Posted by SLS on October 17, 2006, at 8:50:12
In reply to Effexor XR--tapering questions, posted by fluff on October 17, 2006, at 7:11:37
I guess, in a way, it is possible to taper a drug too slowly if it means prolonging the process and it doesn't substantially reduce the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. It is frustrating to hear about cases like yours because it is difficult to know what to do. Still, I would probably try once more to reduce the dosage by perhaps 5 pellets to see what happens.
One thing that might work is to try taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to smooth out the withdrawal symptoms until you reach your target dose. The only real drawback to this approach is that diphenhydramine can be sedating. It can work, though.
Do you experience the withdrawal symptoms to the same degree all day long, or are they worst towards the end of the dosing period? If it is worst towards the end of the dosing period, you might want to get a prescription for 75mg and take Effexor twice a day.
If you decide at some point to discontinue Effexor, I would recommend speaking to your doctor about crossing-over to Prozac. Prozac can act as a temporary substitute for Effexor and help prevent a withdrawal syndrome from occurring. It is usually much easier to taper and discontinue the Prozac.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:695493
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20061010/msgs/695502.html