Experiences from readers

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 05.30.04 (7:28 pm)

Ok... I probably shouldn't be sharing
this w/ANYBODY but I'm so grateful to find someone who won't think I'm making the withdrawal effects sound worse than they are, so here goes... I stopped abruptly (house burned down, lost my job, total shock, major motion picture coming soon) and have had constant nerve pain, dizziness, vision problems, electric shocks, etc for over a month now. Just read on another site that some people experience these effects for over a year! I'm still sobbing. I really can't take much more. But that was not what I wanted to share. My biggest delimma is what I've found to relieve the problem... small amounts of amphetamines. AARRGGHH!! I realize this is incredibly stupid, tapered off of them, went without for 10 days w/Effexor effects getting worse every day. I'd commit myself if I could afford it. I hope the thought police don't read this.

---

posted by: brainzaps (reply)
post date: 05.31.04 (7:06 am)

Reply to: newbie

ohhh...i am so sorry you're going through this. if it makes you feel better, i have read on other discussion boards about folks using other types of drugs, including amphetamines, to deal with the withdrawal effects. is there any way you can get back on effexor just so you can start tapering down more slowly?? do you have a doctor you trust? if you explain how bad you feel and your $$ situation, sometimes a sympathetic doc will give you a free sample supply to tide you over. come back and post, or even email me at brainzaps at yahoo dot com.

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 05.31.04 (11:01 pm)

Reply to: brainzaps
Thanks for responding. It's comforting to know somebody understands what I'm going through... and cares. I'm in unfamiliar territory right now, but I'm going home to visit my family next week and will try to contact the doc who got me started on this ride. I'm a little frightened of taking more though, what if I just prolong this nightmare? On another note, I notice a striking similarity between my symptoms and the symptoms my closest friend described to me when he was initially diagnosed w/MS. Including a marked worsening when I become overheated. Frightening, but it gives me some ideas on how to manage the problem. I'll keep you posted. Thank you so much for being here! Peace.

---

posted by: TFM (reply)
post date: 06.28.04 (5:36 pm)

Hey,
WOW! I am so glad I'm not alone. My situation is similar - I'm in the process of getting off effexor right now. I've gained over 80 lbs. in the past four years from being on this drug and I can't loose the weight. I know many others have this problem, too. I went from 150 mg to 75 mg to nothing (per Dr. orders). I was off for 11 days and, you all know, it was awfull. I've experienced everything from flu, muscle ache (I do yoga so I am flexible and my muscles should not be sore) brain zaps, dizziness,nasua, constipation - you name it. I can't take this withdrawal anymore so I took a 37.5 mg pill today. I still feel like shit. I want to take legal action b/c I was never informed about any of this and my Dr. is clueless and doesn't help!

---

posted by: missaustralia (reply)
post date: 07.06.04 (5:10 pm)

Doctors who refuse to accept our testimonies should be clubbed repeatedly with Effexor boxes. I know that doctor-patient dynamic has to be maintained (THEY have the knowledge, not us) but there is nothing more cruel I think than to respond to someone's report of symptoms with 'well, you shouldn't be feeling that...you can't be feeling that.' Oh, great, so I am crazy?
I have been Effexor-free for 2 weeks now after 5 YEARS on various SSRIs and am still dealing with the 'inappropriate grief and rage' I was warned about (online of course, not in the office) but I have high hopes for the future...I tapered off from 150mg over 9 weeks, counted out my little beads, split the capsules into parts using empty caps (couldn't find any in the chemist, emptied out some vitamins) et voila. I experienced most, if not all, of major side effects (from head and body tremors, muscle aches, nausea, fear, teariness, anger). I cant afford to see a doctor anymore so I don't know what s/he'd say about it, but the spliffs I smoked helped me sleep...I hate to hear anyone thinking they won't get through this: you will, if you try to love yourself more than you used to. This site is wonderful, you are a very good person.

---

posted by: antisleep (reply)
post date: 07.08.04 (12:06 pm)

In regards to 'blondeonbroadway's comment about the fear "of going to sleep" because of dreams that "paralyse" you in your dream. I thought I was unique in this, as I didnt realize it was a sideeffect people got. I KNOW the fear. I stopped cold turkey one day(because I was fed up with the Insomnia). From 225 to 0 overnight. I was poorly educated about effexor. The first effect I got was an elctrical shock feeling in my fingers. It felt exactly like I was holding on to an electrical fence(for horses) for a second or two. It wasnt until day 3 it hit me that all my problems could be effexor withdrawel related. Sure enough after googling the subject I found a ton of people with the brainzap.

Back to the sleep thing. This is the most bizarre thing of my life. As I was awoken from sleep I would not fully awaken. But enter a bizarre dream/reality where I was laying down in bed. I could hear and see(which is wierd because my eyes where shut - so the seeing is more dream related). I was semi-paralyzed. I could not move far from my bed(which wasnt happening in actuallity) I couldnt do certain things like call for help. And then it hit me in my dream, that I was still dreaming. Bizarre stuff I know. Then I would get radical in my dreams to sumon myself from this altered dream state. The pinch to my thigh, and forcing myself to open my eyes(even though they where openened in my dream). About 3 seconds to waking it was like I was bouting with myself for conciousness. I was already 'awake'(used lightly), I just needed to break from this paralysis.

If other people have experienced this let me know. I have never had psychotic related experiences in my life. I have never used recreational drugs. I am a 27 year old male. I am physically fit. I have since returned to a daily regiment of 75MG and the withdrawels subsided except for a pretty consistant headache.

The sleeping paralysis and fear of sleaping deserves its own page or blog. If other people are experiencing it too. I am not good at describing things. But this sleep phenomina intregues me.

---

posted by: IbePiglet (reply)
post date: 07.31.04 (3:49 pm)

I posted today on my blog at http://ibepiglet.diaryland.com/cliffview.html
Someone then suggested I come here. Oh my God. I am stunned by what I am reading, yet so relieved to know that perhaps I am not insane, perhaps it is just FXR withdrawl. Thank you for this!

---

posted by: Megan (reply)
post date: 08.14.04 (5:17 pm)

I'm pretty startled that there are so many people that appear to be having so much trouble getting off of this bloody drug. I had dealt with the side effects (no libido, excessive sweating, vision problems) for months before deciding all of a sudden to get away from Effexor XR. It's funny how these drugs just all of a sudden stop working--I've been on Effexor, Zoloft, Paxil. I think it's a much better idea, if you are thinking of starting meds, to use bibliotherapy in conjunction with therapy, changing diet, exercise, etc. BEFORE you start meds, since it is much more natural that way. I've been medicated with ADs since I was 16 years old and I'm afraid I don't know what it will feel like to be off of drugs completely. I am currently tapering off Effexor myself and have had a few of the side effects mentioned, but they haven't been so bad. I also find it SO ironic that these meds designed to help people that are anxious/depressed end up causing them more grief in the long run sometimes!

---

posted by: newbie2 (reply)
post date: 09.30.04 (3:00 pm)

I've just been reading all of the comments over the past several days, and have decided to keep on "cold turkey". I was on Effexor for 6 mos @300MG... My dr. idea of tapering off was "just take it every other day" NOT - vertigo, brain zaps, Nystagmus (feels like someone keeps kicking the projector in a movie)... Finally got some antivert for the vertigo, but the eyes a jerkin is still happening. Have been dealing with "withdrawal" since I STARTED on the meds, but the doctor just said I was "dizzy" because of allergies.. Now I know it's withdrawal of Effexor since it has such a short half life (miss a dose, you're screwed). Have had VERY vivid nightmares since I quit.. Have changed to Wellbutrin, but that's taking its time.. If I could JUST find something for the eyes...

---

posted by: amy (reply)
post date: 09.30.04 (11:58 pm)

Okay, is there some sort of conspiracy among docs here? i've noticed that nearly 90% of those who mention their doctor say that they are surprised by their client's complaints of w/d. mine was surprised too. what the hell? are they paid by the drug co. to say this or something. i also got the "inner ear" story too. either they're idiots, they're in serious denial, or there is something very funky going on. Please everyone, for the sake of those who will have to go on this heinous drug, print out the posts page and bring it to your doc. Pester them until they read it. then ask them what they think. keep us posted. thanks.

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 10.08.04 (1:41 pm)

doctors should be shot for prescribing this drug to anyone... thats all i can say

---

posted by: Jason (reply)
post date: 11.02.04 (10:26 am)

I was prescribed Effexor for depression and anxiety. I took it for about four months, reaching a 112.5mg dosage.

I disliked how it made me feel. While it kept the darkest of depression at bay, I was out of touch with reality, had sexual problems, hand tremors (right hand), jaw tremors, nightime sweats and difficulty sleeping. I became fixated on suicide, although, I am too cowardly to ever go foward with it. Effexor also had no affect on my anxiety issues. There was a constant feeling in the first few weeks of taking the drug, which was similar to what I might experience if I had taken one hit of LSD.

I took Gravol to help me sleep.

I gradually lowered my dosage. From 112.5mg, I went down to 75mg for a week, then 37.5mg for two weeks, then nothing.

