Effexor and Withdrawal

This is a post that is going to be very difficult to write - painful even. It's intensely personal. But it involves something that is currently afflicting a great number of people, and threatens to affect many more if something isn't done. I have to make a hard choice and that choice is to honestly tell my story so that maybe others will speak up as well.

I have been on an anti-depression/anti-anxiety medication called Effexor since April of 2000. I was prescribed it to get my migraines (which were severe at the time) under control, and my doctors have continued to keep me on it to keep those same migraines under control. When I went into alcohol counseling last year, the psychiatrist in charge greatly increased my dosage from 125mg a day to 225mg a day. I really haven't been "myself" since. As the months have passed, I have gotten more and more anxious and nervous, and unable to concentrate. In the past four months, it has gotten so bad that I apparently can't even keep a job. That's right - I am once again unemployed. The job I had that I liked so much, took a turn for the worst when I was given full responsibility and my mind couldn't handle all that it was asked to do. That was actually the last straw.

I have been hesitant to blame all this on Effexor even though I knew the drug's notoriety. It had not been harmful to me at lower doses. But after doing some serious research and looking at the testimony of others, I am starting to be certain Effexor has played a major role in the decline of my quality of life, as well as my ability to work, over the past year or so.

I made an attempt yesterday to engage my prescribing psychiatrist in a discussion about this drug, but being the professional, he kept away from discussing specifics. However, I feel I got my message across. I described in great detail all that has been happening to me, and finally adding that my husband feels I am over-medicated. The doctor first told me that what I was telling him could justify an increase in the dosage of Effexor. My reaction was to just laugh, and then, for whatever reason, he annouced he would take me off the drug for good.

I'm both thrilled and terrified.

Why am I terrified? Because in addition to having all sorts of possible weird side effects, Effexor is notoriously difficult to discontinue for some - many - MOST? - people. Some case studies describing the experiences of many patients can be read here. More personal descriptions of but one notable withdrawal symptom (slangily termed "brain shivers") can be read here.

I have personal experience with these symptoms and more. In the early days of my treatment with this drug, I was sloppy about getting prescriptions refilled and about taking the pills on time every day. Two or three times of missing doses taught me a harsh lesson that Effexor is NOT a drug to be trifled with. The worst thing is that my emotions go absolutely haywire. I am not in control of anything that I feel or how I react. Physiologically, my body gets flu-like symptoms (aches, tingling, etc.) and neurologically, it's like an acid trip gone terribly wrong: hallucinations both aural and visual, weird colors and distortions coming and going and the disquieting sensation of voices whispering nonsensically in my ears. On top of all this is the phenomenon called "Brain Shivers" which is detailed in the last link in the paragraph above. All in all, it's an unbelievably nasty experience, and I apparently am one of the "lucky" ones who gets more than a few of the symptoms at once.

The worst experience wasn't really my fault. It happened two nights after my gastric bypass surgery. The nurses at the hospital did not give me my dose, even though both I and my mother asked them. They were busily running around, and apparently not having had much experience with this drug, didn't give our requests much thought. It eventually hit me like a ton of bricks, and it was a terrible experience which I don't wish to recount here in detail. It set my recovery back at least two days.

That leads into the main point of my posting this: the appalling lack of education among healthcare professionals about how dangerous Effexor is. And this is the fault of its manufacturer, Wyeth Ayerst. Wyeth has been ridiculously hesitant to admit to the many downsides of their panacea goldmine and has been pushing its use for a variety of uses that I and many others consider to be frivolous. The FDA has been on Wyeth for some time, but many feel that the FDA hasn't been tough enough. It looks as though a groundswell is developing as more and more people become aware of the situation with the abuse of Effexor and other anti-depressants by uninformed doctors.

But groundswell or no, I have a tough road ahead of me. I know all too well how my body and mind reacts to reduced dosages of Effexor, and so I know in advance my withdrawal is going to be difficult. I do consider myself lucky in that my psychiatrist does seem relatively clueful; he's prescribed a careful "tapering off" regimen which includes administration of another drug to theoretically offset the effects of withdrawal. Many of the first-hand accounts you'll read in the links I've provided are horror stories of doctors having their patients go "cold turkey" with no warning of what to expect and no support once withdrawal took hold.

I think I've said enough here. Again, I feel it is extremely important that awareness of Effexor's dangers be given serious consideration by the public. I can only hope "Dateline" or "60 Minutes" or better yet, PBS' "Frontline" will eventually get ahold of this story. Wyeth needs to be held accountable.

One more thing: I'm not anti-drug company. I realize the drug companies do a lot of good work. Nor am I anti-capitalist (just the opposite!) But in a free market of ideas everyone must be held accountable for their actions. It's great to make money; but making money off of deliberate misrepresentation of a product needs to be punished. And after reading extensively about all this, I am reasonably certain Wyeth has deliberately misrepresented Effexor, thinking that the instance of side effects would be low enough for them to get away with it.

We'll see.

I have to go take my drug now - I feel the shakes coming on.

Comments

[kathy]

Wow, I thought I was really going crazy. I'd just returned from work travel and came down with this terrible headache, body ache, brain fuzzy, nausea. Thought it was the flu. Went home and tried to sleep. Terrible, weird dreams, which I usually don't have or remember. Called in sick the next day and slept or tried to until afternoon. Then I remembered an article in self talking about effexor withdrawal. It seems by Dr. had gone on vacation and I couldn't get my script renewed for three weeks, so I decided to cut my 300 mg dose in half. Then since my trip was only one day, I took my half dose on Tues. and forgot to take it Wed. pm when I got home. Am I sorry now. It's Sat. and I just found your site. I've been soooooooo sick since Thurs. I took one 150 mg. cap a couple hours ago, but still feel like my brain is fogged. I've been on this stuff for 6 years. Had the dosage upped several time to 300 due to "break thru" depression. Now I just want off. Don't know if I can take the all these symptoms. Dr. won't be back in town until 10/4 and I have about 10 150 mg caps left.

