new to this posting thing. computers are not my forte. medicine is. i am a nurse practitioner who was taking 150 mg of this evil drug. i went to the pharmacy to get maintenance drugs - blood pressure, cholesterol. the pharmacy forgot to include the effexor. i thought well i may as well get off this medication as i felt well. cant remember what day this is but probably 6 or 7. emotional lability, dizziness, horrible brain shivers that i can't seem to explain to anyone else.
i will never take this drug again. this should be a schedule II drug. initially i felt better taking it, switched over from celexa. now i regret ever taking it. i may ruin my marriage if the side effects continue. crying as i type this. i feel horrible guilt for writing this prescription for any of my patients, i will never write it again. i will try to get all my patients off it. the medical literature on the withdrawal is candy coated.
there needs to be a class action lawsuit for anyone on this medication. i hope that i will be able to control my emotions and the symptoms of withdrawal to save my marriage and job.
i'm so sorry for ever writing this medication to any of my patients, it's like giving them heroin, never again
love all
i will never take this drug again. this should be a schedule II drug. initially i felt better taking it, switched over from celexa. now i regret ever taking it. i may ruin my marriage if the side effects continue. crying as i type this. i feel horrible guilt for writing this prescription for any of my patients, i will never write it again. i will try to get all my patients off it. the medical literature on the withdrawal is candy coated.
there needs to be a class action lawsuit for anyone on this medication. i hope that i will be able to control my emotions and the symptoms of withdrawal to save my marriage and job.
i'm so sorry for ever writing this medication to any of my patients, it's like giving them heroin, never again
love all
Hi Carmen, it's been a few days since you last posted. How are you doing? I just want to make sure things are going well for you. Let me know, okay?
Hello..hello.. I'm doing ok as of late, or GREAT -- in comparison to one month ago! I hope everyone is doing alright too??
Life kept going regardless of being sick from Effexor's side-effects. I've been up to a lot; more motivated to get through errands and backlogged tasks. I still take the vitamins, but just once daily. Sometimes advil to help with headaches. I've had some serious headaches recently and it slowed me down at work.
In terms of mental stabilty.. I'm still taking wellbutrin. I'm not as mellow as I used to be with Effexor. Anything can still irritate me. Lately it's been everything; from friends, family, and work. Irritability is one of the side-effects of wellbutrin. Depession... eh.. it's sort of there. Especially when I look at myself in the mirror and still see that I have alot to work on to get myself back to how I used to look prior being on ANY medication. I'm at a steady 220 for the past month. Haven't excercised. Still figuring out a plan but it's not happening yet.
For food and such.. appetite has been fluxuating between none and too much. When I'm feeling the leftover side effects of Effexor, I just want to consume sweets. I remind myself to just take some sort of fruit alternative, but it's tough. Not having the appetite to eat is also present. I wonder if this is part of being (unhealthily) more motivated to work on my image.
Ok.. that's all.. life is better now than 1 month ago. Minor sideeffects (nausea, headaches) .
The brain zapps are now occuring in the late evenings than they do during the day. Possibly 3-4 times per week.
Not conclusive about my appetite.
And I certainly do NOT miss Effexor.
Stay strong everyone!
Life kept going regardless of being sick from Effexor's side-effects. I've been up to a lot; more motivated to get through errands and backlogged tasks. I still take the vitamins, but just once daily. Sometimes advil to help with headaches. I've had some serious headaches recently and it slowed me down at work.
In terms of mental stabilty.. I'm still taking wellbutrin. I'm not as mellow as I used to be with Effexor. Anything can still irritate me. Lately it's been everything; from friends, family, and work. Irritability is one of the side-effects of wellbutrin. Depession... eh.. it's sort of there. Especially when I look at myself in the mirror and still see that I have alot to work on to get myself back to how I used to look prior being on ANY medication. I'm at a steady 220 for the past month. Haven't excercised. Still figuring out a plan but it's not happening yet.
For food and such.. appetite has been fluxuating between none and too much. When I'm feeling the leftover side effects of Effexor, I just want to consume sweets. I remind myself to just take some sort of fruit alternative, but it's tough. Not having the appetite to eat is also present. I wonder if this is part of being (unhealthily) more motivated to work on my image.
Ok.. that's all.. life is better now than 1 month ago. Minor sideeffects (nausea, headaches) .
The brain zapps are now occuring in the late evenings than they do during the day. Possibly 3-4 times per week.
Not conclusive about my appetite.
And I certainly do NOT miss Effexor.
Stay strong everyone!
I'm on 150 mg and whilst it has been a godsend for my panic attacks, I am scared of being physically dependant on it (i.e. if I forget to take a tablet I feel dreadful, like I have flu). I have started to taper very slowly by pricking the end of the capsule with a pin to make a small hole and gently shaking the little balls out. I started at 2 and have slowly worked by way up to 60. Apart from a few headaches and tiredness, I have had no major withdrawal symptoms, brain zaps, nausea etc. I will continue to do what I'm doing. I know it will take a long time and much patience but it seems to be working for me.