In the weeks of lowering my dosage, I resumed smoking after having quit four years ago. It has done wonders for my anxiety. As I lowered my dosage, my head became clearer and I also had headaches.

Then withdrawal kicked in after I stopped entirely.

I am currently on day 3.

My symptoms include electic shocks throughout my body, brain freeze, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, small pupils, and shivers. A few times I have already had a scary feeling like my brain was going to "short circuit" and I was going to faint. Also, the one-hit of LSD feeling is back. My senses are heightened and I get a feeling of sensory overload when there is too much stimuli.

Hopefully the withdrawal symptoms wane as time passes.

I guess that Effexor was not right for me. It was a General Practitioner who prescribed it to me. He said that he has prescribed it to hundreds of other patients. When he first prescribed it to me, I asked him about the side effects and withdrawal symptoms, becuase I had read horror stories on the internet. He said that there are no witdrawal syptoms and that is why he loves prescribing this drug. He said to tell him if there were sexual side effects, but I am too shy to bring that up to anyone in person.

I suppose he is mistaken about the after effects and side effects of the drug. His bedside manner is rather cold, so I suspect that many of his patients may be reluctant to challenge him or voice their concerns about Effexor (if they have any).

Perhaps a different drug for depression would be right for me, but I am going to stick with old-fashioned remedies for now (caffeine, nicotine and alcohol). Yes, I know that alcohol is a depressant, but it works well for anxiety and cowardice. I am also aware that caffeine increases anxiety, but I'm addicted and cannot function in the morning without it.

---

posted by: Jeanne (reply)
post date: 11.04.04 (8:54 pm)

I am sorry this is so long. It's long, but from the heart. It's good to know I'm not alone and I would never recommend this drug to anyone.

I have been on Effexor for over two years. After the trauma of a house fire shortly after giving birth to my new baby, my family almost dying from carbon monoxide poisining, and battlling a four year lawsuit against my mother-in-law and father-in-law for embezzling capital we put into a family company, I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown (the professionals don't call it that anymore).

I decided to take 225 mg. for two years and then in January of this year, I had a very serious leg operation. I had to have my femur cut in two and then they placed a metal rod in it. My pain was uncontrollable and my anesthesiologist told me to cut back on my Effexor because it interferes with pain meds. I then went down to 150 mgs. I had bad withdrawal symptoms at the time of my surgery.

Now, I'll be brutally honest to all of you out there. My marriage suffered enormously because I literally became uninspired to make love with my husband while on the drug and that was never the case before taking Effexor. I felt nothing. Now, I quit cold turkey 10 days ago because I need to save my marriage. I'm in trouble. My neckaches and headaches are feeling similar to the meningitis I had to be hospitalized for in critical care. I can't look into bright lights, and when I cry I get this crackling sensation in my ears. I have tremors and woke up a couple of nights ago with my body uncontrollably shaking. It didn't last long at all so I didn't seek medical attention. That's never happened to me. I'm physically sick and cry when I hear the children at school recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I don't dare watch the news.

My daughter's 5 year old friend hugged me today and I fell down in front of her class. I can't handle noise or talking to anyone. I'm more anxious now than ever and I can't relax at home if I don't know where my two daughters are at all times. I worry about the danger of another house fire. I have never suffered so much in my life with any prescription withdrawl.

I volunteer at my children's school on the PTA and have a lot of little mundane tasks to do. I walk around from room to room not knowing what to do. My eyes physically shake and this has never happened before. I would want to die if I didn't have my strong Christian beliefs and a family to love and care for. I'm in trouble. Should I go back on it or get through it?

---

posted by: steph (reply)
post date: 11.09.04 (8:57 am)

I have ran out of $ several times to not get my prescription refilled, this time is the longest, i'm going on 6 days. COLD TURKEY from 150 mg a day. I'm at work now and can barely see my computer. I feel like i may fall if I even walk across the room. I am evil to my boyfriend. I just am so mean to the one person who is totally supportive of my mental illness and my whole life. This is terrible!!! For the past 2 days I've cried about everything. I'm afraid I may wake up tomorrow and not even be able to get out of bed to come to work! pure HELL!!

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 11.30.04 (1:34 pm)

Well, I have been on Effexor since November of 02'. I moved up to 300 mg daily by March of 03. I am required by my insurance to take part in a mail order program for prescription drugs. Over this past Thanksgiving holiday (11/04) the snail mail didn't reach me fast enough with my prescription and my Doc's office was closed. I went 5 days cold turkey without Effexor -
I had diarrhea, nausea. I would try to read and my brain would "short circuit" and I felt as if I was about to pass out. Any walking or climbing stairs and I was light-headed, out of breath, and I had vivid nightmares, when I did sleep. I also had insomnia despite the fact that I took half a pill of Ambien at night to help. It was usually necessary to take a whole. The nightmares still persisted in the early morning hours. I actually thought about not taking Effexor again since I had come so far, but the "short circuits" and the overall achiness and “heavy head” feeling persisted so much, today I went back to the full 300mg. The headaches and fogginess, not able to remember simple things, bursting into tears, was too much. I think anyone who stays off Effexor cold turkey deserves a medal.

---

posted by: GreyHawk (reply)
post date: 12.14.04 (10:59 am)

I'm grateful to see others conquer the struggle. I've been on 300 mg for about a year and a half. Additionally I've been taking 50 mg of Seroquel and 30 mg of Buspar (meant to extend the benefits of Effexor without having to put me on 450 mg). First of all, I always perceived that the Effexor was working. Many of the side effects and/or failures others talk about I never experienced. Well, libido. It wasn't decreased. It moved away and did not leave a forwarding address. In either case. OK, never decide on your own to take yourself off of medicine and not under physician guidance. That's stupid. Never ever do it. However, I'm known to do stupid things. Perhaps its a function of OCD but I felt an undying need to get rid of it. I began tapering, on my own, on the sly (did I say NEVER DO IT!) about a month ago. It began accidently, then scientifically, and now I must finish it. I began by ditching the Buspar. I went from 3 10mg pills x day to just one. Easy transition. Did this one week. Next week - No buspar. My seroquel during this period I dropped to 25 mg/day the first week and to 12.5 mg/day (at night) the second. Believe it or not, my sleeping has been improved with less "jet lag" symptoms on the 12.5 mg than with any of the other dosages. (They kept increasing to make it "work better"). Losing the Buspar was no big deal. The trick, tapering my 2 150mg capsules. You can't cut those in half like the seroquel. I went from 2 150s a day to 2 one day and one the next (skipping my morning one). Did this for one week. Second week (Week 4 overall) went to only one per day. Had to start out in the week having one in the morning, but slowly moved it to the end of the work day. It appeared that taking my Effexor after being "short" on it, enhanced the withdrawal symptoms temporarily before they subsided. Had to keep this away from my job. Week #5, can't split that last one. Considered trying to pull the capsule apart and physically separating in half and being careful in storing it. I took the easy way out. I just skipped one one day. Then took another. Then skipped one. So I took one every other day for Week #5. Then I thought I'd try to see how long I could go without. Now, while I consider this "tapering", I realize many out there are on 150mg per day or less and this would be "cold turkey". Either way - I'm on Day #6 of being Effexor free and Buspar free. I'm still taking my 12.5 Seroquel at night. I'm not ready to mess with that one yet. Detriments: the Brainzaps are constant! At times I feel a little nauseus, dizzy and just need to rest. Headaches are common - taking ibuprofen to match. If I appeared to the world based on how I feel and how I visually perceive the world around me I would appear like a complete drunk or drug addict who was tripping. The world tends to spin, it's difficult to hear, etc. With my confidantes, I have been assured I appear to the outside world fine. The good news, each day it gets to be a little easier to bear. It's still there. Really there. But today is always a little better than yesterday. Advances: my resolve and confidence to get off this stuff is increasing. I think my few minor OCD problems were actually becoming much worse on Effexor. I have already began a serious positive change in the libido department. Despite that I've had to compensate from withdrawing from this weight-gaining drug by consuming in large quantities, I have actually lost 4-5 pounds over the past week. I don't expect this to continue (would be nice), but I find it encouraging that while my eating habits have increased to help with the headaches, my weight is actually normalizing. I should be about 190-200 lbs to be my normal "fluffy" american who just needs some exercising. On Effexor, despite my best efforst, LA Weight Loss, etc I couldn't keep my self under 225. When I began I was about 226-228. I weighed at 221 this morning.

I want the brainzaps to go away. My goal is to remain off all Effexor, period. I expect the brainzaps to go away in another 2 weeks. Realistic? Don't know. But I'm using that as a guideline to measure by. As long as my disposition, weight, libido, mannerism continue to slide towards normality, I will tolerate the side effects.

My advice to the outside world.
1. Don't quit cold turkey, no matter how you define it.
2. Have your physician's blessing and the blessing of your significant other.
3. Can't have your physician's blessing? Seek out a friend who can be supportive and confidential who has knowledge and access to prescription information. Physical therapist, pharmacist, nurse, somebody who's got some knowledge and training who won't mind helping to look for "problems". I have that comfort as well as my own education in the fields including physiology, neurology and pharmacology. I know I'm not an expert, a professional or even competent in the field and my friends do not have the experience or training - but DON'T GO IT ALONE.

