Effexor withdrawl and symptoms, please help _{Page 98 of 140}

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

Hey Kim
Its so refreshing to hear you be so honest about your weight gain, i too put a ton of weight on which has actually made me really depressed, even though im off the meds now i still weigh a lot more than i used to. My suggestion to you go and see a good homeopath, mine has helped me so much, I also see a therapist once a week to get to the route of the problem and have joined a support group. Try doing these things before the meds.
Good luck and blessings to you

Hi Willowstar, Thank you so much for replying to my post. I am really getting scared and not sure what to do. I went through this about 5 years ago and was very very bad. I was on effexor for about 3 years and decided I didn't need it anymore, mabey I was wrong. I have gone almost 2 years and was so proud of myself but now I am so terrified of ending up in the same place again. I am a little more confident this time around as I do know this will not kill me but it really doesn't stop the fear from running through me contantly and constanty looking for the next attack. I have read and read and read on the internet trying to come up with something other than the meds again and right now I am trying st. Johns Wort, Vitamin B complex and fish oil for the Omega 3. I try to tell myself that all these things take time to work but that doesn't make it any easier. The doc did give me xanex for a now and have to go back monday as he had me wear the heart monitor to check the palpatations I have. I know they are from the anxiety but he wanted to check anyhow. I just know he is gonna want to put me back on and I am so scared and don't know what do. I'm sorry I don't mean to ramble, I guess it just makes me feel a little better. All I want to do right now is cry. I really thought I had beat this. Thank you so much for your caring words!!
God Bless
Kim

Kim,

I have been off of Effexor and Wellbutrin since October, but am considering going back on Wellbutrin because I've sunk back into my sadness. My heart goes out to you over your panic attacks. I have been taking the 5-HTP and a B complex vitamin in addition to my multi-vitamin, but it's not working. I didn't want to be on anti-depressants anymore, but I guess I really do need them. I just know I will NOT go back on Effexor as I don't want to go through the withdrawal ever again. Let me know what your Doc says. I am still interviewing for jobs and don't have insurance, so I won't be able to get my Wellbutrin refilled until I get a job/ insurance....bad timing with the holidays, that's for sure. But, I am a recovering alcoholic and God willing, will have two years sober on Jan. 18.

Sweetlo,
My doctor actually talked about welbutrin, since it doesn't cause weight gain, but I have read in some places that it doesn't do much for anxiety, do you think it does? I go back into my doc tomarrow so we'll see what he says, I know what you mean by saying you don't want to be on antidepresants, I don't either but not sure what else to do. I have been taking st. johns wort along with the b complex and fish oil and I actually think I feel a little better but it has only been 5 days so we'll see. I just seem to always have a nervous stomach waiting for the next attack and I think I actually make myself have the attacks sometimes. My doc doesn't want to keep prescribing the xanex as he is afraid I will become addicted. I wish you so much luck in finding a job!! I imagine that is just adding to your sadness so much. Can't you doctor give you samples of the welbutrin to get you buy until you get insurance? Have you tried st. john's wort? Mabey give it a try. In europe they use that more than prescriptions and say they have alot of good luck with it. Is worth a try and much cheaper than prescriptions. I take 2 in the am and 1 with dinner and I really do think it is making a difference. My doc said it is like natures prosac. Keep your head up and take it one day at a time, thats what I am trying to do.
God Bless

Sweetlo, I agree with kmh522. If the 5-HTP didn't do the trick, stop taking it and switch into the St. John's Wort.

KMH--you say you take three a day (2 in the morning and one at dinner). What is each dose so we know what a safe level is?

Hi mikemo,
I have been taking 'Walgreens Finest Natural, St. John's Wort, 300 mg, Tablets' and I really do believe they are helping along with the Vitamin B Complex for stress and fish oil.

Hello!

I just thought I would give everyone an update. (My last post is on page 80 of this topic)

The recommended reductions in dosage by the Wyeth Company are incrementally too large (19mg /-) and will cause serious side effects and withdrawal if observed. A basic example is below.

EX: 75mg -> 56mg -> 37.5 -> 18.75 -> 10mg -> 0

In order to successfully stop taking the drug with minimal side effects one must taper their dosage by the milligram in some cases. I have EXTENSIVELY researched the bowels of the internet reading what the public, doctors and Wyeth has posted in regards to Effexor XR. Wyeth apparently is okay with the fact that we feel like hard drug users when we attempt to go off of their pharmaceutical product/s.

