Effexor withdrawl and symptoms, please help _{Page 62 of 140}

Hello everyone,
It has been along time sense I have posted. I have been off effexor I think for 6 or 7 months. I stopped keeping track because I am so greatfull for not being a slave to it anymore.

I just wanted to offer words of encouragment to all. It seems like it wasnt even real, and now the wounds are healed and I am going on with life. I lost about 10 pounds, but no more then that. However, I can talk in full sentances, I can walk without feeling dizzy. I can close my eyeys without spinning. I feel normal again.

What worked for me was slowly going off. Breaking open the capsules and pouring them out. I also took a low dose of valum at night, to help with the dreams and dizziness. It really helped.

For those of you that have gone off and are still suffering with deppresion. Just because Effexor is toxic, doesnt meen there isn't anything else out there for you. Good luck in finding what works, dont give up and NEVER go back on Effexor.

Keep your chin up there is light at the end of this very dark and dizzy tunnel.

Best Wishes
Sadie

Kim, ask as many questions as you need to. My naturopath put me on 600 mg of SJW once I got down to 37.5 mg of Effexor (which I was taking 1/2 capsule in morning and 1/2 capsule at night. Once I dropped down to 1/2 capsule in the morning only then we upped the dose to 900 mg. The vitamins, B complex and fish oil (with high DHA - 750 mg I think) can be taken at any time. I found the sepia helped big time with the emotional rollercoaster that came with each drop.

Hope this helps.

Kerry

Didnt know if you all saw the top drugs for 2005 our favorite is #14!!!!!

#14
EFFEXOR XR
Treats: Depression
Wyeth
$2.6 billion
-2%

Looks like they are making some good money, too bad they dont have to share thier winnings with the losers of this drug!!!

Thank You Kerry!! I will head out to the store tonite, mabey GNC, and pick some up. Can't hurt to try right? lol... by the way which multivitamin are you taking?
Kim

I actually take the multi-vitamin for women sold at GNC. When looking for SJW make sure it is a standardized formula with 0.3% hypercin. I have used the GNC brand but currently am using Webber Naturals as they are the most reasonably priced (I got mine at Zellers).

It drives me crazy to see the manufacturer of Effexor have such high sales, that means there are 1000's of us out there dealing with this poison. Instead of putting so much money into this crap why don't they start investing in research to find out why more and more people need this type of drug. Oh to make me prime minister for a week......lol

Kerry

Hello Jami

As you know that I am aware if this thread for long time. Time to time I read few posts on it.
In reply to your email, here is my opinion.

You can try following medicines one by one with following priority.

Belladonna
Stramonium
Hyocyamus
Opium

Obtain the lowest available potency. Obtain mother tincture if you can or if you can't then obtain 6x.

Use one pallet as hourly dose. All these medicines show effect at 4th day. If one feels relief, next week you can dilute the same medicine to raise the potency. Each week you can raise the potency by 1x by adding 10 times mineral/river/rain water in a sample of medicine. This way you never have to buy the same medicine again.

I gave the generic reply to all the cases because each case may respond to a different medicine.

hello to everybody!

i did have a pretty good night on friday, though it started out a little tense. when i got home, my husband was in a big hurry to leave cuz most of the other guys in the club were leaving to ride up to daytona for bikeweek. he wanted to see everybody before they left, & he was rushing me; i started to get mad, (i'm still quick to experience irritability in connection with my withdrawl), & told him to just go, but luckily, he didn't listen to me & waited. i was still aggravated when we left, but once i got the wind in my face at about 90mph, i started to chill out. it's about a 1/2 hr. ride to the clubhouse, so by the time i got there, i felt great. we did miss catching up the daytona-bound group, but he wasn't upset about it. we ended up going out afterwards to one of our favorite biker bars right near our house where we know EVERYbody...everyone was happy to see me out, & i was happy to report finally being cancer-free, feeling better & getting a "boob-overhaul" at 45; (i have surgery scheduled for next month.) then when we left the bar, a bunch of friends came over to our house, & i think the sun was coming up when i finally went to bed. unfortunately, i had to be at work at 9am, so i was a little tired, but i had a fun evening, so it was worth it. then when i got out of work, my husband insisted i come meet him for a "screw daytona bbq party" at the clubhouse of another mc club right down the street from my job. saturday night was almost a repeat of friday; saw the sun come up again! i could've slept all day, but got up about 10:30 & couln't get back to sleep. i have found that i have alot more energy just since i've modified my E intake.