Hang in there. This is an opportunity cost. Evaluate progress vs. Detriments and which is the best solution. I hope I lick this thing. (Especially since the beginning of this, my psychiatrist has been informed (by me) of my plan. His theory. "You don't know squat. I say you need medicine - so you need medicine. I say you need this medicine the rest of your life. No medicine - no doctor. Good bye.)

Don't forget that when you take a leap of faith, the ones who used to be behind you aren't in front to catch! Plan ahead.

---

posted by: Michael in Texas (reply)
post date: 12.27.04 (1:57 pm)

These brain zaps are killing me. I can not run my business, I have blown my cool about 6 times today. I took a Xanex hoping that would help...no it does not. I do not think I can go through this much longer.

---

posted by: newbie2 (reply)
post date: 01.01.05 (4:09 pm)

On December 26th I took ten beads out of my 75 mg. Effexor capsule. The next day I took out 20, next day 30...you get the idea. Now it is Jan. 1st and so far I have not had any physical side effects, other than at night I'll feel edgy. Of course the depression is starting to creep back in, but I will deal with that after.

---

posted by: I quit (reply)
post date: 01.16.05 (5:12 am)

I quit Effexor cold turkey after taking it for 6 months. I had 1 week of withdrawal symptoms, dizziness, brain zaps, etc. I am doing much better now. So technically it only took about a week to fully get over withdrawal-Hang in there people!

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 01.23.05 (8:26 pm)

Reply to: brainzaps
I suffered from Post Natal Depression and have been on Effexor for 4 years at 375mg per day. I thought that it saved my life and just accepted that I would have to take it for the rest of my life. A running joke with my family and friends were the 3 hour naps I would need to take every day. At any stage I could nod off, even sitting upright in a chair. I take no other drugs or alcohol and attribute this to the anti-depressants. So I have had enough and 3 months ago thought I would cut down after running out of money to have my prescription filled. I do feel guilty now reading this blog and finding out how much people are forced to pay in other countries. In Australia I only pay $22 a prescription and less if you are on govt health benefits. Anyway, I have gone off track. I went from 375 to 150 without a care in the world and told myself that I didn't need the stuff. Well two days ago, feeling pretty cocky I decided to stop cold turkey. What a fool, thinking I was invinceable (and that I could spell) I have the electric shocks, sweats, cramps but I will and can handle it, although my husband will kill me for doing it. Anyway, after nearly passing out from the weirdness of it all I remembered that sugar and orange juice was what junkies always asked for when they were locked up and couldn't get a hit. The sugar helped them with their withdrawals and I felt strangely that I needed it now. So, I went to a store and bought a heap of sherbert lollies and it really helped!! The sugar stopped the weirdness for a while, so give it a go. Although the brainzaps are strange and disorientating, I find that physical torment is better that the mental torment that raped my brain and soul a few years ago. Remember, no one dies from withdrawals, just tsunami's and stravation. Get it in perspective, pump up! You can all do it, although I will blog on in a few days and eat my words. Good luck everyone

---

posted by: sashacat (reply)
post date: 01.29.05 (7:34 am)

I am so glad I found this blog! I have been on Effexor for about 4 years and every time I have tried to go off of it, the withdrawal symptoms are too much for me to take. I thought I was crazy about the "brainzap" thing, and didn't even know how to describe it, but brainzap is a good term. I'm only taking 37.5 and have been for the last two years with no problems, but when I try to taper off, the brainzaps hit and I can't stand it. Now is probably not the best time for me to try and go off Effexor, being that my husband just left for Iraq. Plus I'm a full-time student. But I don't plan on upping my dosage either. My husband doesn't really understand why I need to take Effexor and wonders why I can't just stop taking it and I tried to explain. He decided that when he comes home, he wants to help my try to go off the drug for good. After reading some of these other experiences, I think I'm going to need all the help I can get.

---

posted by: claire (reply)
post date: 02.01.05 (6:58 am)

I have been effexor free for 4 days now. My doc tapered me off 150mg to 75mg for 7 days then 37.5 for 7 days and 37.5 every other day for 7 days. BRAINZAP CITY. I feel like death. My whole body feels the withdrawl effect, not just my head. I am sick, nauseas, achy, cant get out of bed, Im crying all of the time for no reason, gaining weight. Of course the worst is the brainzaps, but I also go into psycho rages for no reason. I will break glass or anything in my way. I dont even care if i get hurt. i just think it will take my mind of the effexor withdrawls. Noone ever said there could be a slight chance you would have violent fits or any of these symptoms. WE ALL NEED TO SUE THESE SOB'S THAT INVENTED THIS IDIOTIC DRUG. the bad thing is, i only went on effexor to help me deal with life a little bit better, i wouldnt even say i was depressed, but now i am.. Effexor is ruining my life.

---

posted by: sadatoni (reply)
post date: 02.08.05 (11:51 am)

Seems my symptoms are a lot less than those here. The only things I've noticed (been completely off Effexor now for 4 days), which I also noticed when the tapering started, is slight dizzy spells, sometimes one right after another. These don't compare the the zaps that I had coming off Paxil, but they're disconcerting nonetheless.

---

posted by: marie (reply)
post date: 02.13.05 (9:32 am)

I am disgusted that doctors don't support us in this horrible withdrawal. This is a detox process! I got help from my kinesiologist/chiropractor. Probiotics, lipoic acid and B complex help. Also peppermint tea and lots of water. I am with you all!

---

posted by: Tina, Holland (reply)
post date: 02.14.05 (4:39 am)

Ive been completely 'clean' from effexor for 5 weeks now and am still feeling nervous and get headaches a dizziness, is it normal that it lasts this long? my doctor says it should all have 'settled down ' by now and that perhaps my anxiety is returning, but I just refuse to believe it, is anyone else still suffering after this period of time?
Thanks!

---

posted by: Rusa (reply)
post date: 02.16.05 (8:15 pm)

Wow, this is great to know that I'm not alone in this (although I wish I was, I'm sorry you all are also going through this). I've been taking a very low dose of Effexor XR for two years, 75 mg/day. It worked great on my depression, and I lost 20 pounds initially due to serious anorexia side effect (gained it all back though). I believe that it did terrible things to my visual acuity. Feeling really great this December I decided it was time to remove this powerful drug from my life. My doctor gave my a very slow tapering plan, which I stretched out, especially the every other day 37.5 dose. My Sister in law is a pharmacist and told me there would be some withdrawal symptoms, and I have had the usual experiences from missing doses before.
Last Friday was my last pill. My withdrawal symptoms are mild compared to what you poor folks are going through: no zaps, but dizziness, eye fatigue, chewing on tin foil sensations constantly, feeling generally yucky like a mild flu, heavy dreaming but no nightmares, insomnia, many hot flashes (could be menopause). Of course the hubby picked a fight Saturday; guess I forgot to tell him Friday was the last day. Hubby is a physician so I have been getting my drug free. Ibuprofen helps. I am hoping that this doesn't last too long. I don't care how depressed I get, I will never do this again.

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 02.19.05 (10:51 am)

Reply to: Rusa
UPDATE: After one week off, much much better. Only a little tin foil chewing now and then, dreams have calmed down, vertigo and vision problems gone, feeling GOOD!

---

posted by: SB Divemaster (reply)
post date: 02.22.05 (2:42 pm)

Hello All--

I was a regular contibutor to this blog about a year ago. It's good to see that it's still helping some people.

I have been off Effexor for over 10 months now.

Allow me to let you benefit from some of my experiences.

First and formost: DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY!!!

Second: DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY!!

You will suffer unnecessarily.

OK Tapering is still not being done slow enough by most people.

By removing beads from my capsules, I was tapering my dose by approx. 12.5mg every THREE WEEKS. This means I waited three weeks before dropping the dosage another 12.5 mg, from a 75mg peak dosage.

Even at this incredibly slow tapering rate, I experienced the vast majority of symptoms that everyone else is reporting.

After finally getting off Effexor completely, I experienced the symptoms on and off for months.

The good news is that you can get through it. Read as much as you can on here about what to do, try to find a doctor who understands (very hard to do), and take care of yourself. You can get off Effexor.

---

posted by: schmin (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (10:40 pm)

Reply to: SB
I'm so glad that I found out there are others having trouble with effexor. About 7 years ago I took (I think 75mg) for maybe a year. I don't remember having any problems going off of it then. I went back on about 3 years ago and was up to a 150 mg dose. I finally got sick enough of the sexual side effects mostly to quit. I have also started taking St John's wort because I still think I need some depression support. I cut back to 75 mg for 3-4 weeks, and just got down to 37.5 a few days ago. I know that the dizziness/tingling were withdrawal side effects, but I hadn't realized the weight gain, blurred vision, nausea (I thought I was pregnant!), odd sleep patterns, etc. were also side effects until I read this tonight. NOW...the reason I'm posting is because today I went totally wack-o.

