Posted by BJL on August 18, 2003, at 12:08:53
In reply to Re: Withdrawl Advice?, posted by Jenneh on August 18, 2003, at 11:26:47
Jenneh, it can also cause seizures, which aren't life threatening in themselves, but as an EMT, I have seen some nasty injuries as a result of the seizures (head injuries, car accidents, etc.) I was strongly urged by my psych NOT to go cold turkey and, in fact, he warned me to stay very "on schedule" with my medications and not to even miss a day. He said I'd figure out why he was saying that after 1-2 missed doses and would not make the mistake again.
> Your doctor is an idiot. I have a doctor who told me that not only would one experience side effects from effexor (YES THERE ARE SIDE EFFECTS FROM QUITTING), but that it can actually be unsafe to just quit cold-turkey. I don't know if this is true, but this doctor said that quitting outright without tapering off could cause strokes. I am not trying to scare anyone, but I thought I would put the word out there. I am so glad I have found this site. I know effexor has helped a lot of people but I think doctors need to be much more educated about what this drug is really about. I mean, I got my first dose of this drug when i went into a walk-in clinic and said i was feeling anxious. The doctor just handed me some samples. I am tapering off extremely slowly - I don't care if it takes months because I can't stand the side effects. I am a lawyer and I can't afford to be spaced out. I have been on 112.5 mg from 150 for 4 weeks, and in two days i am going down to 75mg. I can't wait to be off this stuff because I would like to have my feelings back. Cognitive therapy is a very good idea by the way, apparantly. I haven't tried it yet but I heard that this is vital to the success of this treatment. Good luck, everyone and take care
> Jenneh
poster:BJL
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030818/msgs/251836.html