Posted by Cristy on July 10, 2001, at 8:14:54
In reply to Possible withdrawal agony scares me, posted by shar on July 8, 2000, at 23:29:13
I have been taking 300mg of Effexor for 3 years. Since my husband and I want to start our family, and I am in a MUCH better mind set (thanks to Effexor) it is time for me to get off.
I will be honest -- the withdrawl symptoms are HELL. After reading some of these postings, I realize my withdrawl was mild compared to some. I had terrible headaches, felt sick to my stomache, cried for no reason, was dizzy, and had those "electric shocks" people have talked about. That, I think was the worst part -- feeling that every time you moved or blinked your whole body would feel it.
Scary stuff -- I know. But, please keep in mind that not everyone has the same reaction to the withdrawl. That is why some doctors don't discuss these symptoms. However, they should tell you to taper off VERY slowly. The other thing to keep in mind -- it is possible to get through the withdrawl.
1 1/2 months ago, I found this tread because I thought I was losing my mind. I am now down to 1/2 of a 37.5mg pill every three days. I still have mild symptoms, but I am keeping my eye on the goal -- to get off of these pills.
So. . .
If you are thinking about starting Effexor, this is not a horrible drug. There are some side effects when you start that do go away. The sexual dysfunction is not as bad as some other drugs. If you have side effects that don't go away, talk to your doctor. This is the drug that finally got me into a good place -- a place I felt I could handle things again.
The withdrawl systems are bad. But, taper slowly! And, if the symptoms are too bad, increase until you are able to come down again. You are also not on a set decrease schedule. you should stay on a dose for at least two weeks. But at the end of those two weeks, if your symptoms are still bad, stay on that dose until YOU are ready to decrease again. I was on my second decrease for a month and have just started my third decrease. That gives you some control, and besides, who know better that your own body when you are ready to decrease again?!
As my doctor kept telling me -- be patient. You will get off the meds and you will feel better.
Good luck to all of you!
poster:Cristy
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/69581.html