yes jami, riding IS alot of fun; i actually used to ride dirt bikes out in the country when i was a kid. but now i'll settle for riding on the back of our softail. besides, i can get drunk & relax! and yeah, it's also true about the harley vibration rumor...! ;-)

this morning i took 1/3 of a 75 with some applesauce after a 4 day hiatus; my last dose was 1/3 of a 75 on wed. morn after a 3 day hiatus. i've been hanging in there without too much trouble, except the irritability factor. i was a little bit late for work today (i fell asleep without setting alarm last night), my boss started screaming that he's put up with enough of my crap for the last year & a half, & that he was going to dock me for a full day for being a half hour late. well, you can guess that just about almost sent me over the edge, but at least i can recognize it coming now, & i can avert disaster before i have an episode! i called a few friends that live close by, calmly walked out to my truck, & dipped outta here the back way so i wouldn't be spotted leaving. i went to the bank, stopped for gas, stopped by a friend's house, stopped by this awesome bakery/restaurant nearby for some breakfast, then slipped in the back way so i wouldn't get spotted on re-entry! when i got back, i was in a much better mood, and (heh heh) no one even noticed i was gone! hey, i gotta do what i gotta do to get through this withdrawl period! i knew my boss would be the biggest obstacle in my recovery process, because he's a hot-tempered screamer. it's been difficult to deal with him since before i even got sick. sometimes i honestly think that the stress of this job is what made me get cancer in the first place.

alright kerry!! glad to hear your sex drive is back. that is one of the main reasons i've been trying to get off this dope for almost a year. i had a pretty strong drive before effexor took it down a notch or 2... i never totally lost it, but whenever i did do anything, it seemed like the intensity just wasn't what it used to be, y'know? i believe it was the first time i "quit" & started to return to "normal", i remember thinking "wow!! now i remember why i used to enjoy this so much!!" it was totally mindblowing! but then the other really bad side effects took over, so i thought i needed to get back on my med. so then it was adios to my short-lived awesome sex life. thinking about how it used to be, is a big part of what is keeping me going for the goal of being effexor-free asap.

speaking of which, doris, i know your husband will be coming home soon; are you getting "excited" yet?(pun intended!) i'm sorry to hear you're having crying episodes; i hate getting all "weepy"; i've been doing pretty well with that this time, so far. i totally understand about your hot flashes & night sweats; the med helped with that for me, too. (chemo put me in full blown menepause at 44) but i'll settle for night sweats & hot flashes over effexor any day! finallygetit says everybody's been trying to b.s. her into believing that menepause is the cause of all her problems; i ran into alot of that myself, as well as suggestions that having cancer is what made me angry & depressed. i know it's all a bunch of crap. i know myself, & i am still confident that after i am free of this drug, everything else will fall into place. i can deal with each situation as it occurs, & i'm sure that proper diet, vitamins & exercise will take care of the majority of issues.

but what is sepia, kerry? i never heard of it. is it something like a natural valium?

speaking of valium, i'm with sadie on that one; when i first started cutting back & had a hard time sleeping, i took valium. also when i used to have "episodes", i would take a few to calm down so i wouldn't go "postal"!

elena, it sounds like you wouldn't do too bad to try a valium once in a while to relax; you seem to be a bundle of nerves; a valium will definitely take the edge off; you'll be saying to yourself: "what was i so upset about???" but if you want to stay drug-free, i think exercise will give you the best instant results.

what's up with davef? he would probably do good to try our homeopathic remedy suggestions; i'm sure that when you're in law enforcement, you have to be in good physical shape anyway, and they won't tolerate any drug addictions, particularly as they are supposed to be example setters...

well, i'm going down to the beach to skate & get a dose of natural endorphines! (i'm becoming a natural endorphine "junkie"!)

may god keep giving you all the strength you need!

Ruthie

Dear Kim.
I read back on some of the posts and read that you had been dealing with some anxiety as well and were trying B vitamin complex and trying inositol. I have been on B complex but havent noticed any real help from it yet, and I was wondering what inositol is and if it was an herb or a vitamin...what is it supposed to do for you?
Ruthie, you are right, I sometimes wonder if I should just take a valium every now and again. But I just don't want to become addicted to it.

