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Effexor Withdrawal Success Stories

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Posted 8/15/2015 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
I'm really struggling. I need to hear some stories of people who have gotten off Effexor successfully? How long did it take? Thanks in advance.
Posted 8/16/2015 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Erin, I came off the lowest dose of Effexor cold turkey because my goofy p doc at the time instructed me to do it that way. Cold turkey is NOT safe, always wean yourself off. That being said, I made it through. Felt crappy like I had the flu for a week but after that I was fine. I timed it so the worse days were a weekend and I slept a lot, took some Dramamine which help with the brain zaps, and drank chamomile tea to help stay hydrated. Just wean down safely and slowly and you'll be fine!! You can do this!
Posted 8/16/2015 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Erin,

I've no personal experience to share...

...but wanted to wish you the best with your discontinuation.

Take your doctor's advice as far as a gradual weaning schedule goes...and ask about the possibility of using a fish oil supplement, if you are not taking one already. ..as this is thought to ease the withdrawal effects.

Also, see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material that will help you through this time of transition.

Keep posting with us for support. We care and are here for you anytime.:)

S.C.
Posted 8/16/2015 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
I'm actually already off Effexor completely. Today is day 2 with nothing. I did a very gradual taper but the very end is what really did it for me. From the time I went to half a 25mg tab it was pretty bad. Then day 1 with nothing started the shakes, severe anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and like it would never get better. I went on Effexor after a few very traumatic events that all happened within two years. So this type of anxiety that comes with the withdrawal is very new to me.

I so appreciate the support of the community and I'm so glad to have found it! I hope some day soon to be a help to others. Thank you for your notes of encouragement- keep them coming!
Posted 8/16/2015 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, I see now...

You did post earlier in another thread, and I did not make the connection.

How about keep this thread going, and it will keep us all on the same page...so we don't get confused.:)

These effects should pass soon, now that you are completely weaned...a couple if days, and it will be clear of your system.

...hoping tomorrow is better for you!! :)

Update when you can,

S.C.
Posted 8/16/2015 8:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

How you feeling today?

I was on Effexor a few years ago and it's a tough one to stop it took me two months to gradually lower the dose but I then changed to an other medication.

It seems to be the norm for things to get worse when stopping a med so double up on any coping skills you have and keep us posted on your progress.

Hibee
Posted 8/16/2015 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Last night I took a .25mg Xanax and whether it was the pill or just the ability to relax I actually felt normal for the first time. Today I woke up with the shakes again pretty bad, chest is tight, and I feel that "frozen" feeling like I can't (or don't want to) do anything. I'll keep you updated and thank you so much for all the support. I really need it right now!
Posted 8/16/2015 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Do the mental withdrawal symptoms from Effexor go away too? I feel anxious, depressed - like I can't do or enjoy anything.

Will that go away with the shakes, etc?
Posted 8/16/2015 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Erin, Welcome to HW anxiety forum!

Yes the mental symptoms should also go away along with the physical symptoms, it might take a couple weeks so hold on it will get better.

Check out the top thread on the main page for resources for coping skills to help you get thru this wean, there is something there I am sure will help. I highly recommend mindfulness video's on youtube (also one in our resources) just go to youtube and search for mindfulness for anxiety and you'll get tons.
Posted 8/16/2015 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
I am really struggling today. It feels like I will never feel "normal" again! How do people get through this and still function?

Just really struggling today. shakehead shakehead
Posted 8/16/2015 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Erin,

You WILL feel normal again! It may not feel like it now, but that is because your body and mind are going through some significant transitions currently.

What exactly are you experiencing...increased anxiety, or physical symptoms...depersonalization...other?

If you let me know what your biggest challenge is, maybe I can recommend a good coping skill for you to try.:)

S.C.
Posted 8/17/2015 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
The side effects I'm struggling with are mostly emotional- depersonalization, MAJOR increased anxiety and depression, feelings of hopelessness, despair.

I do also have sick stomach, loss of appetite, uncontrollable shaking, and tiredness.

It is mostly the emotional stuff that is killing me. I have a 6 year old daughter to take care of!

