In response to those who ask if they should still start Effexor after reading all the horror stories
03.20.04 (2:42 pm) [edit]
This is really something you have to decide with your doctor. According to my therapist and psychiatrist, they have several other patients who have had NO problems getting off Effexor. Just remember to take everything you read online with a grain of salt, my blog included. People are more likely to be vocal and "ask for help" online when their experiences have been negative. Effexor and other ADs have been a lifesaver for many.
That said, you might talk to your doctor about ruling out other causes of depression before initiating treatment with medication. Have they done tests to screen for a thyroid disorder or another biochemical factor that could contribute to depression? Is your condition mild enough to benefit from more natural treatments, such as regular exercise and lifestyle changes?
Finally, you should also consider whether you've been sensitive to other meds or similar meds in the past, and also consider getting a second opinion from another competent physician. Again, everyone is different, don't assume you'll have the same experiences as others--but don't be afraid to be vigilant and vocal about your own health care and ask your health care provider any questions you have about a particular treatment. Don't forget to mention any other meds or supplements you might be taking, as well as bring up any other health conditions you might have, to help your doctor make the right diagnosis and prescribe the right medication.
Hope that helps.
That said, you might talk to your doctor about ruling out other causes of depression before initiating treatment with medication. Have they done tests to screen for a thyroid disorder or another biochemical factor that could contribute to depression? Is your condition mild enough to benefit from more natural treatments, such as regular exercise and lifestyle changes?
Finally, you should also consider whether you've been sensitive to other meds or similar meds in the past, and also consider getting a second opinion from another competent physician. Again, everyone is different, don't assume you'll have the same experiences as others--but don't be afraid to be vigilant and vocal about your own health care and ask your health care provider any questions you have about a particular treatment. Don't forget to mention any other meds or supplements you might be taking, as well as bring up any other health conditions you might have, to help your doctor make the right diagnosis and prescribe the right medication.
Hope that helps.
posted by: smokeycat (reply)
post date: 03.21.04 (11:15 am)
Your doctor should rule out all biological reasons for depression, or any mental illness. I think the fact that a lot of doctors don't do this is why you have a lot of people trapped in viscious cycle of taking ADs they shouldn't, and re-experiencing depression.
posted by: brainzaps (reply)
post date: 03.21.04 (1:37 pm)
Reply to: smokeycat - i agree. i think if i had gotten my hypothyroidism under control a lot earlier on, i might not have even had to go on ADs in the first place.
posted by: the factor (reply)
post date: 08.23.04 (10:00 pm)
can you tell me WHERE the reply to my first email is? someone's responded to my question of whether their w/d symptoms get worse at certain points in the monthly cycle...and I'd like to read it. thanks!
posted by: the factor (reply)
post date: 08.23.04 (10:00 pm)
can you tell me WHERE the reply to my first email is? someone's responded to my question of whether their w/d symptoms get worse at certain points in the monthly cycle...and I'd like to read it. thanks!
posted by: jafix (reply)
post date: 03.14.05 (7:36 pm)
oK, I had been taking effexor for about 2 months and I just stopped taking it 3 days ago. I've been thru the medication mill and even went thru a nutritional vitamin treatment program to get off the benzos and various others after 15 years of mistreatment by psychs. The withdrawal almost killed me. It has taken me about 8 mos. to recover to some extent and know that I have a long way to go. I don't think I need to be on medication. I may have needed it at certain times in my life, but never for more than maybe a few weeks. They got me hooked when I went thru alcohol treatment for the first time 15 years ago.
As you can probably tell I still don't track very well. I know you've heard this story before. I really just wanted to know if it is relatively safe for me to stop taking it after being on only 75 mgs for only 2 months. I have sensations of adrenalin rushes. Are those akin to "brain zaps"? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks for your public service.
posted by: Sari/Newbie (reply)
post date: 03.25.05 (7:26 am)
Hi, I've been taking Effexor now for 4 days and after finding this website and other information, I'm really hesitant to continue with this medication. I've had all kinds of side effects, but I've been trying to stick with it, since the thought of feeling normal, is such a big motivation. My depression is not severe and MY GOD I don't want to end up having a severe depression just because I go off of medication! I'm taking 75mg a day. Do you think I'll have withdrawal symptoms after just 4 days of taking it? And also, the pills are in a form of powder, how will I reduce the dose, if that's even necessary (could I just go off cold turkey at this point?). Any advice would be so greatly appreciated! I'm a new mom of a 8 month old and I don't want to become more depressed when I'll try to have another baby in the future!
