[Knowledgeispower]

I am generally not a person who posts on forums. Mostly, I use the internet as a means of finding information. But I realized that if no one took the time to post, the information that has helped me so much would not be there. I also realized that possibly, I could help someone else.

I took Effexor for three years, dosage: 150mg. Recently, I was diagnosed as a rapid cycling bi-polar and put on Lithium. My Psychiatrist wants me off of the anti-depressants that my family physician put me on.

My psychiatrist is new, my family doctor saw me in a suicidal state three years ago and at that time put me on Effexor. This was in addition to Paxil, and Xanax (to be used as a sleep aid). At the time, I trusted my family doctor and took the medications he prescribed without question. Also, I was in no condition to research the medications.

Roughly three months ago, I was becoming suicidal again. I was deeply depressed. The medications ceased to be effective for me. That is when I began researching my medications, my illness, and the proper type of doctor (psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist) to address my problems. Obviously, the SSRI's were not the answer.

I was blessed to find a good doctor. I was also very fortunate to have many kinds of resources available to me in order to research. Before even my first appointment with my psychiatrist I felt I had found all the information I needed to know. By the time I saw my psychiatrist, he more or less confirmed the information I'd found. Except for the "rapid cycling" part of my diagnosis. That was new information.

My doctor gave me the choice of which medication I wanted to discontinue first. I chose Effexor. Why? Because I'd had the misfortune of missing a pill and had experienced the side effects and withdrawal symptoms. It was hell. I wanted that so called medication out of my system and out of my life as soon as possible.

I took progressively reduced doses for a month, then came the time for me to stop altogether. I have never been through anything like this in my life! If not for the support of my husband, family, and friends I am fairly certain that I would have taken my life. I am a forty year old woman and I'm not prone to dramatics. I have never felt so hopeless and betrayed by my healthcare professionals and indeed, the healthcare industry.

I do not understand how it is possible for a drug like Effexor to exist. I do not understand how doctors give this medication to their patients.

The first week of withdrawals brought the symptoms that have, for the most part, been with me thus far. My symptoms were:

vomiting (stopped after the first week)
nausea
dizziness
sudden disorientation and weakness
nightmares
diarrhea
profuse sweating
difficulty with coordination
depression
suicidal thoughts
extreme mood swings
sharp pains in my head
numbness in hands
cold feet and hands
hallucinations

I had no idea that freeing myself from this drug would be such a hellish experience. Even heroin addicts only have to deal with withdrawals symptoms for up to a week. I have read that Effexor withdrawal symptoms can last up to eight weeks. I have read some reports of the symptoms not ever dissipating.

I am in my third week of withdrawals. People in my family need me and I am unable to function. Trying to be free of this drug is as devastating as that condition that put me on it in the first place.

My advice to anyone going through or about to go through getting off of Effexor would be to make sure that you have a good support system around you. Do not be fooled by having a good day. Several times now, my symptoms have cleared up for a day, only to return with seemingly renewed strength and severity. But I have noticed that little by little, it is getting better. My husband and I have a mantra: "The clock is ticking." Meaning, with every day that passes I am closer to this hell being over. And if you are getting off this stuff just know, the clock will be ticking for you too.

Finally, I leave you with this suggestion: research carefully any new medications that your doctor may prescribe for you. I for one will never again simply take a pill just because a physician recommends it. I want to know what is going into my body and how it will affect me first.

Good luck and God bless.

[Nicnac]

Thank you. I have just started my withdrawal, on my own. I feel like I'm dying. I don't want the dependence anymore!

quote:Originally posted by Knowledgeispower

I am generally not a person who posts on forums. Mostly, I use the internet as a means of finding information. But I realized that if no one took the time to post, the information that has helped me so much would not be there. I also realized that possibly, I could help someone else.

I took Effexor for three years, dosage: 150mg. Recently, I was diagnosed as a rapid cycling bi-polar and put on Lithium. My Psychiatrist wants me off of the anti-depressants that my family physician put me on.

My psychiatrist is new, my family doctor saw me in a suicidal state three years ago and at that time put me on Effexor. This was in addition to Paxil, and Xanax (to be used as a sleep aid). At the time, I trusted my family doctor and took the medications he prescribed without question. Also, I was in no condition to research the medications.

Roughly three months ago, I was becoming suicidal again. I was deeply depressed. The medications ceased to be effective for me. That is when I began researching my medications, my illness, and the proper type of doctor (psychologist, counselor, psychiatrist) to address my problems. Obviously, the SSRI's were not the answer.

