***how to get off effexor symptom free***

[Linda Sydney Austg]

Hi guys
I want to go off efexor I have been on it since last July I am on 35mg and am now working as a bookkeeper. I still get a bit teary and anxious on the 35mg I dont want to take this tablet anymore I have put on a lot of weight around 10 - 15 kg I dont want to loose my job because I try to get off this horrible drug, my doctor told me nothing about these side effects

[prov]

Linda Sydney Austg wrote:

Hi guys
I want to go off efexor I have been on it since last July I am on 35mg and am now working as a bookkeeper. I still get a bit teary and anxious on the 35mg I dont want to take this tablet anymore I have put on a lot of weight around 10 - 15 kg I dont want to loose my job because I try to get off this horrible drug, my doctor told me nothing about these side effects

Hi
The side effects are real and horrible. I have been totally off effexor since May 19th and I still am having side effects, althouhg they are getting better. I stopped my weaning after I did 35mgs for 2 weeks, trthen I followed my doctors suggestion who said to do every other day for 2 weeks. WEll, don't do that. I stopped totallly after 1 week of that. It's like starting and stopping every other day.I stil am tearful,and still feel a little anxiety . Although, I take 1/2 mg of Ativan 2 x per day and 1 mg at bedtime. After all I have read from all these really supportive people on this link that it will get better.I thinkn you should contact theroadback.org . They will help you with supplements.Like Omega three, Vitamin E ect. Let me know how you are doing. Stay strong.
Vicky

[LSC]

Dear Linda,

I asked my Dr if I could take the 38.5mg capsule every 2nd day and she advised against it due to the half-life of the drug making you go all over the place. She recommended I count out the granules from the contents of the capsules and slowly reduce the amount I was taking. It sounds like a lot of mucking around, and it WAS in the begining when there were a lot of granules to count, but it was really worth it. At first I just took 3 granules out of each capsule but then I realised the granule count wasn't the same each day. I found this after only 3 or 4 days. What I then did was start at 200 granules then I reduced the number by 3 each day. I did this until I got to about 70 granules then I started reducing by 5 granules each day. I did this until I took the last 5 granules and I haven't touched EFx since. I started the weaning off when I was still taking 75mg, before I changed down to 38.5mg as I wasn't sure how long it would take. I never ever filled the 38.5 script.
It took me 2 months but it was relatively easy in comparison with what I see others saying on this site. I kept a record of how many granules I took each day and I would count out a few days worth each time and keep the granules in separate compartments in a 7 day pill box.
When I was taking EFx I was having nightmares each night, these have now stopped completely. After I stopped taking the EFx I had a dull head buzzing for about 4-5 days, it slowed down until the buzz was intermittent and rare. I was getting teary very easily during the weaning off, but this passed. After 4 weeks I had no side effects at all and I haven't had any side effect since. It has been just over 2 months now and I believe that even though I took EFx (up to 150mg) for 18 months that I have had a clean break from the drug due to the slow weaning schedule I followed to get off it.
I hope this helps.
L

[prov]

LSC wrote:

Dear Linda,
I asked my Dr if I could take the 38.5mg capsule every 2nd day and she advised against it due to the half-life of the drug making you go all over the place. She recommended I count out the granules from the contents of the capsules and slowly reduce the amount I was taking. It sounds like a lot of mucking around, and it WAS in the begining when there were a lot of granules to count, but it was really worth it. At first I just took 3 granules out of each capsule but then I realised the granule count wasn't the same each day. I found this after only 3 or 4 days. What I then did was start at 200 granules then I reduced the number by 3 each day. I did this until I got to about 70 granules then I started reducing by 5 granules each day. I did this until I took the last 5 granules and I haven't touched EFx since. I started the weaning off when I was still taking 75mg, before I changed down to 38.5mg as I wasn't sure how long it would take. I never ever filled the 38.5 script.
It took me 2 months but it was relatively easy in comparison with what I see others saying on this site. I kept a record of how many granules I took each day and I would count out a few days worth each time and keep the granules in separate compartments in a 7 day pill box.
When I was taking EFx I was having nightmares each night, these have now stopped completely. After I stopped taking the EFx I had a dull head buzzing for about 4-5 days, it slowed down until the buzz was intermittent and rare. I was getting teary very easily during the weaning off, but this passed. After 4 weeks I had no side effects at all and I haven't had any side effect since. It has been just over 2 months now and I believe that even though I took EFx (up to 150mg) for 18 months that I have had a clean break from the drug due to the slow weaning schedule I followed to get off it.
I hope this helps.
L

L I am still feeling tearful after 6 weeks of no effexoe. Other than that I feel okay. do you think it will go away . I'm afraid to tell my doctor in fear he will want me to go on another drug. What do you think? Vicky

[shane]

I started the weaning process today. I'm on 75mg and I'm reducing by 3 granules/day. I usually take the pill at night after dinner but I'm wondering if it would be better to start taking it in the morning. Any suggestions?

