I've been on Effexor for over 2yrs now. Over the past 2 months I have been tapering off it. While that has gone well non-depression wise, the side effects have not.
My main complaint is the 'electric shock/dizzy pusles' I get, which after quite a bit of net research I have found is rather common.I am now in my last week of going off and these shock things have only been getting worse. So much so that i just feel like rolling around on the floor and screaming for them to stop. I talked to the Dr. about it but it's kinda one of those 'wait it out' things apparently.
My question is, does anyone know of anything that can help this 'electric shock' reaction go away or lessen? While there seems to be alot of info on the fact that this can take place, I can't find much about how to make it go away.
Thanks alot. Have a good day.
ps. The only think I have heard is taking Omega 3 could help. Does anyone have experience with that?
2006-10-03 18:03:23 · 4 answers · asked by Heidi 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Don't worry. It will be okay after some weeks.
Or you can switch to Prozac weekly first and then taper off. It is more comfortable this way. Short term and low dose usage of valium is also helpful (Not more than 2mg a day).
Chlorphenamine or chlorpheniramine and Benadryl may lessen the withdrawal symptoms.
2006-10-03 18:33:11 · answer #1 · answered by Ajeesh Kumar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through. I have seen this before and it is not pretty. There is a reason that they call it "Side Effexor"...It is a good drug for many but for some it is very hard to stop using. The best way is by taking Prozac. This may seem odd but it is a good way to avoid the horrible side effects you so well describe. Then, you will be able to taper off Prozac easily since the capacity to have the same experience is nill. Please be aware that this does go on for awhile (what you've been going through). It is not fun and anything to help calm yourself is good but the symptoms are very real and as physical as you have said. Omega 3 is always good as are B vits...6 esp., try to remember that it is not you...just the withdrawal
2006-10-03 19:01:16 · answer #2 · answered by mknightm@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, i've experienced it a few times. Trying to take another anti-depressant in it's place. That will lessen the effects yet at the same time, you will be able to just drop the other medications. You should taper off of it 37.5mg at a time. Why did you stop in the first place? You should give yourself at least a 6 week period to finally stop taking it.
2006-10-03 18:14:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about Omega 3, but from personal experience the only and I mean ONLY thing that took all the physical withdrawals away for me was to be a slave to the drug and go back on it. Not something I wanted to do, but I must in order to live my life.
2006-10-03 20:56:51 · answer #4 · answered by PuppetyDog 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