Posted by Tracee on November 7, 2003, at 20:30:02
In reply to Re: Efexor XR - Long Term Withdrawal - Anyone Else?, posted by sallyjane on November 5, 2003, at 19:08:00
Hi all, I haven't posted for a while, because I haven't been doing so good.
I made the mistake of coming off effexor XR 225mg cold turkey. It was awful! I freaked out and my body couldn't handle it. I was a mess. I ended up taking 75mg every three days, until I stopped altogether. I did this over a two week period. Still came off too quick though; but I was aware of the consequences and decided to do it.
About two weeks later, I had my first panic attack in months.
My anxiety & social phobia were back! It seems that the med. worked in that area, even though it didn't help with my depression as much.
About a month later, my DR put me on Avanza because I was spiralling downwards, fast.
I took 15mg for two days , then stopped.I was sleeping for 16 hours and then still groggy for another two hours.
When I saw my counsellor a couple of days later, I told her what had happened and she rang a chemist for advice.
He said that the medication I take for my back(tramadol), mixed with the Avanza and caused me to mini overdose.
By this time I was suffering from constant suicidal ideation, and was pretty flat all round.
My counsellor walked me up to the emergency room of our local hospital, where I was given the choice of staying voluntarily or ending up scheduled and in the psych. ward of our city hospital.
I chose to stay, although unwillingly. The doctor changed my back medication and put me on Zoloft. Also, she has put me on an anti psychotic Zyprexa, while I am getting settled on the Zoloft.
I am currently up to 150mg every morning, and so far so good.
My advice to anyone thinking of playing about with your meds, even if you think you know what you're doing just isn't worth it.
I had to stay in hospital away from my family, which upset my 2 yr old and 5 yr old very much.
I finally get my first psych. appointment on the 13th of this month.
Hoping to feel normal again soon. :)
Thanks for listening to me ramble on. I find it helps to share with others who understand.
poster:Tracee
thread:104118
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/277614.html