Anyone have experience with SSRI/Effexor withdrawl?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi,

I've stopped taking Effexor (with my doctor's knowledge and support), and am now going through AWFUL withdrawl symptoms. I've been having them for about 1 1/2 weeks. Headache, nausea, extreme dizziness, and electrical zapping feelings, also tingling in fingers. It's like I'm being electricuted.

I put a call into my doctor, but I was wondering if anyone has had experience with this. How long does it last? I wasn't taking a high dose, only 75 mg, then down to 37.5. Before that I was taking 37.5 mg Paxil. Do you think over the counter motion sickness medication would help me with the dizziness?

I have two exams this week, and can barely function. I only feel good if I stay in one place and don't move my head or eyes.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Melanie

Anyone know what the electrical shocking sensation is called? It is very real and annoying. I had a virus over the weekend and was unable to take my Effexor (75mg). Just one missed dose and I have the shocking sensation all over. I just got off of the birth control pill (Mircette) and noticed that I feel soooooo much better. Like a new person. Is there a link b/t BCP and depression? I am not preventing so I may be getting pregnant. Is effexor safe during pregnancy? My doc told me that it is safe during pregnancy. I question any meds during pregnancy and their safety. I've tried most of the SSRI's with poor results. Of course, maybe getting off of the pill was the answer to begin with. Anyone that can make sense of this feel free to respond.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Had a month of hell, felt like i was on an elevator and it stops on each floor.

Had to have and ECG since then, turns out i do have a heart condition, which was part of the reason why i felt the "flutters".

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I am experiencing the electrical shock/jolting too. I was on 150 mg. for 6 months and stopped 4 days ago. If I don't move my head it's not too bad. I don't want to be in public or around anyone I dont know because the feeling is so odd. I am very irritable and frustrated. I took a pill 1/2 hour ago to see if that would help. My doctor is not aware I have stopped Effexor 'cold turkey'. I too would like to know how long these symtoms will last. kimmieb

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Specializes in LTC, ER.

kimmieb, i also stopped my effexor w/o my doctor's knowedge(lost insurance when i started working agency). i had headaches and vertigo for a few days(less than a week), however i did taper myself off of it over a period of a couple of weeks. it is really not a good idea to go cold turkey.

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I have been on this for about 2 years now, and not feeling to well, the withdrawls are horrible, today i am so dizzy and cant even focus. Is there

anything i can use or do to help me through all these symptoms..so frusterating for me and my family

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Specializes in LDRP, Medical, Surgical, Pediatrics.

I took myself off paxil but it took several months of decreasing the dosage. i still had the "zapping" but it was not as bad as it could be. you must go slow with the tapering off.

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

Is it just me or is this a big, old (2003) thread full of TOS violations (medical advice)?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

As Tait stated, we can't provide medical advice and suggest you discuss this with your provider.

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