Been off Effexor for 4 weeks and surprised!

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pupmom
pupmom Member Posts: 5,068
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

I went on Effexor about 6 months post dx, surgery, rads and scans. I was really not doing well emotionally, so I bit the bullet and started taking this anti-depressant. Anyway, fast forward to the point at which I felt I could cope with life again on my own, and should probably go off this drug. I was very cautious, because I did not know if I was really ok now, or just feeling good from the Effexor. But, I thought if I crash and burn I can always go back on it.

Anyway, I am very surprised at how well I feel emotionally and physically. Even some stubborn pounds I had gained since going on Effexor have come off. Only SE I've noticed is that my sleep is a bit less sound, although I usually sleep a normal amount. These drugs are awesome when we really need them, but I can testify that we don't necessarily have to be on them forever. 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2013

    Yorkie - and please remind all readers how CAUTIOUS you were about going off Effexor under a doctor's supervision and did it GRADUALLY.  that's so important when stopping any anti-depressant, and seems to be MOST IMPORTANT with effexor.

    Congratulations on taking such good care of yourself.  Inspiring....

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  • pupmom
    pupmom Member Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2013

    Yes, Sunflowers I was VERY cautious, strictly following doctor's orders. Terrible things can happen to our bodies and minds when we go off cold-turkey. Thanks for the reminder!

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  • Beckers
    Beckers Member Posts: 1,883
    edited May 2013

    How did you wean off?

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  • pupmom
    pupmom Member Posts: 5,068
    edited May 2013

    You take a pill every other day for 2 weeks. Then you take a pill every third day for 2 weeks. Then you're done! 

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  • Hope1953
    Hope1953 Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2013

    I am also on Effexor for hot flashes and just feeling hot alot of the time. Effexor is a good drug I'm on it for anxiety. Before and my diagnoses for yrs I've had anxiety. I would ask you md if it is a good idea. With me I went off them once or twice and the anxiety came back.  It is a good idea to have a good talk with md because I don't want that to happen to you. On the other hand it might of been after your diagnoses. But the most inportant thing that helped me is family friends and STAY UP BEAT. Please let me know what you think about what I said. OK!

    HUGS to you

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  • Beckers
    Beckers Member Posts: 1,883
    edited May 2013

    I am now in the process of coming off of Effexor. I am taking 1/2 dose (37.5) for one week and then every other day. My MD added Elavil and I will take that as my antidepressant. I also started 600mg Gabapentin (time release) and hope that will help with hot flashes. I just hate getting used to new meds. Woke up feeling loopy. Just keep telling myself I can do this.

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  • Hope1953
    Hope1953 Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2013

    Beckers,

    I didn't have any problems awhile back when I went off Effexer, but I had to go back on it a couple years later for anxiety. You should be good. yorkiemom is telling you right in my opinion. The 29 I have to go get an MRI and I have to take something for that because of anxiety and a close place.

    Elavil and Gabapentin are good drugs. Those I took to prevent Migrains. The only thing my body got use to them so I go to the Dr the 30 for something else.

    Good luck with everything. Let me know how you do

    HUGS,

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  • pupmom
    pupmom Member Posts: 5,068
    edited May 2013

    Ok, so it's been about another month now and I'm still doing well. I do have a little bit of a mood sometimes, but can usually self-talk and/or pray myself out of it. 

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