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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Skycapt on June 24, 2002, at 17:59:15
I have been taking Effexor for almost 2 years now. I want to be pregnant in the next couple of months. But I hear that it is not a good idea! I was prescribed Effexor because I had 3 back surgeries in 6 months and gained 100 pounds! WOW! But since I have been taking Effexor I have lost 41 pounds of that. What ( if any ) is that best way to stop taking the drug? If I have missed or stop taking it I get these really bad flush ( electric surges ) that goes to my head. They are no picnic! I feel that I really do not need to be on it anymore. Someone help me please. My doctor just keeps giving them to me.
Posted by LynnPerley on June 24, 2002, at 21:08:59
In reply to want to stop taking Effexor!, posted by Skycapt on June 24, 2002, at 17:59:15
Does your doctor know you want to have a child? Is there no safe alternative? Have you discussed risks of stopping versus benefits of staying on?
I've never stopped (been taking effexor for only 3.5 mos), but it seems there is a communication lapse, between you and your doc.
Posted by chiron on June 24, 2002, at 23:23:44
In reply to want to stop taking Effexor!, posted by Skycapt on June 24, 2002, at 17:59:15
I don't know how risky it is to be on Effexor while pregnant. But I would also assess if your moods are affected by your hormones. That could be a double whamy.
If you do decide to go off, go off slowly. With few exceptions, Effexor is know for hellish withdrawals (which I can attest to). I guess it is because of its short half-life.
Good luck!
Posted by rainbowlight on June 25, 2002, at 1:34:02
In reply to want to stop taking Effexor!, posted by Skycapt on June 24, 2002, at 17:59:15
I would suggest tapering off it instead of quitting it cold turkey. I wanted to tell you that while I was pregnant with my children I felt wonderful, didn't have a need for any meds. I have spoken with many women who have said the same. The hormones seem to have a calm/happy type feel to them for me at least. I wish you the best of luck getting pregnant. Take care.
Posted by Skycapt on June 25, 2002, at 2:00:44
In reply to Re: want to stop taking Effexor!, posted by rainbowlight on June 25, 2002, at 1:34:02
I want to thank all of you that answered me! I am so terrified of the side affects of not taking Effexor!!!!!!!!!!! I have read the horror stories and did not like them one bit. Is there any way to help the withdrawls much easier?? I would love to hear about them IF there are any. When I miss a dose or try to cut down I get the serious shock flushes to my brian and they hurt. It feels like my brian is going to explode. My daily activities are greatly disturbed by this. My OBGYN said I could be on Effexor while pregnant and my family doctor says no. Seems no one can make up thier mind. Need some serious opinions! Has anyone gained weight from not taking the pills or not? It's hard enough to gain weight when you are pregnant. Thanks
Posted by Terri C. on June 25, 2002, at 11:16:35
In reply to Scared of the side effects!!!!!!!!! » rainbowlight, posted by Skycapt on June 25, 2002, at 2:00:44
I went through the withdrawals from discontinuing Effexor, and they are horrendous! The electric shock-like feelings, equilibrium problems, muscle pain...
It took almost four months to get completely off the drug. Tapering in 37.5 mg increments was the key for me. I'd taper down by the 37.5 mg dose for two weeks and then taper down again. Once tapered down to 37.5 mg x 2 weeks, I then took the 37.5 mg dose every other day, then spreading out to every three days, etc. It worked for me, although I still had the brain surges on occasion. If they seemed unbearable, I'd take a 37.5 mg pill. Finally, off for good and grateful.
Hope only to help by sharing my experience. Each of us is different. Good luck and good health!
Posted by oracle on June 25, 2002, at 16:19:36
In reply to Scared of the side effects!!!!!!!!! » rainbowlight, posted by Skycapt on June 25, 2002, at 2:00:44
My OBGYN said I could be on Effexor while pregnant and my family doctor says no. Seems no one can make up thier mind.
Seems like this is the real expert (OB-GYN)
Posted by Skycapt on June 25, 2002, at 18:02:55
In reply to Re: Scared of the side effects!!!!!!!!! » rainbowlight, posted by oracle on June 25, 2002, at 16:19:36
Just curious if anyone has gained weight by stopping Effexor! Because I sure don't want to gain any more. I have lost 41 pounds being on it and I don't want that to change.
This is the end of the thread.
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