Thanks in advance!
posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 04.11.05 (12:02 pm)
Reply to: Sari/Newbie
I don't want to alarm you, but here is my experience:
I was on 300 mg of Effexor XR at one point. I decided to come off of it when I found out I was pregnant in 2003. I already knew I would have to wean myself from it, as I had horrendous side affects if I was more than an hour late taking my daily dose. To make a long story short, I weaned down gradually over a period of about 3 months and continued to have withdrawal symptoms 6-8 weeks after my final dose. (My last dose consisted of splitting the 37.5 mg capsules and throwing half the pellets away.) Swore I'd never go back on the stuff. Unfortunately, my therapist and psychiatrist thought it best when depression and suicidal ideation reared it's ugly head following the recent death of my grandfather in January 2005. I'm only on 37.5 mg now and refuse to go higher. In fact, I've recently decided I'm not going to take it anymore at all. Haven't had one since Friday (it's Monday)...my head feels like it has an ax in it, the brain zaps are driving me insane, and the disorientation is maddening. The nausea doesn't seem so bad compared to the other symptoms.
posted by: pissed and zappy (reply)
post date: 04.29.05 (9:31 am)
Argh! Thanks for this blog- It's helping me not feel so crazy with my zaps and dizziness. But I have one question! When will this zapping go away? I need a timeline so I can say to myself, "Okay - one more day/week/whatever of hell..." HELP ME!
posted by: Emily/pissed and zappy (reply)
post date: 04.29.05 (9:35 am)
Reply to: Sari/Newbie
GET off of this drug ASAP. The withdrawal is worse than depression! It is the wierdest, most horrible feeling in the world. I have been tapering for the last two months and four days ago took my last 37.5 dose. ARGH! I feel like my body is pulsing with little shocks and waves. I just want to curl up and die! Any doctor that knowingly puts a patient on this drug is an ASSHOLE...sorry about the outburst. Find another drug if you can!!!
posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 06.26.05 (3:35 pm)
i hate effexor. i have been on effexor for 3 years. i'm in the process of tapering down. the side effects of effexor are worse than the symtoms. i wish i knew better and never took this drug!! i've been taking it so long because i have thought it is too difficult to get off of it, but now i will pay the price to get off of this horrible drug.
posted by: maxine (reply)
post date: 05.30.06 (5:30 pm)
im trying to get off of effexor. ive been taking this for about 1 year and 1/2. i have been on 75 mill / day. now i am alternating daily doses. i feel very sensitive to light, emotional, like anything can set me off. i am antisocial, im now afraid to talk to people. the only comfort is in my dark room. i feel like i am going crazy, even though i know it is just withdrawal sypmtoms.. i do have a slight constant headache behind the eyes. there are hot flashes. i also did gain about 20 lbs from the effexor. i didnt know it was from the medication. ive been trying different diets this past year, and it is alomost impossible to lose the weight. i figured out it is from Effexor. over all this drug has done more harm than good, but it is still better than Paxil. i have minimal anxiety symptoms now, but i think before when i began taking the effexor, it was not GAD like i had thought, but a due to my heavy drinking. so before anyone starts taking effexor, check out if there are other ways to avoid your anxiety or depression. there may be other causes instead of thinking that antidepressives are the only solution. they may do more harm than good. anyways im goign to try and stick with cutting down. im glad there is a blog like this, now i dont feel so alone.
posted by: jody (reply)
post date: 06.10.06 (12:07 pm)
wow i think my dosage of effexor must be rather high as i looked and most ppl are on 150mg per day im on 225mg.i have had a week now of not taking them because i lost the scripts to get more and i am feeling awful. the brain zaps are intense, i cant say it scares me too much but it does annoy me and i feel like i might pass out. its like my eyes are sticky and have trouble moving. its rather wierd, i dont feel that effexor is the best drug to be on as look at how mucny ppl have problems with it for a start. im glad that i founnd out its not just me who gets theses symptoms lol thnx and good luck Jody