Effexor withdrawl and symptoms, please help _{Page 97 of 140}

I hope everyone can keep hanging in there and staying positive. It DOES seem really hard to do at times. I, too, find that a daily run or walk helps out. Playing with my 2 kids and being around family is my comfort zone.

The NY Time Magazine article WAS interesting. But the guy that wrote seemed like a pretty tough dude. I think if I had 2-3 weeks of feeling crappy and/or really depressed, I'd assume it was me and not the medicine. That's the part I'm struggling with. I think I still may just be depressed a bit. Or maybe even the slight tapering of 150 -135 started an emotional roller-coaster for myself.

If staying on the dose you're on for a while will get you feeling 'normal', I'd suggest doing that. Tapering must work differently for different people. Some may have actually gotten rid of the anxiety/depression, so tapering is easier. If the original anxiety/depression is still prresent (which is impossible to know, I guess), it seems best to get in a stable mood. Then maybe you stay at the dose for a month or two before trying to taper down again.

I still feel in a funk sometimes at work or when I wake up. I'm thinking of staying at 135 for as long as it takes to not have the rollercoaster of thoughts that I'm having. Thanksgiving week was a really good one for me. Of course, I had time off work and saw a bunch of family and went to a couple movies.

The past 3 days my mind seems to be clogged. Nights are my best time. I get home from work, involve myself with the kids, eat, snack, watch TV or do other projects.

And I sleep well. Usaully in bed by 11 and set my alarm for 5:00 or 5:30 for a morning walk/run. But the past 3 days I just can't get myself to get up. I sleep until about 6, then just lay there another hour....relaxed but dreading getting up. When up, I'm OK, 'cause I'm with the kids again and my wife is there. Work helps a little bit, because it's the routine I've had for a long time. And my boss has been great about everything.

Do any of you have the thoughts in your mind like you don't feel as independent as you once did? I've always been a little dependent on others, but I've also been the kind that doesn't mind being by myself. In fact, at work, I basically work alone and have always liked that. Now, I fight the urge to check emails, call someone, talk to my boss, or make long, rambling posts on a forum.

I had a time in college where I felt kind of like I do now. My girlfriend/wife went to another school. I remember not being confident or sure about anything and being emotional when a new week started.

So sometimes I think I'm just in a normal funk. And I have no idea if the medicine is contributing or helping it.

It's all scary and frustrating. I know you all can relate in some way.

Twisi,
I also have two cats and can't agree more about the comfort they provide when it feels nothing else can. Let's think good thoughts for each other.
I need to start thinking of it as, 'I can't let Effexor beat me'. Maybe that will get me to fight these negative feelings and do more than just want to stay in bed.

Mikemo,

Thank you for your honesty and 'harsh'ness, I will begin watching my copy of The Secret, that usually inspires me. The one day I would actually go out for a job and it's raining here in San Diego...lol.

Thank you all for your posts.

Loretta

Oops, I meant to type 'go out for a jog' and typed job...maybe a little Freaudian slip?

SweetLo,

Pleave forgive me for this, but 'The Secret' is exactly what you DON'T need right now. The people in your life are people with needs. The Secret will inspire you all right, it will inspire you to expect things FROM them.

Expect nothing, be appreciative of everything. And don't hold a grudge if you get nothing. Love Love Love. These are people. The Secret inspires you to take take take. There are plenty of inspirational materials available that inspire love. Skip The Secret.

(Now you really DO want to shoot me...I'm sorry)

Can anyone explain the brain zaps? What does it feel like? i think i am experiencing them.

No, Mikemo, I don't want to shoot you :-) I appreciate the constructive advice, as it's coming from someone who 'has it together'. Your wife is very lucky to have you there for your knowledge and understanding!

Twisi,
To me, they felt like a minor shock...if you think you're experiencing them; you are. They're like nothing like I've ever felt in my life. Not even a 'brain freeze' from drinking a Slurpee too fast :-) Hang in there...

Loretta

yes, had them all weekend. tried to move taking of 150 mg from noon to 4:00pm to see if sleeping will be better. not so. hubby and i fought all weekend. he is angry about the fact that i am not working. i can't . he doesnt understand. i feel so out of control. we had a huge fight last night. huge. i was crying and had to get out of the house so -- in teh Chicago freezing snow and rain I went for a run. it feels as if my mood is out of control.

I actually asked for divorce. i dont think he supports me or shows any compassion for what I am going through. He said he is worried we are out of money. We have been sleeping in separate rooms. The sofa is not comfy. My back hurts and the movies at 3:00 am suck. Thank god for my nocturnal buddies. Willie and Gus.

Camomile does not work. Tonight I did yoga at home because my back hurt so much. I am going to try a valerian tea.

I have an interview on tuesday - probably a good position, but I fear that this will force me to stay on effexor. I want off. I dont know what to do.