One strange thing that I hope is a positive sign - my late evenings have been good. I don't feel great but I also don't feel the crippling despair I do during the day. Usually around 8 or 9 pm I start feeling this way. Is this a good sign? Does it mean things are getting better? It's only been that way the past two nights and I still wake in the morning feeling horrible. Thoughts?
Posted 8/17/2015 8:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Yes all these symptoms should pass do all you can with self help and if things don't improve go and see your doctor.

Hibee
Posted 8/17/2015 5:01 PM (GMT 0)

Okay...here are some things that may help you to feel better.:)

For D/P:

Depersonalization-derealization symptoms:

http://psychcentral.com/disorders/depersonalization-derealization-disorder-symptoms/

 

Self help for D/P

http://www.sound-mind.org/depersonalization.html

 

Book recommendation and information on D/P

http://www.overcoming.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8746

 

For help with anxious and/or depressive thoughts:

 

Therapy Work Sheets:

http://www.get.gg/freedownloads2.htm

Free on-line CBT programs:

http://www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome

http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome

 

For physical symptoms:

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

12 Minute Meditation Focused on Relieving Physical Symptoms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2_UfFIszkY


Posted 8/17/2015 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
Update: I feel so much better! I don't want to speak too soon it I am really hoping that the worst of this withdrawal is behind me. The morning was rough and I did go in for an emergency session with my psychiatrist. She prescribed me 10mg of Prozac to help with the withdrawal. But before I even took it I started feeling so much better! It feels like a miracle. I still have some dizziness and headache, but all manageable.

Also, I found this article this morning and it explains withdrawal so well and made me feel so much better. Best description I've ever read on SSRI/SNRI withdrawal.

This board has been such a huge help! You all are wonderful! Thank you so much for your support!
Posted 8/17/2015 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
cool   tongue :-) Great news!!

May it continue so!

S.C.

Posted 8/20/2015 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Update: I have had a couple really great days! I think I am past the worst part of this withdrawal. So to those out there suffering, you will make it! Today is 1 week off Effexor for me. I am also taking 10mg of Prozac since Monday. I have definitely had some waves of depression and anxiety, but for the most part I feel good - nothing near as bad as I felt over the weekend!

This article I read really helped me understand what was going on during withdrawal and helped me see that it wasn't forever. I hope it can help someone else!

https://npanth.wordpress.com/2012/10/07/how-long-do-ssri-withdrawal-symptoms-last/#comments

*reason for edit: made the link active

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 8/20/2015 3:58:06 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/20/2015 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah!!

Great job on powering through! Thanks for the article as well, I will make it a live link.:)

You rocked it out...keep up the good work, and continue posting!

S.C.
Posted 8/21/2015 8:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I am pleased to hear things are improving for you that is great news.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 8/21/2015 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
My only issue right now is I'm still dealing with these "waves" of anxiety. I wake up every morning feeling a little nervous (about feeling anxiety). I just wonder if that's in my head or is still the withdrawal? Today is only day 8 off Effexor. Thoughts?
Posted 8/21/2015 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Morning anxiety is common due to increased Cortisol levels. This stress hormone is highest in the body in the a.m., as to get us up and going after sleeping all night.

For those with anxiety, we either make an excess, or are sensitive to its effects, and the result is a challenging morning!

Use your coping skills first thing upon waking to help reduce the anxiety.:)

Peace and progress!

S.C.
Posted 8/22/2015 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Now today I feel like crap again! I'm depressed and sad. I just want to stay in bed and sick to my stomach!

What is going on?!? I though this withdrawal was almost over!
Posted 8/25/2015 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
I went to see my psychiatrist yesterday. I explained that after a few good days I was feeling bad again and very nauseous. She explained that the Nausea is a side effect from the prozac and should go away shortly. However she thinks the reason I am still feeling down is due to depression and not the withdrawal anymore. I don't understand. I wasn't depressed before.

Right when I started the prozac I had a couple good days - could the prozac be causing this downward turn?
Posted 8/25/2015 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
It is like any SSRI...

...intially the Seratonin levels in your body are going to drop. The brain slows down its own production upon dectecting the new Rx...

...and for a while the auto receptors and neurotranmitters don't know what to do!

However, with a little time and adustment, your levels will start to rise and the benefits of the med will be felt...so hang in there!

This is VERY common, so try not to lose hope.:) Use coping skills to get you through the start up phase.

S.C.
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