfriend. I know that sometimes they don't understand completely what I'm going through, and can't really suggest things that would help, but I am glad that I have their support. At least they aren't just looking at me like I'm nuts! Although sometimes I feel like I am! LOL
Take care all!

I'm having the strongest desire to eat chocolate covered peanuts right now. :-0

I won't, however. (Don't have any here at work anyway.)

Elena, I started 2 days ago taking half of the 37.5. I think that will be better than skipping days for me at least. I will do half for a while and by the way it is not really half, but I get as close as I can. Then I will try to do 4ths for a while. Then I will just say the heck with it. I wonder if withdrawls will be as bad as those stopping at 37.5. Time will tell.
Hope everyone is doing better each day.
Lots of (((Hugs))))
Bonnie

Bonnie I totally agree. Taking half the 37.5 is better for me as well. I'm curious about the withdrawls after 37.5's too! I wonder if it's as bad, I'm hoping not.
Eventually I will join you in saying the heck with it!
;)

I second Elena's gratitude for anti-nauseants. I was hoping not to have to go there until I stopped Effexor (only 4 more doses), but last night I had to get out of bed a take a meclizine. I just couldn't get comfortable feeling like I was in a rocking boat. And it was raining really hard so the storm on the water thing was too real. :-)

I slept well. I don't feel any nausea right now -- just craving those sweets at the moment -- but I have my ginger tea and my organic candied ginger with me in case.

I am feeling kind of trippy and have to really focus when I'm driving right now. I hope I don't fall off the exercise ball when I go to the gym tonight for my personal training session. LOL

Thanks to everyone for continuing support and understanding and know that I'm sending it your way, too. My acupuncturist said it was "so sad" that there had to be an e-support group for Effexor detoxers. She meant it was a shame there are so many people who've suffered this drug injury. I'm lovin' this list because everyone is so interesting and committed to pulling each other through this experience.

What's the best way to dispose of extra Effexor? I don't want to put it in the water system.

L.

I second Elena's gratitude for anti-nauseants. I was hoping not to have to go there until I stopped Effexor (only 4 more doses), but last night I had to get out of bed a take a meclizine. I just couldn't get comfortable feeling like I was in a rocking boat. And it was raining really hard so the storm on the water thing was too real. :-)

I slept well. I don't feel any nausea right now -- just craving those sweets at the moment -- but I have my ginger tea and my organic candied ginger with me in case.

I am feeling kind of trippy and have to really focus when I'm driving right now. I hope I don't fall off the exercise ball when I go to the gym tonight for my personal training session. LOL

Thanks to everyone for continuing support and understanding and know that I'm sending it your way, too. My acupuncturist said it was "so sad" that there had to be an e-support group for Effexor detoxers. She meant it was a shame there are so many people who've suffered this drug injury. I'm lovin' this list because everyone is so interesting and committed to pulling each other through this experience.

What's the best way to dispose of extra Effexor? I don't want to put it in the water system.

L.

I was signing into the forum today and noticed there is a counter on page one...14500 views of this topic alone! INSANE!

As for disposing I say we have an Effexor burning party lol. Or we put it in the mail (illegal) and send it to Wyeth and tell them to shove it? :)

love yall

Jami

Hi Guys,
I started to post yesterday, and was surprised by a visit from the kids that use to work for me at the theatre. It was a pleasant distraction from the ho-hum of my day. They seem to miss me and filled me in on all the latest city politics. Apparently the city manager was asked to resign and so the search goes on for a new one. Right now the chief of Police is acting City Manager. It is quite a little peyton place right now. Anyway...I know how hard is and how bad you all feel. I just want to tell you that you will make it through if you make the desision to stick to it.
Cat...Like you, At one time I was not at home when it was time to take a dose of effexor, so i had to postpone it. When I got home, I could take it, however, I wanted to see how much longer I could go without it. I took some dramamine, knowing that it would probably get bad. I made it! That is the day that I decided to go off completely. I was at that time down to 18 3/4 mg. After a few days of effexor freedom, and being able to function somewhat normally. I threw them away, never to look back. The dramamine and Chaser formula really helped.

Although I have a wonderful fiance', it was still very difficult for him to understand because he is soooo normal, and it was all so foreign to him. He just knew that I was strong and that I would do whatever it took to be the best I could be.

Laurel,
Any chance of slipping the effexor into your doctors water system? Just kidding!

Jami,
I feel like maybe I am filling this forum up with nonsense anymore. I almost wish that I was feeling bad, so that I could go along with everybody on this awful journey.

I just want everybody to know that you will get through this...It is absolutely the worst, and you may even need to seek medical help to help you out. I was in the emergency room twice, thinking that I was crazy. My stomach was so huge they thought I was pregnant. But now that I am off, I am so glad that I pushed myself and don't have to go through it again. EVER!!!!!!! I have alot of healing to do, because my brain is still adjusting to the emotional part of it. Life just seems to hold us accountable to so many things, that it is so hard to hold on to the joy in life. I am working on that!

One more thing Cat...
The song was originally done by Joe Cocker. I have the CD and I love it too!

One last thing...
My home at 101 Pleasant St, is quite an oasis and is open for Retreats. We have lots of bedrooms, huge living areas, and...2 jet garden tubs. Just thought I'd let you all know!!!!

Gotta Go,
Respectfully,
Regent

Booking flight on travelocity as we speak...lol jk..hugs to you Lori.

Jami

Regent,
No way. I do not want you feeling bad again, even if it is to go along with us on this painful journey. But you've been through it, and you have had your time of misery. SO no way you should go through it again! I am so happy that you are done with Effexor, and even though you are pretty much done the transformation, I still enjoy reading your advice and your kind words, so don't stop the posts! LOL What you write is not nonsense and it is very much appreciated.Besides, we all want to know how you're doing!! And by the way, your home sounds wonderful. I'm happy you've found a home that will bring you happiness and peace!
Oh and Jami, I'll see ya there, I'm using a laptop to write this because I'm on a plane right now! JK!!!
Hugs to all:-)