Comments on: Effexor Withdrawal - The Final Step http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/ Simple Living... Frugality... Gardening... Cooking From Scratch... Knifty Knitter Projects.. And More. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:10:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 By: Tiffany http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/comment-page-1/#comment-11830 Tiffany Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:25:26 +0000 http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/#comment-11830 Hi Matt, I hope you aren't going from 150mg to nothing at all... You should be tapering off from 150 to 112.5mg, then to 75mg, then to 37.5mg and finally nothing. I have been on Effexor for 5 years and came off it once after 2 years. I had to taper down because after 3 days without it I went mental. Had brain zaps, nausea, cold sweats, anger, irritability and so much more. I hope this doesn't happen to you. Everyone is different keep in mind and I hope the best for you. I had a horrible time even tapering off and tried again a year ago and failed. I cannot come off it now because I am pretty sure I have developed seretonin syndrome. Good luck!!! Hi Matt, I hope you aren’t going from 150mg to nothing at all… You should be tapering off from 150 to 112.5mg, then to 75mg, then to 37.5mg and finally nothing. I have been on Effexor for 5 years and came off it once after 2 years. I had to taper down because after 3 days without it I went mental. Had brain zaps, nausea, cold sweats, anger, irritability and so much more. I hope this doesn’t happen to you. Everyone is different keep in mind and I hope the best for you. I had a horrible time even tapering off and tried again a year ago and failed. I cannot come off it now because I am pretty sure I have developed seretonin syndrome. Good luck!!!

]]> By: lightening http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/comment-page-1/#comment-11826 lightening Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:36:49 +0000 http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/#comment-11826 Hey Matt - good luck with it all. Everyone's body is different. You may not have any other troubles coming off. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly. Don't be afraid to be in touch with your doctor if you're concerned about anything. Hey Matt - good luck with it all. Everyone’s body is different. You may not have any other troubles coming off. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly. Don’t be afraid to be in touch with your doctor if you’re concerned about anything.

]]> By: Matt http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/comment-page-1/#comment-11823 Matt Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:19:23 +0000 http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/#comment-11823 Hi All, I am on day two of coming off 150mg a day after 18 months, the brain explosions aren't severe yet just some strange little twitches. Anyone got a heads up on what else is coming. Thanks Matt Hi All, I am on day two of coming off 150mg a day after 18 months, the brain explosions aren’t severe yet just some strange little twitches. Anyone got a heads up on what else is coming.