I have registered for a course that helps in dealing with Anxiety and depression. I am hoping that will help me take control of this and stop it from ruining my life and my relationships. I am so scared it will hurt my relationship, and he is the most wonderful man I have ever met. But I find myself feeling like I want to hide away from the world. I know this sounds dramatic but it's true. I guess I am a mass of fear. Which is normal with Anxiety cases. I have good moments, but the anxiety is in control right now. I want to get over this, and feel good again.
Sadie, it was good to hear from you. Thank you for the words of wisdom. And I hope all is well where you are.
Lori, how have you been doing? Are you alright? Write us when you can because we are here to help. Jami have you heard from Lori at all?
Thank you all very much for your support and for listening to me in this tough time. I know my posts are a little down but I appreciate being able to vent.
Hugs and Prayers
Elena

Hi Elena,
Yes I am taking the B complex and inositol. This is from the internet on inositol:
Inositol is necessary for the formation of lecithin and functions closely with a B complex vitamin, Choline. Since it is not essential in the human diet, it cannot be considered a vitamin. Inositol is a fundamental ingredient of cell membranes and is necessary for proper function of nerves, brain, and muscles in the body. Inositol works in conjunction with folacin, Vitamins B-6 and B-12, choline, betaine, and methionine to prevent the accumulation of fats in the liver. It exists as the fiber component phytic acid, which has been investigated for its anti-cancer properties.

Inositol is primarily used in the treatment of liver problems, depression, panic disorder, and diabetes. It also aids in the breakdown of fats, helps in the reduction of blood cholesterol, and helps to prevent thinning hair. A diet low in Inositol may result in deficiency symptoms that culminate in high blood cholesterol, constipation, eczema, and hair loss. Neurotransmitters such as seratonin in the brain depend on Inositol to function properly. Low levels of this nutrient may result in depression and some research has shown that increased levels of Inositol appear to be a promising treatment for depression.

According to recent research, the abundance of Inositol in fiber may explain in part why high fiber diets are often associated with a lower incidence of certain cancers. Although promising in the treatment of depression and high blood cholesterol, there is no significant research available to support the use of Inositol for weight loss.
I have been taking both for about a week and I don't know if its working or in my head but I do feel better. I take 2 tablets of the inositol in the am and 2 at night. Yesterday evening I almost felt normal. I am however still on 37.5 of the E until Friday, then I cut that in half again till I am off. I am sooo sorry you are having such a rough time, I know the feeling though, I have pretty bad anxiety and all of this really scares me too. I just started taking St. Johns Wart last night, so we'll see if that helps as well. I am looking for Omega 3 (fish oil) also but haven't found one I like yet but plan to start that also (unless it is going to make me smell like fish all the time, LOL...)I hope this helps. God Bless, We will all get through this together!
Kim

Kim, re: the fish oil....try and find one with DHA higher than EHA and preferably take the oil instead of capsules as it has more potency. I use Omega Brain High DHA and get it from The Nutritian House at about $22 a bottle, it has a lemon taste and you can't taste fish at all.

Kerry.

Hi Kerry,
Thats why I didn't get one last night, I couldn't find one with higher than 250 on the DHA but I only went to 2 stores and petered out. I will try again by the weekend. Thanks for the info, I don't think we have the Nutritian House around here but I will have to check some more. I did get the St. Johns Wart though and the Mulit Vitamin and started that last night. Keeping my fingers crossed !!Thanks Again,
Kim

I was perscribed to take 75mg of Effexor XR once a day about 3 years ago, my Sophomore year in high school. After a while i was jsut ignorant and noticed that when i missed a day i didnt feel anything at all. So i began taking 75mg every other day, without my Doctor's knowledge. About one week ago he told me that it wasn't a good idea and he'd rather me take 37.5mg daily. Well I have been doing so and i have to say i feel really strange. I have flu-like symptoms (runny nose, fever,pain in the back of my head, nashua etc.) I wondering if it is the change in dosage or maybe im just sick. I just got back from a little Spring Break trip to Canada that lasted about 4 days and maybe i picked something up there? I read all these posts and i cant help but wonder. Any input would be greatly appreciated

sap12687 welcome...I can say from my experience I didnt have those symptoms in my withdraw. I do have tension in my neck, shoulders, and back. Some evenings kind of feel sore all over. So possibly it could be some withdraw symptoms. If I have any suggestions it would be to totally get off of Effexor as I am sure you have read in these posts. I can honestly say I didnt laugh I mean really laugh and have happiness for 2 years. The other night I laughed so hard at my son I cried. It is a very long road to get off of this drug. However well worth it in the long run. Good luck to you.

sap12687

Yes, I recognize all of those symptoms you are having. Two mornings ago I woke up with a wicked throat and there was no initial symptoms like scratchy throat...you know that feeling when you think you ARE going to get a sore throat? Nada. Instantly I had a raw red throat with runny nose, etc. and I knew it was the Effexor cause that's how Effexor acts. Out of the blue symptoms that scare the heck of you......I have been a migraine sufferer for years and became quite depressed in the past 2 years and so they recommended Effexor and said, it will give you a break and you won't feel so bad about everything.....like everyone is saying...the best thing we can all do is get off of this drug.