Christmas Schristmas. Not for me. I am so freeking sad, lethargic, my body aches, my head aches, i have constant vertigo and feel like vomiting.

Happy Sunday all.
Twisi (sorry for the punctuation)

How about just printing out all 97 pages of this forum.Penny

but I wondered if part of this sexual side effect for guys is to not ever really feel 'horny', for lack of a better word. Things 'work', but being aroused by things that normally would arouse myself, don't have seem to anymore.

I get horney but have a HARD time ummm finishing off, too many things going through my head.

Ok gotta go cool off & take a shower, music btw has really calmed my nerves.

Penny

Twisi,

I know how badly you want to get off of this drug. But maybe now, with interviews being scheduled and the holidays, it's better to wait until things aren't so chaotic? You're still going to have to go through things once you are completely tapered off of the Effexor and I just don't think it sounds like it's the right time. Maybe it can be your New Year goal? Hang in there!!! I keep chanting positive affirmations to myself. I sent my boyfriend the link of the Times article that Funkytown posted and am trying to give him as much information as to what I've been going through so he'll be more patient and try to be understanding. Geez, I almost feel like we should start Effexor meetings like there are AA meetings, so people can gather and support each other. Everyone on this forum has such supportive advice and remember this, you aren't alone!

Hugs,
Loretta

Hi I was on venlor 75 mg for 3 months I have started weening myself off as I was feeling really terrible on them. I am on day 3 of no meds and i feel terrible really dizzy terrible head things happening like a jolt or something and the only time i feel ok is when i am eating something which i know cant be healthy. I am a single mother to a very energetic 3 year old and really I cant go on like this, PLEASE HELP

day 4 of no effexor still really dizzy and have been experiencing intense rage, i have a funny buzzing in my head, hard to explain.
I put on a ton of weight whilst on this med and i feel really uncomfortable in my body, i started exercising today, just a little bit it was all i could manage as i feel dizzy all the time, even walking from the lounge to the kitchen is sometimes a great effort for me.
my mood swings are insane i can go from being happy to crying at the drop of a hat. i feel so alone even though i know i am not its just this horrid feeling deep in my soul

willowstar,

If you have stopped cold turkey, you are in for a tough ride. There is no telling how long this could last, plus you could send you system crashing.

With any medication stopping should be consulted with a medical professional. Slow tapering is ALWAYS advised. Here at this website we advise tapering even SLOWER than most health professionals.

The venlor (generic effexor) must be reintroduced TODAY. You can use a cut dose if you want, since you have already suffered for 4 days. I would recommend 2/3 of a capsule for 7 days.

That's 50mg for a week. Get you body leveled back out NOW.

thanks mikemo i did taper down really slowly and now am on nothing, no cold turkey involved, i am also taking ignatia 200cH and am getting assistance from my homeopath

Good to hear! Hnag in there!

just started taking effexor.. heard it was a 'zombifying' anti-depressant... is it wrong for me to want that? i really just dont want to feel anymore... so im hoping it has the zombie effects ive heard so much about. i know this isnt healthy im only 20... but ive been hurting for years upon years and nothing else will kill the pain...

Twisi
I really believe Loretta is right about staying on effexor it would be better for you to get a job first. It’s not going to be easy at any stage of life to get off it but once you have a job and give yourself a few weeks to settle in then start tapering again. Yes you will have to go through all this crap again but you won’t have to be put in a situation where your husband isn’t offering support, you fight over money, sleeping on the lounge, etc. All the very best of luck at your interview.

I couldn’t agree more about cats, I did have two cats and they were my soul mates. My first cat Milko got diabetes at 13 years of age and it was so horrible I had to give him insulin injections twice a day at the same time and after 6 months he started loosing control of his bladder and he was skinny and weak I then knew I had to get him put down. This was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do and I’m still not over him. My other cat Blackie who was Milko’s brother (both cats were from the same litter) I had to get put down in June this year he was 16 and I still think of him everyday and don’t know how to really get over the loss. My cats loved me unconditionally and can say without them being in my life I can’t imagine surviving. I took on board the full responsibility of owning my precious babies and because I had them relying on me it helped me be a stronger person but they also saw me cry continuously and they would console me and I really miss them beyond belief. I had them cremated and they will be with me for life, they are my most treasured items in my life.
Sorry to write about my cats it’s just that you and Loretta both have cats and it may help me somehow to share (but not whilst I’m bawling right now) as my way of dealing with this is to block it out of my head. I still even say my cats as if they are still here.

Funkytown
Only just read the article and I have printed it out to see if my fiancée can start giving me a little support. Cross fingers.

