Posted by Marjean on March 31, 2004, at 18:24:22
In reply to Effexor withdrawal - very bad news, posted by janey on November 1, 1998, at 16:30:34
I have been on Effexor XR for three years b/c of mild to severe panic attacks, mild depression, etc. Initially, I didn't want to take the meds but started them out of desperation--gynecologist wrote me a prescription; go figure. At first I had some icky side effects-- insomnia, racing heart, stomach aches-- but once they subsided I was very thankful for the neds until like many of you I missed a pill or tried to stop taking them. Just like all of you I experienced vertigo, nausea, the inability to think clearly or make decisions, incontrollable crying, diahreah, shakiness. When I wetn to see a doctor about easing off or switching meds-- because frankly the withdrawal side effects freaked me out-- she insisted that I wasn't taking enough medication and upped me from 75mg a day to 225mg a day. At first that seemed okay but I ended up with the same problems and a strong desire to try again med-free.
I have been easing myself off of effexor for the past three weeks without the help of a doctor and have met with success! While the other times I had tried, I ended up so sick I went right back on the meds this time is different. Partly, I think it is because I was prepared but also I have decided to try to counteract the withdrawal symptoms with herbs, vitamins, and homeopathic meds. I don't know if this will work for you-- I know that everyone is different-- but it may help.
I take a multivitamin-- Nature's Plus "Source of Life-- Original Formula" every morning, and then a dose of "Hi-Stress B&C" with Herbs by Source Naturals once or twice a day. I have also been taking a homeopathic medicine for motion sickness whenever I feel lightheaded, nauseous, or dizzy-- Cocculus Indicus distributed by Boiron. I also have a prescription for colonopin which I usually only use in emergencies but it has been helpful for me to take one every evening while I am working my way off of effexor. (Otherwise, I generally have bad nightmares and have found that the end of the day is worse for me than the beginning.)
I was able to ease down to 75mg fairly easily but started having trouble after that. I have been dividing my capsules up and am now taking less than 37mg a day. I do get light-headed, dizzy, and can become easily emotional when triggered but I am aware that this is all due to the withdrawal and I am dealing with it. Aside from that, I actually feel great wich surprised me. I am a middle scool teacher and am able to conquer my day still! That should attest to something. I wish everyone trying to live med-free or switch from effexor the best of luck. It's a hard road but it's possible!
poster:Marjean
thread:1016
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040329/msgs/330974.html