Carmen, I'm so glad you came back to give me an update. IT really sounds like you've been doing very well and I'm glad. Thanks for letting everyone know how you're doing and I hope you'll do it again soon. I think I've learned a lot from reading your posts and for that i'm very grateful!
I'm kind of in the same boat as everyone on here. I started Effexor xr about 7 years ago, when I went into the E.R. for what I thought was a heart attack. I don't even think they told me what the drug they gave me was. I just took it, (75mg) and slept...THE BEST SLEEP EVER btw. But, I really think that at this point I've learned to cope with everyday life, and I'll deal with any panic attacks without drugs. I've felt this way for a while. Tried to go off about 2 years ago...and I COULDN'T!!! I had absolutely NO IDEA of the side affects of withdrawing. So I've been taking it since then just to avoid the side affects of withdrawal symptoms. Well, guess what...went to take my pill the other day, realized I only have 2 left, payday is a week away, and I'm broke. So...I figured no time like the present to quit...cold turkey. I'm on day 4 with no effexor. I too felt like I was given (deffinitely more than one) sleeping pills. Today sucks. I hear "woosh" every time I turn my head. I feel like my eyeballs don't catch up until seconds later when I turn my head. Last night my whole body felt the way your tongue feels when you put it to a battery...my teeth even felt that way. I feel like yelling and crying for no reason...but I really try to counter that by being EXTRA nice.
You know, believe it or not, before I went on effexor I weighed 135 (I'm 5'9). Now, I weigh 190....I NEVER equated the weight gain with effexor, it was a very slow weight gain (50 pounds over 7 years)...until now. Now, even though I have all these freaky feelings, food is actually not my first and last thought of the day. So, I'm really happy about that. I feel WHEN I make this it will be (aside from my children) my greatest accomplishment. I still feel so dizzy, but as long as I move slowly and deliberately I can still do my daily tasks.
The worst of all of this...is I can't let my husband know I'm going off of it, he thinks I should stay on it just to be safe. So I have to ACT like I don't have a problem in the world even though I can't see straight...noises sound like sonic booms, my brain feels like it's rolling around in my skull. UGH!!! But I have faith...prayer is a constant...and it's deffinitely helping. Well, that's my story for now. Is anyone able to tell me when the worst of it will be over?
You know, believe it or not, before I went on effexor I weighed 135 (I'm 5'9). Now, I weigh 190....I NEVER equated the weight gain with effexor, it was a very slow weight gain (50 pounds over 7 years)...until now. Now, even though I have all these freaky feelings, food is actually not my first and last thought of the day. So, I'm really happy about that. I feel WHEN I make this it will be (aside from my children) my greatest accomplishment. I still feel so dizzy, but as long as I move slowly and deliberately I can still do my daily tasks.
The worst of all of this...is I can't let my husband know I'm going off of it, he thinks I should stay on it just to be safe. So I have to ACT like I don't have a problem in the world even though I can't see straight...noises sound like sonic booms, my brain feels like it's rolling around in my skull. UGH!!! But I have faith...prayer is a constant...and it's deffinitely helping. Well, that's my story for now. Is anyone able to tell me when the worst of it will be over?
trustinggod, my humble recommendation is that you should tell your husband so you can at least get suport coming off it. I know that you know best for sure, but hiding something like that is going to be next to impossible. Can you at least do that?
I am so glad that I have found this site and forum. I've been taking Effexor XR for pprox. 1 year. I was encouraged/told by my doctor to take it for anxiety and mild depression. He had me start on 75 MG and gradually had me increase it to my current 225 MG dosage daily. The increase was due to my insistance that it was not working for me. As the dosage increased, I developed some side effects that my doctor told me was not due to the drug, or that they would diminish with time. Since it takes weeks for the drug to take effect, or so I was told. These side effects included..
extreme anxiety and/or significant low times as well (ups and downs - mostly down), abnormal vision, increasing urination, chills, constipation and/or diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth in the mornings, flushing (red cheeks), feeling warm with increased sweating, slight increase of appetite (and 35 lbs weight gain - very, very unusual for me), slight menstrual changes (period starting quicker each month), decreased sex drive to no drive, stomach pain or gas , trouble sleeping and/or insomnia, shortness of breath, yawning, tight jaw, acne (very, very, unusual for me), at times finding myself itchy all over including little clear water blisters on my face (never experienced that before this drug), forgetfulness and some memory loss, putting things off, feeling the inability to find energy for everyday things (such as, keeping up with my appearance/hygene, getting out of the house, doing household jobs, exercise, keeping in touch with friends or family), feeling numb, feeling more depressed, thoughts about suicide and hurting yourself.
I thought at first...okay, maybe some of it maybe from a cold or flu. I also didn't really know what to expect to go through having been diagnosed with slight depression. But, when I started to think about hurting myself,...that's when I understood that I was right all along. It was the drug!!!!
My doctor was obviously no help, so I decided to try cold turkey. After two days of increasing withdrawal symptoms, I decided to research as much as I could to find out what to do. That was when I found this site. I went to my doctor today and told him I wanted to decrease by half and that I would come back in 30 days. Now, here I am. I am hoping to get off this drug as quickly as possible and reading all of these entries has armed and inspired me to do just that.
