Posted by JANNBEAU on November 15, 2001, at 10:49:50
In reply to Ringing in ears ... Prozac ... Effexor withdrawal, posted by Allen F. on November 14, 2001, at 22:53:11
>A: First, let me reiterate that I am NOT a physician, so my suggestions are just that--ideas from a fellow traveler (sufferer--longstanding intractable pain and depression) who has tried to do her homework.
To answer your question about tinnitus or "ringing or buzzing in the ears." This problem is reported in the product insert as an adverse event or "side effect" of Effexor (I cannot recall the % in drug vs % in placebo).
With regard stopping Effexor, my physician tells me that, with proper tapering--a long process--discontinuing Effexor should not be difficult and that she has not had ANYONE who could NOT do it (she generally tells me the truth). Some people may have more trouble than others.
With regard to withdrawing from Effexor, my personal advice is that you personally first decide whether the side effects are worth the benefit of the medication to you--(ALL medications have side effects. The trick seems to be to find one that helps you and the side effects of which are tolerable to you! --the so-called benefit/risk ratio). If, after thinking it through, you still wish to stop Effexor, consult with you physician and: (1)If you are taking Effexor-XR, switch to the regular formulation. (2)Take withdrawal in tiny steps--very slowly reduce the dose--(it may take several weeks or more to completely withdraw); (3)ask your doctor about adding an anxiolytic (depending on your reason for taking Effexor and your response to withdrawal) if necessary--
You could return at some point to Prozac if that WORKED for you--when your physician says it's ok. (I assume you are working with a physician who is very knowledgable of psychopharmacology?)
Good Luck and Cheers, Jannbeau
I was on Prozac for years and my Doctor suggested I change to Celexia. It didn't seem to be helping (may not have had enough time) and he moved me to Effexor. Since then I have had a constant ringing in my ears and other side effects.
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> Is the "ringing in the ears" a normal side effect? Does anyone have experience with Celexia and are the side effects about the same as Effexor? Is it better to go onto Prozac or just go through the withdrawal of Effexor?
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> A
poster:JANNBEAU
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84337.html