Posted by Annie on October 3, 1999, at 11:31:39
In reply to They're AWFUL!!!!, posted by janey girl on October 2, 1999, at 23:04:18
I really feel for you folks. That withdrawal sounds terrible!
Just wanted to add something for people who might avoid Effexor (or any other AD)because of the withdrawal posts. I stopped Effexor cold turkey a few years ago and suffered no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. In fact I have never suffered withdrawal symptoms from any AD until my latest, Marplan. Several days of side effect intensification a few days after stopping 30 mg.
I am not trying to minimize what those who do suffer true agony of withdrawal are experiencing. I just don't want people searching the board for AD options, to avoid a drug that just may save their life. Everyone's brain chemistry is a little different. Bring the information you get here to your doctor and discuss all your concerns and the options. Hey, the drug may work long-term for you and the withdrawal concerns be a non-issue. Or there may be weaning strategies such as S.Suggs mentioned that will greatly minimize withdrawal affects.
Annie> Becky,
>
> Hang in there. Effexor withdrawal is one of the
> worst, and I NEVER EVER want to go through it again.
> Effexor was a great drug for me, but I'll never
> go on it again because of the withdrawal.
>
> Keep your friends close by and talk to them. It
> does get better, but it's hell in the process. Sounds
> like your doc is doing a good job of tapering you,
> but the beast is still a nasty one. One more
> week of hell is ahead... and then it gets better.
> You'll have some side effects during week 3 of the
> taper, but not as bad as the first or second weeks.
>
> You can e-mail me if you want. I've been there, hon.
>
> janey girl
poster:Annie
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991001/msgs/12478.html