Withdrawing of Effexor

[ttdriver]

I've been taking Effexor XR (75 mg) for a year and am on day 1 of reducing the dose to 37.5. I HAVE THE WORST HEADACHE! Typically I don't get headaches .. could it be a side effect from the reduced dose? Man, I hope it goes away ..............

Betty

[killerbombshell]

Effexor withdrawal is the worst. I was on it for about a year, and if I missed a day it would give me the most ridiculous migraines--I could barely get out of bed. You should be easing off gradually over the course of several weeks; not going cold turkey. Either way, prepare to stick it out. I HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER!! I feel your pain, lady.

[2big4mysize]

yep gradually weaning off that stuff is the best way to go but withdrawal symptoms include headachesfatigue, nausea, dizziness insomnia and being nervous.

Be careful doing your normal activities until you know how the lower dose effects you.

Hope you get the results you are looking for.

[ttdriver]

Thanks .. I will definitely take it easy until my body adjusts. So far, the headache is the only symptom .. it will be worth it to get off this drug once and for all .......... !


Betty

[2big4mysize]

if you get the nausa they actually have an anti nausea med that is used when weaning folk off that stuff.

[ttdriver]

Well day 2 of the headache. This morning it was BRUTAL. I mean like my head was in a vise ... This afternoon, its eased up alittle .. so there's hope. I do, however, feel like I'm sorta drunk .. a little foggy .. a little dizzy .. oh and a little nauseated AFTER I eat .. I guess that's part of withdrawal?? Who knows. But I know one thing .. I am NEVER taking this drug again once I'm off it.

Da** antidepressants!

Betty

[chowder]

i just came off it too and all i want to do is cry. every time i go down a dose i get what i can only compare to the most cranky irritable pms. i just stopped 3 days ago after swithing to depakote. hopefully that will be better for me.


godd luck!

[2big4mysize]

hang in there Have you talked with your doc about the weaning timetable and things to watch for?

ouch ouch on that head ache are you able to do your running? if not some of the headache might be withdrawal from it too. brains get addicted to that runners high too.

[ttdriver]

Originally Posted by 2big4mysize

hang in there Have you talked with your doc about the weaning timetable and things to watch for?

ouch ouch on that head ache are you able to do your running? if not some of the headache might be withdrawal from it too. brains get addicted to that runners high too.

Yeah, he told me the various side effects but said not everyone experiences the same things .. so far, just the headache and a little dizziness/nausea after eating.

Well the headache *could* be runner's withdrawal since I missed my Saturday trail run .. but NEVER FEAR .. tomorrow, its 20 miles or bust!!

Betty

[Jasmain]

Ouchies! That sounds awful! I take celexa, but I'm not sure it's the same type of antidepressant you're talking about, because I don't have side effects from not taking it. I REALLY hope you feel better soon, no wonder I haven't seen you around in the "other places we frequent". Get better soon hun. Sometimes, for a little while.. the cure can be worse than the disease, but I'm sure once that passes you'll be back to your young, vibrant self!