[Dawn]

I am 26 years old and let me tell you that this stuff is just horrid. I have been on Effexor XR for about 8 months now and this is the second time Ive tried to quit cold turkey. Im on 150 mg a day. I stopped taking it 8 days ago and this whole week has been awful. I have the shakes, brain fogginess, electric shocks in my brain and my body, when I move my head its like I can feel my brain sloshing around in there as if it has shrunk and gotten mushy or something.
My ears are acting weird, every time I move my head my ears either stop working for a few seconds or I get this awful swooshing sensation in there. I cant talk straight and I think my family thinks Im intoxicated or something. Forget trying to play a board game or a game of spades, my brain does not function enough.
I feel so sick and all I want to do is sleep and eat, even though I am constantly nautious. When I look around it takes a moment for things to settle into their proper place and when I walk it feels like Ive left my head about a foot behind me. I keep running into things even though I can SEE that that stupid chair is in my way but my brain doesnt react quick enough to save my knees from a good busting.
I talked to my Dr about this but he has never heard of withdrawl syndrom from Effexor...go figure.
I have this insane urge to scream at the top of my lungs until Im worn out and Im convinced that it would make me feel better for a few minutes, but Im sure that would only scare my 3 children to death and not solve anything. My husband is not sympathetic with my plight either and Im having a hard time dealing with my small children...seeing as mommy just doesnt feel like getting off the couch and playing with you right now, and not later either darlings because mommy doesnt feel very well and are you going to finish that peanutbutter sandwitch?
Ugh, someone please, pretty please, tell me that there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel. I feel like nobody can understand me and thinks I am over exaggerating....and I wish it were so instead of the reality of withdrawls from this evil drug they call Effexor. I am afraid that my willpower will not hold up much longer and I will be sucked back into Effexor's powerful grip and the unreality it holds for me.
Someone please tell me you understand what I just wrote!

[Mary]

I have been on Effexor XR probably for 4 years now. Last week on the 6th of Oct, was the last time I saw my doc before the holiday weekend. That was on a Wednesday.

Next day I go to get filled a new Rx he gave me and the pharm said, "you've already called in a refill, so you'll have to wait until TUESDAY, the 12th of Oct, to get your refill." (I did not remember calling it in.) I thought I'd better "call my doc for some samples to tide me through", but just did not have the time/or thought he would be out of town already for the holiday.

I called his office anyway and got voice mail, and left a msg explaining my predicament. Finally, the SECRETARY calls me back after the long weekend and is stunned at how many days I've been off the drug AND off cold turkey. She says there are HORRIFIC side effects of being off of it like this, (was never told that - had no earthly idea), but I sensed she felt she really could not go into much more detail b/c of her limits and/or legal reasons.

By this time, (the 12th of Oct) I didn't even bother to pick up the refill b/c I felt "normal", like, "hey, what was I on this drug for anyway? who needs it? i'll see how long I go before I experience withdrawals." Finally did pick it up Friday the 15th.

Unbeknownst to me, I was already experiencing withdrawals: nausea - I thought from a virus, (vomited 3x so suddenly I could not make it to the bathroom - and the food wasn't even digested.), no appetite - lost 3 pounds in 1 week.

Because I have sleep apnea, I use a CPAP mask. Sometimes while I sleep, the mask falls off and I get nightmares.

So for a few days, I thought it was b/c I didn't have the mask on to keep my airway open, I would have these bad dreams b/c of lack of oxygen to my brain (?) actually, they were nightmares so horrible, so demonic and perverted I won't relay them here.

AND the hangover of NIGHTMARES - the next day after one tormented night of one wicked dream after another, I was afraid to go to sleep, b/c thoughts of hell and other darknesses would enter my mind.

My doc will be out of town until the 25th (and not on vacation), so I've got 8 more days to hang on. I've got a refill of Effexor now and I don't want to take another one until my doc returns. I don't want to go back on this. If God can create me, He can get me well without these man-made chemicals.

My focus and concentration is shot and has been for months. So w/my history of ADD as a kid, I thought the symptoms were returning, so a few weeks agom my doc gradually started me up to 80 mg of Strattera. Didn't seem to be working as my anxiety was going to an all time high.

So he prescribed a real low dose of Adderal to try. Took 10 mg, went to pick a few things up at the store and zipped through Walmart like I was on roller skates. By the end of the day, I realized I had moved like I was on low dose of speed and realized it said, METHAMPHETAMINE on the bottle! "No way, Jose!!" I won't get addicted to this crap - so I called my doc and told him my anxiety and lack of focus was unimproved, and that I wasn't taking Adderal again.

Now I am titrating the Strattera down and off. My doc wants me to eventually try Concerta. That was before he went out of town. We'll see...

How do I get through this? I am a devout Catholic, an "on fire" Christian and have been for years. I pray daily and try to get to daily mass. This isn't bragging; it is for background purposes only.

Since these nightmares and almost constant dark negative thoughts have started, my prayers are almost constant so I can get through them. I beg God to be with me; to not abandon me.

Giving my life and heart to God in 1983 completely changed me for the better. I had peace like I never had in my life - it was like I found what I'd been looking for all my life - love. Living my faith was of course difficult, but it didn't take as much effort as it does now.

It is more difficult to stay hopeful, to concentrate, to love others, to remember the proper words to say or write in a sentence. My mind goes blank searching for them. The other day I could not even remember how to articulate the simplest of words and even now I'm not sure those are the proper words I was looking for. Only recently, a new development - sometimes I studder and I've NEVER done that before.

During the summer, I began to lead the rosary aloud on Wednesday mornings before mass. I've known it by heart since I was a child. It took me so long to lead it for the other mass goers b/c I would skip whole sentences or repeat something. It was humiliating; especially b/c I'm about the youngest one there in the mornings. This was common place and I thought - well my menopause is just rearing its head. So now I make sure I've got plenty of sleep on Tuesday night and have to really concentrate to get the prayers right.

My anxiety skyrockets when the thought of meeting a client to try to help them with a policy, so I procrastinate to prepare and have been on time only once for an appt b/c I just could not get it together. I'm surprised I've written any policies b/c of this. (I'm a new insurance agent - for only a year.)

Sometimes I get nervous at the slightest thing and feel like I'm carrying a ton of shame, even though people tell me how good I look often especially when I dress "to the nines".