Let's see how it goes. During the last two days, I have suffered from....(keep in mind, just in 2 days!!!)....
frequent urination and in the amount of urine produced, brain shivers or dizziness/lightheadedness - especially when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position, mood swings, decreased appittite, nausea, ringing or buzzing in ears, headache and migraines - with sensitivity to sound and light, diarrhea/stomach pain, feeling like I have a fever, restlessness, shivering, sweating, trembling/shaking or twitching, pain in the jaw and neck - especially at the base of my skull, sinus pain, increased anxiety and insomnia (when I did sleep, I woke up every couple of hours). The head pain is very, very intense!!!
I took my first new daily dose (total of 112.5 MG, half of what I was taking for months). I am still suffering from the above but it is getting better as the hours past. I am also taking my daily vitamins (including B's and Omega's), drinking lots of fluids and trying to eat balanced meals regardless of my appitite.
Wish me luck! I wish all of you luck and full recovery!! I am not alone. :-)
extreme anxiety and/or significant low times as well (ups and downs - mostly down), abnormal vision, increasing urination, chills, constipation and/or diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth in the mornings, flushing (red cheeks), feeling warm with increased sweating, slight increase of appetite (and 35 lbs weight gain - very, very unusual for me), slight menstrual changes (period starting quicker each month), decreased sex drive to no drive, stomach pain or gas , trouble sleeping and/or insomnia, shortness of breath, yawning, tight jaw, acne (very, very, unusual for me), at times finding myself itchy all over including little clear water blisters on my face (never experienced that before this drug), forgetfulness and some memory loss, putting things off, feeling the inability to find energy for everyday things (such as, keeping up with my appearance/hygene, getting out of the house, doing household jobs, exercise, keeping in touch with friends or family), feeling numb, feeling more depressed, thoughts about suicide and hurting yourself.
I thought at first...okay, maybe some of it maybe from a cold or flu. I also didn't really know what to expect to go through having been diagnosed with slight depression. But, when I started to think about hurting myself,...that's when I understood that I was right all along. It was the drug!!!!
My doctor was obviously no help, so I decided to try cold turkey. After two days of increasing withdrawal symptoms, I decided to research as much as I could to find out what to do. That was when I found this site. I went to my doctor today and told him I wanted to decrease by half and that I would come back in 30 days. Now, here I am. I am hoping to get off this drug as quickly as possible and reading all of these entries has armed and inspired me to do just that.
Let's see how it goes. During the last two days, I have suffered from....(keep in mind, just in 2 days!!!)....
frequent urination and in the amount of urine produced, brain shivers or dizziness/lightheadedness - especially when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position, mood swings, decreased appittite, nausea, ringing or buzzing in ears, headache and migraines - with sensitivity to sound and light, diarrhea/stomach pain, feeling like I have a fever, restlessness, shivering, sweating, trembling/shaking or twitching, pain in the jaw and neck - especially at the base of my skull, sinus pain, increased anxiety and insomnia (when I did sleep, I woke up every couple of hours). The head pain is very, very intense!!!
I took my first new daily dose (total of 112.5 MG, half of what I was taking for months). I am still suffering from the above but it is getting better as the hours past. I am also taking my daily vitamins (including B's and Omega's), drinking lots of fluids and trying to eat balanced meals regardless of my appitite.
Wish me luck! I wish all of you luck and full recovery!! I am not alone. :-)
Natural Tips I found to help....
Heal your body from drug addiction or dependancy.
Diet
Diet makes a great deal of difference. For our health, and especially for healing addictions. When we eat foods that are not appropriate for our own constitutional needs, we lose power. The most common problem with diet is sugar and processed foods. Sugar comes in many forms--fruit, fruit juices, sucrose, fructose, honey, corn syrup and maltodextrin, among others. First of all, it is important to identify where the sugar is in our life. It is hidden in so many foods, that it is easy to overlook. When we eat many foods with sugar, especially in a cool or cold climate, or during the winter, we can weaken ourselves in a number of ways. I can speak form experience--when working with addiction, it is important to be conscious about sugar in every form, and eliminate as much as possible of it from the diet. Instead, focus on strengthening foods that will create longer-lasting and steadier energy and warmth, such as grains, beans, lightly cooked vegetables, a few nuts (whole and unroasted) and seeds (especially fermented), and some dairy and meat, where appropriate.
This kind of diet will lead to a steadiness that helps create a space for us to be in that will be of invaluable help in healing addiction.
Herbs
Herbal remedies
Herbs are increasingly coming back into vogue. In many ways, they have never left our consciousness, and have always been with us as mutual allys. Let us not forget we share the planet with our green companions so that we can offer them respect and allow ourselves to be in a healing space with them.
There are a number of ways that herbs can help us heal addiction. Herbalists will differentiate the therapeutic categories to help clarify what herbs will be the most effective, and how they should be used. See the sidebar, "Herbal Programs for Addiction"
*Cleansers
One of the most important herbal treatments for addictions are cleansers that can help remove residues of the drug substances, or other irritants from the blood system and tissues. I have found from experience that the faster one can remove these substances from the body, the better chances of success.