I successfully stopped taking Effexor XR 75mg by doing the following:

1) I’m sure most of you have gotten curious enough to attempt to open your capsules… if not you should! To open the caps without having the medication (white pebbles) spill everywhere you hold the slim end of the pill between your thumb and index finger. Gently pull the upper cap off by slightly twisting it both directions until it comes off. Gentle is the key, do not hurry or you’ll have a mess.
2) Once you have the cap off you’ll see a ton of little white pebbles, aka venlafaxine HCI, hanging out in the lower portion of the capsule. This is what you are after. You will need an empty bottle, a clear small bottle (empty film canister or old drug bottle works great).
3) This is the difficult bit. Gently remove one or two of the pebbles from the capsule and place it in your clear bottle. Venlafaxine HCI tends to stick to your finger for a few seconds, which makes it easier to keep track of and handle.
4) Once you have taken out 1-2 of the pebbles place the top part of the capsule back on tightly and take your dose as you normally would.

I removed 1-2 pebbles (from each dose) for three days. On the fourth day I would remove 3-4 pebbles for the next few days and so on. The process took about 3 months until there were no more pebbles to remove. This allows you to adjust the dosage slightly if you begin to feel significant side effects until your body chemically adjusts to the lack of Effexor in your blood stream over the next two days.

Day 1 -3: 1-2 pebbles
Day 4-7: 3-4 pebbles
Day 8-11: 5-6 pebbles
ECT.

I didn’t have access to scales sensitive enough to accurately measure changes in milligrams; otherwise I would have preferred to use them to make more exact dosages. If you have access to such equipment in your home, use it by all means. (If you have a scale that reads mg as the lowest unit you are still out of luck as such scales are generally not sensitive enough to generate accurate readings)

During this process I still experienced light to mild headaches, chest pain and shortness of breath. The symptoms were not severe and rarely bothered me to the point of interrupting my normal activities. During the first month of freedom from Effexor I had about three very slight panic attacks while driving. I had never had a panic attack before, so I attempted to ignore it and continue on my way. It took me a day or two until I realized what exactly had happened and realized it was triggered by stressful driving situations/adrenaline. If you’re a rush junkie like me… now is the time to take it easy for a bit…

I had a check up with my doctor about 3 months ago and talked to him about the drug briefly. He said that it generally takes about 6 months for the body to fully re-adjust depending on your physiology.

I have been off the drug for about six months now. I feel great, my hair is thicker and I have had no recurring GAD/SAD symptoms.

Best of Luck,
Josh

I just wanted to let you all know something.
When my doctor originally had me go from 150 mg to 137.5 mg, I had a terrible, terrible time - so quickly went back up to stabilize.
The next time I started my taper I found a 'compounding pharmacist' and dropped 10% the first 10 days, then 15% the next 10 days, etc...
Now I'm just playing it by ear. If I'm doing well, I'm not quite so conservative in my drop.
One day, I completely forgot to take my Effexor,
The next day, I was so ill. I had diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and my body felt sore all over - it was super bad. This is not a med to miss even one day on.
Except for that one instance, my taper is proceeding very, very well.

These are the reasons:
I am on the 'Label Me Sane' taper plan, which is a powerful nutritionally based taper program. (I am not associated with this product).
Also, although I fought the idea initially, I took my doctor's advice and have been using one 10 mg Prozac along with the Effexor.
I was concerned about 'Serotonin Syndrome', but 150 mg, apparently is a low enough dose that it doesn't seem to be an issue - for me anyway.
Prozac is a pretty tame med to taper off of, so that won't be an issue for me later. (I've been on it before)

I have to end this post by saying that I really feel that the nutritional support AND the Prozac, are making the taper off this hellish drug extremely successful.
I wish you all much love,
mourningperson

Mp-Alexa
It's so good to hear from you but it's even better to hear how well you are doing. I haven’t posted in awhile. My job is flat out cause of Christmas and I get very little time to post at present.
I am now on 75mgs down from 150mgs and I'm doing great as well. The only horrible things I go through are hot flushes and diarrhea, that's all I've noticed, I could really do without constant diarrhea though. All in all I'm great.
My boss leaves today so the next few days I'm going to have time to put my 2 cents worth in to all the new joiners.
Alexa again it was great to hear from you and that you are doing well.
Mandy
x

Hi guys -

I am began 75 mg yesterday down from 150 - prior to that at 300 mg. I stayed on the 150 for four weeks. I feel ok so far, but I may have to go slower - as I read your posts.

I have been out of work since 11-5 and find it hard to muster the energy to actually look and interview. I know we need the money, but I just cant. I will try the St. Johns Wort also. I take milk thistle, fish oil, Niacin. I drink yogi detox tea also.

