Posted by Kathi on April 8, 2001, at 19:41:05
In reply to The Clueless Psychiatrist!, posted by Diane J. on April 7, 2001, at 17:20:16
> I am withdrawing from Effexor, and yesterday I began taking the 37.5mg capsules. During the afternoon I began feeling sort of uncomfortable. I was experiencing chest pain, plus I would alternately have chills and hot flashes. I have a mitravalve prolapse, but I was a bit concerned because the pain was more intense than usual. I wondered if this had anything to do with my Effexor withdrawal, so I called my psychiatrist.
>
> When he returned my call he said that ' "people usually report flu-like symptoms." ' Beyond that that gem of information he had nothing else to offer. Finally I decided I was having the extra pain because I had moved some large pieces of furniture earlier in the day. My back and my chest both were hurting.
>
> Anyway, this really disgusted me. Shouldn't the psychiatrist who prescribed the medication know something about it? I'll bet he hasn't even read the package insert. People on this forum know way more than my doctor! (ex-doctor, that is.) I really appreciate reading everyone's experience with their meds.>
>Hi Diane,
That is about all my psychiatrist said too. I have had all the intense withdrawl symptoms and I was only on 37.5 a day. Going cold turkey is DEFINATELY not the answer. It needs to be done VERY slowly. After going every other day, I broke down the capsule and took have with lots of water(a little messy, but doable). My psychiatrist than gave me a perscription for prozac 10 mg a day for 1week without any effexor. It has helped but the symptoms are still there. I am almost at the end of the week. Hoping it will work!!
Would love to hear how you are doing. By the way, I also have a heart murmer(Mitrovalve prolapse) and for me anyhow I have had a lot of fluttering and joint pains etc. which do have to do with the effexor withdrawl. I have made 3 previously unsuccesful attempts to get off it. I would let your physician now so he/she can monitor it just ot be on the safe side. It could be just a tele. call or mabey a quick visit, but better safe.
Let us know how you are doing....Kathi (karen)
poster:Kathi
thread:59049
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010403/msgs/59143.html