Posted by ArtChee on December 12, 2001, at 19:49:50
In reply to Re: withdrawal, posted by Cam W. on April 12, 2000, at 19:27:33
Cam -- You seem somewhat knowledgeable about the withdrawal aspects of EFFEXOR. I was prescribed Effexor two years ago for long term, chronic depression. Started the graduated dosages up to 150mg/day. Stayed on it for maybe two months, & got nothing but minor, nuisance side effects. Came off gradually - no noticable problems.
Two months ago, my psychotherapist recommended trying antidepressants to supplement "talk therapy." Same psychiatrist from before recommended EFFEXOR XR in twice the dosage as the first time. Did the graduation up to 300mg/day. AGAIN, got the side effects without the 'FRONT' effects. As I graduated to the 300mg/day, I became anxious to the point of picking, with index finger nails, the quick on both thumbs, and pulling off the flicks of skin that were broken. (Nothing new, do this when experiencing anxiety. I figure it's better than an ulcer.) Have to band-aide around both thumbs to prevent them from being raw.Side effects this time are more noticable: sweats, shortness of breath, not sleeping well at night, light-headedness - wozziness, drymouth, headaches (which normally don't have), AND further depression at the fact that I am non-responsive to treatment. After 10 weeks of this, and getting worse, requested info on how to get off. Dr. prescribed 3 days at -75mg until off completely; which took 9 days.
The second day of being completely off EFFEXOR XR, I am extremely wozzy, unable to focus my attention, and pretty much non-functional: MAJOR side effects. Called the doctor, who says this is not abnormal, nor serious as it does not lead to anything more serious (providing, of course, I don't find myself in an automobile accident due to loss of mental functions.) Said to call him again in a couple of days if it doesn't subside.
With all due respect, most of what he has told me to this point has been inaccurate IN MY CASE. My question here - to CAM, or anyone else with any experience or knowledge of withdrawal effects of coming off 300mg of EFFEXOR XR is: can these symptoms subside in a week? ...after being on the medication - that takes 2 to 4 weeks to take affect - for 10 or more weeks??
poster:ArtChee
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011202/msgs/86747.html