Any effects in starting the effexor? I can't answer your question but coming from someone who has been on it for 14 years (afraid of the withdrawals to get off it) I can say if I could go back 14 years I would never never ever take effexor, that is if I knew what I do now. I feel it took 14 years of my life away because of the zombified effect it had on me. I think the longer you are on it the more zombified you can become. I am not off effexor as yet but I'm hanging for the day I will be free from this drug. I truly believe my life can now begin again. I started on it when I was 20.

All my thoughts to all.

Mandy,

I feel your pain and know the heartache of having to euhanize one of our 'babies' as I had to do it to my Princess Coco last January. She was my German Shepherd/ Rottie...I know this is an Effexor form, but I have found comfort and acceptance through a friend. Visit www.petreader.com if you have an open mind, it can help relieve the sadness.

ahtibat87,
If you truly want to feel like a zombie and lose your emotions, Effexor will do it. Just remember the hell that all of us are going through...you too will go through it, so read ALL of the posts and REALLY think about it. The grass is NOT greener on the other side.

It's amazing, I've had a few friends come out of nowhere in the past couple days and get in touch with me. It's as if God knew I needed that. I had a great interview today, it's about $10k less than I'm use to making annually, but it's a job and would pay my rent and the bills. I think the best thing for me now is to create stability and not let myself think so much! My sister thinks I'm mental...at least my boyfriend and I are getting along so much better, that definitely helps things. I have a few canker sores as a result from being so stressed out, but plan on running or at least hiking when I begin to feel down. The last thing I want to be for the holidays is depressed!! I just have to keep telling myself to fight, fight, fight these negative thoughts and feelings! It sure is a lot of work...I'm grateful to all of you who post.

Loretta

day 5 im not so dizzy anymore, funny brain things are happening less regularly. still alot of crying but i think its healing I have hidden from so much of my past pains and am starting to realize healing comes from the inside out. I am busy looking for a new place to stay as I believe alot of my anxiety is from living where I am, as I recently experienced an armed robbery and really don't feel safe. I recently lost alot of money from fraudulence and that is stressing me out as I took a year off to study and now I have people phoning me constantly about outstanding bills. But I am learning to breath and not just freak out.I have given myself a rule 10 deep breaths before I respond, it helps.
blessings to all on this journey I think each and every one of us is very brave and with the help and support from others we can get through this

Mandy, Loretta, Mikemo, Willowstar, Penny, Funkytown....

You may be correct. My feeling is --- if I do not take advantage of this time right now then when will I have the opportunity to get off this crap without jeopardizing a job I do have?

The process is slow with this stuff. I know. I am an impatient person. I thought --- I go to 150, then 75 then 37.5, etc and then bingo -- Im done. Not so. I have stayed at 150 for three weeks now and just starting to level off with the help of continued exercise, supplements, yoga, meditation.

My husband and I have our days. For the most part I know it scares him to feel the pressure of a mortgage, car payment, all the bills - alone.

I spend all day sending my resume to possible job opportunities. I was up until 1 am last night and got my self so stressed out I could not sleep.

I am thinking of taking some money out of my retirement in order to survive without all this additional stress.

My interview went well yesterday. I have not heard anything yet, and my self confidence is so low I keep saying 'I know I did not get it'... Im not answering the phone. scared to death.

I want to enjoy the holidays. I really do. I just cant.

Everything sucks right now.

Hi.

Hope all you trying to get off are successful.

Just to update myself, after trying to taper from 150mg to about 135mg, I felt pretty crappy and depressed and emotional.

I've been on Effexor for almost 6 months, but have been on 150mg for only about 3 months.

I didn't want to go through the holidays being an emotional, up-and-down wreck, so I went back to 150mg for the last 3 days and feel really, really good, knock on wood.

After doing more research, it seems that most doctors, 'experts' and patients have found that you need to be on the drug for at least 6-9 months for it to work properly. So, I've told myself to see if I can feel good for another 3-4 months, and then maybe start tapering. I still have a goal to be off it by the end of next summer, but I really don't know if my original anxiety/depression has been 'fixed'.

I know someone very well who had a deep dive into depression 5 years ago. He was prescribed many anti-depressants over a few months, before settling on Effexor ER. After about 6 months, he started feeling good. He stayed on 225mg for about 2 years. Then, every 6 months he reduced his medicine by 37.5. Currently, he is at 37.5mg and is close to being off. He feels great. He feels totally normal and sharp and functional as ever. He is very grateful for the drug. I'm not saying everyone will be so fortunate, but there are success stories out there.

Anyway. I've kind of wimped out, but I need to make sure I'm stable over MANY MONTHS, before tackling the drug.

Good to luck to all of you. I'll keep reading all of your recoveries (you all WILL conquer it), and update you when I decide to get off my medicine.

funkytown

Nice. I think you've touched on a very important issue funkytown. This drug does help. Some people react differently than others. There is a liver function that many doctors check before prescribing an anti-depressant. Many doctors don't though.