I was blessed to find a good doctor. I was also very fortunate to have many kinds of resources available to me in order to research. Before even my first appointment with my psychiatrist I felt I had found all the information I needed to know. By the time I saw my psychiatrist, he more or less confirmed the information I'd found. Except for the "rapid cycling" part of my diagnosis. That was new information.

My doctor gave me the choice of which medication I wanted to discontinue first. I chose Effexor. Why? Because I'd had the misfortune of missing a pill and had experienced the side effects and withdrawal symptoms. It was hell. I wanted that so called medication out of my system and out of my life as soon as possible.

I took progressively reduced doses for a month, then came the time for me to stop altogether. I have never been through anything like this in my life! If not for the support of my husband, family, and friends I am fairly certain that I would have taken my life. I am a forty year old woman and I'm not prone to dramatics. I have never felt so hopeless and betrayed by my healthcare professionals and indeed, the healthcare industry.

I do not understand how it is possible for a drug like Effexor to exist. I do not understand how doctors give this medication to their patients.

The first week of withdrawals brought the symptoms that have, for the most part, been with me thus far. My symptoms were:

vomiting (stopped after the first week)
nausea
dizziness
sudden disorientation and weakness
nightmares
diarrhea
profuse sweating
difficulty with coordination
depression
suicidal thoughts
extreme mood swings
sharp pains in my head
numbness in hands
cold feet and hands
hallucinations

I had no idea that freeing myself from this drug would be such a hellish experience. Even heroin addicts only have to deal with withdrawals symptoms for up to a week. I have read that Effexor withdrawal symptoms can last up to eight weeks. I have read some reports of the symptoms not ever dissipating.

I am in my third week of withdrawals. People in my family need me and I am unable to function. Trying to be free of this drug is as devastating as that condition that put me on it in the first place.

My advice to anyone going through or about to go through getting off of Effexor would be to make sure that you have a good support system around you. Do not be fooled by having a good day. Several times now, my symptoms have cleared up for a day, only to return with seemingly renewed strength and severity. But I have noticed that little by little, it is getting better. My husband and I have a mantra: "The clock is ticking." Meaning, with every day that passes I am closer to this hell being over. And if you are getting off this stuff just know, the clock will be ticking for you too.

Finally, I leave you with this suggestion: research carefully any new medications that your doctor may prescribe for you. I for one will never again simply take a pill just because a physician recommends it. I want to know what is going into my body and how it will affect me first.

Good luck and God bless.

[allfiredup]

Did either of you try to taper down your dosage of Effexor? I agree it's a horrible drug to come off of and most doctors either don't know or don't care how hideous the side effects are!

I have taken it for about three years now and my dosage is insane- 450mg per day! Yes, I take three 150mg pills daily. My doctor kept ramping up my dosage to what she claims is the maximum, but I've read it's only approved up to 225mg daily.

I have missed a dose once and that was the ONLY time- it was a living hell. I want to come off of it and either go on something else that can help or maybe even clean out my system and try life without a drug for a while.

I was on Paxil for five years before and, prior to Effexor, that was supposed to be the toughest one as far as withdrawals. Coming off of it was nothing compared to the time I missed a dose of my Effexor.

Good luck to those of you trying to get off of it. I warn everyone I know not to go near the stuff- it's evil! My mom's doctor gave it to her about a year ago and she took it for two weeks before she mentioned it to me. I talked her into stopping it and, even after two weeks on 75mg, she went thru a week of horrible flu-like symptoms.

This stuff is BAD, BAD news!

I wish you luck and peace,

Jason

[abey042000]

Right now I feel scared. I take 225mg daily after going through post-partum depression 2 yrs ago after haveing my daughter, it has been a god send to me, but I know theres gona come a time where it is no longer effective and I'll have to stop it to try something diff. I've went before 2 days without and it was horoundous, I have 2 very young kids at home to raise, I'm so scared about going thru the withdraws and having to take care of my kids, myself, and even my husband, I know I cant do it! My husband doesnt understand what the withdraw symptoms are like, hes never been addicted to anything before. and believe me these withdraw symptoms are so weirde and very scary, I hate to see my kids, watch me go thru them, to them I'll be just a nasty hatred mother, who loveable and incouraging any other time, like mothers are. How has any other parent dealt with this?