I have been taking it for years and I'm afraid I'm never going to be able to stop. If I skip more than 1 day, I get SO sick, I vomit all the time, I get those creepy brain shocks. I feel like i'm in herion withdrawl. I'm not having a problem with Effexor right now, I take it daily and I know it helps with my depression, and I don't really need to change medications, but in the back of my mind I'm always remembering how dependent my body is on this medication and it freaks me out.
2006-11-26 17:33:39 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Good point re: sweats.
How can I control the sweating? Every antidepressant I've taken made me sweat- it was so embarassing. Maybe this should be a new question.
2006-11-26 17:42:16 · update #1
Don't panic. I know major withdrawal like you're experiencing sucks, but you're not hooked forever. If you ever need to/want to go off the meds, a doctor will be able to take you off them gradually, so as to avoid the intense side effects.
It's like being in a wheelchair or on crutches to help you get around. People can't dump their ambulatory help and start doing the tango. It takes time and sometimes physical therapy, but that doesn't mean they'll be stuck in a wheelchair forever. The same goes for psychiatric meds. You need professional guidance and time to stand on your own without meds like that.
Just think of the withdrawal symptoms as powerful reminders to take the meds regularly. ;)
2006-11-26 17:58:21 · answer #1 · answered by urbangenie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been on Effexor for 4 yrs. I was put on it for anxiety attacks after a bad car accident. I have been trying to wean myself off also. I tried skipping every 5th day, then down to 4th day. Don't know what the Brain Shocks are? But I do know you ache all over, you vomit, just feel terrible and hurt all over. My doctor is trying to wean me off. I got down to taking 1 capsule every 5 days and got so sick had to go to ER. I hate this medication too because my body is dependent on it too. I don't want it or need it until I try to stop taking it, then I get sick as hell until I start taking it again. I don't have any answers. Just wanted to let you know you are not alone in misery!
2006-11-26 18:07:31 · answer #2 · answered by Joyce D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I stopped suddenly and holy cow.Bad juju.I know what you mean with the brain shocks.They do go away after about a week.But if you're not having problems with it and it helps the depression,why stop?I stopped because I couldn't take the wicked night sweats.
2006-11-26 17:38:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you discussed with your doctor ways to wean off of it slowly? You should advise your physician of the problems you are having. Sometimes they can offset the withdrawal symptoms by substituting a milder anti-depressent and then reducing it as well.
Best Wishes,
Sue
2006-11-26 17:37:16 · answer #4 · answered by newbiegranny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Should the time come that you are ready to go off of effexor, the doctor will wean you off slowly ... taking 3-8 weeks to taper your meds downwards until you are off of it, depending on your dosage, and it wont be too difficult., rest easy on this.
2006-11-26 17:36:33 · answer #5 · answered by Pichi 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
YOU CAN STOP IT.
Do as I instruct
First switch to prozac.
Start tapering off very slowly. Cut down 5mg each 3 months.
Stay on the last 5mg for 6 months.
2006-11-26 22:15:10 · answer #6 · answered by Ajeesh Kumar 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Lord I know the brain shocks my doctor had to wean me off it an no more pasinful brain zaps
2006-11-26 22:17:59 · answer #7 · answered by blue_eyed_southernman 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Man I'm glad I quit taking that stuff after a few months. If you do get off of it, don't try paxil.. it's a nasty one to get off of too
2006-11-26 18:46:42 · answer #8 · answered by John D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to talk to the dr or person who put you on it in the first place... i took effexor but i never had a problem with it
2006-11-26 18:44:58 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