Posted by slazart on June 25, 2001, at 21:46:12
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawl Anger, posted by Eugene75 on June 25, 2001, at 13:01:58
Well after being gone for two weeks, I was supposed to "Ride the Rockies" which this effexor withdrawal stuff put a huge damper on, and I am sad to have missed it but cheered on my hubby. Next year watch out!! Previously posted as sllazar/sharon, I am doing better and this board is wonderful for the support because I went back to my doc and he told me I was the first he had heard of having such symptoms from effexor and admitted that he thought one guy that had told him about the 'electric shock-type feelings' sounded weird and attributed it to that particular guy. The good thing is he was very empathetic and said it helps him greatly in treating others. We talked in length about a game plan (I did reserve extra time with him).
I was previously on Celexa which was in every way wonderful but my libido was lessened. At the time, I wasn't willing to accept that and that was why I tried effexor. Now, after all these side effects with effexor, this seems trivial. He recommended a smaller dose of celexa and perhaps the lower libido would abate, and we took an incredibly slow rate of tapering off effexor. We are all affected so differently and I seem to be pretty sensitive to drugs. The effect effexor has on you is varied greatly from one to another but because of its very short half-life (how quickly it comes out of your system) it leaves your body without anything to take its place and your body can't compensate. Also for this reason, as you taper you must let your body adjust to each new reduction in dose. This has helped me tremedously and hope to be off it completely this month. For a week at a time I have taken my regular dose and cut it in half but take it twice a day and then cut it in half again until I am down to half doses twice a day. Stay on that 1 week and then cut again. My recent program was 37.5 cut to the approx. 19 mg twice a day. Then I went to the 25mg cut in half. Back to the 37.5 cut in quarters and I am now on 25 mg cut in quarters to equal 6.25 mg twice a day. The final step will be 6.25 mg once a day. It may seem extreme; but for me it seems to be what it takes. If I have to, I will get to taking just a lick ;) In the meantime I have started the celexa in half doses and Klonopin as needed(generic name) .5 mg for when I can't sleep. I do this on the weekends and I am able to work and see normal life slowly returning.Alas, I too have been a bit angry but the celexa and klonopin have helped.
To all; see your doc and if you have to reserve extra time so he/she doesn't feel rushed he/she can help immensely. It is true, you are affected differently than the next and although some love this med, those that it does not agree with, are in for a rocky ride. And no, you're not crazy,
no your not losing your eyesight, temper, patience, love of life and people. Just the opposite! If you didn't care and were calloused to other's feelings and those around you, you wouldn't be looking for relief. It is the most sensitive and emotional individuals that seem to seek out a little inner peace. Good luck to all ... dream like there is eternity, and live to make your dreams come true like it may end tomorrow!! Sharon
poster:slazart
thread:1016
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/67885.html