Last Stages of Withdrawal

[linasmom]

For those of you who have gone through antidepressant withdrawal, I have a question.

I'm now past one full week without ANY Effexor. I notice, however, that mid- day I become extremely tired almost to the point of lethargy. Also, around this time, I start getting a headache that builds and builds as the night progresses.

Is this typical in the last stages of withdrawal, in anyone's experience? The full-on head zaps and dizziness are gone but I am now experiencing the above symptoms.

If anyone has experienced the above symptoms, how long did they last? And what did you do during this time? I feel bad always laying down, but I literally can't do anything else because if I continue to move my head in anyway the headache becomes worse and the exhaustion hits hard.

Thanks!
Rachel

 

[Deleted member 541]

Rach,

I don't remember, as it's been over a yr for me, but I would think that it *could* be another withdrawl symptom. I had symptoms for 2 months after I came off mine.

If this doesn't clear up soon, I would check in with your Dr. Have you googled symptoms of withdrawl from Effexor?????

 

[Dylan]

Hi Rachel,

I am currently withdrawing from Zoloft and have had massive, lengthy headaches (I'm not usually a 'headache person', either).

I haven't experienced the lethargy, but it makes sense that you might, since Effexor also increases availability of epinephrine/norepinephrine.

-Dylan

 

[linasmom]

Wen - yes, I have googled them, but the symptoms are SO lengthy. The lethargy and headaches are included in the withdrawal symptoms but I wanted to find out from anyone who my have experienced it first hand.

Dylan,

Thanks - yes, I'm not usually a headache person, either. You bring up a good point about the norepinephrine.

I wish you luck in your withdrawal process Dylan, it's a bitch.

Best,
Rachel

 

[ga yankee]

I thought I was going to die coming off Effexor so I must say congrats on doing so well!!! I experienced the same exhaustion/headache episodes for weeks after being off completely. I know I really had to make an effort to get a good night sleep during that time because even a few hours less than 8 made things ten times worse. I also remember a friend telling me to take timeouts during the day. I would just take a few minutes here and there to take a few deep breaths, stretch my neck and back and just close my eyes. I think it helped a lot. But yes, once I fell asleep sitting up and smashed the crap out of my forehead on my desk. Took my mind off the headache...so to speak.

 

[Lion]

I stopped Paxil CR last year and had the same symptoms for around 2 weeks after going through the initial zaps and mental meltdown. I feel your pain as these meds are some of the worst to come off of, IMHO.

I combated the lethargy by eating very light and staying physically active, taking walks and trying not to take afternoon naps. Also bumped up the electrolyte intake with sports drinks and drank a lot of water. Think it took a month plus before I started feeling normal again.
Hang in there, it takes time.

 

[linasmom]

ga yankee - I notice when I don't have at least 8 hours of sleep I definitely feel much worse. Thanks for the encouraging words.

Lion - thank you! Afternoon naps are the hardest thing for me to not do but I notice I get a screaming headache when I wake up from one so I've been cutting back. I will try the electrolyte intake, thank you for that.

Best,
Rachel

 

[trishok]

I took effexor for only about 5 days a few years ago and what you are describing reminds me of why I stopped taking it - headaches forcing me to lie down and also numbness, tightening or feeling of rigidity in lower jaw.
This was supposed to be the adjustment period, and those side effects were supposed to wear off in time.
I was not prepared to risk more than those 5 days. Thought I was close to having a "stroke".

I have been Cipramil free now for about 2 weeks. Finally think the withdrawal effects cleared two days ago. Gradually reduced the dose over a 7 day period with doctor's advice.

Now it is quite pleasant to be able to FEEL - e.g. respond to sad situations with tears and even have a good cry sometimes. Clarity and getting clearer each day now -, nil numbness, nil zombie-like trances (dissociation/depersonalisation), BUT now having to face REALITY of personal relationships and other circumstances and face life full in the face. Scary stuff.

Looking back I think the reasons I started on antidepressants in the first place manifested doubly so for about 2 weeks following stopping them. Anxiety, depression, dissociation - got worse, but now are mild to non-existent, and manageable.

Thinking that the headaches and lethargy are dramatic at the moment, like probably happened at the beginning adjustment phase when you started taking them ??? and will soon ease and disappear ???

Be well.

Trish

 

[linasmom]

Trish,

Funny you brought this thread back up, because just a few days ago I had a mini-meltdown - I was crying uncontrollably and I'm really not a crier. I notice that I've been crying at the smallest things AND the biggest ones. I don't know if I'm simply starting to FEEL again or if this is part of the withdrawal. I'm now 2 weeks without a drop of Effexor.

The headaches are gone (at least I hope so, gosh I hope I didn't just jinx myself). And the exhaustion is waning.

Now I just have this sadness, which honestly, I think is okay. I have to keep reminding myself that it's okay to feel sadness.

Best,
Rachel

 

[trishok]

Rachel
Yes, it is ok to feel sadness, this is not depression in my opinion. My times of sadness happen on and off each day, not constantly. Not medicated now, so dealing with reality!
Deep down we probably know the cause of the sadness, (grief and loss?) that needs to be dealt with from the past or present.
Glad to hear your headaches are gone and the exhaustion is waning.
Hang in there
Trish

 

[tippycat]

I stopped using Lexapro approx. 3 weeks ago and had no side effects. Actually I feel better.