Thanks
Matt

]]> By: Julian http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/comment-page-1/#comment-11414 Julian Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:18:54 +0000 http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/#comment-11414 Hi Im on the DT coaster atm. Worst experience Ive had. Ive been on effexor xr 2 years now at 300mg a day - It has really helped with my condition, but as my recovery from severe depression and anxiety progressed and i started to have less need for the meds I accidently missed a day here and there. Big mistake - the next day - usually the time i realised id forgotten to take meds was a nightmare Migraine headaches disorientation loss of blance nausea the runs and difficulty staying awake. Recently i had A forgetful day and hit the usual next day symptoms - I got angry that this drug had this much control on me - after 12 hours i took 1 x 150 mg tab vowing never again to be at 300 mg. realistically thats 2 big a drop but i found the 2nd day improved and on 3rd day i was back to normal although on 150mg less - beauty that wasnt so hard Im glad i bit the bullet. My sex drive went balistic tho as a side effect - not necessarily a good thing lol. - I think a lot has to do with my positive focus and feeling of wellbeing at the time - i havent been depressed in months so the reason im taking the stuff really has only been because id be sick if i didnt. Move on 1 month- Im feeling good only copped a 3 day hit for the loss of 50% of my med and things are great and steady. Im thinking i want to kick this stuff for good. Do i use some 75mg tablets or drop 150 again? I went for 150mg- having run out of 75Mg tablets. Which brings me to the present- im on day 4 cycling between ravenous hunger and extreme nausea. Im moving around and have about the same cognitive capacity as though im continually drunk. I havent had the headaches or runs tho so thats good. Im really hoping tomorrow will be a better day and I start to improve. Im still resisting the urge to stop it all with a tablet. but my resolve is weakening with every bout of nausea. I hate being contolled by these tablets. I gotta say even tho i have done a lot of research and have a good understanding of these meds, im still being an idiot. Whilst i have had discussions with my Doc about going through this process. She hasnt been involved im these recent 2 drops in meds - Really stupid and I would not reccomend anyone do this. 2 reasons 1 is dealing with the side effects may require medical help, and 2 the reason you are taking the meds in the 1st place has to be monitored. In my case the reason im taking the meds changed from me needing them for depression to taking them because id be sick if i didnt happened about 6 months ago so im ok with the depression side of things. Cant wait to be free of these things. Oh and sex drive gone balistic again but the nausea kind of counter acts it. At least im still smiling for now and i hope im through the worst of it. Cheers Hi
Im on the DT coaster atm. Worst experience Ive had. Ive been on effexor xr 2 years now at 300mg a day - It has really helped with my condition, but as my recovery from severe depression and anxiety progressed and i started to have less need for the meds I accidently missed a day here and there. Big mistake - the next day - usually the time i realised id forgotten to take meds was a nightmare Migraine headaches disorientation loss of blance nausea the runs and difficulty staying awake. Recently i had A forgetful day and hit the usual next day symptoms - I got angry that this drug had this much control on me - after 12 hours i took 1 x 150 mg tab vowing never again to be at 300 mg. realistically thats 2 big a drop but i found the 2nd day improved and on 3rd day i was back to normal although on 150mg less - beauty that wasnt so hard Im glad i bit the bullet. My sex drive went balistic tho as a side effect - not necessarily a good thing lol. - I think a lot has to do with my positive focus and feeling of wellbeing at the time - i havent been depressed in months so the reason im taking the stuff really has only been because id be sick if i didnt. Move on 1 month- Im feeling good only copped a 3 day hit for the loss of 50% of my med and things are great and steady. Im thinking i want to kick this stuff for good. Do i use some 75mg tablets or drop 150 again? I went for 150mg- having run out of 75Mg tablets. Which brings me to the present- im on day 4 cycling between ravenous hunger and extreme nausea. Im moving around and have about the same cognitive capacity as though im continually drunk. I havent had the headaches or runs tho so thats good. Im really hoping tomorrow will be a better day and I start to improve. Im still resisting the urge to stop it all with a tablet. but my resolve is weakening with every bout of nausea. I hate being contolled by these tablets.
I gotta say even tho i have done a lot of research and have a good understanding of these meds, im still being an idiot. Whilst i have had discussions with my Doc about going through this process. She hasnt been involved im these recent 2 drops in meds - Really stupid and I would not reccomend anyone do this. 2 reasons 1 is dealing with the side effects may require medical help, and 2 the reason you are taking the meds in the 1st place has to be monitored. In my case the reason im taking the meds changed from me needing them for depression to taking them because id be sick if i didnt happened about 6 months ago so im ok with the depression side of things. Cant wait to be free of these things. Oh and sex drive gone balistic again but the nausea kind of counter acts it. At least im still smiling for now and i hope im through the worst of it.
Cheers

]]> By: stephanie http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/comment-page-1/#comment-10726 stephanie Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:59:30 +0000 http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/#comment-10726 Thanks for that. I have an appt with my Rheumatologist soon and I also need to get my fatigue under control. Apparently one of the withdrawal symptoms of Eff. can be fatigue!!! Thanks for that. I have an appt with my Rheumatologist soon and I also need to get my fatigue under control. Apparently one of the withdrawal symptoms of Eff. can be fatigue!!!