If your liver doesn't metabolize the drug properly, or if it over metabolizes it, you can be in a bad way. For us, the liver test showed her to be a good candidate, so maybe that's why we had minimal problems getting back off after 8 months or so.

HOWEVER, even for those with properly fuctioning metabolisms, there is such a thing as 'too much, too long'.

Good luck FUnkytown, I think you're on a good track. Keep your head in the game and all will be fine, on or off.

so ive only been taking this for a short period of time but i already feel a little better... the first couple days i just slept most of the time.. but now i have more energy and im starting to se purpose in life again. not to mention, strangly, the large increase in my sex drive.

SweetLo, i don't really want to lose all my emotions and become a zombie forever... i just need a break from them.. ive had such an overload on emotios that i just cant take it anymore. i just need a break from it all... its a base to start on so i can be happy again.. i know that once im not as depressed anymore, i can switch back to my normal anti-depressants that will help me stay happy. and once im that far, im pretty good at using my own will power to get off meds and help myself stay happy. but at this moment, its al to much to handle... id rather feel nothing for a while than feel like dying everyday. im tired of being a downer around all of my friends... im sure most of you know what the lowest of lows feels like so im sure you also understand my decision on wanting to feel nothing for a little while. hope your all doing well though... have a great holiday everyone, im working on mine...

ahtibat,

Don't feel crappy for taking Effexor. There's definitely a chance it can help you and get you thinking and acting more like yourself. Over time, you may find you can ween yourself off it. Maybe you'll need to stay on it for many months or even years to get in a good groove. I'd say it's better for you to get stable than to worry about what it takes to make you stable.

I've only been on Effexor since July (at 150mg for almost 4 months), but my 2 cents is that Effexor does work.

Everyone's different of course. I've always been kind of an on-and-off depressed person my whole life (I'm 37), but through exercise and family and friends and my wife and kids, I just kind of lived with it. I have never been on any sort of anti-depressant my whole life. Maybe, in fact, I was never 'depressed', but I've always been the type who never was super confident and got quite anxious about going to school or social situations or being in work meetings or having to talk in front of people. I've always been somewhat of a loner, but always kind of liked being that way. I was always able to force social skills for short periods of time, knowing I'd be back, safe in my home with my music and hobbies.

Anyway, an accident I had in June triggered some sort of anxiety attack. It was shortly after I was prescribed Effexor to help as I was healing.

After many weeks of feeling anxious and depressed and feelings of not knowing what the hell I was gonna do each day or HOW I was going to do everything each day, I got out of the funk. At 150mg, I must say that I'm feeling really normal. I have yet to feel 'zombified'. Rather, I don't find myself getting stupid, racing thoughts in my head all the time. I can focus on things like I used to. I don't get worried about doing simple activites. I love my wife and actually am making more of an effort to let her know that. My libido definitely seems affected a little bit, but everything still works.

I hate that I'm on Effexor. And I hope I'm off it this time next year. But I've come to the realization and understanding, that I need it right now. I need to be able to work. I need to be able to enjoy the holidays. I need to be able to have fun and be a good father to my kids.

Of course, the thing that DOES suck is that I know my brain is getting used to the Effexor and needs the Effexor. So, like everyone on Effexor, there's gonna come a time when maybe my chemical levels have been fixed, but I'm not going to know when. So whenever I try to taper, I'll get feelings like I'm depressed again. Will that be the withdrawal or my natural feeling? Nobody seems to have a great answer. But why worry about that now. Just try to feel good for a long while. That should be your goal right now.

Winter isn't the best time for most people's moods anyway, so even if you were trying to get off anti-depressants, I'd imagine Summer would be a better time of year.

Good luck. Don't feel bad about being on Effexor. You're not going to turn into a zombie. You probably will just be less distracted. And that's gonna help you live your live more normally.

funkytown

Day 9 of no effexor

Im feeling really good, but to be honest this has been one of the roughest 9 days i have experienced!
I am still a little bit dizzy but thats it for the physical side effects.
I have more energy, I am not sleeping all the time any more and I feel passionate about my life once again.
Its all being done in baby steps and I am learning to not be so hard on myself.
My boyfriend has been incredible, I feel really loved and supported.

Hi there, I used to post to this forum when I was trying to get off of effexor which I succeeded in doing about a year and 9 months ago. I was put on effexor for panic attacks and it worked wonderfully for me but the weight gain was awful! I have done pretty well since with the help of a xanex every now and again but recently the panic attacks seem to be starting back up and I am terrified. I never want to get to the point I was at when I went on it last time, couldn't even leave my house. My doc wants to put me back on meds but I am horrified at the thought of all the weight gain again. Anyone have any ideas of how I can manage without going on meds that will make me gain. He keeps talking about lexapro but I hear they all make you gain weight. Thank You in Advance,
Kim