An Annoucement From Me & Some Questions Re: Withdrawals

[linasmom]

Hi everyone,

First, I want to let everyone know that during the next few weeks, I suspect between 3-4, I will be withdrawing from my anti-depressant, Effexor. I will continue to stop in and approve (or not) moderated posts and make sure that things are running smoothly in this section of the forum. However, I've decided that it's best for me not to comment or post during this time because of any symptoms that might cause me to act irrationally.

Next, I want to ask if anyone here has withdrawn from Effexor. Despite all doctors suggestions, I am doing it cold turkey. Please do not lecture me as I already know what type of problems can arise by doing it this way, but this is the decision I'm making. Tonight will be my first night not taking my pills.

I guess I'm asking, for those who have withdrawn from this drug, what you experienced and, more importantly, how you handled the side-effects.

Thanks,
Rachel

 

[Nicolette]

I can't comment but did want to offer my support...good luck Rachel :Hug_emoticon:

 

[catjudo]

I have withdrawn from Effexor, cold-turkey, on more than one occasion. Typically I feel okay for about a day and a half then things start to go downhill and the final "fuzziness" doesn't clear for two to three weeks. The simplest way to explain it is that my whole body feels sluggish and my head feels really fuzzy. Just moving my head the slightest bit would make things feels worse. Almost like the absolute worst case of motion sickness that you can think of multiplied by 10. It doesn't ease off for a couple of weeks and I really feel like it takes several weeks to shake it completely.

For me, the less I have to move around and the more I'm able to sit or lay down the easier it was. I avoid driving if at all possible.

The last time I quit Effexor I took one small dose after three to four days to help ease the physical symptoms. Then after three or four more days I took one last small dose. It wasn't exactly cold turkey but it was slightly more bearable and didn't really drag out the length of time that I felt the withdrawal symptoms.

I'm feeling a bit scattered tonight and I'm not certain that I'm making a lot of sense. If I think of something that I believe would be helpful I'll come back and add to the thread. In the meantime, if you need some support or have questions feel free to message me. You won't get any lectures from me...I've done this more than once.

 

[linasmom]

Nicolette, thank you so much, I need it. :Hug_emoticon:

Catjudo,

Thank you, I just may take you up on that PM at some time. Thanks for sharing how it was for you.

Best,
Rachel

 

[nie]

Rachel,

I have gone off of it once. I agree with the fuzzy feelings, also I remember a lot of stomach troubles. I wish you good luck in this transition.

nie

 

[Riggs413]

Rachel, I can't help re effexor as I was only on it for a few days before stopping due to side effects.

I just wanted to offer my support as well and say good luck.

Riggs

 

[nic]

Good luck, Rach. Wishing you the best.

 

[linasmom]

Nie, Riggs, Nic -

Thank you so much. Keep your fingers crossed.

 

[Deleted member 541]

Rach,

You know my opinion....I agree with you wanting to come off of it, but again there are serious medical reasons why you should do it slowly. I respect your decision and I am wishing you the best....

You know I will be there if you need. It is going to be awful for the next several weeks so hang in there.......

 

[Dylan]

Hi Rachel,

I w/d from Effexor. I don't know about the fuzzy thinking (maybe I had it and didn't realize it), but I did have this weird, electrical funky feeling in my brain. Almost like this....well, electrical is the only term I can come up with. I've never had motion sickness, but when I read that description, it kind of made sense. It's a pretty gross feeling.

Since you do feel pretty strongly about 'cold turkey', it might be helpful to support your system with a lot of fruits, raw vegetables (salad), cooked veggies, whole grains. Any brain food you can get in there right now might help. And exercise...that helped me immensely with withdrawal.

-Dylan

 

[Arcticboy1970]

Good luck Rachel,

no lecture, though that is my usual style.....

All I will say is this....

For many of us with PTSD prevention or preperation for situations is as must or we may not be ready for some of the nastier bits our condition. I just hope you have thought this through fully and have made an informed choice, with plans in place should you experience any really nasty bits.

Just said out of.......concern.

 

[linasmom]

Arcticboy- I have made the preparations - as much as can possibly be prepared. I do have a family support system here with me and they are aware of what will take place. Plus, I am still in therapy every week.

Thanks to everyone for the support, and all the advice. It's so comforting to have this place sometimes. I'm truly grateful. :Hug_emoticon:

Best,
Rachel