Posted by Cam W. on July 19, 2000, at 23:29:04
In reply to Re: help withdrawal, posted by Sunnely on July 19, 2000, at 20:00:37
Sunnely - Don't give up on Effexor (or any of the other short half-life drug) just for fear of withdrawl symptoms, perhaps due to non-compliance or other situations out of your control. Education about how the drug works and why it should not be stopped suddenly would be a better approach. You also have to choose those who are able to follow your instuctions for these drugs. This is really no different than education for the proper use of MAOIs. By saying that you would not use a certain drug, you a depriving yourself of a treatment modality, thus shrinking your arsenal.
I have seen a very low dose of Effexor XR 37.5mg virtually stop panic attacks and I have seen low doses work in GAD where other drugs have not worked. At higher doses Effexor transforms from an SSRI to an SNRI, changing (or augmenting) it's antidepressant effects. High dose Effexor has worked in resolving depressive symptoms that SSRIs could not.
Also, 30-40mg of Paxil works wonders in many cases of panic disorder. So, please don't rule out any drugs that are available, even if it (gasp!) has to be for off-label use.
Oh, and for some reason many people who stop Effexor cold turkey have no withdrawl synptoms, which baffles me. It may have something to do with individual neurochemical mixtures within the brain.
Just some thoughts - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:40847
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000717/msgs/40991.html