The other night I flew into a rage over the smallest little imagined (?) slight I thought a friend had done to me. Kicked and threw things across the room and with such venom, cursed God's name 3 times. I've never even done that when I was a teenager on drugs!! (It's not unusual for me to have temper tantrums, but being on the Effexor it just happened rarely.)

Now I hope to God this isn't going to be a routine thing. I dont' want to break anything in my house, loose my closest friend/s, cause my poor skittish dog to have a nervous breakdown or run away or me to give in to the thoughts of suicide - thoughts I never had before.

I cry at the drop of a hat - sometimes for the most oddest times and reasons. And I thought it was b/c the Effexor had "numbed" me for so long that now I could "feel again."

Symptoms continuing now and even before going off Effexor: I have hand tremors, muscle twitches, missed a chair the other day when I went to sit down, ran into a door frame, repeat sentences b/c I forget what I just said, my memory is fuzzy, my days are disorganized into nothing getting done even though I've written my plans down, bought a brand new file cabinet which remains unfilled.

Never in my life have I been in debt before (besides a mortgage or car payment.) Now I'm $30,000 in credit card debt. This, after a failed internet biz venture where I sunk all my life savings with a shady company. For me to get suckered into something like this is very unusual for me.

For 2 years, Feb 2002 to Sept 2003, I literally sat in front of my laptop trying to get a stupid website together. I would just surf for hours and tell myself and others that I had done "work".

I started out with good credit - now I am dangerously close to ruining it. I've got a pension from the military - this is the only way I'm not on the street. And all this time, I thought it was just b/c I thought I was a failure and couldn't hack civilian life b/c I was in the service for 20 years. I've been out for 6.

Due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I've already had about 50 nightmares since then regarding being trapped in the army. I wake up and think, "What will I do when I get out?", and then with shock realizing I've been out for 6 years. Sometimes after these dreams, it takes me a good while to convince myself I'm no longer in. It makes me wonder if the Effexor has not been exacerbating the PTSD.

At the VA, I'm getting weekly therapy for PTSD, anger/relationship/communication/you-name-it issues but now that I've found this site, I will definately include this new found info into the mix so my therapists will know more what they are dealing with and hopefully steer me in the right direction.

I will not understate the importance prayer is for me and recommend it to anyone. I mean, if you were caught in a house that was on fire and death was near, wouldn't you pray to God if you wanted to live, whether you believed He existed or not? (There are no athiests in foxholes.)

There is only one friend I can trust with this mess I'm experiencing, so after JUST CALLING HER HERE AT 1:45 AM WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF YET THE WORSE NIGHTMARE OF ALL, I decided to go online AT 2 AM and look up "withdrawal symptoms of effexor XR" and I found this site, thank God.

Now I don't feel so alone or crazy. I feel like I've stumbled into a little town of dazed and wounded people like me looking for a way out in the dark. We're trying to help each other, we all know something is terribly wrong, looking for the right directions to get out of this madness, but the jerks who built the maze are observing us like a bunch of guinea pigs, meticulously charting the effects of their "be happy" drug they hatched in the lab. And I feel like they have the antidote and they're not telling. Maybe they'd sing like a bird if a huge class action law suit would slap these freaks in the face. Until then, I will not let their experiment make me a statistic, i.e., I will never despair and do myself in. I'm going to beat this b/c I'm worth it and I want a healthy wholesome life again.

One last thing. Does Effexor heighten the feeling of lonliness and abandonment or is it just me? Now I question just about everything and wonder is it real or is it Memorffex?

Mary, Who Will Never Give Up

[julia]

Well hello there...Thank you all for your comments. I too, am experiencing withdrawal from Effexor. Until I found this site I thought it was me. Vertigo, nausea, muscle pain, general fatigue...you know the drill. I quit cold turkey about four days ago...please tell me this doesn't get worse. My current level of discomfort I can handle. I will be speaking to the doctor and telling him I am off this stuff, I will be interested to hear his reaction. If he suggests that I return to a low dose, enabling me to taper off the symptoms, he's going to get an earful. I will never use this stuff again.

Julia,

[caroline]

i too have not had any for 4 days and am not wanting to taper off of anything that has caused me and so many others so much anxiety. I want it out of my system now!!! I am so angry right now, thank you all for your stories it is the only thing that is making sense in this horrid moment of withdraw and confusion.

[jenny]

Hi people,
I've gotten both comfort and frightened by all these postings. I've been off effexor for about 4 days. I've never had any reaction like this coming off other AD's. I've been dizzy, nauseous, vomiting, brain zapping, angry, crying, tired, scared and non functioning. My psychiatrist had me come off relatively slowely = first 112 mg for a week, then every other day for a week then 37.5 every other day for a week, all the while supplmenting with Wellbutrin. She saw me fall apart in her office the other day and looked suprised at how sensitive I was. She took me off the Wellbutrin and wants to put me on something brand new (and ad) that is not supposed to have any side effects. She also said that I should be taking Xanax every 3 hours (but it makes me too sleepy) and that I should be over all these symptoms by today. Well guess what - I feel worse than ever! I would have NEVER gone on these pills if she had warned me about the possilbe withdrawal symptoms. I am thinking of sueing her and the drug company. If enough of us get together, we can have quite a class action suit. I am so scared that these symptoms are permanent. I havent filled thenew prescription yet - im too scared to try anything else, let along something that has only been approved for 4 months!!! How am I going to cope with my two daughers to look after - my husband is trying to be sympathetic but he never wanted me on any of this to begin with. My daughter is on Wellbutrin but now im scared the same thing would happen to her if she goes off those. Im serious about the class action suit - is anyone game?