I had episodes of feeling very violent. I had to get my mother-in-law to come watch my kids because I was afraid I would hurt them. I came very close to seriously hurting the cat. When driving home from the school this morning I honestly had to talk myself out of not running down someone with my big SUV who had wrongly taken the right-of-way at a stop sign. Once I realized this was due to the effexor, I took another 37.5mg capsule. About 6 hours later I was back to "normal." I sound psychotic. the worst part is that I could not get through to an actual physican or nurse until after the crisis was over. Even then I was still just told that they'd give my Dr. a message in the morning. (BTW, I really like my dr. in person--it's just impossible to get a hold of him)

What would I have done I hadn't been able to get a hold of my mother who talked to me until my mother-in-law came over? There was still a bit of rationality left to talk me out of doing these crazy violent things...but each phone call I made for help that was a dead end was making me more frantic. What an awful trip. I feel like I'm talking about bad hallucingens or something, not a common anti-depressant! What's wrong with this picture! As soon as I feel sane again, the dr.'s clinic is going to get quite a letter from me.

I'm sorry this ended up being so long. It feels better to share with people who have an idea what this feels like. I think I'll be on 75 mg. for quite a while (unfortunately).

---

posted by: AnotherUser (reply)
post date: 02.26.05 (8:04 am)

Reading through the comments here disturbs me, as I have had no, and I mean NO effects from discontinuing Effexor. I was on 150mg of EffexorXR (timed release) for about a year. Titrated to 112mg for a week, then 75mg for a week, 37.5mg for a week, then complete cessation. Nothing, no nausea, no vertigo, zip. Maybe I was on a placebo! I do eat well (healthy) no alcohol at all, and I'm physically active (I run). Hope y'all can work through this. God Bless...

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 03.07.05 (9:52 am)

I started on effexor about 15 months ago. Decided it was time to quit. My peak dose was 75 mg XR. It helped for a time. But occasionally, as with most people I would miss a dose, and oh wow. I knew that it would be a struggle to come off. Got my pharmacist to give me 37.5 mg XR instead of the 75 mg. I alternated 37.5 and then 75 for about three weeks then went to 37.5 everyday for about 2 weeks at which tiime I started to alternate again. One day on and one day off. Did this for 2 weeks and then stopped altogether. Even with this slow decrease I still experienced all the symptoms mentioned, but I think that the slow decrease reduced the side effects. It's still awful. I hear all of you! You're not alone! Hoping to lose the pounds I've gained. I'm now at day 3 and still zapping away. I tried to explain this to my husband and he's a mental health therapist. He can't even fully understand these symptoms. He even made the comment that because I was crying, perhaps I shouldn't be going off of Effexor! You see, those that have not experienced it first hand have no idea. I'm crying because the withdrawal is so awful, not because I'm depressed. When I started reading some of your stories my heart broke. I completely understand. The symptoms will eventually go but the experience will stay with all of us. I was better off before, this has been a terrible experience and I feel that I benefited only briefly, and the side effects for me were weight gain, headaches, sweating, dizziness, horrible constipation, and I don't even think that my anxiety ever really went away. Good luck everyone, and please know that you're thought of.

---

posted by: tiredofeffexor (reply)
post date: 03.10.05 (5:53 pm)

I was having migraine's in 1998 - a neurologist put me on effexor XR to "stop the headaches" - then three months later discovered that the headaches were linked to high blood pressure - but I kept taking the effexor (like a dummy). What happened to the last six years? If you want to go into a passive, psychologically neutered existence, effexor is definitely the ticket. Moved, switched doctors, tried to wean myself off of the stuff - discovered brain zaps and other sundry withdrawal side effects. Then decided to open up the little capsules, dump it in water, stir it, and drink a portion of the beverage. Discovered that the little time release capsules don't dissolve, even when micro-waved, so you can forget this method. Just went to my new doctor a few weeks ago - told her about effexor XR and associated withdrawals - she prescribed me the regular effexor (not the XR), which you can cut into peices. Down to half a 37.5 mg capsule - ready to beat someone up and kill pissy co-workers - but haven't (yet). At least I don't have the brain zaps and my libido is starting to reappear. Maybe load up on the prayer and exercise.

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 03.11.05 (2:35 pm)

I want to know from the readers if your doctor gave you full disclosure prior to using the drug about side effects and withdrawl problems from stopping.

email you response to
meis1960@frontiernet.net

---

posted by: Oohdannyboy (reply)
post date: 03.14.05 (2:43 am)

Hi all,

As posted previously i was on 150mg per day last Monday I went Cold Turkey. It really goes without saying that the experience is right up there with death itself.Its now Monday (in Australia) 7days later and im begining to feel like my old self.I still have a few brain zaps but they are definatley bearable.



Here is the Tip : Benadryl, Benadryl, Benadryl.(lots of people on different blogs around the net recommended it ) Yes you will feel a bit groggy but it shoots the Brain Zaps down in a blaze of glory!!!!

Just drink the stuff when you need it.I really think it would be hard to OD on it, So i just drink as required (as i feel the Brain zaps coming back)

It was also effective for me to take Omega 3 (fish oil pills) and Vitamin B tablets. they perk you up alot. But trust me on the BENADRYL.



One last thing is while your reading this you probably feel like s**t warmed up,but there are so many other people around the world coming off this drug that feel the same as you. Just focus on a point next week of when you want to be better by. Thinking of all of you suffering.



Oohdannyboy

---

posted by: Jennifer (reply)
post date: 03.14.05 (10:56 am)

I have been on medication since 1995. Most antidepressents caused me to be a zombie, so we finally decided upon a combination of wellbutrin and Effexor which helped with the depression and were stimulating rather than stupifying. I have Essential Tremor which used to be a mild shakiness of my hands. The Tremor has gotten worse and worse to where my handwriting is shakey and unledgeable. I often find it hard to hit the right keys on my computer. They tried remeron which made me even more shakey. Then Topomax which made me depressed. And now Enderal which has been helpful but the dosage has had to be increased over time from 20 mg to 80 mg. It is actually a blood pressure medicine.
I have always had healthily low blood pressure. Now the Effexor has made me have elevated blood pressure. My pdoc said that the Enderal will help with that. So I am supposed to be grateful that it helps something that has been caused by Effexor. Over the last year or so I have noticed that I bump into walls, feel dizzy sometimes and I have fallen probably around 8 times. When I say fall I mean hit the ground full force with my entire body. I have always excused these falls by thinking maybe I was careless. But this week end was the final straw. I went hiking with friends up steep trails and I kept tripping and being off balance and dizzy. I am just sick of it. I'm getting off medicines. I take 300 miligrams of Effexor, 450 Mg of Wellbutrin, Ambien for sleep from the overstimulating effects of my other meds and 80 mg Enderal for tremor. Yesterday I reduced my dose for this week by 75 mg and if I can stand that I will reduce by another 75 mg. I do not expect much support from my husband because he really likes me on medication. He will probably think the withdrawal symptom are proof that I should stay on my meds. So here goes. I will depend on all of you as proof that it can be done and I will be OK

---

posted by: Les (reply)
post date: 03.15.05 (4:59 am)

No one has mentioned anorexia. Since I started taking these darn pills two months ago I have lost 15 pounds. This is not a good thing because I am already a bean pole. These pills make me cry all the time. Like several others, I am also affraid to drive at night. When I do, my vision is that of someone who has had a few drinks at the bar. Everything is blurry, I don't sleep well, and I can never eat anymore!

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 03.15.05 (4:31 pm)

Reply to: newbie
I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL AND I NEED FRIENDS THAT UNDERSTAND HOW I FEEL. I TOOK 225M A DAY FOR 3 YEARS AND I JUST RAN OUT LAST WEEK. I'M HAVING TROUBLE GETTING ANYMORE BECAUSE I MOVED AND IT'S TAKING A WHILE TO GET MY MENTAL PAPERS FROM MY DOCTOR. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CHRONIC ANXIETY AND POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. WHEN I DON'T HAVE MY MEDS, I'M SO MEAN AND CUSS EVERYBODY OUT. I'M HAVING A HARD TIME KEEPING MY EYES OPEN AND A HARD TIME WITH DIZZINESS, KEEPING FOOD ON MY STOMACH, BRAINZAPS AND JUST WALKING. I'M TRYING TO GET DISABILITY. HOW DO YOU GUYS WORK OR JUST DO YOUR DAILY CHORES?

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 03.15.05 (4:34 pm)

Reply to: Jeanne
I CRY AT THE DROP OF A HAT. I TOOK 225M A DAY FOR 3 YEARS. I'VE BEEN OFF FOR A WEEK NOW. I CAN'T STAND ME AND NEITHER CAN ANYONE ELSE. IT CAUSES ME TO BE ANGRY, BECAUSE IT'S NOT MY FAULT. I CAN'T KEEP FOOD ON MY STOMACH, I CAN'T EVEN WALK BECAUSE I'M SO DRUNK.

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 03.15.05 (4:35 pm)

Reply to: newbie
I REALLY NEED TO KNOW HOW YOU GUYS FUNCTION LONG ENOUGH TO WORK? I'M TRYING FOR DISABILITY.

