Have been on Effexor or similar medication for 20 yrs. Condition was getting worst, doctor increased medication, finally i have decided to get off the Effexor, doctor had no comment, offered no help. Have been off the Effexor for over 1 month, and suffering various side effects. Would like to find out how long the withdrawal symptoms will last (approx.) and what part of the body will it effect besides the nervous system? Would really appreciate some information, having a pretty hard time of it and nobody to turn to.
Thanks, Vicki
How long does withdrawal symptoms from Effexor last?
- Posted:
- 12 Oct 2006 by marathon
- Topics:
- effexor, withdrawal
Details:
This question has also been asked and answered here:
Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms?
Answers (6)
mpvt13 Oct 2006
If you weaned down and took the time to lower your serum level then I would say a month.If you stopped quickly and didn't let your body change with the changes you made then sometimes it can take up to a year and worse sometimes you never feel better.Keep your doctor informed on how your doing.Good luck to you... Dave:)
15 Jun 2009
First of all you should NEVER just stop taking any antidepressant all a once.The withdrawls are horrible. You should consult your doctor about decreasing the dose gradually over a period of time. I gained almost 20lbs on Efexor. If you feel that Efexor is not working for you ask your Dr. to try you on something else. I was on Efexor for over a year and it made me worse so i asked my Dr to put me on Lexapro and it has done wonders for me. I started the Lexapro a month ago and started taking it that same day and haven't taken Efexor since that day.I haven't had any withdrawl's or side effects so far. Good Luck!!!
3 Aug 2009
Hi marathon.
I wish you well on this journey.
I am doing research myself on how long the withdrawal effects will last and I get different timelines, depending on how long you have been on them and dosage amount.
how are things going? are you feeling any better yet?
I'm going through it myself. on day 5 wish me luck!
30 May 2010
I hate what I feel coming off of this. Sweats, vivid dreams, zzzzz sounds in my head, rushes, tired, tummy issues, cant think, feel like my brain is floating. some of these I had on it too I have blurry vision also. I went off of it slow and am in my 3rd week. I want it to go away. I beg parents to NEVER put a child on this and shame on Dr.s who do. This is scary.
MandyMe8 days ago
Oh wow, can I identify with this one... I too had been on Effexor (XR, 150mg x2 daily) for nearly 20 yrs up until about two months ago. My doctor gave me Prozac to help with the withdrawal symptoms. After about 2 weeks of taking Prozac only, I stopped the drug completely and began the cold turkey process. In the beginning, it was pure Hell. But each day is a little better. I've found that an unfailing commitment to nutrition and exercise keeps me level enough to still function in society. Meditation has also been useful, as it has allowed me (over time, of course) to change my mindset and control mood swings. I am sorry that you are going through this seemingly alone. I too feel that way most of the time. But I believe in my body's ability to heal, I have seen it overcome so much already. It will definately require assistance during its time of healing, and the process may be slow at times, but stick with it.
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