[jenny]

Hi people,
I've gotten both comfort and frightened by all these postings. I've been off effexor for about 4 days. I've never had any reaction like this coming off other AD's. I've been dizzy, nauseous, vomiting, brain zapping, angry, crying, tired, scared and non functioning. My psychiatrist had me come off relatively slowely = first 112 mg for a week, then every other day for a week then 37.5 every other day for a week, all the while supplmenting with Wellbutrin. She saw me fall apart in her office the other day and looked suprised at how sensitive I was. She took me off the Wellbutrin and wants to put me on something brand new (and ad) that is not supposed to have any side effects. She also said that I should be taking Xanax every 3 hours (but it makes me too sleepy) and that I should be over all these symptoms by today. Well guess what - I feel worse than ever! I would have NEVER gone on these pills if she had warned me about the possilbe withdrawal symptoms. I am thinking of sueing her and the drug company. If enough of us get together, we can have quite a class action suit. I am so scared that these symptoms are permanent. I havent filled thenew prescription yet - im too scared to try anything else, let alone something that has only been approved for 4 months!!! How am I going to cope with my two daughters to look after - my husband is trying to be sympathetic but he never wanted me on any of this to begin with. My daughter is on Wellbutrin but now im scared the same thing would happen to her if she goes off those. Im serious about the class action suit - is anyone game?

[jenny]

Hi people,
I've gotten both comfort and frightened by all these postings. I've been off effexor for about 4 days. I've never had any reaction like this coming off other AD's. I've been dizzy, nauseous, vomiting, brain zapping, angry, crying, tired, scared and non functioning. My psychiatrist had me come off relatively slowely = first 112 mg for a week, then every other day for a week then 37.5 every other day for a week, all the while supplmenting with Wellbutrin. She saw me fall apart in her office the other day and looked suprised at how sensitive I was. She took me off the Wellbutrin and wants to put me on something brand new (and ad) that is not supposed to have any side effects. She also said that I should be taking Xanax every 3 hours (but it makes me too sleepy) and that I should be over all these symptoms by today. Well guess what - I feel worse than ever! I would have NEVER gone on these pills if she had warned me about the possilbe withdrawal symptoms. I am thinking of sueing her and the drug company. If enough of us get together, we can have quite a class action suit. I am so scared that these symptoms are permanent. I havent filled thenew prescription yet - im too scared to try anything else, let alone something that has only been approved for 4 months!!! How am I going to cope with my two daughters to look after - my husband is trying to be sympathetic but he never wanted me on any of this to begin with. My daughter is on Wellbutrin but now im scared the same thing would happen to her if she goes off those. Im serious about the class action suit - is anyone game?

[jenny]

Hi people,
I've gotten both comfort and frightened by all these postings. I've been off effexor for about 4 days. I've never had any reaction like this coming off other AD's. I've been dizzy, nauseous, vomiting, brain zapping, angry, crying, tired, scared and non functioning. My psychiatrist had me come off relatively slowely = first 112 mg for a week, then every other day for a week then 37.5 every other day for a week, all the while supplmenting with Wellbutrin. She saw me fall apart in her office the other day and looked suprised at how sensitive I was. She took me off the Wellbutrin and wants to put me on something brand new (and ad) that is not supposed to have any side effects. She also said that I should be taking Xanax every 3 hours (but it makes me too sleepy) and that I should be over all these symptoms by today. Well guess what - I feel worse than ever! I would have NEVER gone on these pills if she had warned me about the possilbe withdrawal symptoms. I am thinking of sueing her and the drug company. If enough of us get together, we can have quite a class action suit. I am so scared that these symptoms are permanent. I havent filled thenew prescription yet - im too scared to try anything else, let alone something that has only been approved for 4 months!!! How am I going to cope with my two daughters to look after - my husband is trying to be sympathetic but he never wanted me on any of this to begin with. My daughter is on Wellbutrin but now im scared the same thing would happen to her if she goes off those. Im serious about the class action suit - is anyone game?

[LORI]

WOW! HAPPY TO HEAR I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE OUT THERE WITH THIS PROBLEM. THOUGHT I WAS EITHER GOING CRAZY OR HAD SOME DISEASE. I AM GOING ON THREE WEEKS FREE OF EFFEXOR. HAVE HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS A LOT OF YOU. STARTED EFFEXOR A YEAR AGO AND AS MUCH AS IT HELPED WITH MY DEPRESSION, HAD I KNOWN, I WOULD HAVE NEVER STARTED IT. THESE DOCTORS SHOULD TELL US THESE FACTS BEFORE THEY START US UP ON THESE DRUGS. SHIT! ANYWAY, HANG IN THERE ALL OF YOU AND I HOPE TO DO THE SAME. I FOUND THAT FLU MEDICINES REALLY HELP BEING THAT I HAD THOUGHT THAT I WAS INITIALLY SICK. I HOPE THESE WITHDRAWALS SOON GO AWAY. PLEASE DON'T TELL ME THAT THEY HANG ON FOR A YEAR! LORI

[Alisha]

Boy, I heard (too late) about the withdrawals coming off of effexor, but I never expected them to be as bad as what I've read here. I've been on the drug for about one year now. At one point I was taking 150 mg, but I was very irritable and having "hot flashes" and "night sweats" all the time. I decreased to 75mg without a problem. I am just now figuring out that effexor is to blame for the 30 something pounds I've gained over the past year. 20 of those pounds came after I increased to 150mg, and boy did they come FAST! My doctor claims he warned me of the withdrawals and weight gain with effexor. He lies. Before starting the drug I was struggling with trying to lose 15 pounds or so and would of never signed up for "weight gain"! Now that none of my clothes fit and I feel "puffy" all the time...Well, it doesn't do much for your self esteem. I plan on seeing my NEW PCP and start to taper off this "fat" drug. I only hope I can live through the withdrawal with out losing my job, my life or my fiance...I have to start planning a wedding soon! Also, I'm a nurse and work 12 hour shifts. Those may be a bear to get though. The up side of the 12 hour shifts is that I have 4 days a week off. Sounds like I'll need it! Wish me luck and everyone else...Hang in there!

[kathleen]

I've been on effexor for 6 months. For the last couple months I've been experiencing intense headaches and nausea. My new boyfriend says he finds me hostile and guarded at times, and our sex life is pretty much non-existent. He is the best man I've ever dated, and after reading all these posts, I am totally convinced that my recent decison to get off this crap is bang on. I've been weaning and skipping days of the lowest dosage (37.5) which nonetheless still seems to be impacting me quite severely. At least I am getting a bit of my libido back. This drug is bullshit, pardon my french. I am a sober alcoholic (eleven years) and I don't care how often I need to go to yoga or eat broccoli or talk to my trusted (anti-drug) therapist when stuff comes up - I will NEVER go back on any of this garbage again. Good luck to all of us. Those drug companies and their pimp doctors are scumbags.

