Posted by ladylight57 on April 17, 2003, at 5:13:49
In reply to Re: What about life AFTER withdrawl?, posted by SpaceKace on April 16, 2003, at 21:42:08
Hi
I hope you don't mind my Chiming in. But I thought I'd share my experience with Effexor. This constant search for a medication that works with minimal side effects is endless isn't it? I've about given up.
I had much relief from my depression with the Effexor and was on 225mg for about 3 years. I agree with you about the confusion and forgetfulness. I too found myself making a lot of stupid little mistakes and this was very out of charactor for me.
Back in October I decided to start weaning off of the Effexor and dropped down to 150 and then 75mg. The side effects seemed to be outwieghing the benefits at this point and I didn't see a reason to stay on any longer. I also had read a lot about the withdrawal effects and just decided I didn't want to be on it any longer
I spent nearly 5 months at the 75mg level as I was sort of inbetween P-docs. (these managed health care plans are the pits). In March, I was finally able to drop down to 37.5 and then make the final decent to nothing. That was of course the most difficult step for me and I had a lot of the typical withdrawl symptoms. I have heard that going form one med to another often helps to alleviate the symptoms, but I decided to just push right through them. I was really "sick" with them for about a week. I actually got some anti-vertigo medicine from my PCP and that helped me through the worst of it.I think coming off when you have some time off from work would be a good plan. But if you are wanting to taper off, be sure to give your self plenty of time before the final dose. Though I experienced some mild dizziness and nausea with the first two step downs, they were nothing compared with the final withrawl. You will most likey be able to manage the first couple decreases while working, save that vacation time for the last step.
On an up note, the mental confusion and mistakes seem to have eased up, so I don't think the meds did any lasting damage.
I'm currently not on any medication because I can't seem to find a Psychiatrist that I can trust. Called a therapist yesterday, but she didn't return my call...*sigh*. Am going to try a regemin of diet and exercise and prayer and hope that works for me, because the side effects from the meds are just too costly. Good luck with what ever you decide to do. Beth
poster:ladylight57
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030417/msgs/220004.html