Posted by BobS. on November 1, 2001, at 19:25:41
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor » Dreamy, posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 1:39:51
Cam,
By implication then, does that mean anyone who experiences major symptoms is having a recurrence (anxiety disorders only)? Many have posted on various boards about Paxil, usually the worst offender. Personally, I am on my fourth attempt to discontinue Paxil, with increasing symptoms. Your post is the first time I have seen withdrawal played down, by someone generally well regarded by board users.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
BobS.> Dreamy - Most people do not have a problem with stopping Effexor™ (venlafaxine). Even those who are prone to Effexor withdrawl (eg. those who are rapid metabolizers - ie. those who have polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450-2D6 gene; approx. 5% of those of European heritage) can be weaned from the drug with proper management. Slow weanng [very slow in some instances (eg. decreasing by 37.5mg every 2 to 4 weeks)] and perhaps the addition of a small dose of Prozac™ (fluoxetine: 10mg - 20mg) can ease the discomfort. Occasionally, I have seen Xanax™ (alprazolam) or Rivotril™ (Klonopin™ - clonazepam) used on an "as needed" basis, to help with the anxiety.
>
> In my clinical experience, I personally have not seen a case of serotonergic withdrawl that couldn't be managed with little more than mild, transient short-term discomfort. Any significant discomfort was addressed and managed symptomatically, as it arose.
>
> This is just my clinical experience. - Cam
poster:BobS.
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/82929.html