I want terribly to be clean of this drug. The pharmaceutal industry is making way too much money these days - for things that only serve as a bandaid. I really irks me.

Hi,
I have had the same long miserable effexor withdrawal as most other people. My main concern, is that although I've been effexor free for about a month - I'm still having stomach issues. Mostly when I drink. I'll have about three beers (on a full stomach) and feel disproportionately hungover the next day. Sometimes it lasts until 5 or 6 at night. Does anyone have any suggestions (other than not drinking)? I was thinking about doing one of the detox internal cleanse things but haven't heard any positives reviews for effexor withdrawal. I just want it out of my system and to go back to normal :(
Please advise

Hi everyone,

I've been reading the posts on this forum (and one on Topix) for a long time now and it's really helped me a lot.

Mikemo - you're a genius. Your way of tapering has worked the best for me.

I'm wondering if, while tapering, Omega 3 helps? My brother was telling me the other day that most North Americans get a lot of Omega 6 and 9, but not a lot of Omega 3. This may have been discussed before but I couldn't find anything.

Also, is there anyone out there that has a successful tapering story?? I really need to hear one as I just feel like I'll never be normal again.

Please...someone respond to my post. I know I sound desperate but I've posted other places and no one responds.

Many thanks,
SW

SW,

There are posts re: Omega 3, that is the reason I bought the fish oil. It is flavored so as to not gross me out. LOL

I used the Mikemo taper method and stopped taking Effexor in October. Brain zaps, nauseau, and the RLS have subsided. I have struggled with depression, but have been taking 5-HTP, a b-complex vitamin in addition to my multi-vitamin and have taken up hiking. I've learned it's best if I stay busy; I began volunteering at the local animal shelter and am trying to do things that make me feel better about myself. I need to start eating healthy, but it's SO hard during this time of year. I also drink a lot of water and tell myself life is too short to be sad!! It doesn't always work, but if I put in the effort, at least I know I'm trying. I hope that helps! I try not to think of ever being 'normal' again, I just try to focus on today.

Happy Holidays!

Loretta

dz- can't drink during this time.... I have a few glasses of wine and i am so dizzy i am falling down. . . you can try chaser - i've heard it works...

sweet lo- i so identify with you. I too am still not working and this time of the year is awful. I do try to work out as much as possible - but do you ache all the time? my body is so sore all the time. even with yoga. Drinking lots of water is a definite plus - when i beef up the water it helps. I too have been considering volunteering at an animal shelter. I think that would be a good thing.

So far I am doing 'OK' on 75 mg. albeit the dizziness. Happy holidays to all.

CHIN UP

Hey Snow White.

I, too, have been scanning the web looking for as much info as I can. I've read about some people who have gotten off Effexor successfully. It seems to take about 6-12 months for the drug to totally leave your system. Many have seemed to do pretty good once they got past the first 3-4 weeks of withdrawals. Some have been successful (at not having much withdrawal) by doing a very slow taper....perhaps 4-6 months to get off 150mg.

I've been on Effexor for about 6 months. A month and a half ago I tried reducing slowly from 150mg to about 130mg. I felt fine for about 2 weeks, but then I felt some withdrawal effects (very emotional, anxious, not being able to focus on tasks very well). So I went back to 150mg and plan to stay there at least through January. I've heard from doctors one needs to be on Effexor at least 6 months for it to work.

Maybe a bigger question....at least for me....is when are we to know it's a safe time to start getting off the drug? When do we know when we've 'fixed' our anxiety or depression problem?

The best answer I could find, is that it's best to get stable (feeling good) for at least 3-6 months. THEN it may be possible, through the advice of a trusting doctor, to start the weening off process.

The hard part seems to be pushing through the initial withdrawal side effects, which you seem to be going through a little bit. I've read some accounts that a person may not feel psychologically 'normal' for a month or two....depending how quickly they got off the drug.

Good luck.

I plan to start my fun trip off Effexor in early Spring and will post my progress when I go through it.

SweetLo and funkytown,

Thank you so much for your replies! I appreciate them more than you'll ever know. It's so nice to hear from someone that you know is going through or has gone through the exact same thing.

funkytown - I definitely agree that it's best to be stable for 3-6months before starting to taper. I was actually doing good for more than 6 months before I started, but when I began tapering I had side effects that mimicked my depression (which really sucked!)

SweetLo - I'm going to look into 5-HTP. I've never heard of it before...and I'm going to get started on the Omega 3 (definitely the flavored kind because I gag when I even look at fish! LOL).

I hope you both have a very Merry Christmas (if you celebrate it) =)

And Happy Holidays to the rest of the board!

