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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by wcfrench on August 24, 2003, at 21:51:14
Hi guys
My girlfriend was on Effexor XR for about a week and a half, at 37.5mg and, for the last 4 days, around 75mg. She had to stop it because it was making her very negative and angry, almost apathetic and without care or heart. I just felt like she lost the spark in her eyes, I'm sure we've all been there. I noticed it quickly since I have been through so many changes and meds. She stopped taking it about 4 days ago and she still seems to be acting this way, maybe just a tad better at some points randomly. Is this part of the Effexor or its withdrawal? I'm very worried. I took Effexor also but don't quite remember coming off of it or how long it took to get out of my system. The only withdrawal I remember is having whooshing sounds and being light-headed, but I wasn't dating anyone and didn't really talk to many people around that time, so I don't remember how it made me feel emotionally, or mood-wise. I was so messed up around that time anyway that I really wouldn't remember what caused what.
Have any of you guys come off of Effexor and had its effects last for a little while after? I'm just worried and I want her old self back. I tried explaining how medicine affects so much of your personality and how you don't even realize it since most of your life you just flow with your mood changes, but she doesn't really understand. I think once you go through a lot of changes, you take your mood or anxiety with a grain of salt and not let it affect your life or relationships (as much as is possible) ... but I just can't seem to get her to understand, since it's the first time she's taken an antidepressant. Anyone have thoughts on the Effexor discontinuation? Thanks for any feedback, hope all is well.
Take care,
Charlie
Posted by Treb on August 24, 2003, at 23:23:05
In reply to Worried about girlfriend off Effexor..., posted by wcfrench on August 24, 2003, at 21:51:14
I first tried Effexor years ago when I was in a drinking lifestyle. It made me very wirey and grumpy. I tried it again recently after 19 mos of sobriety. I thought maybe the drinking was affecting it's chemistry the first time. I had the same result this time. I was very irritable and unsociable and just plain felt bad. When I wanted to jump on someone's back like Ernest T. Bass I decided I better stop that med! :)
My Pharmacist explained from the start that one has to slowly back off the Effexor. She explained unpleasant effects such as lightning jolt feelings in the head. I had that from some other med withdrawls so backed off the Effexor slowly. I went from 75 mgs to 37.5 and finally was dividing the capsule into thirds. I had no problems like this.
As has been stated, we are all different with the Neurochemicals. Effexor has been a miracle for some folks but it was not for me. I went from that to Lexapro and it has been doing me right so far.
Go back a bit on this list and you will see about some folk's experiences withdrawing from Effexor - not good! Then again, some folks said they had no problem. Again we're all different! Good Luck with the GF!!! Treb
Posted by Caleb462 on August 25, 2003, at 0:46:16
In reply to Worried about girlfriend off Effexor..., posted by wcfrench on August 24, 2003, at 21:51:14
> Hi guys
>
> My girlfriend was on Effexor XR for about a week and a half, at 37.5mg and, for the last 4 days, around 75mg. She had to stop it because it was making her very negative and angry, almost apathetic and without care or heart. I just felt like she lost the spark in her eyes, I'm sure we've all been there. I noticed it quickly since I have been through so many changes and meds. She stopped taking it about 4 days ago and she still seems to be acting this way, maybe just a tad better at some points randomly. Is this part of the Effexor or its withdrawal? I'm very worried. I took Effexor also but don't quite remember coming off of it or how long it took to get out of my system. The only withdrawal I remember is having whooshing sounds and being light-headed, but I wasn't dating anyone and didn't really talk to many people around that time, so I don't remember how it made me feel emotionally, or mood-wise. I was so messed up around that time anyway that I really wouldn't remember what caused what.
>
> Have any of you guys come off of Effexor and had its effects last for a little while after? I'm just worried and I want her old self back. I tried explaining how medicine affects so much of your personality and how you don't even realize it since most of your life you just flow with your mood changes, but she doesn't really understand. I think once you go through a lot of changes, you take your mood or anxiety with a grain of salt and not let it affect your life or relationships (as much as is possible) ... but I just can't seem to get her to understand, since it's the first time she's taken an antidepressant. Anyone have thoughts on the Effexor discontinuation? Thanks for any feedback, hope all is well.
>
> Take care,
> CharlieIt is highly unlikely she is experiencing withdrawal symptoms if she was only on it for a week and a half.
Posted by ellie.p on August 25, 2003, at 17:18:19
In reply to Worried about girlfriend off Effexor..., posted by wcfrench on August 24, 2003, at 21:51:14
Hello Charlie,
I was on 75mg of Effexor for a year and then went down to 35mg when trying to wean myself off them, however this left me feeling bad all the time so I decided to just stop taking them. This was in June and I had a really rough time. I was anxious, irritable, aggressive, lightheaded, tearful and constantly felt sick. This went on for 4 to 6 weeks.
I perservered as I could not contemplate going back on them as I had a really bad time going onto them (I honestly thought I was going to die. It has paid off, and at the moment I feel good, but obviously I am aware that it is early days. I really feel for you and your girlfriend as I could not handle people at all when I was going through this and know that I hurt people along the way. I really hope she feels better soon as I am sure that things will improve. Hope this helps.
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