[LSC]

Hi Vicky, I feel bad that you are still teary, I wish I could say that it will also pass for you but I don't know what else is happening in your life. I was teary every day, with no explanation but it disappeared overnight when I changed jobs. This was a major change for me and I was obviously under more stress in my old job than I knew. I thought the EFx was making me teary, but maybe not. I have also been seeing a psychologist to talk through some of my anxieties and that is really helping me. Maybe your doctor can suggest other options rather than drugs to help you.
Good luck,
Lucy

[LSC]

shane wrote:

I started the weaning process today. I'm on 75mg and I'm reducing by 3 granules/day. I usually take the pill at night after dinner but I'm wondering if it would be better to start taking it in the morning. Any suggestions?

I don't think it matters what time of day you take your dose, as long as it is always at the same time each day. EFx works for 24 hours and then quickly wears off so as long as you are consistent you should be ok.
L

[Maggiemay]

Hi all- I came across this post as I was looking for a little help on dealing with the effects of being effexor free after weaning off of it. I tried Prozac for 2 1/2 years after being diagnosed with Panic and Anxiety disorder and the Prozac stopped working for me after about 2 of those years, so my doctor switched me to Effexor XR which I eventually ended up going to 300 mg. a day. I was on that for almost 2 years. I started weaning off the 300 mg. in late Feb/early March and went from 300 to 150 and hung out there for a few weeks and then to 75 mg and was there for quite a number of weeks. I went to 37.5 for 2 weeks and then stopped cold a week ago. This was all done under the advice of my doctor. He told me that I could do this in week increments, but I felt like it was better for me to not push my luck and so took a few weeks to work through each dosage change. I didn't know you could take out a few grains at a time to go down from 37.5 and since my doctor told me to go to 0 after that point, that is what I did. I have been crying every day since (6 days) and feeling like puking and having gastro problems. I still take .5 mg of clonapin at nite to help sleep and to tamp down the dreams. I was diagnosed with Panic and Anxiety Disorder almost 5 years ago and so have taken a SSRI in conjuntion with really low dose Klonapin (Clonazepam)for most of the last 5 years. I am going through a divorce and my company is under a lot pressure with the current economy. I don't know if I am crying because of the obvious reasons (divorce and stress at work) or it is the Effexor being out of my system. I will say that I am determined to ride this out and have really good support from my friends. I haven't had any brain zaps but a few light weight panic attacks. I will say the one cool thing that I have noticed by going down in dosage is that I laugh again for the first time in years (there have even been giggles). So, I am crying and laughing (not at the same time) which is indicative to me that my brain is 'free' for the first time in a long while from chemical jail. I assume it will take a while for my brain to stabilize. I am having trouble sleeping and the dreams I have are pretty yucky still. Reading these posts, I am hoping that in 6 weeks I will be mostly symptom free. I do think that exercising every day if you can, listening to good music and getting as much sleep as you possibly can helps with all symptoms.

[Prov Burlington]

LSC wrote:

Hi Vicky, I feel bad that you are still teary, I wish I could say that it will also pass for you but I don't know what else is happening in your life. I was teary every day, with no explanation but it disappeared overnight when I changed jobs. This was a major change for me and I was obviously under more stress in my old job than I knew. I thought the EFx was making me teary, but maybe not. I have also been seeing a psychologist to talk through some of my anxieties and that is really helping me. Maybe your doctor can suggest other options rather than drugs to help you.
Good luck,
Lucy

Hi Lucy
As of today it has been 7 weeks off effexor. I am feeling less tearful,I haven't cried in 2 days. so maybe it is running it's course. it's a terrible feeling to be crying and can't control it. I think I am on the road back to normal.I's amazing how hard it is to get off this drug. I can't tell you how much all of you on this thread have been my life line. REALLY. No one gets it unless you've been through it. So for that I thank you. I feel like I , whi happens to have the same name as my sister. have a new friendin Austrailia, and is the same name as my sister! I'll be in touch. I have hip surgurey next Thursday.
Vicky

[Prov Burlington]

shane wrote:

I started the weaning process today. I'm on 75mg and I'm reducing by 3 granules/day. I usually take the pill at night after dinner but I'm wondering if it would be better to start taking it in the morning. Any suggestions?

Hi Shane
I always tok the effexor in the morning. i don't know that it makes a difference. Just don't give up. You can do it. Believe me. I t was hard for me and I'm just statring to feel myself. Try taking 4-5 thousdand mgs of Omega 3 it will help with brian zaps,depression. I also contacted theroadback.org I found them very helpful
Good Luck
Vcky

[Ellen]

I am soo much better - went from 37.5 to 25 for 3 weeks (there are pills of 25 effexor NOT effexor XR, though)- and now on 1/2 of that pill - 12.5 per day...i feel like a cloud has lifted - seriously! It is amazing.