]]> By: lightening http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/comment-page-1/#comment-10718 lightening Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:38:57 +0000 http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/#comment-10718 Hi Stephanie, 300mg is considered quite a high dose. I was on it for a short time but my brain just couldn't cope. The most difficult thing can be working out whether you're having some kind of withdrawal reaction or whether symptoms are depression returning. Make sure you communicate everything you notice with your health professionals. {{{HUGS}}} Hi Stephanie,
300mg is considered quite a high dose. I was on it for a short time but my brain just couldn’t cope. The most difficult thing can be working out whether you’re having some kind of withdrawal reaction or whether symptoms are depression returning. Make sure you communicate everything you notice with your health professionals. {{{HUGS}}}

]]> By: stephanie http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/comment-page-1/#comment-10717 stephanie Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:45:24 +0000 http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/#comment-10717 Hi I have been on Effexor for 10 years at 300mg per day (xr). I am trying to cut back and have been taking 150mg daily for the last few weeks. I also have rheumatoid arthritis, so I am not really sure as to whether my symptoms of aching joints are related to RA or withdrawal from Effexor. The brain zaps are bearable, but I seem to be experiencing some weird thoughts. My dreams are so vivid and I can remember each and everyone of them the next morning. I am also very tired and am sleeping most of the time. Has anyone else experienced the same thing? Hi

I have been on Effexor for 10 years at 300mg per day (xr). I am trying to cut back and have been taking 150mg daily for the last few weeks. I also have rheumatoid arthritis, so I am not really sure as to whether my symptoms of aching joints are related to RA or withdrawal from Effexor. The brain zaps are bearable, but I seem to be experiencing some weird thoughts. My dreams are so vivid and I can remember each and everyone of them the next morning. I am also very tired and am sleeping most of the time. Has anyone else experienced the same thing?

]]> By: Boo http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/comment-page-1/#comment-10539 Boo Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:42:36 +0000 http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/#comment-10539 Tiff I am currently trying to get pregnant and on 75mg's a day. My doctor said that it is completely safe. Also, with your case in point, the little risk's that you have in taking the pill's is better than the emotional turmoil of a newly pregnant woman. I feel a bit like you. I now feel like I should just stay on my low dose forever because the low's when I go off the pill's are just too hard for the family to deal with. But I'm also getting counciling and I hope that you're getting more help than just the pill's. Find a dose that is good for you, that is not too high. 37.5mg is good. And stick to it. Don't be playing with the level's too often because it's not good for your head. And I suggest finding a different doctor. It's awful to think there is a doctor out there who is unwilling to put a mother's mind at ease, especially since she has depression. PLease talk to someone. Please write it down and let someone know exactly how you're feeling. You need a better doctor and you need someone to support you heavily through this. There are some good online forums for depression as well as places like babyfit.com where you may be able to find a support group to get you through. Boo Tiff

I am currently trying to get pregnant and on 75mg’s a day. My doctor said that it is completely safe. Also, with your case in point, the little risk’s that you have in taking the pill’s is better than the emotional turmoil of a newly pregnant woman.

I feel a bit like you. I now feel like I should just stay on my low dose forever because the low’s when I go off the pill’s are just too hard for the family to deal with. But I’m also getting counciling and I hope that you’re getting more help than just the pill’s.

Find a dose that is good for you, that is not too high. 37.5mg is good. And stick to it. Don’t be playing with the level’s too often because it’s not good for your head.

And I suggest finding a different doctor. It’s awful to think there is a doctor out there who is unwilling to put a mother’s mind at ease, especially since she has depression.

PLease talk to someone. Please write it down and let someone know exactly how you’re feeling. You need a better doctor and you need someone to support you heavily through this. There are some good online forums for depression as well as places like babyfit.com where you may be able to find a support group to get you through.