[kathleen]

I've been on effexor for 6 months. For the last couple months I've been experiencing intense headaches and nausea. My new boyfriend says he finds me hostile and guarded at times, and our sex life is pretty much non-existent. He is the best man I've ever dated, and after reading all these posts, I am totally convinced that my recent decison to get off this crap is bang on. I've been weaning and skipping days of the lowest dosage (37.5) which nonetheless still seems to be impacting me quite severely. At least I am getting a bit of my libido back. This drug is bullshit, pardon my french. I am a sober alcoholic (eleven years) and I don't care how often I need to go to yoga or eat broccoli or talk to my trusted (anti-drug) therapist when stuff comes up - I will NEVER go back on any of this garbage again. Good luck to all of us. Those drug companies and their pimp doctors are scumbags.

[peter]

WHOA!! Just got to the bottom of this excellant site and WHOA! Thank you everyone for the honesty and the insight. We that come after you, salute you!
Mine is a very similar story with a twist; I've been on Effexor XR for nearly 8+ years, this wonder drug has made my "other" life history. It saved my life from the trama of the horrible pain and depression I endured for decades. Prior to the Effoxor I had tried many of the others, Paxil, etc. even the dreaded Halcilon and Valium for over a decade just too "find" some state of sleep. I am recovering from multiple surgeries due to the removal of a large intercannial tumor. (The effects of the multiple surgeries have left me disabled.) Neuroloically, I have the effects what I have read above, blurred vision, neasuea, balance and pain and a host of other problems, memory, etc, of which are in addition to the various ones many of you have depicted above.
I too, would like to "forewarn" others before they attempt to withdrawl from these durgs; Effexor, Paxil and similar meds. Remember, at least for me, it once helped us (me) function and it did keep (some of) us ALIVE! Pain, depression, addictions, emotional and physiological problems brought many of us to those that prescribe such meds to assist us thru our horrible experiences. This Withdrawal was unexpected by most of us and for many, we did not receive warnings of such a horrible experience was to be had. True, I've been kept alive by many of these drugs and many if not all your "ways" of dealing with it both on and now while trying to get off it permenently!
For me, here's the thing; I have fought to "stay alive" for decades using anything that worked, i.e., prayer, execrcise, work, activities, friends, reading and reading and reading and therapies, (5 pyscologists and 15 years of a psychiatrists help.) I have come to appreciate the bennefits of the drug, BUT getting off this is and has been important to me. This event, validates my existance, to be free of EFFEXOR; meds and therapists, brain tumors and the horrible problems related to all the above are VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.
I repeat, I had been kept alive by this drug and my faith and now my strife to achieve success without Effexor!
I started reducing the drug slowly, as many of you, but NEVER stop anything "cold turkey" without doing YOUR reseach first! If you are one of the many that still believe your "doc" is aware of your predictament, think again!!!! THEY ARE TOO BUSY, TOO BURDENED and ignorant of what "our" challenge is like, it is too easy for them to prescribe and collect their fees, NOW IT'S UP TO US!
RESEARCH and plan a process! "COLD TURKEY" is not a plan!
Solicit assistance, warn others, seek advice and do your homework! Get a PDR, learn about the medication you take, I failed to do that for years! Question first, take the medication, LAST!
PLAN AN EXIT STRATEGY. GO SLOWLY. IT DOES HELP!
I, consulted with doctor, we reduced my dose, anticpated difficulties,(admittedily, NOT THIS MUCH),wife took a vacation as I started to skip a day between doses, then after a week, learning the signs, started skipping two days between applications of my dose, after a week, three days between doses, etc., I DID GET EAGAR TO STOP after that week, and that is where my symptoms grew rapidily!
Staying off the Effexor is now the course, BUT I quit too soon! Now, I too, have many of the side effects and they are VERY DIFFICULT, especially for my wife! Ha.
Hey, we (You and I) are all in this together and we are going to see it thru. I am sure the appropriate way for others to avoid our current symptoms and states of being, is to withdrawl slowly, progressively, steadily.
TAKE MORE TIME, ADD DAYS BETWEEN LOWER DOSES, WITHDRAWL GRADUALLY!!!
Realize we; especially those of us on high doses and years of ingesting it, are here to survive and to teach others how to endure, how to ease our process to recovery, let's get away from the fear, the loneliness, the demons, the anger and concentrate on the process!
What works? What eases our struggle and what can we do to ease the transition for those that will follow?
Tapering off slowly seems to be the key, (at least for ME), if I were starting the process over, or fail to succeed in this venture, I will taper off slower, longer, and demand in a fair, firm and friendly way that my previous doctors donate their help to my endeavor, that way we both win! I get off successfully and they are able to learn more and clear their conscience, for dealing in drugs that increase their profits, but go unchallenged by those of us that have learned too late to take more responsibility for being "ignorant-trusting" giniea pigs for the drug companies and the they, the all knowing doctors in white!
I currently exercise out doors a lot and watch a lot of Dr. Phil, ha(life strategy is a must.) I do require Trazadone to iniate "sleep", Effexor causes insommia. My wife of 35 years tolerates my outbursts of frustation, drug induced arguementative challenges, tremors, etc., she has a real difficult time understanding my "our", position. This drug once help keep me alive, plain and simple, I DOUBT MY EXISTANCE IF IT WERE NOT USED, that being said, It is horribly difficult and miserable being subjective to the anguish of getting off it.
Going "COLD TURKEY" is NOT an exit strategy plan, it is a set up for DISASTER!!!
We are adults; we trusted others to inlighten us and we trusted the medication to "asist" us in surviving our pains and challenges; NOW PLEASE ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR GETTING OFF EFFEXOR BY GOING SLOWLY!!!! Pray, meditate, stay positive, stay focused and alert to the process! Read your way to success and enact changes slowly.
HELP YOURSELF BY BUILDING A PROCESS FOR YOUR EXIT FROM EFFEXOR, PAXIL, as with alcohol, anger, depression, brain tumors, cancers, failures, devorce, etc. We are capable of so much more than the later by the garce of faith and by accepting hope, not anger, as our emotion of choice.
WE CAN AND WILL GET BEYOND THIS, OF COURSE WE WILL!
May your journey be better than mine and thank you for reading the thoughts of a survivor; ha. If we had another 50 pages and 50 more hours we could share with other the real challenges that others go thru EVERYDAY; we, you and I, are merely in transition, WE WILL GET BETTER, WE WILL ACHIEVE OUR GOAL, especially if we PLAN AN EXIT STRATEGY, stick to it, and apply it slowly!
Heck, it ain't brain surgery, and we aren't fighting in Iraq, we can and will get well.

