Is anyone else taking Effexor for chronic depression?

Question

Will I ever be able to get off it? If I miss my dose by more than a few hours I get withdrawal syptoms.

Answer 1

Effexor has a wicked withdrawal, and yes, you can tell if you even are late on a dose of it.

At the time that your doctor or you decide to try and come off of it, your doctor will taper you off slowly over the course of 6-8 weeks, so as to minimize the withdrawal process, and it shouldnt be too bad.

In the meantime, if it is working for you, stick with it, and don't worry about withdrawal when you go off, because it iwll be okay, so long as you have a doc supervising it.

Answer 2

Now why is it the guys - angelofdeath - always lose weight when we gain it?
I think that you should listen to what a couple others have said, keep taking it if it is helping you, try to take it at same time always, and don't consider stopping it without supervision from a psychiatrist (not just any doctor). Effexor is known for its scary withdrawal. I took it for a while, it did not help me much, I switched to Cymbalta because doc thought Cymbalta might also hep with my migraine. Because Cymbata and Effexor are alike, I did not have to be too concerned with withdrawal. I am now off Cymbalta and I did taper it down first. I am back to an SSRI (you know Effexor is an SSNRI). I don't know why but that extra Neuropinephrine or the Dopamine in Wellbutrin do nothing to me. Serotonin is the word.

Answer 3

I took Effexor for a couple of years and had no problems coming off of it. In fact I had more problems starting it. I would throw it up every day about an hour after I took it until the Dr. put me on xanex as well. I quit taking both at the same time and had no problems.

I started taking Effexor a couple of years ago again and had no problems with any of it that time except it made me high. When I quit taking it I still had no problems.

I would not suggest stopping taking any medicine with out your Dr.s approval. When the time comes he can give you medicine to help with withdrawal symptoms. You might have to take anti depressants for the rest of your life though.

I think I am going to have to start taking them again soon. Too many problems not enough answers.

Answer 4

I took Effexor for less then 6 months for chronic depression. It was there first anti-depressant that I had ever taken and it worked really great, even helped me focus more in school.

BUT
I couldn't have sex at all when I was taking it. Totally uninterested in sex and unable to enjoy it.

My doctor took me off it by giving me welbutrin and effexor at the same time. I started taking Welbutrin everyday and effexor every-other day for about a week, then effexor every two days and welbutrin every day, then just welbutrin. I never had a problem switching but then again I took it for only 4 months. Now I just take welbutrin.

Answer 5

The liver breaks down Prozac. Each
individual’s ability to break down the medication is
different. On average, Prozac has a half-life (time it
takes to eliminate one half of the drug from the body)
of two to three days, but may be found in your system
for several weeks after you stop taking it. Studies have
shown that the levels are fairly low after one to two
weeks. An active metabolite of Prozac called
norfluoxetine has a half-life of seven to sixteen days,
but can remain in the body for a much longer time
period. Please talk to your doctor before you stop
taking Prozac. The benefits of taking the medication
for your specific situation, and any possible adverse
outcomes of not taking it, should be discussed with
your doctor.

So...missing your dose by just a few hours will not affect it. Ensure you take it at a time you will remember..like when you brush your teeth at night or something like that.

Answer 6

You can get off of it just as you can any drug. That doesn't mean it would be easy. Talk to your doctor about it.

Answer 7

NO i stopped taking that crap. I lost 25-30 pounds on it. i couldnt eat or sleep. and it had wicked withdrawel effects. i just stopped taking it.