---

posted by: freak show (reply)
post date: 03.22.05 (10:27 pm)

I HATE THE MAKERS OF EFFEXOR!! I was on a high dosage for a wile,but after missing acouple of days because I hadent refilled my priscription I went crazy and went to the nearest hospital freaking out telling them I needed effexor until I could get a refill from my docter on Monday.I had brain zaps and was so crazy I knew I wanted to be off of the drug so I tapered off to 75mg for a year because I was too scared to get withdrawls when I tapered even more. But after a year I thought why be on it for no reason. So I went down to 37 now Im so sick of paying for it Iwant off now, and just after two days Im having A FREAK ATTACK, Im sick,having chills,uncontrolable anger,cryingspells, BRAIN ZAPS I feel like IWANT TO JUMP OUT OF MY SKIN MY SKIN,tHank God I can show my family others are having the same symptoms so they belive me. AAAAAAAH......

---

posted by: Rhonda (reply)
post date: 03.28.05 (4:42 pm)

I'm so thankful a site like this exists. I have been on Effexor for over a year. It was given to me to treat my ADD. I have been getting increasingly more and more depressed to the point of consistent suicidal thoughts. I'm not normally the least bit depressed. Come to find out this should not be used to treat ADD. How does this happen. Today is the first day I will taper off. My "new" doctor wrote a taper schedule for me. I have been taking Effexor on as need basis. I have been self medicating up to 300 mg a day. It feels like my brain is bleeding. For one week I will be down to 150 mg a day, then 2 weeks at 75 and 2 at 37.5. I wish I could just go to a hospitol and lay in bed and sleep it off. I hate this.

---

posted by: SF (reply)
post date: 04.04.05 (8:13 am)

I just found this Blog and it's AWESOME! I went on Effexor 4 yrs ago. Went off for a year and half while I was pregnant and had no problem. Going off this time SUCKS! Glad to hear I'm not crazy. I knew about the Brainzaps from missing a dose but it's always nice to hear that others experience the same thing. I gained 30 pounds in 8 months the first time I took Effexor. Lost it all (even while pregnant) but gained it right back when I started retaking. I'm trying to go natural now. My recommendation, try yoga. I know it sounds crazy but it really does help you concentrate!

---

posted by: Glen (reply)
post date: 04.05.05 (8:33 am)

I have been on Effexor for six months, 75 mg per day. I went down to 37.5 for a week and quit altogether. It's been five days. The brainzaps are still going on and the electric shocks are terrifying. It's getting slowly better and I feel better knowing that others are experiencing the same thing. My question is: How long does this crap last? I've been taking vitamin B 50 complex and vitamin C and drinking water by the gallons.

---

posted by: no pharmaceuticals (reply)
post date: 04.06.05 (7:34 am)

I'm new to this blog but need help. After 6 months, I stopped taking effexor on 4/2. Went on it because I had real family issues escalating to the point of no return. I've never been on AD's before. The nurse practitioner immediately put me on 37..5's. After a month I told him I wanted off; it had no real effect on me. He says it takes time for the medicine to hit my system. After another month he doubled my dosage. Okay, so not listening to myself I took the double dosage. After the 3rd month I told him I wanted off. Of course he says I am not giving the medication a chance. Well I explained that I read all types of info and this med is difficult (to say the least) to stop taking. He says it shouldn't be a problem just like he is gradually putting me on (a medicine that is making me feel worse than I did in the first place) he will gradually take me off. After another month he increased my dosage to 3 pills a day (112.5). Well I could not get up all the time. I was fatigued all the time which is not a good thing when you have two children to take care of, a husband (no sex whatsoever) and a job!! There were weekends that I could not function at all. I told this to the doctor and he said I should continue on 3 pills a day and he prescribed something to wake me up in the morning. Now I went from no drugs to 1 to wake me up, 3 to function (if that's what you want to call it) during the day and one (ambien) to put me to sleep at night. This was supposed to make me normal. Okay - I've had enough. So I've stopped taking it 4 days ago. I was at the 37.5 level again and all I have are the so called Brainzaps, electrical charges throughout my body, I can't deal with anything too heavy - I cry at the drop of a hat- I'm tired at night but I can't sleep even with the Ambien!! HELP - isn't there something I can do to get through this? How long does it take? I was only on this medication for 6 months tops. And isn't there anything that can be done to these people who are so anxious to throw medication at anyone who walks through the door. The withdrawal effects are worse than what I was going through to cause me to seek help in the first place!!!

---

posted by: Erika (reply)
post date: 04.20.05 (9:42 am)

I have been on effexor 150mg/day, for about 3 years now. I have tried to go off of it in the tapered fashion, only to go back on it because of all the side effects! Especially the brain zaps, mild headache, very sensitivte to light, movement, and noise. and being super agitated and MEAN to everyone! Super short tempered! So I thought it was just me...I could't live w/o this stuff! Then about a month ago, I ran across an old 'Self' magazine at work that had an article about effexor withdrawl, and boy, what an eyeopener that was!! So then I started looking around on the web, and came across this blog, and wow! It is, at least, good to know that it was not me going crazy w/o the drug, but the withdrawl process is Hell for everyone! It's comforting to read other's people's experiences to know I"m not alone in this withdrawl hell.
I'm going to call my doctor and get tappered Rx's and get off of this crap.
I know I will have to go through all the w/d affects again, but I will be able to cope better knowing it's not me and that there is light at the end of the tunnel!
How long until you feel totally normal after finishing the tappering off? Anyone? I read it could take up to a year!!
Anyone looking into a lawsuit against the maker?
I really don't blame my doctor, but they should really listen to our experiences and do some research!

---

posted by: cin (reply)
post date: 04.21.05 (11:30 am)

I am on day 4 of withdrawal, and had to take one day off of work. The vertigo is terrible. Also I was on the toilet with diahrrhea, puking into a bucket at the same time, with fever, chills, and stomach cramps. TWICE! And I made my partner stand next to me because I felt so dizzy I was afraid I would fall off the toilet ... for two hours straight. I can't wait to get this poison out of me. This company should be sued, and all doctors should be schooled about the withdrawal hell.

---

posted by: In PAIN! (reply)
post date: 04.25.05 (8:40 am)

I can't take it anymore. I feel like I need to be hospitalized. My head is spinning at 100 miles per hour and every five minutes I feel like I'm going to pass out. It's been 3 days without the medication and I feel like I'm truly experiencing the closest thing to what it feels like to be dying. GOD please help me.

---

posted by: PeaceKeeper (reply)
post date: 04.25.05 (6:26 pm)

Effexor 425 mg/day for 2 1/2 years:

The MD told me to STOP taking Effexor on Friday. His thought was that it was causing my Blood Pressure to elevate. So I did what he told me to and quit taking it. No tapering. I just quit. Of course, he put me on a replacement - Cymbalta - apparently a new drug that is for depression.

Yes, I too am having the symptoms of acute Effexor withdrawal which include dizziness, nausea, acute motor sensory sensitivity.

I do not have any regrets from taking Effexor. The drug made my life manageable by helping me to overcome the depressive episodes that I was having during the past several years. I believe that 2 years of peace and a sense of "well-being" is well worth 2 weeks of the aforementioned symptoms that are occurring. For most, taking antidepressant drugs is not a choice that we have to make. It is essential in order to maintain some degree of life without depression, allowing some to get out of bed everyday to face the tribunes of their so called life as they know it.

I do not "hate" what I am feeling right now [the symptoms]...it is just part of a way of life to keep the Peace. It is just another way of looking at what is occurring at this juncture of my life.

---

posted by: Linda/Houston (reply)
post date: 04.25.05 (7:24 pm)

I tried w/d from effexor and klonopin about 2 yrs. ago. My p-doc told me I could taper off in 2 weeks...wrong! So I went a lot slower until I was finally off. I had the same symptoms....brain zaps, uncontrollable crying, dizziness, headaches, feeling lost or invisible. Long story short, I couldn't handle it and my husband was beside himself. I won't try it again until they have some kind of detox program for effexor addiction...and it is an addiction.

---

posted by: CJ (reply)
post date: 05.01.05 (5:55 pm)

I've been on 150 mgs of effexor for 2 1/2 years. As much as the side effects have sucked and I've been afraid of stoping, I have to say that this drug did save my life...I was in the hospital with panic attacks so bad and I tried so many drugs (prozac, wellbutrin, etc) and this was the only thing that took care of the anxiety. But, there's a price to pay for all the good its done for me, and that's the withdrawl. My doctor suggested I do a much longer taper than many of the people here...I've been slowly tapering down now for over 2 months. I'm finally on 37.5 and I'm stuck. I was fine reducing before by 37.5 and now, I can't stop and even doing every other day is awful. I'm hoping to try to split the 37.5 and continue to taper until I only take one little of bead of the capsule.