[Jen]

Well I have been on Effexor (150mg) for years now and have tried to quit cold turkey before but couldn't do it. My sister took several attempts as well and successfully did it though I have no idea how. I stopped taking Effexor almost 2 weeks ago and today was the first I ever felt withdrawal symptoms. Is that normal? I thought that I was free and clear and got off easy this time but today has been miserable. It started with a headache that wouldn't go away and then my ears have been blocked for days. My face feels very funny, not sure how else to describe but think maybe this is the numbness others have talked about. I do have that weird sensation of my head not moving fast enough and dizziness. I just feel weird all over. I just don't understand why it took almost 2 weeks to feel this. I am determined to stop this drug as it has only created problems for me. I had been on Paxil years and years ago but it caused so much weight gain (which was part of my depression in the first place) and I was told this one wouldn't do that. But it has. Just wondered if anyone else had significant weight gain with this as well. And its not so much the weight gain..... its that no matter what I do, I cannot lose the weight I have put on. I can sorta keep from gaining tons more if I work out and diet but I never lose it. Anyways.... if any one has any comments or suggestions on how to help I'd really appreciate it. Good luck to you all.

[julia]

Hello again, Fellow Travelers;
Happy days are here again. After the vertigo, headaches, etc. associated with withdrawal from this nasty drug, I am amazed to have found myself again, the person I thought I had lost over the last few years. I have feelings again, I don't take long naps in the afternoon anymore. I am a painter and have just completed the largest works I have ever done (7'x7') that are filled with confidence and strength. It's b een years since I have felt such energy while painting. I'm throwing a big holiday party with the friends and family that have been there for me all along-though I have been too numb to love and appreciate.

Oh, and by the way, twenty pounds have melted off, I'm back to a size 6 and am healthy, energized and happy.

One final word, don't give up - Stay off this drug - I hope and wish you all well. I'm off to celebrate living again.

Love, Julia

[kathleen]

Jeez I guess I sounded way bitter about the Effexor thing a few postings back. That was a really bad day. I want to stress that I completely respect the power and debilitating effects of depression. We do need chemical help from time to time, and some of us consistently so, over years. So I am not altogether negating the usefulness. But what a terrible shame if someone were to end up confusing the cure with the cause. yes, the first week or so I got out of the abyss. Beyond that, the Effexor completely removed myself from me, and had a very negative effect upon my life physically, socially, emotionally, sexually, creatively and pretty much any other thing you can think of.

I think the source of my anger is around the lack of knowledge regarding longer term effects and the terrible withdrawal effects, even from a minimum dosage. I can see why people would get spooked and start taking it again - confusing the extreme side effects with depressive symptoms.

I have told a few close friends that I am off Effexor, and asked for them to let me know if I start getting sucked back into the vortex.

I just feel so pained to know that people could end up taking this stuff for years on end and be addicted to stopping withdrawal rather than genuinely improving the quality of their life (much the same way cigarettes work - you think they provide "relief" but really they just hit you up with another dose of toxins so that you have the illusion they make you feel better).

Anyhow, it's been few weeks of careful withdrawal, a lot of yoga and biking, good food, B vitamins and Ginko, plus some SEX again (halejulah praise the skies) and I am now feeling very clear headed, motivated, with normal energy, and clean inside. I can wake up properly again, slugishness and the few extra pounds I gained seem to be dropping off rather quickly (even though I am very active I gained), I am not having so many weird bouts of negativity and anxiety per day / week, I feel way more social and "present", I can feel my skin and muscles (hello sex?), and am basically back to being my self.

If I start to plummet in a very serious way, I have promised myself that I so my own research very carefully. If worse comes to worse, and I absolutely must, I will only opt for a solution that will not destroy my libido, as I hgear is the case with Wellbutrin.

As far as Effexor, NEVER again for this girl. In fact, I am fortunate in that I can use chemical help very sporadically, to get me out of the pit, so that I can then do all the things which NATURALLY restore my equalibrium - the aforementioned yoga and broccoli routine :]

I am so relieved I made the decision to trust myself and taper off very slowly (thanks so much to the wise advice and shared experiences I discovered in this thread). My heart goes out to you with longer term and larger doses to wean from. Be careful and respect your brain chenmistry. i belive it is so much more delicate than the drug companies would have us believe. And there is so much we can do to help ourselves stay balanced in safe and natural ways.

I'll keep checking back here to hear more.

[kathleen]

Jeez I guess I sounded way bitter about the Effexor thing a few postings back. That was a really bad day. I want to stress that I completely respect the power and debilitating effects of depression. We do need chemical help from time to time, and some of us consistently so, over years. So I am not altogether negating the usefulness. But what a terrible shame if someone were to end up confusing the cure with the cause. yes, the first week or so I got out of the abyss. Beyond that, the Effexor completely removed myself from me, and had a very negative effect upon my life physically, socially, emotionally, sexually, creatively and pretty much any other thing you can think of.

I think the source of my anger is around the lack of knowledge regarding longer term effects and the terrible withdrawal effects, even from a minimum dosage. I can see why people would get spooked and start taking it again - confusing the extreme side effects with depressive symptoms.

I have told a few close friends that I am off Effexor, and asked for them to let me know if I start getting sucked back into the vortex.

I just feel so pained to know that people could end up taking this stuff for years on end and be addicted to stopping withdrawal rather than genuinely improving the quality of their life (much the same way cigarettes work - you think they provide "relief" but really they just hit you up with another dose of toxins so that you have the illusion they make you feel better).

