Posted by colin_wallace on January 14, 2004, at 11:05:13
In reply to Effexor w/d and acupuncture, posted by Dandy on January 13, 2004, at 20:14:57
> I've been on Effexor 150mg approx 8-9 years.I'm now on 3rd attempt in 3 years to get off effexor. All have been under the supervision of a Pdoc. The 1st attempt almost cost me my job, friends, and both figuratively and literally, my life. The 2nd attempt was a tapering off over 5 months...unsuccessful. This attempt we are utilizing Prozac to help alleviate the severity of the symptoms. I also started seeing an Acupunture Doc at the beginning of this attempt, during the tapering off period, suprisingly with my pdoc's approval. During that time I was prescribed a Chinese Medicine herbal formula that I could take up to 4x/day to help combat the major w/d symptoms nausea,vomiting,dizziness, confusion,feelings of rage, extreme depression, constant crying).It did not alleviate my symptoms,tho did take the paralyzing 'edge' off of them. Once I went to the 'no-effexor' stage, which I began 4 days ago, I started with daily acupuncture treatments, as well as what they call 'ear seeds' to help continue the effects thru the day. For the most part, the 'protocol' my accu doc is following is the same one that they use for anyone 'quitting' anything like drugs, alcohol, cigerettes, and so on. No, I have not been free of w/d problems,but the difference this time around is unbelievably better...if there is such a thing when it comes to symptoms like this. Has anyone else tried alternative approaches? Good luck, bad luck, no luck? thnx,sorry so long!
>>>>Dandy,
As I type this, I'm fiddling with a 3" acupuncture needle following yesterday's session, and I'm mystified as to whether I've been walking around with a pin sticking out of my head since yesterday, or whether it somehow stuck in my clothes when I left!
Anyway,this is how I managed to beat(well, 'subdue' at least) those dreaded Effexor withdrawals.1)I did it on holiday on a Malaysian island, where I secluded myself for a month in the sun (not really practical I hear you say).
2)I used high doses of SAM-E(after reducing Effexor to around 17.5mg(and discontinuing completely.Unfortunately, there's no escaping the point where you just can't feasibly go any lower, and just have to stop.
3)I used a small dose of diazepam (5mg or so) twice a day along with the SAM-e for 6 weeks or so.
4)In time, I phased out the Diazepam in favour of Kava Kava , which I was able to take alongside SAM-e.
The first 10 days or so were sleepless and unpleasant to say the least (zaps and all the usual nonsense), but this regimen helped me even more than the Prozac tapering method(which I'd done in the past also).
But ulimately of course, you need to find your own way.It can be tough, but you can greatly ease things with a little imagination.
Best,
Col.
NB. Sam-e did cause me some irritability (around five months later actually,although short term it was great stuff for me).
poster:colin_wallace
thread:1016
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040114/msgs/300605.html