Tam1975: Effexor withdrawal

[Tam1975]

I have been on effexor XR for about 5 years. It worked very well for me but recently i moved from one state to another. My PCP will not renew my perscription told me i need to find a provider in my area. So now i am out of my meds no tapering or anything. I ran out once before for almost 2 weeks and the withdrawl is very brutal. You feel like your dying and going crazy.

Tam1975

[AliG]

Hi Tam. Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants ( SA). I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I'm from Australia and we have a different system, so pardon my ignorance but can you see a new doctor in your current state for a prescription? As far as I know , you do not need a script from a psychiatrist. A general practitioner should be able to provide you with one. I would try to locate one as soon as possible.

 

How long have you been off the Effexor? If it has only been a few weeks or even months, a small reinstatement may help to ease some of your withdrawal symptoms and help your nervous system stabilize.

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

We ask all our members to fill in their signature with their drug and tapering history. Please follow the directions at the link below :

 

Please put your withdrawal history in your signature

Ali

[Tam1975]

I had medical insurance through the state i previously lived in and where i live now does not accept another states insurance so i am waiting to get approved for new insurance. I am going to search for a dr in my area but do not have the money to pay for a dr appointment. So several things are complicated however if the withdrawls get as severe as they were previously i will go to the emergency room. I was without it for a week migraine started within 24 hours then nausea over emotional aggitation sensitivity to light sound smells hot and cold flashes confusion. Pharmacy gave me one dose eased symptoms within an hour but now have none. This drug is brutal to withdrawl from. Im dreading waking up in the morning. Last does was yesterday around noon headache has gradually been coming back for a few hours now.

Tam1975

Effexor xr 225 mg daily

Day one without medication  

[Tam1975]

Update

Its been three days and so far foggy mind fatigue and got flashes have started. Little over emotional such as wanting to and almost crying over trivial things. Oh and the shakes. Advise always plan ahead if you are moving out of state. Never stop medication without seeking a doctors help. 

[baroquep]

Hi Tam1975, I don't have any first-hand knowledge of whether this program would apply to you, but thought seeing as you are in the midst of trying to get coverage, that you might qualify, even temporarily for a low cost prescription.  As I said, I don't have any first-hand knowledge and can't personally recommend this site, but it looks legit and you might be able to save yourself from going into full-blown withdrawal.  

 

https://www.effexorxr.com/choice-card

[baroquep]

As well, and I'm not sure about New Jersey, but here in Canada, you can get samples from a family doctor or hospital ER and that might help tide you over until your insurance comes through.

[Tam1975]

Thank you i will definately look into it. I never knew til about a year ago how extreme the changes to your brain were from antidepressants. That your brain becomes ao dependent on them even if they are no longer doing the job they were meant to. Thank you