Sweating is one of the best forms of cleansing, if it is done properly, because it is a passive form of cleansing, and does not place an extra strain on the kidneys and liver. Try the following tea blend to help initiate sweating and enhance the effectiveness of the cleansing process.
Yarrow, elder flowers and peppermint leaf, one part each. Infuse the herbs in a pot of water (1 part of the herbs to 10 parts water, weight to volume) and let them steep for 15 minutes. Drink 2 cups during the sauna, and follow with a cup or two of water.
It is also a good idea to clean out the lymph system with red root and echinacea, either in tincture or tea form. Take these herbs for 4 or 5 days and then enjoy a lymphatic massage. This cleansing massage is performed with the aid of lots of oil. I recommend the addition of 20 drops of rosemary oil (to 1 ounce of oil) to stimulate circulation. Start at the back of the head, move down the neck with repeated strokes, then around the collarbone, under the armpits (if you're not ticklish!) and down along the ribs, around the breast area, down to the abdomen and move in a circular motion, clockwise to stimulate bowel elimination. Then start from the feet (especially on top between the bones), stroke towards the ankles, then around the ankles, up the inside of the leg (just below the bone), up to groin, along the inguinal groove, and another circular motion around the abdomen. This massage does wonders for eliminating drugs and toxic wastes.
It is also good to combine this massage with a liver flush--the other special method for removing toxins from the body efficiently and quickly.
The Liver Flush
Liver flushes are used to stimulate elimination of wastes from the body, to open and cool the liver, to increase bile flow, and to improve overall liver functioning. They also help purify the blood and the lymph. I have taken liver flushes for many years now and can heartily recommend them. And if you make the herbal formula right, it can be quite tasty. Here are the instructions:.
1. Mix any fresh-squeezed citrus juices together to make 1 cup of liquid. Orange and grapefruit juices are good, but always mix in some lemon or lime. The final mix should have a sour taste--the more sour, the more cleansing and activating. This mixture can be watered down to taste with spring or distilled water.
2. Add 1-2 cloves of fresh-squeezed garlic, plus a small amount of fresh ginger juice, which you can obtain by grating ginger on a cheese or vegetable grater and then pressing the resulting fibers in a garlic press. (Note: Both garlic and ginger have shown amazing liver-protective qualities in recent studies (Hikino, 1986). Garlic contains strong antioxidant principles, and also provides important sulfur compounds that the liver uses to build certain enzymes.)
3. Mix in 1 tablespoon of high-quality olive oil, blend (or shake well in a glass container), and drink.
4. Follow the liver flush with two cups of cleansing herbal tea. I like "Polari-Tea", which consists of the herbs below. I make plenty of this tea and keep it in a quart canning jar, so it is always available.
Fennel (1 part)
Fenugreek (1 part)
Flax (1 part)
Licorice (1/4 part)
Burdock (1/4 part)
Peppermint (1 part)
Directions: Simmer the herbs for 20 minutes, then add 1 part peppermint and let the tea steep for an additional 10 minutes. For extra soothing properties, try adding 1/2 part marshmallow root (cut and sifted) to the initial tea blend.
5. Drink the liver flush in the morning (preferably after some stretching and breathing exercises), then do not eat any other food for one hour. This liver flush can be taken in cycles of 10 days on and 3 days off, as needed.
There are also several good commercial formulas for liver-cleansing available in natural food stores everywhere, both in bulk and in tea-bag form. One product I can recommend is a blend called "Puri-Tea" from herbalist Brigitte Mars. It contains peppermint, red clover, fennel, licorice, cleavers, dandelion, Oregon grape, burdock root, butternut bark, chickweed, parsley root, and nettles.
Reducing withdrawal effects
Some supportive nutrients can be very helpful during drug elimination. Water is most essential to help clear our cells, tissues, organs, and body. "Dilution is the solution to pollution" is still one of my favorite cleansing statements, along with "Elimination equals Illumination," by Bethany Arg Isle. Extra fiber can also aid colon function and pull more toxins from the body.
A general increase in nutritional supplements is usually helpful in detoxification from drugs, with or without a change in diet, though better with, of course. Vitamin C and the other antioxidants-A and zinc, E and selenium, L-cysteine and other amino acids are all useful, in addition to the basic vitamins and minerals. Glutathione, which is formed from L-cysteine in the body, helps to decrease the toxicity of most drugs and chemicals through its function in detoxification enzymes.
An orthomolecular approach to drug detoxification includes the B vitamins, minerals, a high amount of vitamin C, antioxidants, and L- amino acids. These work better with a food diet than with fasting, so the alkaline, fruit-and vegetable-based diet is best used with a high nutrient intake. With a more liquid diet, minimizing supplements is suggested, maybe using just vitamin C, some minerals, and an antioxidant formula, along with some herbs and chlorophyll.
