~nestling~ Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 I'm discontinuing efexor.....gradually. I'm keeping a log of my progress on another site I use. In yesterday's entry I mentioned mild jaw clenching. This morning someone had replied that it can be a sign of extra-pyramidal effects and I should see my GP or pdoc urgently.... I'm worried. Should I be worried? My GP knows about the jaw clenching.....I told her a month or more ago, she didn't say it was anything to worry about..... I've got to go to work now, but will check in with this thread when I can during the day. Help! thanks.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dee Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 I've had that side effect since I started Effexor. What the heck is an extra-pyramidal effect? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianebea Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 http://www.naminys.org/typical.htm I found this article. It seems to be a big problem with antipsychotics. Try googling extrapyramidal effects and you'll see tons of other info. dianebea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dee Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 Hmmmmmmm...... Thanks for that link. I did a bit more research and here's the deal, or so it seems. The theory is that if you boost your Serotonin levels, then there is a depletion in certain Dopamine transmitters, specifically the ones responsible for involuntary muscle actions and fluidity of movement. This can sometimes lead to a set of Parkinson-like Symptoms called Extra Pyramidal Side Effects (EPSE), such as tension in the jaw, neck, shoulder and wrist joints, restlessness and physical agitation. This is more common with the older antipsychotics, but not unheard of with the newer antidepressants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~nestling~ Posted February 28, 2006 Author Share Posted February 28, 2006 bbbut its not dangerous, right? I only have had it when I first started taking it, and on and off during the tapering.... The thought it might be dangerous is not doing my anxiety levels much good.... My hands are shaky and I feel kind of weird....perhaps its the anxiety.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
null0trooper Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 bbbut its not dangerous, right? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Um. At the very far end of effects, where we're really talking about neuroleptic malignant syndrome, yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dee Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 Well I have had the jaw clenching since day one on Effexor at 37.5, so I don't think it's serious. There is no way I could have been experiencing serious side effects on that dose. Nestling, you are probably anxious from discontinuation syndrome. Take it slow honey. You'll be ok. It's only anxiety. Nothing more. Tapering off Effexor sucks ass. Dee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~nestling~ Posted February 28, 2006 Author Share Posted February 28, 2006 thanks for the reassurance I was pretty freaked by reading the reply this morning.....I've been kind of jittery all day...which is likely the withdrawal....and my therapist being away...but I'm coping...yey for propranolol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dee Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 I'm sorry if I freaked you out. I didn't mean to. Hang in there on with the Effex withdrawl. xo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~nestling~ Posted March 1, 2006 Author Share Posted March 1, 2006 no devilla, it wasn't you that freaked me out at all, it was the one on the other site...sorry if I wasn't clear. and yep, I'm hanging on in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncc1701 Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 Heya nestling, 1. NMS is not going to be a consequence of Effexor or Effexor withdrawal. Not from your description or from the literature. 2. EPS is rarely reported with SSRIs or Effexor, for *sure* mostly associated with antipsychotics (typical and atypical). 3. Effexor has a buncha more weird effects from discontinuation syndrome (the PC name for withdrawals) and that's what this sounds like. Don't get discouraged. These effects are temporary for most people. --ncc-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~nestling~ Posted March 2, 2006 Author Share Posted March 2, 2006 thanks ncc The jaw stuff isn't half as bad as when I first made the drop to 75 from 150. I see my GP tomorrow.....I'm hoping I get to stay on 75mg for a while longer......we shall see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazySoprano Posted March 3, 2006 Share Posted March 3, 2006 When discontinuing any drug, it is best to remain at each dose until the effects of discontinuation begin to die down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncc1701 Posted March 3, 2006 Share Posted March 3, 2006 Heya CS, Me neither. I just have a *lot* of Big Books Of ... (***joking***) (Really, nestling, Effexor is almost always a pain to get off of. Go verrry slow.) --ncc-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~nestling~ Posted March 3, 2006 Author Share Posted March 3, 2006 thanks I saw my GP today. I'm staying on 75 efexor until the Monday after next, then to do 37.5 and 75 alternating days. I see her again 2 weeks today and we go from there. Remeron (mirtazapine) is also an AD. Which I've been taking along with the efexor since mid October last year. I started efexor before remeron, Nov 2004. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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