Posted by RL on August 19, 2000, at 23:34:36
In reply to Re: im trying to quit, im losing my mind, posted by RL on August 13, 2000, at 16:38:47
> > > > how can i get off this med, without losing my mind?
> > >
> > > James here....
> > >
> > > Taper then take Prozac for a few days. The prozac will slowly leave your body and end the problems you are having. I'm glad you found this space because we mention this trick often. Sorry your doc does not know about it, many do.
> > >
> > > james
> >
> > It sounds like the Effexor was really helping with anxiety. If the Prozac plan doesn't appeal to you maybe have your doc put your on Wellbutrin or Buspar for the panic until you are totally off the Effexor or as a med instead of the effexor to control anxiety. I was first on buspar but even at half a dose I felt drugged out so I switched to Wellbutrin for the anxiety. You also might try cutting out all forms of caffiene, I find that even having a chocolate bar will increase my chances of having an attack that day (and I have gone to the emergency room several times for "heart attacks" LOL).
> > Gerri
>
> I stopped taking Effexor 16 days ago after using it for two and a half years. I had to take a week off work because I was too "drugged" to deal with people. The only remaining side effects are that I am stupid (I have a great deal of difficulty thinking), as well as those bizarre "head rush" feelings.
> I recently read in another website about a drug called ONDANSETRON, which can transition you off of Effexor. The Website is http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/webdoc8.htm
>
> Some Background. I tried Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Anafranil, Nortriptaline, and many others. All worked spetacularly in eliminating (not reducing, eliminating) depression, anger and aggitation. They all also had sexual side effects. Since they all had sexual side effects and all worked, it didn't seem to matter which one I took. I picked Effexor and used it with just the one side effect. However, recently it hasn't been working as well and I was feeling sleepy, even though I was getting plenty of sleep. Because of these factors, along with the desire to find an antidepressant without the sexual side effects (Serzone and Remeron did not work for me) I decided to go off of Effexor, Unfortunately, when I stopped taking the Effexor, the depression, irritability and anger returned. I started Wellbutrin 5 days ago.
> > > I am goimg to call my doctor and request that he call in a prescription for Ondansetron. I will post my results.
Follow UP
My doctor was out of town, and his cover told me that Effexor has no withdrawals. Needless to say, he did not inspire my confidence. So I called around trying to make an appointment with someone else for that day, and I spoke to one doctor who acknowledged the Effexor withdrawals. He said that a small amount of Effexor for a couple of days then none for a couple of days would help. He also said that he has seen the withdrawals last 3 to 4 weeks. Well, the smallest that the Effexor pills can be broken down is 37.5mg, or 1/2 of a 75mg tablet. So I smashed a half 37.5mg) tablet and mixed it up so that I could be sure that I was getting some of the active ingredients. I took about half of it that day then a little less the next day, then just some Effexor Dust. I'm not sure that I'm completely through the withdrawals, but I can think again, and I feel fine. Also, the Wellbutrin is working great, with no sexual side effects.
Regarding the Ondansetron. He said that Ondansetron is an anti convulsive medication, and he wouldn't recommend it, since it requires that the patient be closely monitored.
poster:RL
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000811/msgs/43347.html