Anyhow, it's been few weeks of careful withdrawal, a lot of yoga and biking, good food, B vitamins and Ginko, plus some SEX again (halejulah praise the skies) and I am now feeling very clear headed, motivated, with normal energy, and clean inside. I can wake up properly again, slugishness and the few extra pounds I gained seem to be dropping off rather quickly (even though I am very active I gained), I am not having so many weird bouts of negativity and anxiety per day / week, I feel way more social and "present", I can feel my skin and muscles (hello sex?), and am basically back to being my self.

If I start to plummet in a very serious way, I have promised myself that I so my own research very carefully. If worse comes to worse, and I absolutely must, I will only opt for a solution that will not destroy my libido, as I hgear is the case with Wellbutrin.

As far as Effexor, NEVER again for this girl. In fact, I am fortunate in that I can use chemical help very sporadically, to get me out of the pit, so that I can then do all the things which NATURALLY restore my equalibrium - the aforementioned yoga and broccoli routine :]

I am so relieved I made the decision to trust myself and taper off very slowly (thanks so much to the wise advice and shared experiences I discovered in this thread). My heart goes out to you with longer term and larger doses to wean from. Be careful and respect your brain chenmistry. i belive it is so much more delicate than the drug companies would have us believe. And there is so much we can do to help ourselves stay balanced in safe and natural ways.

I'll keep checking back here to hear more.

[Jen]

Hi everybody,
I have been reading all of these posts and I'm so glad I'm not alone in this. I recently lost my health insurance and ran out of effexor xr. I have been on 225mg for 6 months when I was forced to quit cold turkey. I have tried to quit this drug three times. All three times have been pure hell and I started the drug again just to function. Twice I ran to my doctor crying uncontrolably and begging for free samples. This last time I had to buy a 5-day supply of my Rx for $65 which I really cannot afford. But I can't afford to go through withdrawls right now either. I work full time and have an 18 month old son. The few times I have gone through the withdrawls have been pure hell! I cannot even function. I get nausea, intestional problems, dizziness, chills, hot flashes, incredible mood swings, short-temper, extreme anger and suicidal thoughts amongst many other things. I get so dizzy I can't walk, I can't see straight or even think. I am trying now to wean myself off of this crap, but I already don't feel well. Something has to be done to this company and this drug needs to be banned! Noone else should have to suffer like this! This should not be a legal drug!

[peter]

IT DOES GET BETTER. I'm back for an update, I thank others for their updates as well! IT DOES GET BETTER, it's slow, gradual, and laced with pitfalls and trials and tribulations, BUT IT DOES GET BETTER.
Every 3 days I question and reevaluate the process, it's been 6 weeks so far. The frustration, confusion, intolerance and over reactionary behaviors are the most difficult, later, the dark negativity also seems to be constant factor, as mentioned by others. SO BE PATIENT, WARN OTHERS OF YOUR INTENSENESS, ask for their understanding and thank them along the process, a lot!

It has been rough, at times, very rough indeed. Again, every 3 days I questioned the process, even as recently as yestereday I considered going back on the effexor.
I was helped by reading of those few after my posting that have CONTINUED to pursue the course of stayin free.
I am having a real challenge here, it is important to me to be free of the drug, yet it is not so "vicious" a fight to refraim from taking it now. Before, I would consider taking it again because the present and the future looked shaded, less than what I have come to consider "normal". I wait to be real again, less sad, depressed or simply "not happy". There needs to be light at the end of the tunnel, "hope", and there is almost always hope especially when we fail to experience it.
Faith and knowledge go hand in hand with hope and a sence of well being.
This process is difficult, even scary, time passes quickly (it's been 6 weeks) progress is slow, but it does seem to be improving, as mentioned by the previous writers. (Drink lots of fluids, flush out the body.)
My compassion to those that had little choice but to quit "abruptly", because a time/dose reduction plan seems to be the best plan,(more than 6 weeks). The stress on family, friends and associates has been challenging to say the least.

I want to continue the process to be confident/secure in the identity I accecpt to be me again and that I present to everyone else. "Is it real or effexor"?
Stay positive even in the darkest moments, the "crying" tapers off, the anger subsides, the low tollerance improves, sleep returns, hope comes forth from the hiding place that it had been regulated to and tomorrow does start to seem "hopeful" rather than hopeless.
We live in an immediate gratification environment, coming off Effexor abrutly, even slowly, requires a patience that moost of us are short of exercising.

ONE DAY AT A TIME, examine the side effects and chart them! Keep an ongoing list and notice the degrees of intensity or reduction. That charting of the degrees will help sustain your progress, and your effort. Build a support network, ask a "brave" person to be there for you, and make appointments with health care providers that will help you immediately if you need it.
Beware or cautious of those that want you to share your "ain't we got it bad" or "pitty poor me", they are not healthy and will not benefit your progress.
Most of all, thank, encourage and solicit the evaluations (not opinions) of those around you that you can trust to be fair. This process is very challenging and difficult, someone that does not comprehend that is NOT able to be unbiased; we are looking for encouragement and assessemts not criticism and hurt feelings. WE ARE IN RECOVERY, we need to be tough on ourselves yes, an abundance of self-forgiveness and hope is also required.
I have only gotten further along the road,(6 wks.), I am challenged everyday and only find moments to sustain the hope I speak of, and that is the best I can do for now, each day brings more hope,longer moments and more success. Sunshine and movies/videos help, too.
I won't insult your efforts by saying" hang in there", I will say it is a revieling challenge: "Circumstances don't make the "man", they simply reveal "him".
Bless you for trying to overcome that which restains you from being what you choose to be and present to others from your source of love and compassion, empathy and respect. WE ARE MORE THAN THIS COMPLICATED EXPERIENCE WITH EFFEXOR, we will overcome and we will succeed, even if we determine or simply decide to return to it's assistance in making our life experience more manageable.
It's not just the end result but the journey to determine how we will continue to define ourselves and how we ultimately encourage others along the way if they are going to be a part of our lives as well.
OH BY THE WAY, MY WONERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR HAS STARTED TO RAISE IT'S WITTY HEAD ONCE AGAIN, AND THAT HAS BEEN MISSING, A VERY GOOD SIGN, to be sure!
I will continue to pray and HOPE for each of you along the process and "that's a good thing!" peter

[Jon]

Please can someone help me. I'm NOT on any medication but my girlfriend and mother of my 6 year old son has been on 300mg of Effexor for two years and her doctor wants her on for another 6 months. She also shovels flu remedies containing pseudoephedrine down her neck, drinks alcohol and caffeine and smokes. Her diet's terrible. She can hardly stay awake a whole day or get out of bed in the morning, she's put on loads of weight. I can see a brick wall coming fast. She can't. She hasn't made much sense for ages but she's making even less sense now. What's the prognosis? Total rehab?