Many people find the use of herbs beneficial in drug detoxification. Goldenseal root powder is probably the most important here. Its alkaloids help clear toxicity, and it stimulates the liver to better perform its detox function. One large or two small capsules three times daily before meals for one or two weeks can be helpful. Herbs that work as laxatives, diuretics, and blood or lymph cleansers can also be used in specific formulas. Valerian root and other tranquilizing herbs may also be very useful during excitatory withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or insomnia. Chlorophyll, taken as tablets or liquid, has a mild purifying and rejuvenating quality.
The following program is a general one for drug detoxification and for suppport during drug use. The ranges of many nutrients allow varying amounts to be used depending upon needs. During withdrawal, the higher levels may be used, with mid-range levels used during the three to six weeks of detox after the initial withdrawal. Lower ranges may provide basic support during general drug usage.
Drug Detoxification Nutrient Program
Water 23½ qt.
Fiber 2040 g.
Vitamin A 10,000 IUs Iron 1020 mg.
Beta-carotene 20,00040,000 IUs Magnesium 400800 mg.+
Vitamin D 200400 IUs Manganese 510 mg.
Vitamin E 200800 IUs Molybdenum 150300 mcg.
Vitamin K 300 mcg. Potassium 100500 mg.
Thiamine (B1) 25100 mg. Selenium 200300 mcg.
Riboflavin (B2) 25100 mg. Silicon 50150 mg.
Niacinamide (B3) 50100 mg. Vanadium 200400 mcg.
Niacin (B3) 501,000 mg.* Zinc 3060 mg.
Pantothenic acid (B5) 2501,000 mg.
Pyridoxine (B6) 25100 mg.
Pyridoxal-5-phosphate 2550 mg. L-amino acids 1,500 mg.
Cobalamin (B12) 100250 mcg. L-cysteine 250500 mg.
Folic acid 800 mcg. L-glutamine 2501,000 mg.
Biotin 300 mcg. Essential fatty acids, 24 capsules
Choline 5001,000 mg. or Flaxseed oil 24 teaspoons
Inositol 5001,000 mg. Goldenseal root 36 capsules
Vitamin C 210 g.
Bioflavonoids 250500 mg.
Calcium 6501,200 mg.+
Chromium 200500 mcg.
Copper 23 mg.
Iodine 150 mcg.
*Increase dosage slowly.
+Higher amounts are needed for hyperactive withdrawal states, aches, or cravings.
Heal your body from drug addiction or dependancy.
Diet
Diet makes a great deal of difference. For our health, and especially for healing addictions. When we eat foods that are not appropriate for our own constitutional needs, we lose power. The most common problem with diet is sugar and processed foods. Sugar comes in many forms--fruit, fruit juices, sucrose, fructose, honey, corn syrup and maltodextrin, among others. First of all, it is important to identify where the sugar is in our life. It is hidden in so many foods, that it is easy to overlook. When we eat many foods with sugar, especially in a cool or cold climate, or during the winter, we can weaken ourselves in a number of ways. I can speak form experience--when working with addiction, it is important to be conscious about sugar in every form, and eliminate as much as possible of it from the diet. Instead, focus on strengthening foods that will create longer-lasting and steadier energy and warmth, such as grains, beans, lightly cooked vegetables, a few nuts (whole and unroasted) and seeds (especially fermented), and some dairy and meat, where appropriate.
This kind of diet will lead to a steadiness that helps create a space for us to be in that will be of invaluable help in healing addiction.
Herbs
Herbal remedies
Herbs are increasingly coming back into vogue. In many ways, they have never left our consciousness, and have always been with us as mutual allys. Let us not forget we share the planet with our green companions so that we can offer them respect and allow ourselves to be in a healing space with them.
There are a number of ways that herbs can help us heal addiction. Herbalists will differentiate the therapeutic categories to help clarify what herbs will be the most effective, and how they should be used. See the sidebar, "Herbal Programs for Addiction"
*Cleansers
One of the most important herbal treatments for addictions are cleansers that can help remove residues of the drug substances, or other irritants from the blood system and tissues. I have found from experience that the faster one can remove these substances from the body, the better chances of success.
Sweating is one of the best forms of cleansing, if it is done properly, because it is a passive form of cleansing, and does not place an extra strain on the kidneys and liver. Try the following tea blend to help initiate sweating and enhance the effectiveness of the cleansing process.
Yarrow, elder flowers and peppermint leaf, one part each. Infuse the herbs in a pot of water (1 part of the herbs to 10 parts water, weight to volume) and let them steep for 15 minutes. Drink 2 cups during the sauna, and follow with a cup or two of water.
It is also a good idea to clean out the lymph system with red root and echinacea, either in tincture or tea form. Take these herbs for 4 or 5 days and then enjoy a lymphatic massage. This cleansing massage is performed with the aid of lots of oil. I recommend the addition of 20 drops of rosemary oil (to 1 ounce of oil) to stimulate circulation. Start at the back of the head, move down the neck with repeated strokes, then around the collarbone, under the armpits (if you're not ticklish!) and down along the ribs, around the breast area, down to the abdomen and move in a circular motion, clockwise to stimulate bowel elimination. Then start from the feet (especially on top between the bones), stroke towards the ankles, then around the ankles, up the inside of the leg (just below the bone), up to groin, along the inguinal groove, and another circular motion around the abdomen. This massage does wonders for eliminating drugs and toxic wastes.