You said it perefectly:

"I have to say i feel really strange. I have flu-like symptoms (runny nose, fever,pain in the back of my head, nashua etc.)"

I have always felt strange WHILE ON THE EFFEXOR. This strange feeling has been around me for 2 plus years but I thought it was how worn out I am from 2 full blast migraines a week that take 2 to 3 days each with nausea, pains in my head, neck and shoulders,
no appetite, etc. I fully beleive now
that the effexor has brought on MORE migraines, and more strangeness that all this time I thought was me. My doctor wanted me to go up in my prescription! Then I moved away and haven't found another doc and so decided I would taper myself. I went from 225 for 3 years down to 150 for the month of Feb and was planning on going to 75 for the month of March. I lasted about 4 days into March and then I got REALLY REALLY STRANGE and hearing sounds in my head and what I call my feeling on insanity (and I thought I was bad before). So it got scared and took 150 again the next day. The following dayI found this board and another one as well and I recommitted to coming off and went back to 75 the next day. Bumpy I know but I cannot feed that poison into myself anymore. I am going to do my best to hang in there at 75 to monitor. I have a appointment with a CLASSICAL HOMEOPATH (training is apparently much more through that regular Homeopath) and I know she will provide some support so you might want to try and find one if your symptoms are persisting. i wish you all the very best and don't give up! You didn't get sick in Canada on a spring break! Its Effexor!

Also a question for everyone. did anyone seek professional help in the form of counselling while depressed?

It just doesnt make sense to me because technically i haven't cahnged the amount of Effexor i take in. I shouldn't feel anything after going 75 every other day to 37.5 every day it just doesnt add up. I spoke to my doctor over the phone and he belives it is something viral. I'd like to trust he knows what hes talking about.

Hi Everyone.
I am deffinatly going to try the fish oil, maybe that will help out too! Thanks for your reply Kim. I really appreciate it! I will try these remedies. I know it is scary going through this stuff, but I feel even more freaked out that this is happening 6 months after being off the drug. I was told by a friend that went off anti depressants that it will take at least a year to fully adjust and allow your body to adjust to making these chemicals again by itself. That kinda makes me feel better because I don't feel so alone anymore.
Sap I know that you are wondering what the heck is going on with all these symptoms of yours, but don't worry. It is most deffinatly the effexor. I had the strangest symptoms myself when I was going off of it. Although it is alarming, just remember you can always ask any of us on here, and you can always vent how you feel.
Take care all
Hugs and Prayers
Elena

Well my son got the 911 hero award if you want to see you can go here.
http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/news/7977245/detail.html

Hi all,
Well one more day on 37.5 mg then friday starts 18.75 mg. I am actually feeling a little more confident about it today but that is probrably because I have felt pretty good the last 2 days. I'm sure after the drop I won't be so secure. Boy I can't wait until this is over!!! It's strange, you wouldn't think such a low dosage change would make such a difference in the way you feel but it does. My body still feels extreamly fatigued but at least the headache is gone for now (at least till friday). Tammi, that article is awsome !! How proud you must be !! Your welcome Elena, I hope it helps, seems to be for me. I agree with everyone else Sap, get off the Effexor !! You will definately be happier for it in the end. Mabey try some of the natural products we have been discussing, I truly believe they are a great alternative and they work!! I tell myself all the time, "How do you think people got along before all the prescriptions? Natural products!!" With the persentages they come up with for the amount of people with depression/anxiety they must,the world wouldn't be what it is today. No one would be able to concentrate/create and we would still all be in caves, lol.... Thats my thought anyhow. Hope everyone is doing well and keeping their spirits high.
Kim

Definitely do the fish oil, Elena. It's on everyone's list from the famous Dr. Daniel Amen (pioneering brain scientist) to my ex-husband psychiatrist to my chiropractor as important for healing the brain. I take three big capsules a day, unfortunately can't remember the dosage at the moment. Also, folic acid (which should be in your multi) is important, my ex told me a few weeks back. (He's a practicing psychiatrist/psychoparmacologist.)

I'm intrigued by the Inositol discussion. I have until recently taken a B-complex along with my super multi for women (Multigenics), of which I take 6 huge horse pills. I'll have to ask my front line nutrition advisors about this. And check the B dosages on this multi.

Elena, dear woman, I feel you on the anxiety front. All of you have my love and admiration as you do this anti-Effexor journey. Wyeth makes Chapstick, too, so consider if you're making them "rich" by purchasing that product. :-) Fortunately, I never really liked Chapstick as a lip product, so I'm pure in that department.

