Posted by Jiggitykid on December 16, 2004, at 20:54:24
In reply to Re: Ever tried cold turkey?, posted by tbone64 on December 16, 2004, at 19:29:40
I DID IT!!! I cold-turkeyed it and made it. I felt just like you, one year ago now. I couldn't face going slowly - I did not want to draw out the agony. So, I stopped. That does NOT mean that it is the right thing for everyone. Withdrawal was hell, pure hell, but I did it and I'm glad I got it over quickly. It has been a year and I'm back to me. My marriage is now saved. My home is happier. Effexor was the problem, not the solution. If only I'd tried counseling, exercise, group therapy, etc., instead of going to the doctor for that pill.
Now, before anyone yells at me ;-), I'm not dogging antidepressants. At one period in my life, prozac and zoloft saved my life. Truly saved it. But, I was given information about those drugs. I was not given ANY information about the side effects and the hellacious withdrawal for Effexor.
Take care of yourself. Don't drive at night. Take benedryl for the brain zaps. Avoid loud, bright areas for a while, because you'll be on sensory overload for some time. If sleeping scares you like it did me (because of the nightmares that were more like hallucinations), sleep with the lamp on. That will help with re-orientation. Pain killers, used with caution, can help. Don't make ANY major or important decisions until your emotions are more stable. Give yourself a month before you do anything major with money or relationships.
Hang in there. You CAN do it. I did, and I'm better.
poster:Jiggitykid
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041211/msgs/430511.html