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 05.07.05 (12:04 pm)

How comforting to know I'm not alone. The doc gave me a 2 week sample packet to get off Effexor, and yes the flu-like dizziness and nausea are still with me after being without the drug for 10 days now. My first symptoms of withdrawal however were a short temper, anger, and cursing within my mind at whatever got in my way. The nightmares were intense, several long ones each night, and the worst was being paralyzed and unable to speak in most of them. Then on day 6, I felt I was going crazy, very unstable, didn't want to risk dealing with my child, very edgy, afraid to drive to the doctors, overwhelmed at certain odors, and sobbing at the disorganization of my home. The good news is that I am beginning to have hope for the future and feel a passion for life again! Those feelings, including a lack of interest in the opposite sex, has been missing since I begin supplementing Wellbutrin with a SSRI (tried several over the last 4 years and had 6 months of mild nausea with Paxil). My doctor is so surprised, expecially since she believes she weaned me off slowly! Frustrating that she seemed to know nothing about the dizziness, nightmares, gastro disturbance, tinnitus, or 'psycho' feelings I described to her. She gave me 6 days worth of Klonapin for anxiety.

---

posted by: goingcrazy (reply)
post date: 05.08.05 (12:56 am)

It was so nice to see I am not alone in withdrawl hell! I am on day nine and feel like I am out of control and it will never end! For two years I took 150mg and just recently decided it was time quit because of the awful side effects I would have if I didn't take it at the same time every day or accidently missed a dose, it would cause awful dizziness and electric shocks to go through me. I went down to 75mg for over a month and then down to 37.5mg for a week and then off completly. I was a complete mess,I spent three days in bed, laying down was the only way to avoid the constant drunkeness I felt. I missed one day of work and should have taken the entire week off. I should have never been on the road. This has been the worst thing I have ever been through. On day two and three I called my Dr. many times and left messages, finally got ahold of her on day four. She thought I was an extreem case and that it was odd that I was having such a hard time with this, told me to take lots of dramamine for the dizzy spells, which never helped. She suggested sticking it out or getting back on the 37.5mg every other day, she felt that it was taking a step backwards, but wanted to help. She also had me go in for bloodwork to make sure it wasn't something eles. Haven't heard back yet. I really didn't want to go backwards and I was already on day four, it couldn't possibly take much longer and I certainly didn't want to go through this again. I picked up the three weeks free samples of 37.5mg that she offered, just incase I changed my mind. I decided not to take it, I didn't want to risk draging the withdrawls out longer. This has been an awful experience. I can't concentrate at all, can't think of the right words to say, wasn't able to funtion well at work and my co-workers must think I've lost all my brains. I have had terrable dizziness,brain shocks and the sounds of waves in my ears when I move my head or walk. I am sweating like a pig, for no reason. My eyes don't seem able to keep up with my brain. I Have been extreamly mean to my partner one moment and crying at the drop of a hat the next. I have felt like I could rip someones head right off if they do something that pisses me off! My nerves feel like there is something inside of me that is scratching to get out. I am a mess! I have been discribing all of this to friends and family and nobody really understands how awful it is. I would have thought twice before taking this drug, if I had known how much of a nightmare it was going to be getting off of it. I sit here reading everyones experiances and just cry, I am terrified when I read some of the stories of it taking months and even a year for some. I don't think I can take much more than a couple week of this hell!! Each day I hope to wake up and have it all be gone, but so far it is alive and kicking inside me. Was glad to read about the benadryl, I am willing to try anything! I am really worried about starting a new job in two weeks where I have to instruct people and not being fully able to think or concentrate. I am going to print this blog out and take it to my Doc, so that she knows how bad it can be for many of us and take the steps to take people off of this drug very slowly. Peace and luck to everyone! We need it!

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 05.10.05 (5:58 am)

I was on Effexor for a year, but in that year my weight, blood pressure and cholesterol rose significantly. My physician eased me off the medicine gradually from 150 to 115 to 75 to 35mg per day. At 35mg I had some nauseau, but took the Mezclizine I had bought for a recent cruise and that took care of the nauseau. Took 3 weeks to wean off.

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 05.13.05 (3:13 am)

This is day 3 of coming off effexor. I feel horrible, I am having the brain zaps, nervous feeling, nausea, dizziness, I can't think straight. God I hope it goes away soon. My vacation starts tomorrow, I hope I don't spend the next week on the couch. It is a scary feeling. I did a taper as my pdr suggested, but I never expected to feel this Bad. It was a relief to read that this is normal...why didn't they tell me when I started this med that I would have these problems...I would have told him where to shove these pills!!!!

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 05.13.05 (12:06 pm)

So glad to know I'm not alone. Started taking Effexor following the birth of my son 2 years ago. Very, very effective for the depression. Was on 150 mg. Tapered down to 75 mg after 18 months and had extreme irritability - like nothing I've ever experienced before. It took about 2 months for my body to re-adjust to the new dose. Had the same experience when I lowered the dose again to 37.5 mg as part of a very slow taper. Then did 37.5 mg every other day for a month and am on week 2 of no medication. I never imagined that coming off of such a low dose of the medication would be so difficult. I am intensely irritable - the smallest things cause me to feel as if I just want to explode in anger. I am hopeful that I will again re-adjust to no medication in my system within a couple months. I have taken other antidepressants and discontinued with no problems. Wyeth just needs to acknowledge the problem and educate physicians. This is REAL. It is not in my head. I believe the medication was helpful for me but will never take it again. Anything that causes me (a normally pleasant individual) to feel explosively angry for 2 months because it is no longer in my system is not for me. Thanks for letting me vent. I feel much better! I'll try some B vitamins and daily meditation and see if that helps. Fortunately, my husband has pretty much taken over the care of my 2 year old son because I have not been able to interact with him for very long without yelling. I love him so dearly and am sad that I can no longer trust myself to treat him with the kindness and respect that he deserves.

---

posted by: SharonBUZZing alog (reply)
post date: 05.13.05 (2:44 pm)

I am on day 5...it is better than day one...I want to smack my doctor, he told me 1 wk ago that there are NO Withdrawals from Effexor...I told him he has not had any becfause he never took it! I am going to survive this, I am going to quit this time. So what if I am having hotflashes, brainzaps, profusily sweating one minute and cold the next, crying at the drop of a hat, so what if my brain is moving around in my head when my head is not moving, so what if I had to go wake my daughter up at 2 AM to come and sleep with me because my nightmares were so frightening, so what that I am numb...my face feels like I have been to the dentist and the shot has not worn off yet!!! I do not recommend tapering..it just prolongs the hell. Just be tough, quit...you can do it...My doctor has also berated me in the last couple of years for my weight gain and high blood pressure, I wish I knew then that it was his fault for putting me on this evil drug. I am forwarding all your comments to him so he will know I am not crazy! I QUIT...I am not quitting, I quit 5 days ago, I will not let that little pill kick my butt any longer. Pray for me!

---

posted by: carey (reply)
post date: 05.17.05 (11:06 pm)

About three months ago my doctor decreased my Effexor dose from 75 mg to 37.5 mg. A week ago I stopped taking the drug altogether. The first few days I felt soooo nauseous... I even went so far as to try and induce vomiting, hoping that it would temporarily relieve me from the nausea (I couldn't actually throw up, so it was a lost cause). My thinking and my senses feel really "muddy" and it is impossible for me to concentrate on anything. I am pretty useless when it comes to conversing with other people right now because I just can't think straight and I don't feel like myself at all. My feelings of lethargia are only compounded by the fact that I haven't gotten any sleep in the last week because I am kept awake by this weird, intense itching all over my body. No matter what I do (lotions, hot soaks in the tub, scrubbing), I cannot seem to make this itching stop!
After reading everyone's posts, it seems that my experiences are somewhat different from others'. I haven't exprienced any of the "zapping" sensations that seem to be so common with others. My senses are mostly dulled - the only acute pains I feel are the aforementioned itching episodes and sporadic, splitting headaches (so bad that they majorly affect my vision and coordination). My mood has actually been surprisingly stable, but in a very strange way. I have had a lot of very bad things happen in my life in the last few days (awful timing!), but I am soooo surprised at how well I am dealing with those! Funny enough, I get worked up most of all by very tiny, insignificant things instead. I find myself suddenly tearing up over random little things I hear or see - things that really shouldn't be upsetting at all!
Anyone know how I can relieve the itching and get some sleep? I've tried all sorts of things to relax myself, but nothing seems to be working. I think that tomorrow night I shall try some sort of over-the-counter sleep aid, but I'm really hesitant about medicating myself some more - after all, the whole point of this is to become drug-free!

---

posted by: Dr. Clueless (reply)
post date: 05.18.05 (12:05 pm)

I'll NEVER prescribe Effexor again! I'm not a primary care doc or psychiatrist so I don't usually treat depression, but ocassionally use it to treat women with hot flashes that have breast cancer. I've never had a patient with withdrawal symptoms. I suspect that those of us with symptoms are the minority. Now I'm in the Brainzap club with all of you. After only 4 weeks of Effexor (prescribed by my doc, not me) I'm trying to get off the drug. From reading the posts and from experience, it seems that Day 3 is horrible and I must decide whether to back on and do a slower taper, or just tough it out. I had really bizarre side effcts on the drug too, so it's a no win situation. Personally, I think that Wyath, the drug maker should supply the drug free to patients forced to do a slow taper.

