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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by AlexSamuel on December 11, 2004, at 4:51:40
Hi
I am in the process of weaning off my Anafranil. This is the fifth day without the drug. I have
some withdrawal problems like increased REM sleep, restlessness, anxiety.....
just to name a few. I had a plan to switch to Zoloft, but I think if I can manage these withdrawal symptoms and be free off serotonin medications much of my apathy and anhedonia will go for good as I know SSRIs are notorious for causing apathy and anhedonia. Already there are some positive signs because of the lack of anafranil in my system like a slight increase in libido, improvement in apathy and anhedonia too. But withdrawal problems make the mess now. How long these symptoms will persist? Will they eventually go away completely without any treatment? Please help.
ALEX
Posted by francesco on December 11, 2004, at 5:21:36
In reply to *Anafranil* How long withdrawals last?????, posted by AlexSamuel on December 11, 2004, at 4:51:40
I have been on Anafranil many times. The withdrawal used to cause me hypomania, brain zaps and difficulty in sleeping. Anyway, if I was able to sleep I was fine. My suggestion is to help yourself with some benzo and/or taper off Anafranil. I think you'll be fine in a short period, Anafranil withdrawal isn't that bad.
Posted by AlexSamuel on December 11, 2004, at 5:56:42
In reply to Re: *Anafranil* How long withdrawals last?????, posted by francesco on December 11, 2004, at 5:21:36
Hi Francesco,
Thanks for your supportive message. But I would like to know how short will be that period to get recovered from these withdrawal probelms? I have a new job now, and I can't afford more malfunctioning at the workplace. I have one week supply of clonazepam with me as 0.5mg strength tablets. Will things improve within a week? sorry for questioning you again and again.
ALEX
Posted by TheOutsider on December 12, 2004, at 15:15:01
In reply to Thanks. But How short is that period? » francesco, posted by AlexSamuel on December 11, 2004, at 5:56:42
For me the withdrawals lasted for about two weeks.
To be honest the only really unpleasant withdrawal affect I had was insomnia.
I managed to hold down a job while going through withdrawals.
I think the most important thing is to have something to help you sleep, be it Clonazepam or an antidepressant like Mirtazapine or Trazodone.
Posted by francesco on December 14, 2004, at 16:29:03
In reply to Thanks. But How short is that period? » francesco, posted by AlexSamuel on December 11, 2004, at 5:56:42
Hi Alex, unfortunately I can't help you because I can't remember how much the withdrawal lasted. I think it depends on the dosage you were and so on but the real truth is that I just can't remember because for me the Anafranil withdrawal was ... fun. My only suggestion is: if you find that the withdrawal impairs your functioning try to assume low doses of Anafranil (10 mg ?) for a period. This is said to be helpful. Bye and let us know
Posted by AlexSamuel on December 14, 2004, at 23:18:33
In reply to Re: Thanks. But How short is that period? » AlexSamuel, posted by francesco on December 14, 2004, at 16:29:03
Hi Francesco,
I am entering the second week of off Anafranil , things are starting to get better. Now the problem is extreme gastrointenstinal upsets. There is nothing like a hypomanic thing that I could experience. I think I want to do something to offset this gastric complaints. It is too irritating. Otherwise sleep cycle has improved, anxiety is lessening. I don't know how long this nausea and other gastric problems will last. But Anafranil withdrawal is not that bad so far and things get improved day by day.
I don't think I will try small doses of anafranil again. I want to be myself clean from serotonergic medications. Adding another dose will reverse the clock again. However worse the withdrawals are, I am ready to suffer for the sake of a med-free life. Let me try
Posted by tom_traubert on December 15, 2004, at 20:35:14
In reply to Re: Thanks. But How short is that period? » francesco, posted by AlexSamuel on December 14, 2004, at 23:18:33
Just want to commend you on your guts. I know how hard it is, and it's great that things are looking up. Sounded like you went through some pretty rough times. What matters is that you're getting through it, and I wish you the best of luck.
tt
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