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badams007 · Jan 19, 2007, 07:43 PM

I have been on Effexor XR for 3 yrs (along with Lamictal). I was on 350 mg for a long time, dropped to 300 about a year ago, and am now doing a reduction to 225.

Today is my first day and I feel like I got run over by a train. Jittery yet exhausted... not sure how much of the aches is becaise of this (I also have lupus), nasty headache...

I know my psychiatrist and psychologist are somewhat concerned about a manic episode, but I hurt so much I don't want to move.

How long can I expect this to last ? We don't plan another reduction any time soon, but I don't want to feel like this for weeks...

I sure could use some advice.

-Beth

J_9 · Jan 20, 2007, 07:37 AM

Oh, Beth, I feel for you. I went off Effexor a couple of years ago 350mg, but only experienced one symptom. It felt like an electric shock to my brain every once in a while. It only lasted for a few days.

Might I suggest some tylenol or advil for the aches. I don't know if maybe some tylenol PM would help for the jitteriness or not, but it sure won't help with the exaustion.

I know I wish I were still on effexor because I have much less energy now than I used to, but without insurance I can't afford it.

You might call your pharmacist about this. They know so much more about medications than even the doctors do, since meds are their only business anyway. S/he may have some wonderful tips and/or tricks to get over the withdrawal period.

badams007 · Jan 20, 2007, 08:00 AM

Thanks. I am using some other meds PRN to control the anxiety I am starting to feel and just hope I get feeling better.

I suspect the brain zaps are just a whole lot of fun when combined with the orthostatic hypotention I had from the Effexor to start with... I'm almost passing out with my brain zapping... YUCK.

I opted to do this over a weekend hoping it will be a little better by Monday so I can be able to think straight by then (I'm a paralegal)...

So it sounds like time is the answer with some symptomatic treatment in the meantime... I'm drinking water like a fish I'm so thirsty

J_9 · Jan 20, 2007, 08:03 AM

Oh, yeah, water was my best friend.

So, you are getting brain zaps too? Oh, the joys of withdrawal!!

But, yes, time is the key.

Zachsdad · Jan 20, 2007, 07:32 PM

You need to go off slowly and given the dose and length of time, I would suggest at least 3 to 4 weeks. Do not go off cold turkey!! I would go down by 50 to 100mg per week until dropping to the lower dose does not affect you in an adverse way. If you taper off in a month, I would consider that the minimum.