---

posted by: giggles (reply)
post date: 05.18.05 (3:49 pm)

I cant believe how horrid the withdrawal is!! Dizziness, nauseousness, crying spells, insane mood swings, nightmare and night sweats...how fun is this?? I have been on effexor for probably about 6 years and had very recently decided that it was time to try to 'ween' myself off of my 300mg/day dosage. I had no clue that these above mentioned things would be so damn severe. I missed a day of work (thinking i must have the flu), I freaked out on a girl in a line up in a store, i lost my mind on two of my co-workers...all in the span of one week. These are not commonplace reactions for me, I could not control myself or my anger. I felt and feel crazier than ever. I went directly from 300mg to 225mg, then stayed at 225mg for a week, then down to 150 and almost immediately down to 75mg. What the heck was I thinking? It does not end there, i decided to go to 37.5mg one day then 75mg the next - alternating the 2 of them...then just to 37.5!! DONT DO IT. I am now going to go back up to 150mg. and take my time doing this. I have a feeling its a 6 month weening period minamum. Man oh man...what the hell is in this that we need a longer recovery than those on heroin?? This is detox at its finest. Im glad i found this blog!!!

---

posted by: giggles (reply)
post date: 05.18.05 (4:03 pm)

OMG!!! I FEEL TRULY SICK NOW THAT I HAVE READ ALL OF YOUR MESSAGES. I CANT BELIEVE THIS. I am relieved to know that i am not alone but i want these horrible feelings to go away.
That word -ZAPS - i didnt know how to describe that to anyone so i kept it to myself, I thought that was something so wayyyyyyyyy out there. I am disgusted in the lack of knowledge that doctors have on this med. Maybe they should just read this damn website and see the testimonial of people who are affected in real life. I will get off of this no matter what, now i see how badly it is affecting my whole system. This is insane!!!!!!

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 05.25.05 (10:09 am)

Wow, so interesting to see all these similar reactions to this drug. I've been on it for over two years and during that time I became complacent, despondent, and overindulgent, gaining 30 pounds, racking up enough credit card debt that I'm now on the verge of bankruptcy, and becoming increasingly antisocial. When I recently started seeing a new therapist, he strongly advised me to go off, saying that the health issue of the gained weight alone is serious (he said everyone he's worked with on this drug has gained a significant amount of weight). He also said that because this drug gives you the ability to focus on something and follow through with it, it can work with any compulsive behavior lurking in your psyche (thus the overeating, overspending, and oversleeping) to make it worse!

My therapist advised me to go down from my 75 mg dose by alternating it with a 37.5 mg dose until I was able to transition to 37.5 mgs a day. After that, rather than trying to divide the contents of the gel caps, I just took one 37.5 mg dose every other day for a couple weeks, and then for about 2 weeks took it every third day. This worked so much better than my first try of going off cold turkey, which resulted in the dizziness, agitation, dreams, and anger others have reported here. I had a few really short (like 5 seconds) dizzy spells, but nothing in comparison to what I had experienced before. Finally, I am off and my energy is back! I'm now on Wellbutrin, which does not have the same withdrawal issues and which is actually anti-compulsive in nature (people trying to quit smoking often use it).

One very important thing to note is NOT to drink at all during the tapering off process with Effexor. My therapist told me this and actually followed by saying, "I don't want you to wind up in the hospital." Despite this, I had a drink one night with friends, and was slammed by the worst depression and crying fit ever. So he was absolutely right – DON’T DRINK! Not one cocktail! Not one beer! Not one glass of wine! Seriously!

I'm appalled by the lack of information doctors seem to have about this drug. My MD didn't say anything about the effects of drinking to me, and he didn't give me info on how to go off, either -- I had to get that from a PhD instead. It's not right.

---

posted by: lobotomise me (reply)
post date: 05.31.05 (11:27 am)

Im not sure what effexor is, but ive just quit taking celexa well about a week ago, so far after around a day I get the buzzing in my head everytime I move my head or eyes it buzzes and hurts, this is still going now after a week on day 2 I started having nightmares where I knew I was asleep but couldnt wake up like kinda semi-sleeping this contiuned into day 3 where I didnt sleep actually everynight I have not slept because I cant relax, day 4 or 5 this nightmares stopped but the buzzing is there started to feel like I was going to throw up, hot and cold flushes cant concentrait, day 6-7 everything else is still there now with an added numbness around my jaw and face started to also grind my teeth, atm the zapping seems to be slightly less but my jaws and face are very numb, as if ive just come from the dentist. This is a week on so not much improvement I will try and come back here to let everyone know exactly how long it lasts for me.

---

posted by: Emily (reply)
post date: 06.17.05 (9:40 am)

I'm so glad I'm not alone when it came to the withdrawl effects of Effexor. I was on the drug for a couple of years at max recommended dosage. I always had horrifying nightmares and what I call "sleep paralyisis" where you can see everything around you but you can't move or speak. I was always afraid I would never snap out of one of these trances. I remember trying to scream for my mom but no one could hear me because I wan't actually screaming like I thought. The nightmares were so incredibly vivid and terrifying. I had a hard time drifting off to sleep because I was actually afraid. I also experienced these brain zaps. I didn't know how to explain them to anyone else so its glad to see that others know what I went through. I hate the drug and glad I'm off of it.

---

posted by: effexhead (reply)
post date: 06.27.05 (2:29 am)

I'm so glad I found this site. I have been taking a large dose of Effexor (450 mg) for ten years and I have experienced withdrawal symptoms HUNDREDS of times because of forgetting to take it or being without medication for whatever reason or trying to get off it. "Brain Zaps" is the PERFECT description for the worst of the withdrawal symptoms from this drug. I used to call them "twinges" or "pangs." It feels like my brain is short-circuiting for a second or two. The longer I go without the medication the worse it gets and then I start feeling nauseous and lethargic. Then the depression sets in and I feel like I'm completely losing it for the millionth time. Many years from now, I'm sure they will look back on this drug and realize that it was not the "wonder drug" it's made out to be. Unfortunately, those of us with mental illness are at the mercy of where medical science has progressed until now and since mental illness is clearly still misunderstood by the public and the medical community can only work with what medications are developed, we will all continue to experience the terrible side effects of these imperfect solutions.

---

posted by: katie (reply)
post date: 06.27.05 (12:15 pm)

I, too, am attempting to wean myself off the effexor and I've never felt worse. Very lethargic, my eyelids are sticky, and I'm crying at the drop of a hat. It's really as bad as everyone makes it out to be. And the nightmarish phenomenon of being "frozen" while trying to sleep but still having your eyes open is called sleep paralysis. I actually went ON effexor in the first place to delay the onset of REM sleep and thus avoid sleep paralysis, which I had chronically. One thing that does help is some Xanax or Lorazepam, if anyone has access to a dr. who will perscribe them. Be proactive about this. Doctors are not as informed as they should be. Get as much exercise as you can, as exhausted as you are. Make sure the people around you know what you're going through so you can get the support you need. I just emailed my boyfriend this website, just to help him understand just what's happening to me. It's truly awful, but like all things, it WILL end.

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 07.08.05 (2:06 am)

Finding this site has been so comforting to me...knowing that I'm "normal" for everything I've been going through after stopping Effexor.

I'd been on 300mg of Effexor XR for 4 years and it really has worked well for me, aside from nasty symptoms if I accidentally missed a dose. I vaguely remember having a really hard time going onto the Effexor with the side effects, but it was 4.5 years ago, so my memory is not that great of what the symptoms were like.

Anyway, so 6 months ago I dropped my dose to 150, stayed on that for a few months, and then (under my MD's supervision) had tapered to 37.5 mg over the last couple of months. On Sunday I took my last pill of 37.5 mg, and nothing could have prepared me for how awful I felt on Tuesday morning. I couldn't handle it when it didn't get better...three days of pure hell. I could've ridden it out if there were signs of improvement, but no...it was just constant nausea, worst headache of my life, and being so DIZZY that I couldn't hold my head up. My heart was racing, etc etc....you all know the drill.

So I saw my MD and he told me to take another dose of 37.5mg to stabilize myself and then start openning the capsules and taper to half the little beads. I'm scared to death of going through the same thing all over again. I don't know if I can handle it.

I also can't keep calling in sick to work, but there is NO WAY I'd be able to function at work with the way I've been feeling. It's been about 14 hours since I took a dose of FXR, and I can't believe how the symptoms have just vanished...I feel slightly groggy and a tinge of a headache, but that's it. It's very frightening to me that my body is this addicted to a medication.

My MD said that if I start getting the same symptoms when I'm taking half a dose of 37.5 that he'll write me a prescription for Prozac. I really hate the thought of having the side effects of ANOTHER med to deal with and then withdraw from, but at this point I'd do just about anything to avoid what I went through this week.

The ironic thing is that when I decided to go off of FXR my doctor and I decided that I might as well see what my mood was like off of the meds, and then at least we know that there's a drug that works for me if I get depressed again. Like I'm EVER going back on this drug if I can get myself off it!!