It is also good to combine this massage with a liver flush--the other special method for removing toxins from the body efficiently and quickly.
The Liver Flush
Liver flushes are used to stimulate elimination of wastes from the body, to open and cool the liver, to increase bile flow, and to improve overall liver functioning. They also help purify the blood and the lymph. I have taken liver flushes for many years now and can heartily recommend them. And if you make the herbal formula right, it can be quite tasty. Here are the instructions:.
1. Mix any fresh-squeezed citrus juices together to make 1 cup of liquid. Orange and grapefruit juices are good, but always mix in some lemon or lime. The final mix should have a sour taste--the more sour, the more cleansing and activating. This mixture can be watered down to taste with spring or distilled water.
2. Add 1-2 cloves of fresh-squeezed garlic, plus a small amount of fresh ginger juice, which you can obtain by grating ginger on a cheese or vegetable grater and then pressing the resulting fibers in a garlic press. (Note: Both garlic and ginger have shown amazing liver-protective qualities in recent studies (Hikino, 1986). Garlic contains strong antioxidant principles, and also provides important sulfur compounds that the liver uses to build certain enzymes.)
3. Mix in 1 tablespoon of high-quality olive oil, blend (or shake well in a glass container), and drink.
4. Follow the liver flush with two cups of cleansing herbal tea. I like "Polari-Tea", which consists of the herbs below. I make plenty of this tea and keep it in a quart canning jar, so it is always available.
Fennel (1 part)
Fenugreek (1 part)
Flax (1 part)
Licorice (1/4 part)
Burdock (1/4 part)
Peppermint (1 part)
Directions: Simmer the herbs for 20 minutes, then add 1 part peppermint and let the tea steep for an additional 10 minutes. For extra soothing properties, try adding 1/2 part marshmallow root (cut and sifted) to the initial tea blend.
5. Drink the liver flush in the morning (preferably after some stretching and breathing exercises), then do not eat any other food for one hour. This liver flush can be taken in cycles of 10 days on and 3 days off, as needed.
There are also several good commercial formulas for liver-cleansing available in natural food stores everywhere, both in bulk and in tea-bag form. One product I can recommend is a blend called "Puri-Tea" from herbalist Brigitte Mars. It contains peppermint, red clover, fennel, licorice, cleavers, dandelion, Oregon grape, burdock root, butternut bark, chickweed, parsley root, and nettles.
Reducing withdrawal effects
Some supportive nutrients can be very helpful during drug elimination. Water is most essential to help clear our cells, tissues, organs, and body. "Dilution is the solution to pollution" is still one of my favorite cleansing statements, along with "Elimination equals Illumination," by Bethany Arg Isle. Extra fiber can also aid colon function and pull more toxins from the body.
A general increase in nutritional supplements is usually helpful in detoxification from drugs, with or without a change in diet, though better with, of course. Vitamin C and the other antioxidants-A and zinc, E and selenium, L-cysteine and other amino acids are all useful, in addition to the basic vitamins and minerals. Glutathione, which is formed from L-cysteine in the body, helps to decrease the toxicity of most drugs and chemicals through its function in detoxification enzymes.
An orthomolecular approach to drug detoxification includes the B vitamins, minerals, a high amount of vitamin C, antioxidants, and L- amino acids. These work better with a food diet than with fasting, so the alkaline, fruit-and vegetable-based diet is best used with a high nutrient intake. With a more liquid diet, minimizing supplements is suggested, maybe using just vitamin C, some minerals, and an antioxidant formula, along with some herbs and chlorophyll.
Many people find the use of herbs beneficial in drug detoxification. Goldenseal root powder is probably the most important here. Its alkaloids help clear toxicity, and it stimulates the liver to better perform its detox function. One large or two small capsules three times daily before meals for one or two weeks can be helpful. Herbs that work as laxatives, diuretics, and blood or lymph cleansers can also be used in specific formulas. Valerian root and other tranquilizing herbs may also be very useful during excitatory withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or insomnia. Chlorophyll, taken as tablets or liquid, has a mild purifying and rejuvenating quality.
The following program is a general one for drug detoxification and for suppport during drug use. The ranges of many nutrients allow varying amounts to be used depending upon needs. During withdrawal, the higher levels may be used, with mid-range levels used during the three to six weeks of detox after the initial withdrawal. Lower ranges may provide basic support during general drug usage.
Drug Detoxification Nutrient Program
Water 23½ qt.
Fiber 2040 g.
Vitamin A 10,000 IUs Iron 1020 mg.
Beta-carotene 20,00040,000 IUs Magnesium 400800 mg.+
Vitamin D 200400 IUs Manganese 510 mg.
Vitamin E 200800 IUs Molybdenum 150300 mcg.
Vitamin K 300 mcg. Potassium 100500 mg.
Thiamine (B1) 25100 mg. Selenium 200300 mcg.
Riboflavin (B2) 25100 mg. Silicon 50150 mg.
Niacinamide (B3) 50100 mg. Vanadium 200400 mcg.