Boo

]]> By: Tiffany http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/comment-page-1/#comment-10533 Tiffany Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:14:33 +0000 http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/#comment-10533 I am hoping someone on here can help me. I have read all of the posts on here and on many other sites and have not gotten the answers I have needed. My doctor is a prick and knows nothing about the withdrawls of SSRI's so I turn to the online community for support. Here goes... I have been on 150 mg of Efxr for almost three years. three months ago, I managed to get down to 37.5 mg which was complete HELL. After I adjusted (sort of) I found out I was pregnant. (I am now 7 weeks) and at 5 weeks I went from 37.5 to nothing. I swear I almost became catatonic from this. I felt like a robot with serious depersonalization and many many other horrible symptoms. I then decided to open up the capsule and take a few mg (about 6-10) just to get through the day. I am down to literally 2mg a day and I just can't do it. I feel so unreal and am beginning to have feelings of wanting an abortion just so I can stay on them. I look in the mirror and picture killing myself. I am completely lost as to what to do because I don't want to stay on it and harm my baby, but at the same time, coming off of it is making me hate what is growing in my tummy. I feel like a complete psychopath and need to get off this safely. The other MAJOR problem is that I am almost positive I have developed Serotonin Syndrome. I have been on all different doses of Efxr, I used to drink large amounts of alcohol, use cocaine and MDMA all while being on it a couple of years ago. Any help is VERY much appreciated. Please keep in mind that I am pregnant and cannot take St. John's Wort or anything else for that matter. I really just need to know if I am ever going to be the same again without the pills or If I am going to feel like this forever. I can't find a straight answer about healing Serotonin Syndrome anywhere. To be honest, I really don't even understand what it is. Am I not making my own Serotonin anymore or is my brain making too much? PLEASE HELP!!!! thank you I am hoping someone on here can help me. I have read all of the posts on here and on many other sites and have not gotten the answers I have needed. My doctor is a prick and knows nothing about the withdrawls of SSRI’s so I turn to the online community for support. Here goes…

I have been on 150 mg of Efxr for almost three years. three months ago, I managed to get down to 37.5 mg which was complete HELL. After I adjusted (sort of) I found out I was pregnant. (I am now 7 weeks) and at 5 weeks I went from 37.5 to nothing. I swear I almost became catatonic from this. I felt like a robot with serious depersonalization and many many other horrible symptoms. I then decided to open up the capsule and take a few mg (about 6-10) just to get through the day.

I am down to literally 2mg a day and I just can’t do it. I feel so unreal and am beginning to have feelings of wanting an abortion just so I can stay on them. I look in the mirror and picture killing myself. I am completely lost as to what to do because I don’t want to stay on it and harm my baby, but at the same time, coming off of it is making me hate what is growing in my tummy. I feel like a complete psychopath and need to get off this safely.

The other MAJOR problem is that I am almost positive I have developed Serotonin Syndrome. I have been on all different doses of Efxr, I used to drink large amounts of alcohol, use cocaine and MDMA all while being on it a couple of years ago.

Any help is VERY much appreciated. Please keep in mind that I am pregnant and cannot take St. John’s Wort or anything else for that matter. I really just need to know if I am ever going to be the same again without the pills or If I am going to feel like this forever.

I can’t find a straight answer about healing Serotonin Syndrome anywhere. To be honest, I really don’t even understand what it is. Am I not making my own Serotonin anymore or is my brain making too much?

PLEASE HELP!!!!

thank you

]]> By: Jenny http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/comment-page-1/#comment-10033 Jenny Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:23:21 +0000 http://www.lighteningonline.com/2008/10/20/effexor-withdrawal-the-final-step/#comment-10033 Good luck to all of you. I am coming off Venlafaxine75 after being on it for 7-8 years. The withdrawl comes in waves since I am using the "bead method". I have had severed digestive problems for the last 2 years and have lost a huge part of my life. My problems all seem to be coming from being on Effexor. Test after test show normal for the past 2 year, all digestive. Since I have been weaning off, I am seeing new symptoms: More severe nausea, brain fog, brain zaps and I haven't slept in days. There is alot I would like to say but I know you have heard it all. P.S. I traveled 5 hours away from home to a hospital that I thought may be able to help me. I'll know something about all the test for digestive disorders tomorrow, but I think they will not find anything either...it's the Venlafaxine, I'm sure of. I just want my life back. God Bless Good luck to all of you. I am coming off Venlafaxine75 after being on it for 7-8 years.
The withdrawl comes in waves since I am using the “bead method”. I have had severed digestive problems for the last 2 years and have lost a huge part of my life. My problems all seem to be coming from being on Effexor. Test after test show normal for the past 2 year, all digestive.
Since I have been weaning off, I am seeing new symptoms: More severe nausea, brain fog, brain zaps and I haven’t slept in days.

There is alot I would like to say but I know you have heard it all.

P.S. I traveled 5 hours away from home to a hospital that I thought may be able to help me. I’ll know something about all the test for digestive disorders tomorrow, but I think they will not find anything either…it’s the Venlafaxine, I’m sure of. I just want my life back.

God Bless

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