Posted by ayuda on November 20, 2002, at 21:07:35
In reply to anybody have withdrawal s/e with paxil or effexor?, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 19:40:28
> > > Thanks for the info pharmrep. Is it more common to switch straight away or cross-taper from Cel to Lex?
> > > Cheers,
> > > Roman
>
> > ** no taper needed...next day is fine...same was true for celexa (even from prozac with it's long half-life)
> > the only concerns with tapering come from paxil and effexor (short half-lifes)...with that said...I have heard of some dizziness/nausea/vomitting/g.i. disturbances, etc in the 1st week or 2 when switching from either paxil or effexor to another antidepressant, Lexapro included. As long as a person knows about the "discontinuation syndrome" with paxil and effexor, and doesnt blame the new med for any "withdrawal side effects" that occur...just give it some time and it should get better with time.
>
>
> > ******* anybody out there experience paxil's or effexor's "discontinuation syndrome?" How long did it take for the old meds side effects go away?
>
>I am still coming off the Effexor -- my first week on the Lexapro, I took 5mg Lex (and my pill cutter did pretty good on them) and 150 mg Effexor (had been up to 225 mg Effexor), the following week 10 mg Lex and 75 mg Efexor, and this week 10 mg Lex and 37.5 Effexor.
S/e's: dizziness mostly. Some mental confusion with the dizziness. Blurred vision. The g.i. problems were much worse when I was on the Effexor -- I really developed an ulcer (though Effexor caused an increase in my appetite, which made life hell). The GERD is still pretty bad, I'm taking OTC Pepcid complete 2x every day -- but at least it is working. When I was on the full dose of Effexor, nothing worked.
About Celexa withdrawal, though: I went off Celexa at the end of 2000 (the first time I was on it) after I could not afford the doctor or Rx (changed jobs, worse benefits). I had to taper over a 2 month period. I tried a shorter taper, but dizziness was massive. I got down to where I was cutting the 10 mg tablets into 2.5 (approx), needing some Celexa in my system to not have the dizzy spells. I think it's easier to switch from one AD to another than to quit altogether. When I switched from Zoloft to Celexa (the first time -- I've done both Rx's 2 times), I tapered over one day, then off the Zoloft, no s/e's. I had gone into Seratonin shock at 50 mg of Zoloft at that time, so my shrink had to get me off it fast, and onto Celexa at the same time.
Speaking of the difference between Effexor and Lex, though -- I am enjoying the decrease in my appetite. I hope it stays around. I can't afford to have the appetite and g.i. problems of the Effexor.
poster:ayuda
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021116/msgs/128548.html