Niacin (B3) 501,000 mg.* Zinc 3060 mg.
Pantothenic acid (B5) 2501,000 mg.
Pyridoxine (B6) 25100 mg.
Pyridoxal-5-phosphate 2550 mg. L-amino acids 1,500 mg.
Cobalamin (B12) 100250 mcg. L-cysteine 250500 mg.
Folic acid 800 mcg. L-glutamine 2501,000 mg.
Biotin 300 mcg. Essential fatty acids, 24 capsules
Choline 5001,000 mg. or Flaxseed oil 24 teaspoons
Inositol 5001,000 mg. Goldenseal root 36 capsules
Vitamin C 210 g.
Bioflavonoids 250500 mg.
Calcium 6501,200 mg.+
Chromium 200500 mcg.
Copper 23 mg.
Iodine 150 mcg.
*Increase dosage slowly.
+Higher amounts are needed for hyperactive withdrawal states, aches, or cravings.
Effexor was suggested to me by my family doctor as a solution for my GAD. It helped with that of course, but I was NEVER told about the HORRIBLE time I would have coming off of it!!!! If I had known this information, I never would have started taking it. Ever.
I was perscribed the capsules, so I slowly started reducing the number of beads I took a day. I have now been off Effexor completely for 5 days. I knew about the brain 'zaps' or 'shivers' before, as we all know when you are late taking the med. But I did not know about the vivid dreams/nightmares, night sweats, sleeplessness, stomach problems, almost constant hunger (even though I know I'm not hungry), headaches, numbness of fingertips or lips, etc. To be honest I thought I was imagining these things, until I found these threads and read through them.
I have been very close these last few days to just taking a couple beads to stop these withdrawl symptoms, but I keep telling myself I've gotten this far, don't give up now, don't throw these last few 'Effexor Free' days away only to have to start again. The brain shocks had tapered off and I'd hardly had any since day 3, but tonight on day 5 they have come back with a vengence. They are the worst part of this for me, next to the nightmares. I don't know how any doctor in their right mind could perscribe this medication to anyone. How can they not tell us about the addictiveness to it? About the next to impossible time we'll have coming off it??
I liked how one poster put it when they said one way they deal with the brain shocks was by thinking about how it was the brain re-awakening and making the connections it had lost. I am going to tell myself that now when they happen and hope I get through this. I am going to try the Benedryl and vitamin options to see if they help lessen my symptoms. Thanks so much to all who have posted their stories, tips, and advice. Reading them has helped to renew my desire to get off this horrible, horrible medication and showed me it can be done!
I was perscribed the capsules, so I slowly started reducing the number of beads I took a day. I have now been off Effexor completely for 5 days. I knew about the brain 'zaps' or 'shivers' before, as we all know when you are late taking the med. But I did not know about the vivid dreams/nightmares, night sweats, sleeplessness, stomach problems, almost constant hunger (even though I know I'm not hungry), headaches, numbness of fingertips or lips, etc. To be honest I thought I was imagining these things, until I found these threads and read through them.
I have been very close these last few days to just taking a couple beads to stop these withdrawl symptoms, but I keep telling myself I've gotten this far, don't give up now, don't throw these last few 'Effexor Free' days away only to have to start again. The brain shocks had tapered off and I'd hardly had any since day 3, but tonight on day 5 they have come back with a vengence. They are the worst part of this for me, next to the nightmares. I don't know how any doctor in their right mind could perscribe this medication to anyone. How can they not tell us about the addictiveness to it? About the next to impossible time we'll have coming off it??
I liked how one poster put it when they said one way they deal with the brain shocks was by thinking about how it was the brain re-awakening and making the connections it had lost. I am going to tell myself that now when they happen and hope I get through this. I am going to try the Benedryl and vitamin options to see if they help lessen my symptoms. Thanks so much to all who have posted their stories, tips, and advice. Reading them has helped to renew my desire to get off this horrible, horrible medication and showed me it can be done!
I have been going over many medical websites over the past two months on weaning off of Effexor XR. I recently lost my medical coverage and had no way of paying for the Effexor on a monthly basis (let's not even talk about a 3 month basis!). So now was a perfect time to wean off of a medication that at one time had me walking around like a zombie! Over the past month and a half, I started taking my 37.5 mg caplets every other day. I immediately noticed the 'here now, gone in 45 minute' headaches!
Last Wednesday (3/10/10), I took my last caplet.
In all honesty, the worst withdrawal symptom I've had would be the vivid dreams! And these were just vivid active dreams. I've had the most crazy and utterly disturbing dreams when I was on the medication! No nausea. A mild headache every once in a while but not every day. No brain zaps. No fatigue.
I took advice from other posters and boosted up my intake of Omega 3 and I also find myself drinking a lot of filtered water with lemon. But that's more for cleansing my liver than for any of the withdrawal symptoms. But the one thing that I've read and refuse to do (IMO) is take other medications to wean off of another medication. There's got to be a better way. Also, for those who manage to wean off the medication for a few days, keep with it! Try and work your way through it because you never know what will happen within the next day or so. Your symptoms may improve.
