Posted by Cam W. on November 1, 2001, at 22:59:46
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks off Effexor, posted by BobS. on November 1, 2001, at 18:11:37
Bob - The original answer that I gave was regarding the weaning from a serotonergic antidepressant, used for depression. I am sorry that I misread your post the first time.
As for weaning from a serotonergic antidepressant being used for an anxiety disorder; in addition to following the steps in my original post to yours, you have to watch for a return of anxiety symptoms. These may be difficult to separate out from the withdrawl symptoms. A shor course of Rivotril™ (Klonopin™ - clonazepam) may be prudent to help quell the anxiety associated with weaning from the Paxil. Ask your doctor about this.
I still think, that because of their shorter half-lives, relative to Paxil, Effexor and Effexor XR are probably the worst offenders for causing serotonergic withdrawl syndrome. The added possiblity of cholinergic rebound with Paxil withdrawl, does throw another factor into the equation; although I have not really seen that many cases of cholinergic rebound with the Paxil (or I missed it, figuring it to be part of the serotonergic withdrawl syndrome, which resolved using the steps outlined in my last post).
I hope that this clears things up a bit more. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/82938.html