Stopping Xeljanz

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I was on xeljanz for 4 months, unfortunately had to stop last week due to decreased platette count. Since then I became very depressed and increased anger, I could even say I have rage, which is very unlike me. Has anyone experienced this by stopping this drug? Please respond. I'm very concerned over this behavior.

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1

Hi Susan,

Sorry to hear about your experience coming off of Xeljanz. It sounds like your best bet would probably be to sit down and talk with your doctor about ways to provide more relief from your symptoms; at least until they start to subside.

When it comes to symptoms of anger, depression, and irritability, I believe those are really just chemical imbalances trying to sort themselves out as your body continues to adjust to not having the medication. Knowing that, hopefully you can try to react to those feelings in a more understanding way that allows it to pass through you quicker and not effect you as much (emotionally) as it would normally.

In my opinion, there should be more warning labels letting patients know about the possibility of withdrawal symptoms when stopping so abruptly like that. However, there are also various types of treatment options out there to combat those adverse effects.

You can learn more about this drug on the page for Xeljanz Details

I hope this helps!

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2

I had to stop Xeljanz too because of increased anxiety and severe rage. I felt extremely angry and depressed. It just came out of nowhere after being on it for a little over 2 months. I stopped it and within a couple of days I was back to myself. No anger or increased anxiety. I've been on many Biologics. This was truly the scariest as far as side effects are concerned.

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3

My sister was on xeljanz for six months and had to stop because it brought her immune system so low she got shingles for the first time. After 2-3 weeks of stopping her RA pain started again and excessive vomiting. Now four weeks later the mood swings, anger was switched on and it is unlike her. These meds are really horrible and nothing is told about the withdrawal effects. This is irresponsible of MDs and drug companies because it would cause a patient to think she is depressed and spiral down another drug forming path by MDs who are so ready to prescribe.

Can anyone chime in on what has helped these withdrawals?

This is purposely done so patients are forced to go back into their habit forming drug.

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4

Susan,

I am wondering if you could elaborate on what you found helped during the withdrawal from xeljanz The switch in emotions after xeljanz was stopped is also happening to my sis. Thank you.

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5

I have been on xeljanz for two years successfully, love it. I want to have a shingles vaccination and as it is a live vax I will need to go off xeljanz to have it. I just wondered if anyone has done this and how long you had to stop taking it before and after the vax, as it is the only medication I am on now. I also wondered how long does it keep working for after ceasing use?

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