Posted by hockeygirlcanada on November 8, 2003, at 7:37:18
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawl symptoms, posted by ann33 on November 8, 2003, at 7:25:20
> Hi, Hockeygirl
>
>
> >but I was on effexor for almost 3 years, on maximum dose, and got off the awful drug, over a five week period.
>
> I am curious about your impression. Do yout think that in a short time is better or try to go out slow would be better and have less simptons?
> What happens after you finish with efexor? do you think that helps or you tried another one.
>
> I am thinking to withdrawn it and I am a little insecure.
> thanks
>The drug never worked for me, I mean I didn't have terrible side effects from the drug while I was on it, but I plead with my psychiatrist for over a year that this drug is not doing anything. It is indicated for generalized anxiety, which is what my major issue is, then mild depression.
If the drug is working for you, then maybe taper down a little for awhile, that is usually what docs do if there has been success for 6 months or more (at least according to my pdoc) Now my family physician says he has never prescribed it as it isn't very affective (in his opinion) and most of his patients that are on it, hate it.
Now, as far as tapering off, go SLOW! Not fast.
If you read the post about brain "zaps" well in the psychiatry world they call those brain "Shivers". I tapered down 75mg for a week at a time until I was off. I was very ill, throwing up every hour, sweating, it was not fun, which is not normal for me, I usualy had no problem getting off any of my drugs. I did switch to an MAOI, because I have exhausted all other drugs for my condition. BUt if you have found it worked for you, can taper slowly and successfully, and feel great, then there may be no need to start something else.
I hate to sound like a doctor here, like some people, everyone is different, this is just my experience. But according to my pharmacist, tapering slow, off Effexor, (or any drug where you are on a high dose) is the safest and will probably cause you less greif.
Now some people will post they cannot get off the drug, because they feel so awful, but if you can stick it out, and just remember it is temporary, you should be able to. I did it as a single mom with no support, so I think it has to do with will power. But if it is working for you, why get off of it totally, taking an antidepressant, in some cases for life, is nothing to be ashamed of.
I don't know if I have helped. Feel free to email me personally if you like,
jilltulk@yahoo.com, and I will answer anything for you, and can give you some good sites to search!
GOod luck:)
poster:hockeygirlcanada
thread:1016
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/277694.html