lymewreck36
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4395
posted
I started withdrawal from effexor about 6 weeks ago,,,partially into the withdrawal, I started cymbalta as the doc suggested. Then I realized that cymbalta gave me the same adverse reactions that effexor did and stopped taking that 2 weeks ago.
I now cannot leave my house. Pain, fatigue, anger,severe low back pain crippling me....
How long with this last?
Mary
Posts: 1032 | From North Carolina | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
Oh my...withdrawal from Effexor is horrible. You have to do it so slow. I haven't been able to get off it and I've heard the same from many people. Tapering it is essential or you'll be miserable. I know from experience it takes along time and you need to listen to your body. Good luck.
-------------------- Blessings to you! Posts: 141 | From Southern California | Registered: Mar 2010
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I had a terrible time coming off Effexor with tapering over 6 weeks under doctor's instructions and all the effects of withdrawal.
Then I tried Cymbalta and after many months, I noticed the same feelings I had while on Effexor, so I again started the taper. I thought this stuff is supposed to HELP me feel better, not worse.
This time I did it my way. I opened a capsule and counted each little bead, there were 160 of them ( depends on your dosage).
About every 10 days, I reduced the beads by 10.
After 50 days or so, I was able to dump out half of a capsule and not have brain zaps or shivers.
Probably took 3 months to wean off entirely. Clonazapam greatly helped!
Be kind to yourself during the taper. Avoid any extra stress, get plenty of rest and water to flush out your system.
Might be worth thinking about doing a liver detox after you stabilize.
Posts: 125 | From US | Registered: Jul 2009
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kidsgotlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23691
posted
You poor thing. I'm so sorry. I remember it took me months to get off Effexor! Literally months!
I would dream about taking just one pill. I was so addicted to them.
The way I did it, I would do every other day for a week or so, and then I would go down to every two days for a while. I just kept going like that until I was off.
I also would recommend the clonzapam. I still take it on a rare occasion when I am feeling really anxious.
-------------------- symptoms since 1993 that I can remember. 9/2018 diagnosed with Borellia, Babesia Duncani, and Bartonella Hensalae thru DNA Connections. Posts: 1470 | From Tennessee | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
I agree go very slowly with Effexor--I was on 300mg and it took more than 6 months to get off. I went down every 2 weeks in 37.5mg increments and when I went from 37.5 to 0 I had to get a pill I could crush up and go in a slower increment.
Posts: 207 | From NH | Registered: Jul 2009
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posted
I had no clue about slowly reducing antidepressants. I got so mad when taking Effexor and it didn't help that I just quit one day when I was at maximum dose. I thought I would die!!!
Other doctors have mentioned I should try effexor, and the answer is HE!! NO!! Never again!!
I feel your pain, reduce this medication as slowly as you can. Do go easy on yourself. If you can't get clozepam prescribed for you, try benadryl.
Posts: 893 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2008
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IckyTicky
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 21466
posted
Effexor withdrawl was grueling and agonizing. Knowing what I know now... I tell everyone to never even try that stuff!
I dont remember how long it took me to get over the withdrawls, but I remember it was a while.
I know people who had such awful withdrawl symptoms they would actually break open the capsule..take out ONE LITTLE GRANULE.. and take it. Then the next day take out TWO LITTLE GRANULES.. etc.
It's some awful stuff.
-------------------- IGM: 18+, 23+, 30+, 31+++, 34+, 39IND, 41++, 58+++, 66+, 83-93IND IGG: 31+, 39IND, 41+ Also positive for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and RMSF. Whole family of 5 dx with Lyme. Posts: 1014 | From Texas | Registered: Jul 2009
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lymewreck36
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4395
posted
Thanks you guys. WE are planning a trip to Rome in December, and I'm thinking of getting wheelchair, just in case I'm not back on my feet. It's that bad.
mary
Posts: 1032 | From North Carolina | Registered: Aug 2003
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