Whatever you do, don't skip your dose of Effexor, even if you are on a low dose! It has a short "life" in your system, so you must take it really regularly to keep the levels of the drug even and avoid experiencing withdrawal. When I tried to decrease my dosage, I developed symptoms that sent me to the Emergency room at the hospital thinking that I was dying! Now, even if I'm a few hours off on my dose, I start to get a really bad headache and feel nauseated (like a bad hangover). My friend gradually weaned himself off Effexor, but he had to take the capsules apart and literally take out a "bead" or two of medicine every couple of days. this is a very difficult drug when it comes to changing your dosage, so don't try to do it without professional assistance and guidance. On the flip side, the drug has proved helpful for me - not a cure, by any stretch, but made life more manageable. Don't give up hope!
My symptoms in trying to go off were almost identical to what you describe. I also couldn't stop shaking and sweating, and I was quite nauseated. Someone had to drive me to emergency because my vision kept blurring. I am so thankful that the doctor there asked enough questions to discover that I was decreasing my dosage and suggested that this was the probable cause. My family doctor and my own research later confirmed this diagnosis. I immediately brought my dose back up to 75mg and got back on a regular regimen because it was such a scare to me. I felt sick for days and had to miss work, but I did eventually get back to "normal." I find I have to be quite religious about taking my effexor around the same time every day. If I am off by a few hours I start to get the dizziness, headache, and nausea. There is information out there about coming off of this drug, and I have a friend who did it successfully (over a period of 6 months!), but if you decide to go off, get a competent doctor's help and do your research before-hand. Peace and well wishes to you.
Hi All,
I just joined up here and was reading posts on the medication discussion boards, specifically about effexor. I tried to post responses to two different people, but in the end, my responses were simply posted to the bottom of that page, so they didn't appear to be following up the thread as I had intended them to be. Is that how it's supposed to happen or am I doing it wrong? I wanted to pass some specific info on to two people, but I am not sure that they would have received it or ever see it. Can someone direct me?
Thanks (from a lo-teck) :confuse:
Sharon, a prize to you for your bravery. Sometimes I would rather do anything than go to therapy because it is such HARD WORK. But at the same time there is a part of me that knows I must keep sloggin through this muck and mire. And sometimes at the end of the week, I will look and say that going to therapy was the best thing I did all week and the only thing I can say unequivocally that I feel proud of. You hang in there. One minute at a time.
I can't seem to finish anything I start, and some things I cannot even begin. I am a teacher and when I am at school, I do what I have to do. I mean that I am ON in my classes, but I haven't marked anything for a couple of months and now report cards are right around the corner! The tension and anxiety keep building and building, but I am immobilized! I can't seem to concentrate. All I want to do is sleep, but my sleep is disturbed by wild dreams. Even as I type this, my chest seems to be collapsing under the pressure. My work is not that hard. I just can't seem to make myself do it! It makes me crazy to be such a loser! I feel as though I must be forced to do anything.
Thank you so much, Eve (and Danielle, too) for your kind words and encouragement. I want you to know that I did "get through it," and now I have a winter holiday so I'm really enjoying a couple of weeks off. I think I was doing some really heavy work with my therapist at the same time and so I was just getting extra, extra overwhelmed. Eve, I don't think your idea is silly at all, and I know just what you mean. When I ma helping someone else - especially in a crisis- I can be so competent and thoughtful. But for myself - nothing! I do manage to get through these high-pressure times, but at great cost to myself. Each time I think I'll never get through this! It is something to think about ... why is it so hard to transfer the ability to caretake and organize and problem-solve for others over to the self? I know Christmas time can be very stressful for lots of people with so many social occasions and family demands. Here's hoping you have experienced some real love and peace and joy this season. All the best to you -
Jax
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