[3rddayoff]

Thank you for this information. I am in my 3rd day of being off my last dose of 37.5mg. I have been on Effexor and Wellbutrin simultaneously for 2.5 years. Up to 300 mg. on Effexor and 300 mg on Wellbutrin, at one point. I was told to wean off the effexor first, then wellbutrin later. The thought being that staying on wellbutrin will help with the w/drawal from effexor. The "step down" from effexor has been relatively symptom free until I dropped the final 37.5 dose. I have been so teary and have had several of the other symptoms listed. I can only imagine how hard it would be without the Wellbutrin as a parachute to catch me. I will continue with only the Wellbutrin for a couple of weeks until I feel "stabilized", then take that final "push off" from antidepressants altogether. I am trying to minimize caffeine and trying to exercise (walking) somewhat and eat healthily, which hopefully will assist in the "step down". I also believe in making a point to do enjoyable things for myself during this period....time with my dog, listening to upbeat, fun music and watching movies or shows that make me laugh. May sound stupid and simplistic, but it helps, somewhat. The meds were a life-saver (literally) for me at a time that was overwhelming. Thank God for them and docs who recognize when they are needed, but they are HELL to get off of.

[LSC]

Hi Vicky,
Good luck with your surgery. I will be thinking of you. You have the same name as my dear mother who passed away in February this year. I'll ask her to look over you too.
Lucy

[prov]

LSC wrote:

Hi Vicky,
Good luck with your surgery. I will be thinking of you. You have the same name as my dear mother who passed away in February this year. I'll ask her to look over you too.
Lucy

Hi Lucy
thanks for your kind words. I don't think it's a coinscidence that we met throught this site. You have been most helpful and encouraging through this very tought time.I am feeling better everyday with another day of no tears.!! I can't believe your mother's name was Vicky and my sis ter's name is Lucy.Thanks for the prayers
Vicky

[shane]

I'm on day 10 of weaning off of 75mg by 3 granules per day. I already feel more clear headed, have more energy, less cravings for sweets, and, most importantly, NO side effects. I know it's early in the process but I'm encouraged that this will work and I'll finally be off this drug.

[prov]

shane wrote:

I'm on day 10 of weaning off of 75mg by 3 granules per day. I already feel more clear headed, have more energy, less cravings for sweets, and, most importantly, NO side effects. I know it's early in the process but I'm encouraged that this will work and I'll finally be off this drug.

Shane keep going it sounds like you are on the right track. If you start feeling side effects please know that they are not life threatening and will go away. Stay strong
Vicky

[LSC]

shane wrote:

I'm on day 10 of weaning off of 75mg by 3 granules per day. I already feel more clear headed, have more energy, less cravings for sweets, and, most importantly, NO side effects. I know it's early in the process but I'm encouraged that this will work and I'll finally be off this drug.

Shane,
Its so good to hear that you are feeling well. Keep up with your program, it gets easier as there are less granules to count! The side effects may come back as you decrease the dose but they will disappear over time. Keep positive!!
Lucy

[LSC]

prov wrote:

<quoted text>Hi Lucy
thanks for your kind words. I don't think it's a coinscidence that we met throught this site. You have been most helpful and encouraging through this very tought time.I am feeling better everyday with another day of no tears.!! I can't believe your mother's name was Vicky and my sis ter's name is Lucy.Thanks for the prayers
Vicky

Hi Vicky,
I'm SOOOOO glad the tears have gone. It's the best news I've heard today. Don't give up the fight!!
Your soul sister,
Lucy!

[prov]

LSC wrote:

<quoted text>
Hi Vicky,
I'm SOOOOO glad the tears have gone. It's the best news I've heard today. Don't give up the fight!!
Your soul sister,
Lucy!

Lucy you make me smile whenever I hear from you. I'm a little anxious as the hip surgury approaches this Tuesday. I know I will be fine,I want to just get it over with.I'm hoping the tears are gone for good. It's been 71/2 weeks. What a ride. I'm sure you know what I mean.Keep praying ,for me, I'll be strong.
Love
Vicky

[Dan S]

Hi all,
Very informative post over the last 2 years for sure...I have been on Effexor XR 75mg for about 5 years. I began the weaning process a week ago by following my doctors advice and dropping from 75mg to 37.5mg for a week. Im going to stay on 37.5 for another week and then use the bead process.
Unlike many others on this forum, I have not experienced any significant withdrawal effects as of yet.. I did feel cloudy headed today but I also drank about 8 beers last night..I wouldnt recommend drinking while youre weaning!
I do suggest to take all the negative posts with the thought that most people who DONT have withdrawal effects are NOT going to come on here and post their success stories. When people are having withdrawal issues they seek solace in others who are feeling equally bad. So just because you are withdrawing, dont assume that you are going to have horrible side effects. Most of us have anxiety issues, so reading these old posts where there are specific symptoms cited is just going to exacerbate our own symptoms and make us more more worried. You know the cycle...
I will use the granule method going from 37.5 to 0 since many posts have showed success with this method. Good luck to everyone withdrawing you can do it, just try to keep an optimistic head and youll do fine. Ill post again if I end up getting withdrawal side effects.
Best of luck,
Dan