Laurel

Metagenics not Multigenics is the name of the supplement company whose multi and fish oil I use.

If I only had a brain that worked ...

L.

Laurel!
Thank you so much for your understanding! It feels so good to have someone that knows what I am rambling about! It is good to hear from you again. How have things been with you? How long have you been off effexor now? And what remedies would you say help you with your anxiety? Sorry so many questions! LOL
Anyway I hope you are doing well!
Everyone have a great night,
hugs and prayers
Elena

Help!!! I am having terrible migrains does anybody have this with the withdraw I guess I am on week two I feel like I am going to overdose on tylenol. The brain zaps are getting less thank goodness. Do you think if I get just a multivitamen that will help with all the other stuff?? Woo Hoo Sex is back and it is good I cant believe what I have been missing for so long. I had a relapse the other day I had to lay down and take a nap. Sometimes in the afternoon I get achey especially in my neck and shoulders, I hope I am almost through it. I told my husband the other day to get rid of my leftover effexor how easy it would be to take one to feel better when you were suppose to be taking it to be better. Funny how that works

Trixie,

Yes. More migraines than I had before....very sore neck and shoulders. Wish I could give you a remedy. Only thing that SOMETIMES works is IMITREX the migraine medicine but its ANOTHER DRUG....or Zomig...is the Tylenol working at all? Some docs recommend Advil instead of tylenol and I have noticed that it does work diffferently....Yes...get a really good multi- even if you have a pay a bit more IT IS WORTH IT...also I use a lot of ice paks or heat paks on my neck..
or Pure essential oil of Peppermint rubbed into temples and neck..keep away from eyes or your eyes will water like peeling onions...they won't burn but just water..but don't worry that will pass quick if you do get some in...I use the Peppermint for nausea too...IT IS AMAZING....I put a drop on my stomache and becuase I use organic Peppermint I take a lick from my finger after using it on my neck and head...people in North America say don't do this! But in Europe aromatherapy is by presciription and its OKAY...I have been doing it with 12 years of migrianes and I;m still standing...now if I could just get off this EFFEXOR!!! I'm so glad to find you all!!!

Finally get it.

Sap12687

We all want to trust our doctors and if you trust your doc with your heart that's great. but don't forget that something brought you to looking on this board (your intution probably not your doc) and so trust yourself too.
I read that WHENEVER a dosage changes in ANY WAY whatsoever that
there are side effects...so I find the best approach is just to keep an open mind and listen to the various opinions and then after a good meditation and hot bath I trust my
gut and it usually ends up being a combination of things I need to do rather than just ONE ROUTE.... maybe I just didn't want you to blame Canada for your flu? LOL and good luck. Let us know how it goes...Maybe you are one of the lucky ones!

finally get it here in Canada

Finallygetit, Thanks for the info I will try that, I have never had migrains until now, it sucks. I am up late again I just cannot sleep, I may have to find something else instead of the tylenol PM. I am trying so hard to stay away from the prescriptions. I seem to have more ailments now than I ever did! Remember we are all here for the support when needed.

trixie

Trixie,

Forgot to congratulate you and your husband for teaching your son about calling 911! That is so great and something he will remember for the rest of his life, that there are things we can do to help people in trouble instead of feeling helpless (which is a terribly big feeling for a kid).

I agree and bravo for trying to STAY AWAY from the presciptions. If you go to a health food store or maybe that is the GNC is America, ask about Melatonin - it is good for sleep without taking sleeping pills. You might want to reply to Dr. Kuldeep
and give him your specific symptoms. Then he will be able to give you a specific answer. I think he tried to do his best to answer everybody but I'm sure he would prefer a one to one basis. Homepathic remedies are AMAZING and change ones whole perspective on things....I've even met people who had kind of a pessimistic attitude be changed by a remedy...and they thought they were just 'like that'.
Good luck and thanks for the encouragememt. EAch day I just want to flush these pills down the toilet and just get through as fast as I can...but listening to everyone here I will continue with new routine of 75 mg.
When you were on 75 mg how long did you stay at that before dropping to 37.5? Thanks. Oh and don't forget the good old hot bath before bed to help you sleep. And children's gravol 15 mg chewables x2 or 3) are good for sleep. Better than adult 75 mg which leave a person feeling really groggy...
Good luck.

Finally get it

Trixie,

I forgot to mention COQ10 for migraines. Usually come in 60 mg so take 5 over the course of a day. This is also an amazing immune support and good for any kind of inflammation. And make sure you are getting a really good B vitamin and magnesium....this sometimes is considered a deficiency with migraines.

Okay I think thats it.