Thanks,
Snow White

Snow White -
Are you totally off the meds? When I looked into 5HTP I read somewhere that you should NOT take them while still on the drug. My point might be moot - but just in case :)

Is anyone experiencing joint pain and body aches? I tried to go for a walk yesterday and I was in so much pain.

Happy Holidays to all as well.

Snow White, do you feel a little depressed or is it anxiety? Or maybe you're feeling both. Either way, it's most likely the side effect or Effexor withdrawal.

Anxiety is my biggest concern whenever I try tapering. I was prescribed Effexor because of anxiety I had from a bad fall on my tailbone. Now that I'm all healed, I would assume I shouldn't be anxious about that. But when I start reducing my Effexor, I'm afraid of the anxious feeling that I had after my accident.

To me, it seems depression can be alleviated some by exercise and/or sleep and/or sunlight. Anxiety seems harder to clear up. When anxious, sleeping doesn't come easy. And when you don't sleep, your body can't recover and recooperate as well.

Twisi, many have complained of different aches in joints. Once again, it's most likely a side effect that will dissolve over time.

I experienced small aches when I tried tapering off a little bit and took an Advil every so often. It seemed to help.

Snow White and dazrazzle,
I stated in my post I have been off of Effexor since October. Hence, I am able to take the 5HTP.

Twisi,
I began suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome since getting off Effexor. I'm hoping it will go away in time as I don't want to go on a medication for RLS now.

I wonder how many of the clinical trial subjects had withdrawal symptoms when Wyeth was trying to get Effexor XR to be distributed.

Happy Holidays to all and keep smiling! (even if it hurts).

Loretta

Hi everyone. Hopefully all of you are still checking in and improving with each day. All of us trying to get off Effexor love reading all your updates to help us when we decide to get off the evil drug.

I've been given the OK to start tapering off Effexor from both my family doctor and a psychiatrist.

Here's my QUESTION, which I'd love to hear opinions on:

Both doctors say to taper off my 150mg dose by reducing 37.5mg every 2 weeks. My psychiatrist swears that he's had hundreds of patients over the years use this taper method and not have a problem.

Should I follow or their advice?
Should I instead split 37.5mg capsules in half, and reduce every 2 weeks by 18.75mg?
Should I ignore the advice and reduce slower, by using the Mikemo taper method?
What seems to be the most successful way to taper?

Snow White--I'm glad what I'vbe written has helped you---that means a lot to me. Like I could actually make a difference in this world, in some small corner of the internet...

Funkytown--my advise is to try a single step the way your docs suggest. But don't try the second step thier way unless you could handle the first step thier way. Some people can handle it, other can't.

It's very possible that the first step down will go OK. 150 down to 112. But promise me this: if you have problems that don't go away after 7 days at 112, bump it up to 130mg. DOn't go back to the 150.

The beauty of this is, you can TRY it thier way, but if you can't make it, don't waste the effort, USE it as your first boost in spike-step method.

For that matter, ANYtime you discover that you are having problems at a new dose, come back up, but not all the way back to your previous dose.

Freaking your body out with a low dose is usually enough to get it working a little harder that it can handle itself at the increased (but still lower than before) dose.

:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Funkytown,

I successfully got off of Effexor using the Mikemo taper method. I tried using my Dr's advice by the reduction you posted but had severe withdrawal effects. With Mikemo's method, I had minimal withdrawal effects.

I have been suffering from a bout of depression and am confused as to what to do as I have no insurance and will NOT go back on Effexor. I am pondering whether I should do a clinical research study for Depression, there are several going on in San Diego at the moment. At least that way, I'd be closely monitored and be able to go into detail with the pharmaceutical company about any side effects I may experience. I'm just so tired of feeling like crap again mentally. My self-esteem has gone to about 10% and the hopeless feelings are back....not a good way to start the year.

Happy New Year to all. Thank you for your posts, they keep me going.

Sweet Lo

Ok I'm really concerned, I'm heading to rehab sometime this week & had my required dr. physical & I mentioned all the weightloss, abnormal bruising & vomiting on a daily basis. He just cut me from 150 to 75, I filled the 75 scrip but haven't taken any yet because I still have 150's left. My concern is when I get to treatment & go through that withdrawl along with cutting my dose in half could seriously risk my health.

Any thoughts?? I need info soon please I'm really scared about this.

Penny

Penny,

What kind of rehab? I'm just asking because I went to an alcohol rehab two years ago and they had Effexor, I didn't need to bring mine. They asked what meds I was on and were able to dispense my Wellbutrin and Effexor. I won't go into more detail unless you are referring to something similar. Hang in there.

SweetLo