So far, I'm on day five and I feel pretty good! But I'm still going to keep a look out for any other withdrawal symptoms. I wish all of you good luck getting this retched drug out of your systems. As for now, I'm going to start working on a way to lose the weight I gained while taking Effexor for over the past two and a half years!
Take care! 8)
Last Wednesday (3/10/10), I took my last caplet.
In all honesty, the worst withdrawal symptom I've had would be the vivid dreams! And these were just vivid active dreams. I've had the most crazy and utterly disturbing dreams when I was on the medication! No nausea. A mild headache every once in a while but not every day. No brain zaps. No fatigue.
I took advice from other posters and boosted up my intake of Omega 3 and I also find myself drinking a lot of filtered water with lemon. But that's more for cleansing my liver than for any of the withdrawal symptoms. But the one thing that I've read and refuse to do (IMO) is take other medications to wean off of another medication. There's got to be a better way. Also, for those who manage to wean off the medication for a few days, keep with it! Try and work your way through it because you never know what will happen within the next day or so. Your symptoms may improve.
So far, I'm on day five and I feel pretty good! But I'm still going to keep a look out for any other withdrawal symptoms. I wish all of you good luck getting this retched drug out of your systems. As for now, I'm going to start working on a way to lose the weight I gained while taking Effexor for over the past two and a half years!
Take care! 8)
I have been going over many medical websites over the past two months on weaning off of Effexor XR. I recently lost my medical coverage and had no way of paying for the Effexor on a monthly basis (let's not even mention on a 5 month basis!). So now was a perfect time to wean off of a medication that at one time had me walking around like a zombie! Over the past month and a half, I started taking my 37.5 mg caplets every other day. I immediately noticed the 'here now, gone in 45 minute' headaches!
Last Wednesday (3/10/10), I took my last caplet.
In all honesty, the worst withdrawal symptom I've had would be the vivid dreams! And these were just active ones, I've had the most crazy and utterly disturbing dreams when I was on the medication! No nausea. A mild headache every one in a while but not every day. No brain zaps.
I took advice from other posters and boosted up my intake of Omega 3 and I also find myself drinking a lot of filtered water with lemon. But that's more for my liver than for any withdrawal symptoms. But the one thing that I've read and refuse to do (IMO) is take other medications to wean off of another medication. There's got to be a better way. Also, for those who manage to wean off the medication for a few days, keep with it! Try and work your way through it because you never know what will happen within the next day or so. Your symptoms may improve.
So far, I'm on day five and I feel pretty good! But I'm still going to keep a look out for any other withdrawal symptoms. I wish all of you good luck getting this drug out of your system. As for now, I'm going to start working on a way to lose the weight I gained while taking Effexor over the past two years!
Take care! 8)
Last Wednesday (3/10/10), I took my last caplet.
In all honesty, the worst withdrawal symptom I've had would be the vivid dreams! And these were just active ones, I've had the most crazy and utterly disturbing dreams when I was on the medication! No nausea. A mild headache every one in a while but not every day. No brain zaps.
I took advice from other posters and boosted up my intake of Omega 3 and I also find myself drinking a lot of filtered water with lemon. But that's more for my liver than for any withdrawal symptoms. But the one thing that I've read and refuse to do (IMO) is take other medications to wean off of another medication. There's got to be a better way. Also, for those who manage to wean off the medication for a few days, keep with it! Try and work your way through it because you never know what will happen within the next day or so. Your symptoms may improve.
So far, I'm on day five and I feel pretty good! But I'm still going to keep a look out for any other withdrawal symptoms. I wish all of you good luck getting this drug out of your system. As for now, I'm going to start working on a way to lose the weight I gained while taking Effexor over the past two years!
Take care! 8)
Hi guys.... I have been tapering down from 10yrs on 75mg; cut to 37.5 for 10 days, then started splitting those capsules in half, for about a week and have jumped maybe 5 days now. The fatigue/nausea have been building up. I found this topic last night, and gave me some relief. But I've woken up this morning with full on symptoms. I'm hoping this is just the worst couple of days out of a 2-3 week process.... but I need some relief so i can get some work done. I cant get Benadryl where I am - I'm going to go looking for something with the main active ingredient.
Have been on the supps and vits for a coupla months already.
Any other ideas for relief??
Have been on the supps and vits for a coupla months already.
Any other ideas for relief??
My God, I thought I was lucky in not having had the infamous 'brain zaps' - I certainly know what they are now. What a day, and it aint over yet....
(that guest above is me)
Well that was a pretty intense day. But it lifted around 8.30 last night. Good sleep - though not refreshed - and there's very little sign of what was happening yesterday, just feel a little numb. This could be just a window. But right now it feels as yesterday was a surreal experience... a massively big wave that swamped me for the day. How long till the next wave I have no idea, but hopefully that was the worst, and longest.
Well that was a pretty intense day. But it lifted around 8.30 last night. Good sleep - though not refreshed - and there's very little sign of what was happening yesterday, just feel a little numb. This could be just a window. But right now it feels as yesterday was a surreal experience... a massively big wave that swamped me for the day. How long till the next wave I have no idea, but hopefully that was the worst, and longest.