---

posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 07.12.05 (3:44 pm)

i have been off exfexor now for a few days........just stopped and the side effects are real bad......night terrors or nightmares are bad where i am paralyzed....heart skips a beat or something like that.head feels like dizzy and moods.....every time i try to go asleep i am scared of the nightmares..my doctor as dished out all different anti depressants over the years to me. been on this exfexor for about a year or maybe bit longer...but i was never told of these severe side effects..

---

posted by: Marie (reply)
post date: 07.13.05 (10:52 am)

I have been on and off effexor for over 7 years now and I do this because for me, the medication changed my life. I have generalized anxiety disorder and about 8-9 years ago I landed in a depression too. That is when I started counseling and medication. Effexor gave me the ability to CHOOSE to stop worrying and obsessing and I was able to live a normal life again. The doctors it seems (including mine) don't really believe the serious of the withdrawal symptoms. I am currently day 4 with ZERO Effexor but it took me over 3 months to completely withdraw. This included cutting a 37.5 pill into four pieces and taking one every other day. Even doing that for a couple of weeks, I had neurological symptoms (including many of those mentioned here) up until yesterdad. Today has been a very good day. For me, it is worth taking myself off the drug to clean out my system but I also know that in 3-6 months I may have to go back on. I am just thankful that it works for me and I am also thankful for the internet so we can see that we are not alone in these horrible withdrawal symtptoms. Good luck and go slowly!!

---

posted by: Document It! (reply)
post date: 07.14.05 (8:45 am)

I am also experiencing the "minor discontinuation" affects of Effexor... The brain zaps, dizziness, and the inability to concentrate are just so frustrating. I think one important thing that is not mentioned on this website is the push to have all people that are experiencing withdrawal symptoms document it to the FDA!!!! Everyone should go to www.fda.gov and follow the links to submit your experiences and complaints regarding this drug. We can all gather for support but we need to think about the millions others that will experience what we are experiencing if nothing is done regarding the distribution and prescribing of this drug. Maybe if enough people document their experiences to the FDA, they will rethink having this drug on the market!

---

posted by: Helen (reply)
post date: 07.15.05 (8:04 am)

After 2 years plus of 187.5 mg effexor, I quit "cold-turkey" two weeks ago today - without my doctor's knowledge. The withdrawal has been horrendous, unimaginable to anyone but those who have gone through it too. Having said that, I needed to get off this stuff because a) I lost my job and just can't afford it any more and b) in spite of being devoted to intense, cardio-rich workouts and an "Atkins" low carb lifestyle, I have developed this ridiculous spare tire around my lower abdomen. Also, my weight is at an all time high, which, according to other effexor users, has been attributed to a slowed, effexor-induced, metabolic rate. I have only been to the gym twice since stopping my meds; the withdrawal makes it vitually prohibitive. What I've notice, however, is that food does not taste the same to me anymore. I vomitted for two days at first and since, the very thought of my cherished morning coffee turns my stomach as does the taste of most of the foods that have been staples in my diet. Even my perfume smells different (to me). Has anyone else experienced appetite changes, smell/taste changes or weight-gain/loss following effexor discontinuation? Thank goodness for these email posts. Otherwise, I'd swear I was the only one.

---

posted by: Ray (reply)
post date: 07.18.05 (6:35 am)

My name is Ray and I've been taking 150mg of Effexor for four years. I stopped taking them cold turkey four days ago. I don't have any advice but perhaps explaining my symptoms my validate what you're feeling also. I've had spontaneous spurts of dizziness that are somehow associated with processing thoughts. I was playing a small and simple game like "blockout" on my blackberry when I was confronted with a decision to earn some points and "lose a life" or lose the points and save the life--of which I only have three in the game. I was forced to make this decision in less than a second. For that instant, the world waivered and I had to squint and shake my head. I neither got the points nor did I save the life. In any case, I've also made this observation while sitting and staring out into the distance. A sudden sound could trigger this brief "brain zap" as it's been called. I've also experienced spells of irrational agitation. I got into an argument with my wife insisting that she acknowledge she was wrong by assuming I wanted shelled peanuts vs. peanuts on the shell. Ridiculous. (I'm lucky I still have my wife.) I don't have any advice. I found this blog and felt compelled to pay with the community service of sharing my experience.

---

posted by: nynikki (reply)
post date: 07.27.05 (7:55 am)

I visited this blog frequently while I was experiencing withdrawal. I’m very grateful for those who posted their stories so I thought I’d post mine.

I started taking Effexor XR for depression in 1998. Last November, I decided that I wanted to stop taking it. I decreased my doses every month and each time I felt like I had a bad cold but I could still work and go about my life (just a little slower). In March I was taking 37.5 mg and couldn't come off of it from there. My general practitioner told me to take one pill every other day. This was horrible advice. I experienced terrible symptoms like sweating, confusion, paranoia, brain zaps, nausea, etc. This happened at work and I was so confused that I couldn’t remember how to get home and my husband had to pick me up.

After that experience I went to see a pharmopsychologist, who switched me to immediate release tabs instead of XR (extended release) caplets. The switch from 37.5 XR to 25 mg immediate release tabs was similar to the other times I decrease the dosage. After a month I cut that in half to 12.5 mg.

In May, I took my last dose of 12.5 mg. These symptoms were the worst of the entire ordeal. I was so exhausted and dizzy that I couldn't get out of bed, had a fever of over 100, no appetite and nausea, and the brain zaps. I slept 20+ hours for over 3 days; during with I was completely confused and had terrible nightmares. A couple days later my fever decreased and I was able to mentally focus again.

Then each day got a little better then the one before. The longest lasting symptoms were nausea, lack of energy and dizziness. The next week, I felt like I was recovering from a major surgery. I live in New York City and my main problem was getting around. I had a lot trouble walking and going up stairs. Each day was a little better than the last. I felt back to my self about 3 weeks after I took the final dose.

It’s been a month now and I’m doing well. I wanted to post this message to let everyone know that it can be done. If you’re going through withdrawal I know it sucks but it will end.

---

posted by: Sandra (reply)
post date: 07.31.05 (10:50 am)

I was diagnosed with depression 7 years ago, and my Psychiatrist prescribed Effexor, 75 mg. The first time, I stopped "cold-turkey" on my own, and after the second day I was literally falling apart. I cried almost nonstop, dizziness, roaring in my ears, and extreme fatigue. I went to the urgent care clinic and demanded thyroid and low blood-sugar tests, among others. The test results were all normal... I then called my Psychiatrist asking if stopping the Effexor was causing me to feel so horrible. He said to take an Effexor and if the symptoms subsided it meant I was experiencing withdrawal symptoms. I did and the symptoms went away within two hours. I assumed that I still needed the drug and out of fear of feeling this way, continued taking it. A couple of years later I told my doctor that I wanted to wean off of this drug so he prescribed 37.5 mg. and instructed me to take one pill/day for one week, then one pill every other day for one week, etc. The second day on the 37.5 mg. dose, I was at work and started feeling withdrawal symptoms again. I was weepy most of the day for no reason, I was dizzy, and it sounded like I had a roaring ocean in my ears. It was scared because it felt like I was sliding into a state of being a non-functional human being... I was a single Mother and could not afford to lose my job. Out of the need to survive, I went back to the 75 mg. and once again assumed that I must REALLY need this stuff or I wouldn’t be so sensitive to stopping.

Today, I have another reason to stop taking this drug. In the past few years, I have developed Periodic Limb Movement Disorder which is affecting my sleep as well as my bed partner’s. It seems to be getting worse. I just finished with a sleep study and the neurologist has prescribed Mirapex, a drug used for Parkinson’s disease. Basically, MIRAPEX belongs to a class of drugs known as "dopamine agonists." It works by mimicking the action of dopamine in the brain. This sounds scary as well, so while researching PLMD, the name Effexor reared its ugly head as being linked to playing a role in this disorder. My research led me to this site, and I am stunned at reading the comments from Effexor victims. I am really terrified at the prospect of starting the withdrawal process again!

---

posted by: major2829 (reply)
post date: 08.23.05 (5:33 am)

God, I feel like I am dying....I have been only on this drug (75 mg) for about 1.5 months and wanted to stop because I was getting bad headaches. Decided to taper off on my own w/out doing any research. Started taking 1/2 the dosage. 3 days later I feel like someone is trying to saw off my head at the back of my neck very slowly. My head feels like it is in a vice and I am freezing. Can't focus on anything and feel like I am not even in my own body! Called the doctor and was told not to alter any amounts until I see him two days from now. This is hell.

---

posted by: tina (reply)
post date: 05.28.06 (4:16 pm)

Ive been on 150mg effexor xr for 2 years and have experienced the terrible symptoms of w/d many times after skipping only a few doses. after reading this blog I am determined to get off this terrible medication. last month I began taking 150mg every other day and after a month began taking 75mg every other day. i have experienced mood swings, irrational anger, brain surges, severe headache, crying uncontrollably, and panic attack/ feeling of impending doom. fortunately or unfortunatly I find comfort in hearing that I am not alone. I am a registered nurse and am horrified by the medical communities complete lack of knowledge or understanding regarding the w/d signs and symptoms.

---

posted by: viking (