I'm so confused, not sure if this fall in the guidelines or not..........

I've been on Effexor for a few years, I'm wanting to get off of it because after years of it working, it seems to have pooped-out.  I'm getting terrible anxiety, strictly the physical kind.  Where the adrenalline just keeps attacking me from out of nowhere!  It's not situational anxiety, everything at home is wonderful, it's just become very physical.  At night, I also getting these surges of adrenalline when I am sleeping (I just read in Oprah's magazine that she suffered from that as well).

I'm going on 45, I know my hormones are somewhat out of sync, to what degree, I don't know.  I want to get off the Effexor so I can see if I still suffer these horrible anxiety symptoms while off the medication.  I want to know if it's possibly fluctuating hormones that are the culperit.  Perhaps I'll get off of it successfully, and not have any symptoms.  Perhaps I'll still have terrible symptoms and realise it's perimenopause (and if that's the case, I might look into other means of treating the anxiety).  I don't think I'll know for sure until this medication is out of my symptom.

Anyway, my doctor prescribed Klonopin to take so I can at least be somewhat comfortable while getting through this.  I only take a small amount twice a day.  HOWEVER, he wants to put me on Prozac as well to help me get off the Effexor.  Now, if I go on Prozac at the same time, how will I ever know if I'm okay w/o medication and if there's something else causing all this anxiety discomfort?  In other words, he wants me on the Effexor every other day while weaning-off, Prozac to take every day, and the Klonopin to get me through it all.  He said using Prozac is the best practice for this situation.

Am I just being a stubborn patient by wanting to get off the Effexor before starting anything else?  Or am I being incredibly unrealistic, and I should follow his method?  If it were you, would you not even question it and just do what the dr suggests?  I don't know what to do at this point, I can't even believe this is my life right now!

I'm going to see an Endocrinologist on the 30th, I want every single hormone checked.  For anxiety to feel completely physical and not emtional just has me wondering if it's due to hormone fluctuations.

I would be very grateful for any feedback.

Hugs,

Karen

Hi there,

I don't want to offer an opinion on the medication as I have no experience with either of those meds.  I did want to say that, in my opinion, hormone fluctuations can definitely cause anxiety levels to rise.  I've been in peri-menopause for a while now and know that it has caused a huge difference in my anxiety.  I had a pretty good handle on things anxiety wise for a while and then the hormonal imbalances kicked in and wow, things went hairwire.  I'm learning to live with it, using xanax, and keeping close track of my cycle as there are certain times of the month that are much worse for me. 

I'm very interested to hear what the endocrinologist has to tell you, so please post when you have any information, I have been considering having my hormone levels checked as well.  Hope you find some answers and find some peace. 

Hello Karen,

Bet you knew I would be along soon...........

Effexor is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs).

Effexor is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder

Adverse effects that can arise from reducing the drug dose have been given a name: SSRI Withdrawal Syndrome or SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome. To avoid this syndrome, very gradual withdrawal-as little as 5% dosage decline per week-has been recommended; rarely are the drugs withdrawn at a rate of more than 20% per week. Unfortunately, many patients are hesitant to spend this much time withdrawing from the drug, and many physicians do not recommend such gradual dosage decline, believing that the majority of the patients will do well with relatively rapid withdrawal, so SSRI Withdrawal Syndrome can readily occur; some patients may experience the symptoms even with very gradual tapering of dosage.

As far as adding in the Prozac to cover your withdrawal sx sounds like a responsible plan by your physician.  Many people come off the drugs with little to no trouble so try not to be fearful.

Do you have to use the Prozac............you are your own best advocate and if you would rather just slow down your withdrawal schedule from Effexor then please do talk to your physician. My Pdoc tells me I am very insistant re what I want..........she is right to a point but it is my body and I have the right to say yes or no.

I am not a professional but I am weaning off Cymbalta and I was heavy into worrying about what might happen but I want to try going without any AD and see how I do.  My Pdoc disagrees with me but like you if I am not allowed to try it how will I ever know? I am weaning off with the guidance of my  Pdoc and we have a plan if I fail.  But I am going to give it my best shot.

I am willing to go back on med if I need to.  It has been 24 years of AD's for me and I want the chance to see if I will be okay on my own.

As far as the rules and guidelines of HealingWell, we always want members to know each person is different and telling someone what they should do is inappropriate. Sharing your own personal experiences is a completely different story.

Our goal as Lyn has stated is to keep everyone safe and let them know we are all members and peers here. 

On HealingWell we strive to seek a balance between alternative and traditional approaches. I feel strongly, both approaches have value for anyone seeking healing.

Wow, I got carried away.............I am so glad you are with us and post away.  Ask your questions and if we don't have an answer we will try to point you in the right direction.

Gentle Hugs to you and let me know how your weaning is going?

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Karen,

I have been on the Cymbalta for over a year and I did not feel it was helping me as well as it should so we have done many adjustments..............even went to the 120mg which was a disaster.............

Then I was at 90 mg and I still felt it was to strong and mostly I have no motivation so I sit and worry as we have tried a lot of meds and here I was 3 years later still hiding out and fearful of crashing.

So we dropped the Cymbalta to 60 mg and added Wellbutrin.........way to much drug.

Back to just Cymbalta.................I dropped down to 50 mg for 2 weeks,  then 40 mgs for 3 weeks over the holidays and 2 days ago I went to the 30 mgs..............

I can feel the headache but so far no brain zaps but the anxiety is up which happens when you wean off.

I have a wonderful supportive husband and my Big Sis here that have been supporting me. Also many other friends on the forum that know I am weaning so if I get wiggy they will know..............

I tired Prozac years ago and the side effects kept me from being able to do my daily activities.............so no I am not using the Prozac.  It all depends on which school of thought your Pdoc comes from and your right to make decisions.

I will keep you posted.

Good luck to you and again I am glad your part of the family here.

Kitt

Hi there,

I just wanted to give an update........I'm starting my second week of skipping a dose of Effexor every other day.  After this week, it will be every third day.  I did take the advice of my doctor and I'm using the Prozac to help me get through the withdrawal process.  I've taken it for three days now and I have to say, it is getting easier.  The only side effects that I have (from withdrawing from the Effexor) is a bit of nausea and lightheadedness, not a big deal at all!  I did do a lot of research on the internet and at thye book store, it looks like Prozac is a common practice when weaning-off an AD, especially Effexor.  I also understand that Prozac is the easiest AD to come off of, so if I don't feel I need it I won't be afraid to come off of it.

I can't re-call who, on this thread, said the are taking Effexor.  Anyway, I just want to tell you that for the several years I took it, it helped tremendously!!!  I was a new person when I was on it, unfortunately for me, it pooped-out (that doesn't happen to everyone).  I still think it's a very good medication, and there is certainly a need for it.

Kitt, I hope you're continuing to do well in coming off the Cymbalta.  A bit of a rollercoater ride, isnt it?!  Thanks to everyone for supporting this journey I'm on.

Hugs,

Karen

Karen,

Thanks for you sweet note in the thread Lyn started for me. I have anxiety and depression and main g the decision to go off the Cymbalta was scary for me but I am working on it. 

I start to worry about the brain zaps etc and I have just started a new job, my sister is having major cancer surgery on 2/16 so I have to stay in the moment and  not lose it.

I just want to be off so many meds..............it has been 24 years of pills and  therapy and I am tired.  But I will go shopping tommorow and buy a new attitude............I am a veteran of this disorder.............I will make it through and so will you my new friend.

Hugs

Kitt