Posted by Rita on May 25, 2000, at 18:34:28
In reply to Re: Effexor-side effects, posted by Michelle on May 19, 2000, at 14:06:50
> > I am just starting Effexor, I have been on Prozac off and on for about 2 years. Is there anything that I should be worried about taking this medication. I'm starting on 37.5 mg and then 75.
I've been on Effexor for five years with various side effects, none of which seemed serious or long lasting. The most pronounced, was the jerking muscles....legs, arms, whole body sometimes ...during that "almost, but not quite asleep" state. If I could stay calm and ignore it, eventually, I'd fall asleep. In the beginning, I had to use an occasional sleep aid (Benadryl, or Ambien). Eventually, especially after I stopped taking Effexor after 2 p.m., I didn't need a sleep aid anymore.
Re stopping: VERY difficult. Can relate to an earlier note in this thread about how everything started to fall apart again. **IMPORTANT** Check out an article currently on the "abcnews.com" web site called "SSRI Withdrawal Effects Underdiscussed" by Dr. Joseph Glenmullen. I just found it yesterday and it seems to apply...at least in my experience with this drug. Am going to share it with my doctor, too....they're all still learning about these "new" drugs which help "BUT"....
Bottom line, withdrawal can take many months and must be done VERY gradually. For me, it's been worth it; but I'm glad to know this about the withdrawal symptoms...because I've tried to go off it, too; but the symptoms scared me back on. Have reduced from 300 to 275 sucessfully now, for 3 months. Will continue to attempt to decrease by 25 gm (the size of my tablets) about every 4-6 months. May be easier if you're not on such a large dose, or haven't been on as long. But trust your body, your doctor and your own sense of well being...and take it easy. If the drug helps, it's worth the effort to go on and come off it right. Took a long time to find this drug that works for me....so many others didn't.
poster:Rita
thread:1893
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/34663.html