[peter]

Only nine (9) days later since my posting above and this will be my final posting. After yet another week+ of dealing with the withdrawal from Effexor XR, we, (friends, family, wife of 35yrs, and doctor have concluded that any further withdrawal or more importantly, any further return of the complications of NOT being on Effexor is not healthy for ME. I have made a very difficult decision and it is to return to Effexor XR at a minimal (37.5) dosage initially and shall try to stay at such reduced dosage until it is very nessessary to advance it.
The return to old ways of thinking are too much for me.Things are improving as far as getting free of the drug's withdrawal effects, but my depression is returning in great bounds. I will not and can not continue to drop into those depths of darkness and unhappiness.
I have been successful in determining my life with and without Effexor and have concluded that without Effexor I will not enjoy the happiness I have been able to take for granted over the last 8+ years while taking it. Each of us are different and for me, life is too precious and too short to go back into such an unhappy and hopeless state of depression.
I have spent years in therapy and read volumes of valuable books on the subjects that affect my well being and have decided that Effexor is a part of my life until something less addictive and safer repaces it.
Make certain YOU have done everything correctly before determining that this drug IS responsible for your failures in doing better to overcome the challenges in YOUR life.
Many postings above have given me indication to believe that the individual did not accept responsibility for reading and understanding the proper usage of this medication, especially with alcohol, caffiene, other self abusive behaviors.
Taking responsibility to comprehend the withdrawal techniques or proticols is paramount in achieving the SUCCESS of being free of Effexor. QUITING THIS OR MOST ADDICTIVE MEDICATIONS "COLD TURKEY" IS JUST PLAIN DANGEROUS.
Please do your best to establish an appropriate reduction in the medication and do it under the supervision of a trusted physician. Have the doctor involved, ready to assist and evaluate your progress as well as your needs, of which, like myself, may be to start the medication or a similar one again.
I admit it, life without Effexor, FOR ME, is not pleasent or healthy. I will most likely not survive without its assistance. I have done nearly everthing I could do, and have read so much on the subjects that have devalued my quality of life over the decades, that I am willing and eager to accept my next dose of Effexor in the morning. FOR SOME OF US, IT NOT ONLY WORKS, BUT IT KEEPS US (ME) ALIVE.
My sense of well being and security is slowly returning, I am able to see positive rather than looking for the negative once again, That's called hope!
Blame is not going to console our spirits and we have to find the answers and the slolutions with or without pharmacidicals. I have decided to take responsibility and acknoledge that for me, Effexor XR has a positive effect.
Making sure I do not run out of the medication is my responsibility.
Making sure I take it regularily is my responsibility.
Making sure I need the least amount of dosage is my responsiblity. (I will stay off the coffee, the soda, chocolate and other caffeiene products.) My biggest complaint was insommia!
I do not feel I have failed, quite the opposite, I have successfully experimented and concluded that I do much better on Effexor than not! I have struggled and endured that insightful process and am a better person for it!
It is reveiling to be on the other side of this endeavor and I am proud of my discovery because I earned it! I did not abuse anyone more than I endured each minute of each moment of the withdrawal myself.
Please do YOUR best to be responsible and question your actions and ACCEPT responsibility for reading not only the drug study reports in the PDR (Physicians Desk Refference), but in identifying YOUR self abusive habits and choices of food, drugs, alcohol, sleep habits and medicine interractions.
In the posting directly above this one, we see a desperate and loving individual asking for help. Many of us have been there and we can share with that person, but it appears his spouse has not taken reponsibility for her actions. An intervention with her is probably a good idea before she or someone else is injured.
Have a good life and May God receive your prayers, it helps by the way. I am able to pray once again since I have started the Effexor, during the withdrawal I was not even able to do that! My hope and energy to YOU!

[Hélène Pouliot]

I am so afraid, I want to stop taking Effexor. I take Effexor for 5 years. I started with 300 mg I think and reduced to 187.50 mg. Lately I don't feel better. Last year my doctor combine Effexor with Remeron. One mont ago I stopped Remeron, I did not like the way I felt and the doctor increased Effextor 150 to 187.50 mg. I would like to stop everything, even Evening Primrose ( natural ,,, )
I am afraid like hell. Can you guide me, help please
I know doctor don't encourage me to stop.

[lily]

Effexor was at first a blessing, now a curse for my daughter. She began taking it about 4 years ago, and is now trying to get off the "medication."

Why is she wanting off? Well, at least 50 pounds have been added to her body, she has acquired attention deficit because of this Effexor, and still suffers periods of depression with the drug.

As to getting off, we are hoping for the best. We know enough, thanks to a lot of research, to go SLOWLY. That does not mean a day or week at a time with each dose change, but monthly, perhaps. So far she is down from 150mg to 75. We will take a couple of months before dropping to 37.

One great recommendation: Dr. Glenmullen's new book, "The Antidepressant Solution". Summing it up, TAKE IT SLOWLY!

Best wishes to all who are struggling with this nasty drug.

lily - December 25, 2004

[Kim]

I am sooo glad to find this website. I as put on Effexor 75 mg. five yrs. ago after BC to help with the hot flashes. I decided to discontinue the effexor a little over two weeks ago and am going thru a horrible withdrawal...brain shivers, flu-like symptoms, irritability,etc., etc. I have read where alot of people have weaned themselves by going to a lower and lower dose but then they also go thru W/D's. I am going to tough it out and was wondering how long these symptoms will last. Any answers would be appreciated.

I only wish that I had been told that this was such an addictive drug...I think I would have preferred the hot flashes.

Kim