Posted by Pamela on April 17, 2001, at 10:37:48
Hi Everyone,
I have been weaning off of Effexor for over 3 months now.
I was blocked from posting almost a month ago because I was responding to threads such as we've seen here(no names mentioned) in a very direct and derogitory manner, which was unnesessary. I recently contacted Dr. Bob and asked for another chance and he very graciously allowed me to try again.It is not worth getting so upset over some of the insensitivity that is posted on this site and therefore it is best to just read over and go forward, they will eventually give up and go away (I have been watching over the past months and there is a pattern).
Though I take complete accountabilty for my actions, my anger increased tremendously due to the stopping of the drug (it definitely affects the nervous system) YET...another side effect.
I initially found this site looking for information on the drug becasue of what I was experincing and had no idea this would happen. I had weaned off for 2 months and due to lack of information I thought I would be fine when I quit at about 14 mg. (give or take). WRONG!
When my doctor said to wean off I was under the impression he meant that I might feel depressed again should I stop to quickly, ntohing about physical side effects. As for the emotional side of it, I feel better and more clear everyday, I can actually "feel" again. I cried all day and at church Easter (happy tears) it was great.
I also thought the side effects couldn't possibly last longer that a few days, week tops. Wrong again. After stopping the Effexor and going to the ER (read some of my previous threads) I decided to take a small dose to see what would happen (to also assure myself that I wasn't imagining it) well within about 3 hours I evened out somewhat, still had joint pain and mild vertigo, but 100% better than I had felt.
My next move was to wean down even more that I had and literally started counting the small granules and putting them "back in the capsule".. Putting them back is very important. I tried just popping them in my mouth and felt very weird from it. I think someone else that was a pharmacist said the same thing earlier on.
I am now at 15 "GRANULES" (every 48) hours for a week at a time....I will drop about 2-3 graules per week until I am down to one. The side effects have now minumized as far as the vertigo, the joint pain could be better, but no nausea or headaches. My short term memory is pretty bad but starting Gingko to help with that. I wait until I start to feel that pressure in my head before I take my dose (I guess that is my stubborness). The weight is starting to come back off too (I gained about 20 lbs in 8 mos).
What this has really porven to me is how truly "POWERFUL" this drug is. I am guessing that a 37.5 mg capsule has at least 100 granules and therefore 15 graules can't be much and still I can't stop totally yet.
My suggestion is to not be in too big of a hurry (as was I) I am not a doctor but I do know my body quite well and truly believe that the slow weaning process is best. I feel that allows for your body to resume it's "NORMAL" (whatever that means to you) state. Brain, physical, etc.
When you just stop I think your body goes into "Shock" (which has to be harder on your system) and therefore your symptoms may be horrible and "not" necessary.This is all about "my" personal experience and opinion, so if your don't agree that is fine, but please no attacks on "my experience" it isn't necessary nd definitely won't change anything since it has already happened.
I think most of us are here to support one another and what we need in this fragile "PHYSICAL" state is just that, so lets leave the rest alone. It actually made me worse when I got so angry at some of the derogitory threads and they are just not worth it.
YES...if your physical being is not feeling good, there are emotions attached, but this does in no way constitute "mental "in anyway. Believe in your and the rest will follow.Sorry to have written a book but I have missed this communication and wanted to share that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am feeling MUCH better.
I will keep you informed I will probably be stopping completely in a month. Remember everyone's system is different, God made us that way and we can't change it. I have a sensitive system for drugs and so this is the best wasy for me.
Take CARE and my prayers are with all who are suffering on or off the drug. Also for those of you who are doing well on the drug.
Sincerely,
Pamela
poster:Pamela
thread:60178
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010417/msgs/60178.html