Posted by Caz on February 12, 2000, at 8:15:44
In reply to Re: Blood pressure and effexor - will it go back down?, posted by Cam W. on February 11, 2000, at 22:28:59
> > I'm tapering off my effexor to see if it will reverse the raised BP I have had since I've been taking it (75mg SR daily for 8 months).
> >
> > Does anyone know if it will go back to normal and how long that might take?
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Caz
>
> Caz - Effexor usually raises and sustains blood pressure only moderately (5-10mm Hg) by the second month of use. Increases higher than this is cause to withdraw the drug. Blood pressure usually returns to baseline (pre-drug levels) within a week or two of stopping the drug. *Remember* it is important to SLOWLY withdraw Effexor, decreasing the dose gradually over a 2 to 4 week period, even at your low dose. This will avoid Serotonin Withdrawl Syndrome (flu-like symptoms, headaches, dizziness, restlessness, sleep disturbance). These effects can be quite troublesome. When these effects happen in some people, they mistake them for a relapse of depression or may mistake them for a manic episode (which they aren't). Good luck - Cam W.Thanks, that is reassuring. I went from 120/80 to 150/90 plus gained weight with no change in diet or exercise. I am reducing to 37.5 daily for 2 weeks first, then 37.5 alternate days. I also have xanax 0.5mg which I use infrequently for anxiety, I guess I'll take that if I feel restless or sleepless.
If you have a source for this information I would love to be able to print and inform my doc.
Regards
Caz
poster:Caz
thread:21207
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000209/msgs/21255.html